A healthcare expert has raised concerns after a TikToker experienced severe illness, including excessive vomiting, following a questionable meal during a trip to Bali.
The Indonesian island ranks as one of the top destinations for backpackers globally, with an impressive 6.3 million international tourists expected to visit in 2024.
Lawrence Cooke, a 20-year-old from Nottingham, UK, was among those who traveled to Indonesia in 2025, eager to explore its attractions.
Unfortunately, Lawrence’s perception of this idyllic location was marred by a particular meal that caused him and his partner to become seriously ill.
In a conversation with UNILAD, Lawrence recounted: “My partner started feeling ill around 11 o’clock at night and we just thought nothing of it. But at about 1 in the morning, she woke me up and said, ‘I’m really not well, I’m about to be sick’.”
Accompanying his partner to the bathroom, Lawrence soon realized he was also feeling unwell. Assuming rest would help, they attempted to sleep it off.
However, within 30 minutes, the TikToker awoke and began ‘vomiting everywhere’, which Lawrence described as a dreadful ordeal.
Lawrence recounted: “So we were staying in the Airbnb, we didn’t feel well, and then was up all night. We said we’ll just stay in bed for the day and just see how we feel at the end of the day. And as the day went on, it just got worse and worse.
“We found out you could get a call out doctor, and we weren’t too sure about it, so we just did a bit of research. It’s so easy, they just come out to help you and talk about what sort of symptoms you’ve got, all the things you’re suffering from. They gave [us] immune boosters and electrolytes.”
After enduring severe symptoms such as headaches and severe diarrhea, Lawrence noted that both he and his partner started feeling ‘much better’ approximately three hours after receiving medical care.
About 19 hours after the symptoms emerged, Lawrence returned to normal, revealing to UNILAD that he suspects a curry was the cause of his ‘traveller’s diarrhoea’.
Prof. Hakan Ümit Ünal, M.D, a gastroenterologist at Acibadem Hospitals, outlined the risks associated with food and beverages when traveling abroad.
“‘Bali Belly,’ or traveller’s diarrhoea, is a pretty common issue for people visiting places where the food, water, and local bacteria are different from what their stomachs are used to,” the healthcare professional explained to UNILAD.
“It’s usually caused by bacteria like E. coli, but other viruses and parasites can play a role, too.”
Although some attribute the ailment to Bali specifically, this type of illness can occur worldwide, with Bali’s fame as a destination often highlighting it, according to Ünal.
So, how can travelers avoid illness?
Ünal advised: “To avoid falling prey to it, my advice is to stick to bottled or boiled water, be very careful when it comes to ice in drinks, and choose freshly cooked food. Washing your hands often goes a long way, too, as does giving raw salads or unpeeled fruit a miss, unless you know they’ve been washed safely.
“‘Bali Belly’ is usually quite mild, but don’t underestimate how bad it can get on occasion. Look out for red flags such as signs of dehydration (like dizziness, dry mouth, or very dark urine), high fever, or blood in the stool. It’s rare, but if dehydration gets worse and isn’t treated, it can be dangerous, so it’s vital to get medical help early.”