Your holiday in the sun can be turned into a holiday in the toilet at any given time. The sudden change of food, environment, temperature and hygienic codes has an impact on your body that might make you feel like a stranded slug who can't make it in time to the bathroom. There are some simple rules of thumb that can help you avoid all the unpleasantries, although they are by no means a guarantee of care free toilet visits. Remember, although Bali Bellies are mostly ascribed to tourists who aren't used to spicy food, native Indonesians suffer from diarrhea too. All the Dia-stop, Poo-gone pills for sale in supermarkets and pharmacies aren't just there for the sake of tourists…

First off and often forgotten rule is: Drink a lot of water, and then we don't mean tap water, which will instantly get you into trouble, but bottled water. At least 2 liters a day. Indonesia's temperature and humidity level of 80% make you lose a lot more fluids than in cold and rainy Regensburg, so instead of running to the all you can eat and drink bar and indulge yourself in a lot of food and alcohol in the blazing sun, remember that this will dehydrate you viciously. Especially the first few days allow your body to adjust and give it enough fluids to dispose of toxins and replenish all the fluids that you loose even by sitting around and doing absolutely nothing.

Secondly, be sensible with food. This doesn't mean you have to go all paranoid and avoid any food that is made outside of your hotel, but use your instinct, eyes and taste. As a given it might be wise to let off the delicious succulent sate for the first few days, and let your stomach slowly adjust to this whole different world of spices. Don't eat too greasy to, however tasty the goreng (fried) dishes in Indonesia are, too much oil will upset your stomach and give you a bloated feeling. Another idea is to avoid meat for the first few days since meat is the prime host of bacteria which can cause food poisoning.

All in all a whole world of discomfort can be avoided by doing the sensible thing, without overreacting. If possible monitor the way your food is being cooked, use your sense of smell and eyes to check the condition of the ingredients (especially with meat and seafood), don't eat seafood in a desert town because the possibility of it being fresh is minimal. It is hard to say no to all the delicacies on offer, but just give it a few days and you will find out that it is worth the wait.