Nusa Penida is one of the most popular destinations in Bali. Famous for its cliff-backed beaches and world-class snorkelling spots, the destination is welcoming an increasing number of tourists.
On 2nd February, tragedy struck the island, not for the first time, leaving both tour operators and tourists calling for even more safety measures.
Top activities in Nusa Penida for tourists include visiting the iconic Kelingking Beach viewpoint and taking in the vista at Diamond Beach. The most popular adventure activity on the island is snorkelling or diving with the resident Manta Rays.
This has quickly become one of the most in-demand activities for tourists visiting Bali’s outlying island of Nusa Penida.
Attracting tens of thousands of tourists every year, here at The Bali Sun, we can confirm that the experience really is as dreamy in real life as it appears on social media.
On 2nd February, a tragedy was recorded at Manta Point, just off Nusa Penida, that left both tour operators and tourists concerned for the safety protocols in place for the activity. A 40-year-old South Korean tourist, known by his initials SR, died while snorkelling at the popular dive site.
The incident was confirmed to reporters by Nusa Penida Police Chief AKP I Ketut Kesuma Jaya, who explained that the incident occurred at 10 am on 2nd February when SR and another tourist were on a snorkeling tour accompanied by an experienced local tour guide and boat captain.
AKP Kesuma told reporters, “When the victim was approached and examined, he was in a weak condition, so the guide immediately asked for help from another boat not far from the scene of the incident for evacuation.”
He confirmed that SR was rapidly evacuated to a nearby boat and given first aid, including resuscitation, a life-saving procedure used in cases of respiratory or cardiac arrest. However, he remained unresponsive, and death was confirmed upon arrival at Nusa Medika Clinic in Nusa Penida.
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Following the incident, AKP Kesuma has called on tourists to take personal responsibility for their health when engaging in adventure activities. He also called on tour operators to ensure the health and physical capacities of their guests prior to heading out on activities.
Over the coming days, maritime tourism activities, including diving, snorkelling, and surfing, are subject to extreme weather and tidal warnings. All tourists visiting Bali’s coastlines and engaging in ocean-based activities have been urged by the Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency to prioritise safety over this full moon period.
Warnings for extra high waves and tidal swells are in place across Bali’s top coastal vacation hotpots, including Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kutuh, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Kermas, Candidasa, as well as Soka Beach, Balian, and Medewi.
The Head of the Bali BMKG told reporters, “The Full Moon phenomenon on February 2, 2026, has the potential to increase the maximum sea level in several coastal areas of Bali.”
He added, “We urge the public to remain vigilant and alert to anticipate the impact of maximum sea levels and to pay close attention to maritime weather updates from the BMKG Region III through its official channels.”
The warnings are in place formally until 4th February; however, it is likely another round of warnings will be issued since Bali is in the peak of the rainy season and extreme weather has been hitting the province on a weekly basis since mid-November.
Tourists travelling to Bali can keep checking in with us here at The Bali Sun. We report on the latest weather warnings and safety updates from the authorities, as well as daily travel news and advice.
It is essential to have a full comprehensive travel insurance policy prior to traveling to Bali, and it is advisable to follow the Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency on Instagram, where local forecast updates are shared in both English and Bahasa Indonesia.
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