Tourist Dies At Bali Waterfall In Tragic Accident 

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An Italian tourist has died after falling 25m from a jungle ridge at a popular Bali waterfall.

The man, who has been identified by his initials ZG, 49, was visiting the waterfall while on vacation with his girlfriend BI on Sunday, 4th August. 

The man and his partner had been staying at the Homm Saranam Hotel in the Bedugul Highlands, close to Lake Beratan, Tabanan Regency.

The couple had taken a trip to the waterfall as part of a day trip in the area. They are reported to have left their hotel at 11 am and visited Baturiti Market before hiking down to the waterfall close to Villa Gajah. 

The waterfall guard told reporters that the couple started the walk down to the waterfall and arrived at a viewing terrace that also housed two wooden seats and an iron-fenced railing to help prevent falls.

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ZG and his partner are said to have stood by the iron railing to take a photo when the fence collapsed, resulting in them both falling into the ravine below.

BI also fell 25m and is believed to have sustained a mild head injury and abrasions from the fall; despite dizziness, she was conscious.

Observing that her partner had landed in a precarious position and was unresponsive, she was able to scramble to the waterfall guard for help despite her injuries.

The local police unit and the Tabanan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) were immediately called to assist with the rescue. 

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Speaking to reporters after ZG was evacuated from the jungle ravine, Tabanan Police Public Relations Head Iptu I Nyoman Berata confirmed the incident. 

He said, “The victim was taken to Prof Ngoerah Hospital (RSUP Sanglah) Denpasar, and his family refused to have an autopsy performed.”

“Before being taken to Prof Ngoerah General Hospital, the victim received an external examination from the Baturiti Community Health Center.”

Berata confirmed that ZG died at the scene. Head of the Tabanan BPBD, I Nyoman Sri Nadha Giri, confirmed that the evacuation mission was straightforward and that there were no further details to report. 

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Neither the local police, officers from the Tabanan Regional Disaster Management Agency, nor community officials have issued a statement regarding liability for the iron railing fence that collapsed, which was the precursor to the couple’s fall.

The incident is a tragic reminder to tourists to be exceedingly cautious when visiting Bali’s rural and remote natural attractions, even those that are most popular and most frequently visited.

Railings, safety fences, rope handholds, or any other ‘safety’ device should be used with caution. This is the case in the forest and on the coast.

In the last few weeks, Bali tourists have been all too starkly reminded that many of the hiking trails to Bali’s most prominent natural wonders are increasingly dangerous and need maintenance. 

Despite warnings from their tour guide not to attempt the hike down to Diamond Beach on Bali’s Nusa Penida on the 17th of July, a family from China attempted to descend down the treacherous cliffside path.

Their 17-year-old slipped and fell along the cliffside path and sustained serious head and neck injuries.

Leaders in Nusa Penida have confirmed that they will be introducing more signage and safety fences in the island’s most popular and accident-prone areas.

Speaking in early July, the Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, Ni Made Suliastiwati, said that she had installed safety fences and impactful safety protocols on several beaches in Nusa Penida, which have a high risk of accidents. 

Suliastiwati explained to reporters, “We have installed warning and swimming prohibition signs. We will increase this by placing security officers in vulnerable destinations.”

Many feel that in light of this weekend’s tragedy in Tabanan Regency, tourism leaders responsible for Bali’s waterfalls and jungle-based attractions should check the condition of their safety resources to help ensure that accidents like this do not become a common occurrence.