The idyllic shores of Bali are a hotspot for tourists seeking sun, sea, and adventure. However, a recent weather warning issued by the Center for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics in Denpasar has urged both tourists and marine tourism providers to exercise caution in the coming days as high waves of up to four meters are expected to hit the region.
Cahyo Nugroho, the Head of the Centre for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics in Denpasar, Bali, issued a stern warning, saying, “We urge the public and marine tourism practitioners to be aware of the potential for high waves of up to four metres in Bali.” The forecasts indicate that these high waves are anticipated in several areas, including the southern part of the Bali Strait, the southern part of the Lombok Strait, the Badung Strait, and waters south of Bali, including the Indian Ocean region. These warnings encompass all waters surrounding Bali and its neighbouring islands, such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.
Nugroho stressed the potential disruptions to shipping and marine tourism activities, cautioning, “These high waves can disrupt shipping and marine tourism activities. We also urge the public to avoid activities on the beach [and shoreline waters].”
The warning is not limited to tourists; it also extends to fishing crews, who are urged to exercise caution and closely monitor weather conditions before venturing to sea. Nugroho emphasised, “We urge fishermen to always monitor weather conditions and sea waves before going to sea.”
Recent data from the BMKG Denpasar (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika) indicates that wind speeds around Bali are expected to reach 21.6 knots, equivalent to approximately 40 kilometres per hour, with the winds blowing from the east to southeast. This weather advisory follows a concerning incident that occurred over the weekend.
On Sunday, the 17th of September, 2023, the Gate Samudra 2 Passenger Motor Ship ran aground, sparking a dramatic emergency evacuation operation. The vessel was en route from Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, East Java, to Gilimanuk Port, Jembrana, Bali, carrying 114 passengers.
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Fortunately, all passengers were successfully evacuated with the assistance of Bali Search and Rescue teams later in the afternoon.
The incident is suspected to have been caused by engine failure, highlighting the need for caution during adverse weather conditions in the region. The evacuation involved the Air Police, the Indonesian Army, Bali Search and Rescue, and the Marine Police. Among the 114 passengers were 11 children, 27 foreign nationals, and 76 Indonesian citizens.
As the warning of high waves persists for the coming days, tourists, marine tourism providers, and fishing crews must exercise vigilance, heed weather forecasts, and prioritize safety. Bali’s stunning natural beauty will still be there to explore once the weather clears, ensuring a memorable and safe experience for all visitors.
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