Bali Tourists Must Check Weather Forecast Before Planning Day Trips After Tragedy 

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Bali tourists are being urged to check the weather forecast and heed wave height warnings across the island after yet another tragedy off Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida.

While Bali is known for being a picture-perfect, blue-sky destination, the reality can be very different. Extreme weather conditions and dangerous sea conditions are incredibly common and potentially fatal. 

Two tourist and their guide were rescued from Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida after being hit by strong waves while riding jet skis from Nusa Lembongan over to Kelingking Beach.

All three sustained serious injuries and were evacuated by Bali Search and Rescue teams, supported by the police and members of the public. 

The Head of Public Relations at Klungkung Police, AKP Agus Widiono, confirmed that three individuals had been rescued, the local guide known by his initials AYR, as well as the tourist couple, NKM from Australia and KFH from Tanzania. AKP Agus Widiono confirmed the events to reporters and warned both tourists and tour guides to practice far more caution in future. 

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AKP Agus Widiono confirmed that the three departed from Nusa Lembongan at 10.40am, each riding a jet ski. When they arrived at Kelingking Beach the couple explained that they wanted to access the beach and hike up to the famous clifftop for photos. However, when the jet skis approached the famously treacherous waters of the bay at Kelingking Beach the current got stronger, and the wave higher. 

AKP Agus Widiono, stated that the guide had Warne the couple to steer clear of the cliff, but noted that in their dismay the couple could not redirect their jet skis. The couple got caught in yet more strong waves, which caused the to fall off their vehicles, be thrown against the cliff and be hit by the driverless jet skis while in the water. The guide is reported to have tried to come and assist them before he too was rolled off his jet ski by the waves. 

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AKP Agus Widiono told reporters “The tree victims has a collision with jet skis that they were driving themselves. The victims tried to dock on the coast, but the three of them were hit again and rolled by the waves.” 

He confirmed “Around 3.20pm Air Bali Helicopter arrived at Kelingking Beach to evacuate one of the vices to BIMC Denpasar Hospital, meanwhile his wife was brought back to recover at the Jetski Lembongan Office.”

The guide was taken to Griya Penida Medical Clinic before being transferred to Gema Santhi Nusa Penida Hospital for further treatment. 

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This is not the only tragedy to strike in Bali this week. On Sunday 6th April a tourist boat sank after being hit by high waves in the waters off Tanjung Benoa.

Though both tourists aboard the boat were able to be rescued, tragically the boat’s skipper, a 60-year-old local man died.

Over in Padangbai, on Saturday 5th April, a Russian tourist was left with serious wounds after falling on a coral bed after being hit by waves while taking a photo on the rocks close to the shoreline at Bias Tugel Beach.

The Head of Public Relations of Karangasem Police, Iptu I Gede Sukadana told reporters “As a result of the incident, the victim suffered a tear wound on the upper right side of the head and a blister wound on the right thigh.” She was transferred to Penta Medica Manggis Clinic for initial medical treatment before finally being referred to RSU Kasih Ibu Hospital in Gianyar Regency. 

The Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, Cahyo Nugroho, has confirmed that high waves are forecast across southern Bali this week and that the public should act with caution. 

Nugroho urged “The general public, fishermen, and marine tourism operators are advised to be alert to the potential for wind speeds and high waves reaching 2 meters or more in the waters south of Bali.”

He also appealed to all in Bali, including local governments, tourism actors, and the general public, to pay attention to weather forecast information updates and adjust plans accordingly.