The Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency, Ida Bagus Ketut Arimbawa, has advised tourists and tour operators to reconsider water-based adventures like rafting, snorkeling, and diving. “When it rains heavily, the river water that is usually used for rafting activities will flow very fast, making it dangerous,” Arimbawa warned.

Heavy rains during Bali’s monsoon season bring several risks, including rapid river currents, flash flooding, and reduced visibility for snorkeling and diving. Tour operators and tourists are encouraged to stay vigilant by monitoring weather conditions and avoiding activities in risky areas.

The dangers extend beyond rivers and the ocean. Treks up popular mountains such as Mount Agung, Mount Batur, Mount Batukaru, and Mount Abang have become increasingly hazardous due to muddy trails, landslide risks, and the formation of new waterfalls caused by heavy rains. Arimbawa emphasized that all adventure tourism activities should err on the side of caution during this time of year.

White water rafting, a top choice for adventure seekers in Bali, has been particularly risky recently. In the past week alone, flash flooding caused rivers to overflow their banks, claiming lives, including one of Bali Zoo’s elephants. Shocking footage from Tegenungan Waterfall shows muddy floodwaters cascading at unprecedented levels, highlighting the danger near Bali’s waterfalls and waterways.

Tourists are reminded that flash floods can occur without warning, even when water levels appear normal. In 2022 and 2023, several rafting experiences turned tragic due to sudden flooding, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. These incidents, many believe, could have been prevented with stricter adherence to safety protocols during adverse conditions.

For those planning adventure activities in Bali, it’s crucial to ensure that travel and medical insurance policies explicitly cover such high-risk activities. Many travelers have found themselves unprotected after sustaining injuries during adventure sports, discovering too late that their insurance policies didn’t cover these activities without an additional add-on.

By taking extra precautions and respecting the unpredictable weather, tourists can make safer choices while enjoying Bali’s natural beauty during the monsoon season.