Bali’s Deadly Attractions: The Price of a Instagram Worthy Shot

① Warning: Picture-Perfect Shots in Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia, renowned as a global vacation destination, attracts travelers worldwide with its serene natural landscapes, delectable cuisine, and affordable prices, making it a premier tourist magnet.

Among Bali’s numerous picturesque locales, Nusa Penida is one of its most beautiful places. Located about 20 km (12.4 miles) from mainland Bali, this island is celebrated for its stunning coastal cliffs. Its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches offer an ideal setting for various marine activities. The extraordinary landscapes of Nusa Penida are so captivating that they almost invariably prompt visitors to capture these moments with their cameras.

Safety should be a priority when capturing photographs in such locations. A travel agency based in Bali, Indonesia, has issued a cautionary video on Nusa Penida for tourists who engage in photography.

In the video, a woman can be observed striking a pose amidst crashing waves while attempting to take a picture. Suddenly, a huge wave crashes upon her, resulting in a loss of balance and her being swept away by the force of the water.

The woman struggles in the water, unable to regain her balance, until she grabs onto a rock. Fortunately, she was reported to have escaped the ocean without any injuries. The video has sparked a major discussion among international netizens.

Many individuals who viewed the video have criticized the woman’s choice to venture into a hazardous area to take a photograph. They have highlighted the presence of warning signs advising against entering such areas, emphasizing that she disregarded these warnings.

② Accidents at Nusa Penida Landmarks

Kelingking Beach is a well-known landmark in Nusa Penida. It’s famous for offering some of the island’s most beautiful views. From its cliff, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean. It’s also a popular spot for that perfect Instagram shot among tourists.

However, beneath its captivating beauty lies a stark reality—Kelingking Beach ranks among the most treacherous tourist destinations in Bali. Incidents involving tourists sustaining injuries or requiring rescue while attempting to capture photos at this location have been distressingly frequent, some tragically resulting in fatalities.

Two local tourists and a local guide descended the cliff stairs to the beach. A large wave swept the two tourists away, and the guide jumped into the sea to rescue them but tragically lost his life.

Angel’s Billabong, another popular photo spot, also requires caution. Pictures of stunning shots at Angel’s Billabong have spread on Instagram, making it a must-visit for tourists.

Tourists often stand on the edge of the rocks to capture photos with the crashing waves in the background. Many also swim in the naturally formed ocean pool.

Despite the risk due to unpredictable waves, the spot attracts tourists. Local media has reported that four female tourists swimming here were swept away by a wave and crashed into rocks. Angel’s Billabong is a must-visit spot during a trip to Nusa Penida, but it’s crucial not to take unnecessary risks. Bali’s waves can suddenly increase in size, making them hard to predict. There have been instances of people getting swept away by waves and dying on Bali’s beaches.

③ Broken Beach Coastal Cliff

Broken Beach on Nusa Penida is another popular destination for tourists. It’s a great place to visit in conjunction with Angel’s Billabong. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a school of manta rays in the western sea of Broken Beach.

This spot is also famous for offering great photo opportunities, and you can often see tourists taking pictures. Many people stand on the cliff’s edge at Broken Beach to take photos.

Over the years, more than 12 tourists have fallen from the cliff edge while taking pictures here. While it’s a fantastic place for photos, knowing the danger is important. Public officials in Nusa Penida are working to improve the safety of the island’s busiest spots.

By. Min Jae Kim