The Bali – Nusa Dua boat crossing has been temporarily closed by officials due to dangerously high waves.
The decision to close the route comes just days after a fast boat overturned approaching Sanur Harbor, killing three passengers and injuring dozens more.
More than 100 fast boat services have been temporarily canceled due to dangerous high waves off the coast of Bali. Services out of Sanur Harbour and Padangbai Port towards the Nusa Islands, the Gili Islands and Lombok have been affected.
The fast boat cancellations have caused travel havoc for tourists, but in light of Monday’s fast boat tragedy in Sanur, transportation operators are taking a cautious approach.
The Head of Sanur Port Area, Komang Sunarka, told reporters that the wave heights are still too high to safely cross to tourism hotspots like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and the Gili Islands.
A total of 72 fast boats operating 80-90 trips had to be canceled to help prioritise safety for passengers and the crew.
Sunarka explained that for tourists who have already ordered their tickets, they should have been put in touch with each operator so that they can reorganize their departures.
He noted, “The wave is still high from the observation, around 4 meters. So we close or postpone the crossing first. We also anticipate risks.”
GoBoat, one of Bali’s leading fast boat services, has postponed its services since Monday afternoon. A spokesman for GoBoat told The Bali Sun, “At GoBoat, we adhere to strict SOPs which have been designed and tested to keep our guests and staff safe from conditions such as the current situation.”
Adding “This time of year brings some heavy swells, and we’re expecting to have patchy service for August. Weather permitting, we might resume service Saturday afternoon, but this is also subject to potential condition changes. Safety is our highest priority. People’s lives are in our hands, and this responsibility is unmatched.”
The Head of the Port Authority of Padangbai Port, Ketut Mulyana, told reporters, “Since Wednesday (8/6), the fast boat has stopped operating, until the deadline is not determined. Later, it will operate again depending on the information from BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency) Region III Denpasar.”
He added, “Usually the wave height is up to 3 meters, it is difficult for fast boats to pass, that’s why the activity is temporarily stopped.”
Eight ferries were recorded in the Padangbai dock, including KMP Nusa Penida, KMP Nusa Bhakti, KMP Prima Nusantara, KMP Gading Nusantara, KMP Marina Segunda, KMP Putri Yasmin, KMP Munic I, and KMP Wihan Bahari. While two ships are under maintenance, KMP Sindu Dwitama and KMP Sindu Tritama.
The Chief of Meteorological Operations at the Center for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics in Denpasar, Wayan Musteana, told reporters that the early weather warnings for high waves across the waters of Bali remain in place.
He shared, “The weather is sunny and cloudy with a high wave height of 2-4 meters.” Adding “”For the southern waters of Bali, based on the BMKG wave model, shows that there is an increase in the height of sea waves in the southern waters of Bali, which reaches 4 meters or a high wave category.”
Tourists planning on traveling by boat to or from Bali in the next seven days should get in contact with their travel providers and be prepared to make alternative travel plans.
Those set to take day trips to the Nusa Islands and Gili Islands in the coming days are encouraged to reorganise plans, and those taking scuba diving and snorkelling trips are also urged to check in with their travel representatives.
Tourists traveling to any of Bali’s coastlines in the coming days are also urged to be extremely cautious, as tidal swells are hitting many of the island’s most popular beaches.
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