BMKG warns six Bali coastal areas of mid-September maximum tides

Denpasar — Indonesia’s meteorology agency has warned of potential maximum high tides along six coastal areas in Bali from 15 to 17 September 2026, urging residents, coastal businesses and port operators to take early precautions against possible tidal flooding.

The advisory was issued by the Region III Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Center (BBMKG) in Denpasar and reported on 16 September by local media, which said communities should heighten vigilance for elevated sea levels over the three-day period.

Areas asked to be alert include the southern coastal zones of Jembrana, Tabanan and Klungkung regencies, as well as the coasts of Badung Regency, Denpasar City and Gianyar Regency.

The agency noted that the timing of maximum tides would not be uniform across Bali, with peak sea levels expected to vary by location and by hour. Officials therefore urged the public and marine operators to monitor updated tide and weather information from BMKG’s maritime services rather than relying on a single island-wide schedule.

Impacts for ports and coastal communities

According to BBMKG Region III head Cahyo Nugroho, the warning is aimed at reducing the risk of tidal flooding, known locally as rob, in low-lying coastal areas and around port facilities. He called on residents, port managers, marine and fisheries businesses, and other stakeholders in the six coastal zones to plan anticipatory measures during the 15–17 September window.

Local coverage of the advisory highlighted potential disruption to loading and unloading operations at ports, coastal settlements, traditional salt farms and inland fishery activities if sea levels rise. The reports did not state that any specific port had been closed or that marine services were suspended, but recommended that operators adjust schedules and activities in line with location-specific forecasts.

People living or working in low-lying coastal neighborhoods were encouraged to watch for seawater reaching access roads, residential areas and nearby facilities during high tide periods. The warning did not list particular roads, hotels or tourist attractions as already affected, but stressed the need for continued monitoring as conditions can change quickly.

Tourism and travel considerations

Bali remains open to visitors, and there were no official announcements of beach closures or widespread disruption linked to the 15–17 September advisory in the available reports. However, tourists, beachside hotels and transport operators along the named coasts are advised to stay informed through local authorities and BMKG updates, especially around times of high tide.

Travelers planning activities near the shoreline—such as beach walks, seaside dining or boat trips—are encouraged to check with accommodation providers, tour operators or port authorities for the latest local conditions during the advisory period.

Why maximum tides are expected

BBMKG Region III linked the forecast increase in maximum sea levels to recent lunar phases, specifically the perigee moon on 7 September 2026 and the new moon on 11 September 2026. Perigee is the point at which the Moon is closest to Earth, and in combination with a new moon phase it can enhance tidal ranges and raise high-tide levels along affected coasts.

Earlier in August 2026, BMKG issued a similar tidal flooding warning for the same six Bali coastal areas for the period 11–17 August, also attributing the risk to a perigee on 10 August and a new moon on 13 August. Those August advisories, carried in national and local media, underscored that lunar-driven tidal peaks can recur and require renewed attention when new windows are identified.

In its September communication, BBMKG again urged the public, port managers and marine businesses in the six Bali coastal regions to follow BMKG’s official channels for ongoing maritime weather and tide forecasts throughout the mid-September period.

Sources

• Balipost.com – Peringatan Dini Pasang Maksimum, Enam Wilayah Pesisir Bali Diminta Waspada
• Tempo.co (English) – BMKG Issues Tidal Flood Warning for Six Bali Coasts
• BMKG Maritime early warning PDF – Peringatan Dini Banjir Rob (Pesisir Bali)
• Indonesia Expat – BMKG Warns of Maximum Tides in Bali During Mid-August
• Metro TV News – BMKG Peringatkan Potensi Rob di 6 Pesisir Bali 11-17 Agustus
• The Bali Sun – Tidal Flood Risk Warning Issued For Top Bali Tourist Beaches