Tourists Urged To Respect That Bali’s Famous Diamond Beach Is A No Swim Zone 

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Tourists visiting Bali, specifically those visiting Nusa Penida, are being urged to be extremely mindful of where they choose to swim in the ocean.

Though the waters around Bali province are often crystal clear and extremely enticing, the powerful tidal currents beneath can be deadly. 

Police in Nusa Penida have confirmed the successful rescue of tourists who were swept away from the shoreline on the island’s famous Diamond Beach on 8th March.

Klungkung Police Public Relations Chief AKP Agus Widiono confirmed that the individual was swimming at Diamond Beach when he was swept away by the current. He was rescued with relative ease, though many in the past have not been so fortunate.

Since borders reopened for travel after the pandemic, at least five tourists have died after being swept away from Diamond Beach. 

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In August 2024 a woman was rescued by fellow tourists on Diamond Beach after she disobeyed the rules and entered the water to swim. Diamond Beach is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in all of Asia. Backed by rugged limestone cliffs and with perfect blue water, it is undeniably enticing.

However, the waves that hit the shoreline at Diamond Beach are unpredictable and often higher and more powerful than they first appear.

This makes even paddling in the shallows a serious danger too. Under no circumstances are visitors to enter the water on Diamond Beach. The same advice stands for Nusa Penida’s other most famous coastal attraction, Kelingking Beach. 

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Though there are hundreds of videos on social media of tourists entering the water at Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach, leaders, local community members and tour guides are all clear that it is never worth the risk. 

However, it’s not only when down on the sand at Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach that tourist must be careful of their footing, but when walking along the rugged coastal trails to access the beaches too. 

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On 8th March, the same day that the tourist was rescued from the water at Diamond Beach, police were also called to the tourist hotspot to support a Croatian tourists, known by his initials AL, who has slipped and fallen on the stairway to the beach.

AKP Widodo told reporters that AL was taken to Griya Penida Medical and had suffered a dislocation of the right leg and the shoulder. He was subsequently transferred to Denpasar for further specialist treatment. 

Both of these incidents are all too timely reminders for tourists to take out fully comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling to Bali.

It is vitally important for tourists to understand what their policy covers, and what it does not cover. It is essential to understand how to make a claim and have the details of the insurance provider and policy cover details on you at all times in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

In Bali, hospitals are extremely unlikely to proceed with treatment until they have confirmed that the patient has sufficient medical insurance coverage to pay the bills. This has often led to tourists being delayed in receiving treatment which has been known to have life-altering implications. 

Tourists visiting Bali, whether the main island or the outlying islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan are urged to always check where it is safe to swim before entering the water.

Even at popular public beaches like Seminyak’s Double Six Beach, high waves and tidal currents have swept swimmers far out to sea. 

If there are no lifeguards on duty, tourists can ask local community members, surf shack staff or cafe staff where is and isn’t safe to swim, though ultimately the risk and responsibility lies with each individual traveler.