BMKG Warns of High Waves off South Bali, Caution Urged for Sea Trips
Indonesia’s meteorological agency has warned of waves up to 4 metres in southern Bali waters from 14–17 September 2026, with fast-boat routes to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan among the areas advised to exercise extra caution.
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· Event date: · 4 min read
Bali — Indonesia’s meteorological agency has warned of potential waves of up to 4 metres in southern Bali waters from 14–17 September 2026, prompting calls for heightened caution among ferry operators, fishermen and marine tourism businesses planning trips around Sanur, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
The alert is based on marine forecasts issued by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) and its regional office in Denpasar, which highlight a risk of waves in the 2.5–4 metre range in the southern approaches to Bali and nearby straits during that period, according to coverage by NusaBali.com and BeritaNasional.com.
NusaBali.com reported that BMKG’s Balai Besar Wilayah III Denpasar identified the highest risk areas as the southern part of the Bali Strait, the waters off the south coast of Bali, and the southern part of the Lombok Strait, with significant wave heights forecast in the 2.5–4 metre range. BeritaNasional.com similarly cited a BMKG national marine bulletin warning of 2.5–4 metre waves across the southern coastal waters of Bali and neighbouring provinces between 14 and 17 September.
These conditions can affect popular fast-boat routes linking Sanur with Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, as well as crossings from south Bali towards Lombok and other nearby islands. Local travel site GoBaliGo advised visitors planning sea trips on 15 September to exercise extra caution, noting BMKG’s forecast and urging passengers and operators to stay alert to changing conditions.
Forecast details for 14–15 September
Regional forecasts for Bali issued on 14 and 15 September showed the south Bali sea area under a high-wave advisory, with expected heights generally between 1.0 and 3.5 metres, and pockets of higher seas linked to strong winds. A forecast bulletin circulated by BMKG Denpasar for 14–15 September stated that waves in the southern waters of Bali were expected to reach 1.0–3.5 metres, with ferry services facing increased risk where wind speeds approached 21 knots and wave heights around 2.5 metres.
IDN Times Bali also reported that BMKG Denpasar predicted waves of 0.75–3.5 metres in southern Bali waters on 15 September, with conditions at major ports generally described as partly cloudy and sea conditions up to 2.5 metres. These regional forecasts sit within the broader national advisory that flagged the potential for 2.5–4 metre waves in southern Bali’s offshore waters during 14–17 September, especially in more exposed areas farther from the coast.
BMKG’s dedicated marine forecast page for the southern part of the Bali Strait on 15 September showed significant wave heights around 2.2–2.3 metres through the afternoon, with a note that wave heights could locally reach around 2.7 metres and that users should follow guidance from local authorities.
Implications for marine tourism
According to BMKG and regional media reports, high waves and strong winds during this period pose risks for small fishing vessels, fast boats and ferries operating in southern Bali and its surrounding straits. Operators of fast boats, dive trips and snorkeling excursions are advised to monitor the latest BMKG marine forecasts and any local advisories before departure, and to adjust routes or schedules if sea conditions deteriorate.
GoBaliGo recommended that travelers heading to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan on 15 September confirm directly with boat companies whether services are operating, and be prepared for possible delays or cancellations if wave conditions become unsafe. Regional outlets noted that higher waves can be particularly hazardous when combined with strong winds, and may require extra caution near harbour entrances, in narrow channels and on open-water crossings.
While the advisories do not automatically mean that all marine tourism activities will be suspended, they underline that conditions offshore can be significantly rougher than on the mainland. BMKG encourages both operators and passengers to remain vigilant and to prioritise safety when planning or undertaking trips in affected waters.
Sources
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