As a regular visitor to Bali, I have picked up some useful habits over the years, and one that surprises many people is that my first stop after arriving is often an apotek (pharmacy) or the medicine aisle of a convenience store. I stock up on a mix of trusted products that I have learned really work when used properly. Thankfully, I rarely need these items whilst in Bali, but on the odd occasion I have, they have been a lifesaver. Over time, this routine has helped me feel more prepared and enjoy my holiday without worrying about unexpected health issues.

WHAT IS AN APOTEK?

An apotek in Bali is a pharmacy where you can buy both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

You will find them easily in most tourist areas, and they are usually open long hours, some even 24 hours a day.

Apoteks stock a range of products including antibiotics, painkillers, first aid supplies, and basic toiletries. Many also sell skincare items, vitamins, and mosquito repellent.

Staff are generally knowledgeable and can help recommend treatments for common issues like Bali belly or sunburn. If you need a doctor, some larger apoteks have a clinic or can direct you to a nearby medical centre.

There are some chain apoteks in Bali, with well-known brands being Kimia Farma and Guardian.  There are also many smaller, independent pharmacies where you can often purchase antibiotics without a script, receive specialised advice and get helpful suggestions with no pressure to buy expensive vitamins!

Whilst there are no Boots, Walgreens or Chemist Warehouse in Bali, you will easily be able to find products to treat most common ailments.

COLD AND FLU TREATMENTS

I assume it is the airplane journey and perhaps change in temperature that does it, however I sometimes feel the effects of a sore throat and/or nasal congestion in the first few days of a Bali holiday. The following products will have you feeling much better in no time:

Tolak Angin Flu

My number 1 remedy that I use religiously as soon as I feel a cold coming on.  I have also put many friends on to this and they also swear by its effectiveness. You can buy single or boxed packets of this at all apoteks and most convenience stores.

Simply tear off the top corner of the sachet and swallow.  It has a distinctly herbal taste, however is not too offensive,  Best not to wash it down with anything, just let the liquid work its magic as it slides down.  Alternatively you can make into a warm tea and sip slowly.

I stick to a maximum of 4 of these sachets in a day, however you could take more if required.

Panadol Cold and Flu Tablets

Great at drying out nasal congestion and extremely cheap. These packets are usually available in an apotek and some convenience stores – sometimes you will find stock has run out and they are not available anywhere, hence I buy whenever I see, rather than wait for a cold! They also help with clearing my head when flying, so there is always a use.

These contain pseudoephedrine, so if bringing back into Australia they should be declared.

Take 2 capsules up to 4 times a day.

Adem Sari

These are a really soothing fix for sore throats and also fever. Just mix one sachet of the powder into a cold glass of water and drink. It contains lime, lemon and vitamin C. I take up to 8 of these in a day.  They can be readily bought in convenience stores and local warungs.

Imboost

If I am feeling rundown or just need to get a boost of vitamins, these are great.  They are full if vitamin C, D3 and echinacea.  Take one a day to keep the doctor away!  Readily available at convenience stores and apoteks.

HEADACHES

Whilst not something you want to have on holiday, a headache can be caused by lots of things, especially dehydration, sleeping badly, too much alcohol or changes in air pressure. I find the following products and remedies work well to relieve a headache:

Bodrex Extra

Available in a 4 or 20 tablet pack and easily purchased at convenience stores as well as apoteks throughout Bali.

The tablets contain paracetamol, ibuprofen and also caffeine.

Bodrex Migra

These are similar to the Extra however contain propyphenazone instead of ibuprofen. Best taken for a migraine headache, they do not cause the longer term (24 hours) drowsiness that some migraine tablets can, yet still have a strong painkilling effect.

Minyak Angin Roll-on Aromatherapy Oil

This was recommended to me by a Balinese tour guide and I always buy several to travel with and bring home for friends and family.  The brand is Safe Care and it is available everywhere.

I just use the roll-on applicator around my temples and neck and find the heatiness it creates can sooth a stubborn headache,  One word of caution – it is not something you want near your eyes, mouth or sensitive area!

MUSCULAR ACHES AND PAINS

Whilst a good strong massage can get the knots out, sometimes the muscular aches need a little extra “heat”.  There are many products like Tiger Balm for example that you will find.  I recommend the following based on how much relief they have given me over the years.

Silver Clove Balm

A blend of essential oils and plant extracts that are good for temporary relief.  The main ingredients are camphor, menthol, peppermint oil, cajuput oil and clove oil all blended into a paraffin base. Can sometimes be hard to find, however check apoteks and market shops.

Geliga

Quite a warm balm that you can use for aches, joint pain, bruising and to improve blood circulation.  I often buy and ask the massage therapist to mix with their oil to apply at the end of a massage.  Also good for warming up muscles prior to exercise. Available pretty much everywhere.

Heat Packs

These disposable stick-on plasters are great when applied to the lower back, shoulders or neck. They give off a gentle heat that can radiate for an hour so.  The Tiger Balm brand comes in both warm and cold varieties.

Paramao Root Oil

I have included this because it is a bit of a trendy item that people constantly ask about. Personally I have not had a lot of success with it, however the authentic version is worth a try if you can get it. Made from the oil of a paramao tree, it is can help with both muscle pain and certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne.

It is best purchased from an apotek.  You will also find it at some markets and offered by beach sellers, particularly in the Kuta and Legian areas, however I would advise against buying given reports of it not being authentic.

Be careful bringing home, especially if the bottle has been opened as it can leak. It should always be declared if bringing into Australia.

MOSQUITOES

I am lucky that I tend not to get much of a reaction to mosquito bites, however in Bali I make sure to take some adequate precautions, particularly given the dengue-carrying mosquito can be prevalent.

In most supermarkets you will find Soffell brand mosquito repellent. It is available as a spray and also a rub-in cream.  It seems to work well however can be a little oily and stain clothes.

Begone Bug

Made by Utama Spice, I normally purchase a bottle for use in Bali and one to bring home – they have a shop location in Seminyak and you can also buy in Bintang Supermarket.

The spray is made from natural ingredients and essential oils.

Minyak Kayu Putih Cajuput Oil

This comes in a distinctive small green bottle and is very good for treating the inflammation around mosquito stings.  It settles the skin and gives almost instant relief from the itchiness.  Most Balinese swear by its effectiveness as a remedy.  I also use if I have a stomach ache.

DIARRHEA

This can be brought on by a change in diet, particularly the introduction of spicy foods.  More serious cases can be caused by a bacteria that should be treated by a doctor.

If affected, I generally will stick to the following plan:

Norit

These are essentially charcoal (activated carbon) tablets and can help by absorbing toxins. I take 5 or 6 in one go and up to 20 in a day if needed.  Easy to find in convenience stores and supermarkets.

Guava Juice

Fresh is best, however it can also be bought in bottles and tetrapaks at convenience stores.  Drink it slowly and it can aid in digestion and sometimes works as a “miracle” cure.

Green Bananas, Young Coconuts and Cooled Rice Water

Something the locals will often use to assist with the runs. After starting to feel better my heart always wanted a juicy burger or club sandwich, however my head thankfully overrules and I stick to eating plain rice and toast (without butter) for a day or so.

See a Doctor

If it is coming out both ends, causing painful cramps, the above has no impact or symptoms have lasted longer than 24 hours then it is a good idea to seek medical help.  There are lots of medical centres as well as housecall doctors that will offer treatment – usually an injection and antibiotics which have you up and going by the next day.

Stay Hydrated

Sipping bottle water is important to avoid dehydration.  I also find some kind of electrolyte drink can help – Pocari Sweat is popular or some of the Western brands like Gatorade are ok (just mix 50/50 with water).

Hopefully you never need it, however when visiting Bali, being prepared with the right medicines and remedies can make your trip much smoother. Stocking up at a local apotek is a smart move, especially for common issues like colds, headaches, muscle aches, or an upset stomach. Balinese pharmacies carry a surprising range of effective local and international products, almost always at lower prices than back home. Whether you need mosquito repellent, vitamins, or traditional herbal remedies, you will find plenty of options. Knowing what to buy and how to use it not only keeps you healthy but also lets you enjoy every moment of your holiday. Please do remember the advice given here is not intended to be relied on as effects can vary by person. It is simply a guide of what may help – you should do your own research and seek medical help when required.