What Bali’s 4-Metre Waves Mean for Marine Travel

Denpasar — High waves could disrupt marine travel around Bali and nearby straits from Oct. 18 through Oct. 21, according to a warning attributed to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Waves of 2.5 to 4 metres were expected in southern Bali waters, the southern Bali Strait, Badung Strait and the southern Lombok Strait.

The warning was set to run from 8 a.m. WITA (UTC+8) on Oct. 18 to 8 a.m. WITA on Oct. 21. It applies to conditions at sea rather than to a blanket closure of Bali’s coast or transport network. Travellers using ferries or other vessels may therefore encounter heightened operating risks, particularly when strong winds coincide with high waves.

What 4-metre waves mean for Bali travellers

BMKG’s safety guidance identifies different risk points for different types of vessels. Fishing boats face safety problems when winds reach 15 knots and waves reach 1.25 metres. Barges face risk at 16 knots and 1.5 metres. Ferries face a safety risk at 21 knots and 2.5 metres.

Those thresholds do not state that every ferry crossing will be cancelled. They explain when the combination of wind and wave conditions can become hazardous for the vessel category concerned. For visitors, the practical significance is that crossings involving Bali, the Bali Strait, Badung Strait or Lombok Strait may be more sensitive to marine conditions during the warning period than ordinary coastal sightseeing on land.

The report said winds in northern Bali waters generally ranged from 4 to 25 knots, while winds in southern Bali waters ranged from 4 to 20 knots. It urged fishermen and vessel operators to monitor developing weather and wave conditions before going to sea or making a crossing.

The warning also covered the northern Lombok Strait, where waves of 1.25 to 2.5 metres were possible. The reported advisory was issued by BMKG Region III Denpasar and identified coastal communities, fishermen and marine-transport operators as groups needing increased caution.

Sources

• Bali Post — Indonesian news report
• IDN Times Bali — established regional news organisation reporting BMKG’s 2.5–4 metre wave warning in southern Bali waters and nearby straits
• NusaBali — established regional news organisation reporting BMKG’s 2.5–4 metre wave forecast for southern Bali and Badung Strait
• rri.co.id
• baliexpertguide.com