Bali is home to some of the world’s most important coral reef ecosystems. The island is famous with international tourists for its crystal clear waters, colourful coral reefs and abundant marine ecosystems, but these aquascapes are incredibly fragile, and it’s clear that not all tourists are giving them the respect they deserve.
Bali-based environmentalist and content creator Manuel Bergmann has shared shocking footage recorded in Amed over the festive season.
Amed, which is one of Bali’s most popular snorkelling and diving spots for both domestic and international tourists, can be found in East Bali, under the shadow of Mount Agung.
In the video, Bergmann captures dozens of tourists standing and walking over the fragile coral reef. Coral is incredibly fragile and incredibly sensitive.
These are living organisms, not colourful sea rocks. The tourists could be seen standing on the coral barefoot, in flippers, and in seashoes, all of which can do instant and irreparable damage to the coral.
Direct contact with coral is also dangerous for humans, as some corals can cause skin reactions, including rashes, itchiness, and blistering. All reputable tour operators will inform tourists of the importance of respecting the coral reef and its inhabitants. There is even signage all around Amed’s dive spots instructing tourists not to touch the coral.
Bergmann shared, “While snorkeling during my short holiday in Jemeluk Bay, Amed, I was completely shocked by what I witnessed in just one session. Around 20 to 30 tourists were stepping directly on living corals next to me. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
He added, “Corals are living animals, not rocks or sand. When people step on or touch them, they break and often die. Reefs take decades to grow and only seconds to destroy. This is likely happening there every single day. And if nothing changes, there will soon be no healthy corals left in places like this.”
Bergmann called on tourists, tour operators, and local community members, “If you see someone stepping on coral, please don’t look away. Explain calmly and help raise awareness. Share this video to help protect coral reefs.”
Amed is one of the most popular spots for snorkelling in Bali, alongside Nusa Penida, Sanur, and Pemuteran. Amed, however, does not have the same environmental protections in place as Nusa Pendia; not that that should make a difference to the way tourists interact with the environment.
In late 2024, Nusa Penida and the surrounding water were officially designated as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) by the International Maritime Organisation, which is part of the United Nations.
For context, other areas that have been listed as PSSAs include the Great Barrier Reef, the Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago in Cuba, Paracas National Reserve in Peru, and the Galapagos Archipelago in Ecuador.
Sadly, this is not the first time this kind of behaviour has hit headlines in Bali in recent months. Just weeks ago, footage emerged online of a tourist standing on and kicking a turtle while snorkeling in the Gili Islands.
Footage quickly went viral and sparked outrage from Bali and Lombok residents, environmentalists, and tourists alike. In the video, the tourist can clearly be seen stepping on a turtle that is cruising in relatively shallow waters.
With these incidents seemingly becoming more frequent, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect Bali’s marine ecosystems from the impact of tourism. Tourists who wish to take part in marine tourism activities such as snorkelling, diving, dolphin watching tours, and boat trips are urged to do their research and book with reputable providers who prioritise ethical tourism practices and educate tourists while ensuring fun memories are made.
Tourists who are seeking diving and snorkelling experiences in less crowded areas should look to Pemuteran and Menjangan Island in Buleleng Regency. These lesser-visited areas are also home to some of the most abundant marine ecosystems in Bali Province.
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