Bali police delay Padangbai sailings during high-wave warnings
Bali maritime police raised preparedness status after forecasts of 2,5-to-4-metre waves. Padangbai departures must be postponed under BMKG high-wave warnings and winds above 15 knots.
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· 2 min read
Denpasar — Bali’s maritime police raised the status of the island’s waters to preparedness on Oct. 29 after forecasts called for waves of 2,5 to 4 metres in the Badung Strait and Lombok Strait. Departures from Padangbai to Lembar, Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan must be postponed when the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issues a high-wave warning and winds exceed 15 knots.
The warning concerns fast boats and traditional vessels operating on routes linking Bali with nearby islands. The Directorate of Marine and Air Police of the Bali Regional Police increased monitoring in response to the forecast, according to Bali Post.
For visitors and foreign residents, the rule means a scheduled crossing may not leave when the specified warning and wind conditions are in force. It applies to the listed departures rather than establishing a blanket closure of Bali’s coastline or all marine transport.
Why the warning matters for Lombok crossings
Padangbai is a principal departure point for travel between Bali and Lombok. A delay can therefore affect passengers travelling to Lembar, as well as those continuing toward Nusa Penida or Gili Trawangan. The reported threshold is tied to operating conditions at sea: postponement is required when BMKG issues a high-wave warning and winds rise above 15 knots.
BMKG forecasts cited in related coverage placed wave conditions in the Badung Strait and northern Lombok Strait at up to 2,5 metres, while higher waves were expected in waters south of Bali. The Bali police warning specifically linked the preparedness status to the 2,5-to-4-metre forecast in the Badung and Lombok straits.
The reported measure is precautionary and condition-based. It does not state that every ferry or boat service is cancelled, nor does it give a fixed end time for the postponements. Departures are to be delayed when the stated warning and wind conditions occur.
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