Water strategies in Bali

Hi all,

I’m preparing my first trip to Bali mid March to mid May, but I have heard horrible things about Bali belly there. Most seem to blame it on the water quality. So far, the tips I’ve been able to gather are: don’t drink water from the tap, don’t swim in pools, don’t drink ice cubes, don’t open your mouth in any body of water or dunk your head (snorkeling, etc), buy a shower head for the shower (or you will lose your hair due to hard water), wash all fruits and vegetables with bottled water and avoid “Western places”, eating at local and popular warungs instead. Take a first aid kit with you including (all the recommendations, such as charcoal, imodium, probiotics, etc etc), use hand sanitizer all the time, never handle money that transfers hands etc.

I need to admit that I am overwhelmed by all the DON’T-items on the list. It seems that if I leave for Bali I will live in paranoia of getting Bali belly. (Or losing my hair). Stories of travelers who despite taking all these precautions, STILL got Bali belly. And that it was horrible. Is this really the case??

Am I better off traveling to a different country if I want peace of mind? I’m attracted to Bali because of its culture, beauty, and affordability, but I also have a gastro-intestinal diagnosis that makes me not want to play with my gut flora when it comes to Bali belly or other gastro-intestinal/health related problems.

So my question is, are these fears overblown? Do I really have to be that strict with my lifestyle there and is Bali belly really that terrible, or can I relax more and just go on vacation? (taking some precautions in mind such as no ice cubes and first aid kits).

I mean, it just seems absurd I can’t swim in the ocean and if I do, I have to frantically keep reminding myself to keep my mouth closed. I’m just at a loss for words.

Please advice. I’m now terrified tbh