Minster Calls For Bali Tour Guides To Be More Cautious After Tourist Death

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Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies has issued a statement calling on tour guides in Bali to practice more caution and attention to safety when working with guests on the island.

Minster Uno’s comments come after a Brazilian tourist died in Bali after tackling a challenging coastal hike. 

Minister Sandiaga Uno, has issued his response to the news that a 56-year-old Brazilian tourist died in Nusa Penida late last week.

The man, known only by his initials AC, collapsed in a public restroom after completing the challenging hike down and back to the world-famous Kelingking Beach. 

Minster Uno addressed tour guides in his show The Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno. He said, “We have not seen the conditions for visiting being tightened. However, we want tour guides to ensure that tourists are healthy and that their death is in God’s hands.” 

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He called on tour guides across the country but especially in Bali to ensure that tourists have excellent conditions when traveling.

He wants tour guides to become more proficient in reading tourists’ needs and abilities, like climbing stairs or taking a long journey. He noted that tour guides should assess “what features or parts of tourism activities might be tiring.”

According to local reports, AC and his 54-year-old wife decided to tackle the challenging descent down to Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida despite their guide’s advice not to due to the limited amount of time available during their day trip.

The cliffside hike down to Kelingking Beach is notoriously dangerous. The hike has claimed the lives of several tourists over the years and injured countless more. 

@theworldof_liza La beauté!!! 😍😍 📍Kelingking, Nusa Penida Si vous allez a Bali, je vous conseille d’y aller 🥹 #kelingkingbeach #bali #nusapenida #nusadua ♬ original sound – anna bilbao

Police have issued statements following AC’s passing. Nusa Penida Police Chief Commissioner Ida Bagus Putra Sumerta told reporters that AC and his wife were on a day trip to Nusa Penida and arrived at Banjar Nyuh Habor on the 9.30 am fast boat.

The couple met their tour guide and driver for the day, Kadek Pramerta, who took them directly to the Kelingking Beach clifftop lookout. 

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According to Pramerta, the couple insisted on doing the hike despite his advice not to. Following the hike the couple went to the public bathrooms and Pramerta waited for them in the car park.

Concerned that they were taking a long time, he went to check on them, where he learned that AC had lost consciousness.

Pramerta is reported to have called an ambulance which swiftly arrived, however, paramedics declared him dead at the scene. AC’s wife has confirmed to the police that he had a known history of heart disease. 

@wonderfulid Experience a sunset like never before at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida. Watch as the sky's hues melt into blue-green waters, creating a color palette you've never seen. 🌅 🌊 Magic happens here! 🎥: @zulpanritonga #WonderfulIndonesia #TravelTikTok #SunsetGoals #KelingkingBeach ♬ original sound – Wonderful Indonesia

While Minster Uno wants to see tour guides take more proactive and assertive steps in keeping tourists safe, many would agree that tourists must also exercise caution and take as much responsibility as possible for their own health and safety while on vacation.

Nusa Penida has been called out dozens of times this year for not prioritizing public safety. This has led to officials committing to putting improved safeguards in place for tourists.

In July this year, the Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, Ni Made Sulistiawati, confirmed that more officers would be deployed to help steward the island’s leading attractions and natural wonders. 

Speaking in August, the Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, confirmed that Nusa Penida will receive the level of investment it requires to keep up with tourist demand, including improving transportation and safety infrastructure. 

Tragically reports of tourists becoming injured or even losing their lives in Nusa Penida follow a very similar set of events.

The most common cause of injury or death in Nusa Penida occurs at Kelingking Beach.

Earlier this year a temporary swimming ban was put in place to help protect tourists from the dangerous current and high waves that have dragged dozens of tourists out to sea. 

The second most frequent disaster in Nusa Penida is tourists falling from clifftops, especially at Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, and Broken Beach.

Tourists heading to Bali at any time are reminded to keep their awareness about them as they pose for photos on the precarious clifftops of Nusa Penida.