Tourists traveling to Bali’s coast in the coming days are being urged to take weather warnings and tidal flooding risks seriously.
The warnings have been issued by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency for Bali (BMKG) and are impacting much of the southern coast.
Bali’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency issues daily weather and wave forecasts to the public. Updates can be found on the Bali BMKG Instagram account, and when required, officials issue statements directly to the media. The Head of the BMKG Bali in Denpasar, Cahyo Nugroho, has issued warnings triggered by the new moon phase.
Both new moons and full moons are known to have an impact on oceanic conditions, and this new moon period is no exception.
Nugroho told reporters that based on water level data monitoring and tidal predictions, coastal flooding, also known as tidal flooding, has the potential to occur in several coastal areas of Bali.
The areas expected to see tidal flooding in the coming days include the southern coast of Jembrana Regency, the south coast of Tabanan Regency, including the top tourist attraction areas like Tanah Lot, and the Badung Regency coast, which is home to destinations like Uluwatu, Kuta, Legian, Smeinyak, and Canggu.
The warnings are also in place for the coast of Denpasar City, including Sanur and Serangan, as well as the coast of Gianyar Regency, the south coast of Klungkung Regency, and the south coast of Karangasem Regency.
Nugroho told reporters, “The potential for coastal flooding, or tidal flooding, varies by day and hour in each region.” He added, “We urge the public to remain vigilant and alert to anticipate the impacts of maximum sea levels and to pay attention to maritime weather updates from the BMKG.”
He noted that tidal flooding will affect community activities such as fishing, salt and seaweed farming, and those operating boat tours and sea transportation.
Nugroho confirmed that waves of 2.5 to 4 meters are likely to occur in the Badung Strait, the southern Bali Strait, the southern waters of Bali Island, and the southern Lombok Strait. High waves ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 meters are also likely to occur in the waters north of Bali Island and the northern Lombok Strait.
Boat operators and tourists traveling by boat are being urged to take a cautious approach, especially since high waves will be accompanied by high wind speeds in these areas. The areas where the forecasts are predicting the highest waves and strongest winds are also some of the busiest transit routes around the waters of Bali, including the Sanur – Nusa Penida crossing.
Nugroho told reporters, “Be alert for increasing wind speeds in the waters north of Bali. Fishing boats should also be alert if winds reach 15 knots and wave heights reach 1.25 meters.”
“Then, the barges will be affected if wind speeds reach 16 knots and wave heights reach 1.5 meters. Finally, for ferries, if wind speeds reach 21 knots and wave heights reach 2.5 meters.”
Tourists visiting Bali’s coastlines should be extra cautious when entering the water, and be mindful that tidal swells and tidal flooding can appear in an instant, especially along shallow shorelines.
Tourists are encouraged to check in with their fast boat or ferry provider prior to travel to ensure that all safety protocols have been adhered to and to adjust travel plans should delays or cancellations of crossings be issued to help ensure public safety.
Fast boat and ferry providers in Bali are taking an extra cautious approach of late after a series of shocking and in some cases fatal boat tragedies in recent months.
Speaking last month, the Head of Bali Provincial Tourism Office, I Wayan Sumarajaya, called on all tourism operations in Bali to increase their commitment to best safety practice, especially in light of unseasonal and extreme weather conditions.
Sumarajaya shared, “We are engaged in cultural tourism and also rely on natural beauty; of course, we cannot avoid the current natural conditions.”
Adding “In almost all tourism activities, we should also pay attention to the comfort and safety of our tourists.”
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