Tourists Warned Of Swim Dangers As High Waves Forecast At Popular Bali Beaches

Share The Article

The Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has issued high wave warnings across Bali’s most popular coastal resorts over the next three days.

High waves are forecast until 8th May 2025, and tourists are urged to exercise extreme caution when entering the ocean.

In a written statement Cahyo Nugroho, the Head of the Bali Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, shared “Be aware of the potential for high waves.” High waves ranging from 2.5 – 4 are expected along Bali’s busiest coastlines with wind speeds along the coast hitting up to 20 knots. 

Tourists traveling between Bali and the outlying islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Cenigan, and Nusa Lembongan, as well as the Gili Islands and Lombok, may find the crossing choppier than usual through the Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency have said that “wind and sea wave conditions pose a risk to shipping safety.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Balai Besar MKG Wilayah III (@bmkgbali)

Tourists should check in with their fast boat and ferry providers prior to departure for up-to-the-minute conditions and forecasts. Providers may issue changes to the schedule to prioritise safety. 

High waves and strong winds are typically a feature of the monsoon season in Bali, but as the province enters the early stages of the dry season, weather patterns and atmospheric conditions are in flux. The dry season is officially marked in Bali when 10 of the 20 seasonal zones that are mapped out over the province, known as ZOMs, see significantly reduced rainfall. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Balai Besar MKG Wilayah III (@bmkgbali)

 Speaking to reporters last week, the Head of Bali Climatology Station, Aminudin Al Roniri, explained how the Bali Climatology Station confirmed that the rainy season is over in Bali and the meteorologists are on the cusp of declaring the dry season in play. Roniri confirmed that annual level forecasting predicts that the height of the dry season will fall in July and August, as it usually does. During this peak of the heat is also the peak of the tourist high season, and tourists are reminded to practice sun safety throughout their vacations on the island. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Balai Besar MKG Wilayah III (@bmkgbali)

Back to this week’s high wave forecasts, tourists are urged to be extra cautious if entering the sea along Bali’s southern coast. Many of Bali’s most beautiful beaches are, in fact, no-swim zones. Popular beaches, like Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach on Nusa Penida, are always a no-swim zone.

Tourists visiting the iconic shorelines are urged not to follow suit if other tourists choose to break the rules or simply aren’t aware.

Though the crystal clear waters of these two hotspots look perfect for swimming, a strong undercurrent lurks beneath, and high, strong waves have caused many tourists to be hospitalized, others to have to be saved by Bali’s search and rescue, and in some tragic cases, even lost their lives. 

On the main island of Bali, beaches that tourists must be extra mindful of include Dreamland Beach and Suluban Beach, both in Uluwatu, and Green Bowl Beach in Ungasan.

While these are good for surf access, the submerged reefs, strong currents, and lack of lifeguard presence mean that it is never worth the risk. That said, each of these beaches is a wonderful spot for sunbathing, relaxing, and enjoying the dramatic back coastal vistas of the Bukit Peninsula. 

Tourists should also be mindful of the conditions at Seminyak’s beaches before entering the water. At Seminyak Beach, Double Six Beach, and Petitenget Beach, a flag safety system is generally in place and must be obeyed.

Though Seminyak is one of the most popular beach resorts in Bali, this stretch of coastline is also known to experience dangerous undercurrents and even rip currents that can quickly pull swimmers far out to sea.