Bali is underwater, literally. Torrential rains slammed the island between Tuesday night and Wednesday, leaving at least nine dead and hundreds displaced. Denpasar, the buzzing capital, suffered the worst: five people lost their lives, neighborhoods flooded, and cars abandoned mid-street.
Amid Flood Chaos, Should You Travel To Bali Right Now?
According to Karryon, tourist hotspots such as Jembrana, Gianyar, and Badung aren’t spared either. Around 600 people have been affected due to floods in Bali, nearly 200 taken to temporary shelters, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
Travellers in Legian, Canggu, and Kuta found themselves stuck, unable to reach airports. Some were rescued by army teams using kayaks, then herded onto trucks to finally make it to Ngurah Rai International Airport. While the airport is operational, but getting there is a whole different story.
BNPB Chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto visited the site on Wednesday evening to assess and manage the ongoing situation. By 9 PM (WITA), river levels were reportedly returning to normal, but six people are still missing. Cleanup has begun, but the scars are visible everywhere. “This flooding was caused by very heavy rainfall,” Suharyanto said, a grim understatement in the face of roads resembling canals.
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Regional Impact Beyond The Country
East Nusa Tenggara didn’t escape the wrath. Nagekeo district and 18 villages on Flores island lost phone connections and several roads were damaged. At least four people died there, underscoring that this is not just a Bali problem, it’s a regional emergency.
Tourists are warned: don’t move around unnecessarily. Follow local directions, allow extra time for transfers, and expect delays. Communities are banding together; crowdfunding campaigns have sprung up to support affected businesses, animal shelters, and families.
Bali’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) says more storms are coming. Floods, landslides, and power outages aren’t behind us yet, as stated by Karryon.
Flights are still running, though expect hiccups. With more than a million international visitors annually and roughly 10,000 Australians living on the island, authorities stress vigilance, but also reassure that Bali is accessible if travellers take precautions.
So is Bali safe to visit? Technically, yes, but don’t let the postcard-perfect beaches fool you. Rivers have calmed, airports are open, but the aftermath is messy. The roads still remain unpredictable, and the weather still volatile. For anyone heading there, stay alert, plan extra time, and respect the forces of nature that have turned paradise into a watery maze.
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