BADUNG, Bali — Visitors planning a beach day at Bali’s scenic Pandawa Beach this weekend are being urged to stay out of the water as local authorities warn of potentially hazardous sea conditions along the island’s southern coastline.
Beach management has temporarily advised tourists not to swim or rent kayaks during periods of high tide after Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecast waves of 1.25 to 2.5 metres across several southern Bali beaches between July 10 and July 13.
Pandawa Beach, famous for its calm turquoise waters and family-friendly atmosphere, is one of Bali’s most popular destinations for swimming and kayaking. However, officials say those conditions can change rapidly when tides rise and larger swells move in from the Indian Ocean.
“We have lifeguards stationed at several locations and warning flags installed across the beach,” said Ni Luh Hepi Wiradani Duartha, President Director of Bhaga Utsaha Manunggal Desa Adat (BUMDA) Kutuh, the company managing Pandawa Beach.
Seven lifeguards have been deployed daily from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., covering five observation posts along the beach while conditions are being closely monitored.
Beach authorities are also coordinating with Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) throughout the advisory period.
Rather than closing the beach entirely, officials are asking visitors to adjust their plans according to sea conditions.
Swimming and kayaking remain popular activities during low tide, but both are temporarily discouraged whenever the tide rises or waves become stronger.
According to Hepi, staff members provide safety briefings throughout the day, particularly when tour buses arrive carrying large groups of domestic and international visitors.
“When we see new visitors arriving, especially families or tour groups, our information staff immediately explain the current sea conditions and advise them not to swim or use kayaks if the tide is high,” she said.
Pandawa Beach remains open to visitors, and tourists can still enjoy its dramatic limestone cliffs, beachfront cafés, and panoramic coastal views while following guidance from lifeguards and beach officials.
Southern Bali beaches occasionally experience stronger surf during seasonal weather patterns, and authorities routinely issue temporary swimming advisories to reduce the risk of accidents.
For visitors unfamiliar with Bali’s coastline, local officials recommend checking beach flags, listening to lifeguards, and avoiding entering the water whenever warning signs are displayed.
As Bali enters another busy tourism period, officials say a few precautions can make the difference between a memorable beach holiday and a preventable emergency.
