Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
12th June 2020
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from
https://jakartaglobe.id
https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
https://thebalisun.com
@Jackie Pomeroy – Bali Covid-19 Update
The Lombok Guide / face book page
Help contribute with more accurate information, Please contact us
Hello Bali lovers and here’s a collection of information we have gathered to help keep you up to date with the situation here in Bali and surrounding islands. We know everyone is anxiously waiting for Indonesia to give us the all clear and a return to some kind of normal. How ever with the latest news we are reading from different outlets it seems like we still have quite a long way to go.
The number of infections in Bali continue’s to grow. Currently as of this morning the number of “official” positive cases of Corona Virus here in Bali now stands at 659, that is over 100 new cases since our last report on the 7th. The number of fully recovered patients is now at 424, over 50 more recoveries in this same period. The number of deaths here in Bali also remains at 5 and there have been some reports of controversial deaths not being included in this total.
In this mornings Bali Covid-19 on Facebook there was a link to a controversial and critical review that was alarming from https://asiatimes.com/2020/06/indonesias-new-normal-a-disaster-in-the-making/
The last 3 days in Indonesia there has been over 3,000 new positive cases on Corona Virus. At the same time a lot of restrictions have been started to lift in some area’s that have been less affected. Domestic travel is one of the restrictions that has been eased through air and sea ports. The number of “official” positive Corona Virus cases in Indonesia has now reached 35,295 with 12,636 recovered patients. Sadly the death toll in Indonesia has now reached 2,000.
Here in Bali it’s been well documented that there are a lot of westerners blatantly ignoring the social distancing and wearing of masks. Westerners are not immune to the Corona Virus and now we are also seeing more of these “happy go lucky” people ending up sick and in Corona Virus quarantine. The Canggu area of Bali being the worst for this undisciplined behavior. For many people here on island I’ve talked to the general consensus is that we seem to have been making one step forward and then one step backwards. Indonesia’s testing for the virus still remain right down the bottom of the list, not yet reaching the Presidents goal for 20,000 tests per day.
Another article from the Jakarta Globe does not paint a very good picture of our situation. https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-moderately-unsafe-in-pandemic-report
Bali’s beaches still remain to be officially closed, but there still seems to be area’s of Bali where you can get in for a quick surf or swim as long as social distancing is taken seriously. Not as we have seen up in the Batu Bolong / Canggu area. This area continues to keep shooting itself in the foot so to speak and the authorities are just about fed up it seems. https://thebalisun.com/police-will-patrol-bali-beaches-after-tourists-continue-to-disobey-health-orders/
I also have to say that the amount of local domestic traffic of an afternoon turning up at the beach has been scary. The problem being with Kuta and Legian’s beaches closed it seems like a lot of locals from other surrounding areas of Tuban are now making their way here. I’ve been down the beach most afternoons with my son, slowly getting some work done getting my fishing boat sea worthy. We have also been feeding a few of the local dogs that live on the beach, these guys also help guard our boats at night time.
Over on the islands East of Bali namely Lombok and Sumbawa, NTB(https://www.facebook.com/TheLombokGuide/) the toal number of “official” positive cases stands at 868, 740 from Lombok and 120 on the island of Sumbawa. The total death toll in the NTB has increased to a now “official” total of 32. Even with the increase in numbers Lombok and the Gilis Islands are also pushing ahead to open local tourism
Ok not a lot of good news in today’s report but this is what is happening here in Bali and surrounding islands at the moment. Stay tuned and we will do our best to help pass on any information coming out of Indonesia.
Peace & Prayers from Bali
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
7th June 2020
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from
https://jakartaglobe.id
https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Cathy up at Berawa
@Jackie Pomeroy – Bali Covid-19 Update
The Lombok Guide / face book page
Help contribute, contact us for more information
Hello Bali people and thanks for stopping by for a little more info on the Bali Corona Virus scene, at ground level. First up the local feel here in South Kuta and up through Kuta and into the Legian area is still very very quite. In South Kuta / Tuban we have a more local feel and atmosphere so there are people out shopping for necessities, exercising, walking, push bikes etc. But as you move up into Kuta which is basically tourist driven it’s dead as a door nail. All the shops are closed except for a few bars and cafe’s but not too many people using them. All though I did see a few hard core drinking type expats taking advantage of the open bars. Legian around the Padma st and North Padma (Utara) st area’s are also flat lining, once again this area is mostly Aussie tourist driven. But as you get up towards Seminyak, always a European strong hold, things are a lot different and a big contrast from Kuta / Legian. I also hear that the Berawa to Canggu area is alive and kicking..
Tuban through Kuta to Legian is still classed as “green zone” which means no known Corona Virus cases. while up in the Berawa through to Canggu area it is classed as “red zone” meaning known Corona Virus cases. What the authorities really don’t want is people from “red zones” traveling around and putting green zones at risk, with spreading the virus. But it does seem that there is a type of westerner here in Bali that are hell bent on traveling around looking for “holes in fences” or no security where they can access the beach.
On the beach scene early last week a lot of people had their hopes up when a couple of beaches were open up to the public. But it was short lived with the Governor ordering them to be closed, as the number of positive Corona Virus cases as predicted with the return of domestic island travel is on the increase. Hopefully it won’t be to much longer and all our beaches will be re opened and we can “all enjoy the fresh air and salt water” on our bodies again.
The last few days here in Bali the number of official positive cases has reached a highest to date number each day. Today the 7th and we again have a new all time high, with positive infections reaching 33 and only 2 new recovered patients. This brings the total number of cases in Bali to 557 positive cases with 371 recovered patients. The number of fatalities in Bali “officially” stands at 5, just quoting numbers. Across the board Indonesia also hit an all time high with the number of new Corona Virus infections at 993 in the last 24hrs. That takes Indonesia’s total to over 30,000 cases with almost 10,000 recovered cases. The death toll in Indonesia now stands at 1,801.
Bali’s neighboring islands to the East of Bali (NTB) namely Lombok and Sumbawa also continue to see the number of cases and fatalities on the rise. The last up date from Lombok (The Lombok Guide / Facebook) was on the 5th of June and they said there was 72 new positive cases recorded “officially” and 7 more fatalities from the virus. A reason for concern being that the age of the deceased were only aged between 40 and 60.
Indonesia, thanks to the Presidents push he number of daily tests being carried out has grown past the first target of 10,000 tests per day. The President is now targeting a goal of 20,000 tests per day in order to help contain the spread on the Coronal Virus. East Java and the Jakarta area’s continue to be the hardest hit.
Right across the board here in Bali there has been no change in the employment sector. There are still 10’s of thousands of people out of work, both directly and in directly. Some people have been “lucky” and still maintain 50% work and there fore still making 50% of their normal salary. But how long employers can continue to help carry their staff only time will tell. We still have a long way to go, still in round one with the Corona Virus.
Schools are still closed in Bali currently in end of year holidays, usually resuming mid July. According to the latest news from Jakarta the kids will not be going back to school, and continuing on line / TV learning when the new school years begins again in July.
Anyone looking for flights in or out of Bali contacting the airlines directly is always going to be your best and most accurate way to get the information. Indonesia is not issuing any new VOA’s / Social / KITAS / KTAP Visa’s until further notice.
Ok then friends of Bali we hope your doing the best you can, times are tough for most of us here on island and we look forward to when Bali can re open to tourism and everyone safe again.
Peace from Bali
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
31st May 2020
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from
https://jakartaglobe.id
https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
@wartanakuj tibubenengvillage
cegahcovid19 Cathy up at Berawa
@Jackie Pomeroy – Bali Covid-19 Update
The Lombok Guide / face book page
Help contribute, contact us for more information
Hello everyone tuning in too see whats happening here at ground level with the Bali Corona Virus situation. Sorry about the delay but we have been concentrating on keeping our surfing community happy with plenty of old photos from our archive vault.
Ok well first up things are pretty much the same here in Tuban. Although I will say that there is a little more traffic on the streets and roads, with more people coming out. 99% of the local community all seem to be wearing masks, and there is no real reason why everyone can’t wear one. We have been lucky here in Tuban with no “known” cases recorded of Corona Virus. So no one in this part of the island really knows just how sick an infected person would be. So I do think that is playing a part in the increase in street traffic, foot and mobile.
Infections are still growing in Bali with “most” infected cases coming from returning cruise ship workers becoming positive and then passing on the virus. The current numbers of cases for Bali are now standing at 455, recovered patients growing to 328 and the death rate still remains at 4. So since our last up date on the 25th there have been 64 new cases (6 days) recorded. In that same period there has been a total of 35 full recoveries and no new deaths. To me that looks like a big increase in cases and a much smaller rate of recovery over the last 6 days, and a bit of a worry. For more detailed info on Bali along with updates on Immigration and Airlines please take a look at the most dedicated Bali Corona Virus information provider @Jackie Pomeroy on Facebook (Bali Covid-19 Update)
The next 2 weeks we will be watching the numbers very closely. With the return of domestic workers from Java and the expected arrival of another cruise ship or two into Benoa Hr here in Bali. The national stats of Corona Virus across Indonesia now stand at over 25,000 “known” cases with over 7,000 full recoveries. While the fatality number continues to grow, now at 1,573.
Lion Air one of Indonesia’s domestic airlines has now grounded all domestic flights in Indonesia until July at this stage. The reson stated was due to far too many Indonesians trying to board flights without the required “PCR” test and travel / work required papers. Over to Bali’s neighboring islands of Lombok and Sumbawa the number oif infected cases have also been growing fast the last few days. With already 10 deaths in the NTB area. Lombok’s airport was closed and then re opened last week but has now been closed again for a 1 month period for domestic passengers. Most popular surfing beaches in Lombok have also been closed to the public (The Lombok Guide / Facebook)
Back to Bali our beaches still remain officially closed, although some locations are not enforcing the closure and hopefully keeping an eye on the social distance rules. We were hoping to see the beaches re opened on the 29th but now there is “talk” of them being opened (with restrictions / rules) as early as tomorrow the 1st of June. Likewise with restaurants etc they are slowly starting to re open but with rules and restrictions in place at the majority of venues that I have seen.
Ok that’s about us for this up date, we hope this info to be correct and relevant as possible with these rapidly changing rules and information. If you do have any new information or corrections please let us know and we will make any changes needed.
Thanks again and peace from Bali / Indonesia
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
25th May 2020
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from
https://jakartaglobe.id
https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Help contribute, contact us for more information
Hello friends of Bali and thanks for dropping in for our latest “ground level” up date from your beloved Bali. Ok well if you have had a look through these latest photos you will know just how “dead” Bali still is, especially from Tuban to South Seminyak, normally the heart of international tourism. It really is lifeless, compared to the usual hum of traffic and laughter in the streets of Kuta especially.
I took the majority of the street photos on a trip up to the carefour supermarket and on another trip to Seminyak on the same day, 23rd of May. A friend had sent us some money so I was at Carefour stoking up on some food supplies, the stuff we can’t get at our local market. My trip to seminyak was to meet with a top man, who like is minded as myself. Together we are thinking ways to help raise some more money for the people doing it harder than ourselves here in Bali. It was a productive meeting and hopefully soon we will have a win win situation for everyone.
More on this project as we get more organized. Because even if Bali’s borders may soon be reopened, according to most sources this could be as early as next month. Domestic Airport Terminal and Western Ferry terminals will reopen to the public as early as the 28th of May. Then maybe, even the International Terminal at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport may re open. But that said, these options will not really make a lot of difference to the people of Bali who rely on the Tourism industry to survive.I think at this stage if the International terminal is re opened we will probably only see an influx of Chinese tourists that only spend their money in Chinese owned and run businesses, not with your average Balinese operators.
It’s also a bit of a worry with the Bali ferry terminal being opened up to the publc. With the last week seeing the highest rate of infections in Indonesia since the start of the Corona Virus Pandemic, around 3,000 new positive cases in the last 4 days. Some say it is a little too early to re open the borders and may see all the hard long days of isolation that most people here in Bali have gone through, undone. I guess the next few weeks will tell, lets keep our fingers crossed and heads down.
The latest figures on the Bali Corona Virus now stand at 394 “known” positive cases. The recovery rate is still looking good at 293 from the total and also still only 4 fatalities. These numbers look great but like most residents of Bali we would all like to see some large scale free screening. As it stands at the moment if you want to get a PCR or Rapid Test you need to pay for it. Ironically everyone here in Bali except a small minority are just about broke.
There’s also a couple of photos I took while down at our local beach which is also officially closed to the public. Although fishermen and boat owners still need access. Well on the 22nd of May I was down there doing some work to my boat and the beach was deserted except for a few of my fishermen mates. Then yesterday the 24th there were a lot of European Westerners out swimming and sunning themselves. Something we haven’t seen down here since the start of the Pandemic. I think with the crack down on closed beaches in the Canggu area these people are now working their way down to our quite beaches where they can still get onto the beach and out to the Outer Reef surf. These people really don’t have a valid reason to be out of their area I don’t think. But anyway I think the Governor will re open the beaches again on or around the 29th of May. With the re opening of the Domestic flights and ferry terminals on the 28th it all adds up.
Thanks again everyone and we do hope to see you all back here on the Island of the Gods in the near future.
Peace from Bali
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
21st May 2020
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from
https://jakartaglobe.id
https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Cathy at Canggu. Moni at Legian
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Hi everyone and thanks for taking the time out to see how we are faring here on your favorite holiday destination of Bali. Well apart from that most people are still complying with the governments request to respect social distancing etc, not that much has changed. Denpasar, Bali’s capital city and probably the islands most densly populated area still remains in partial lock down. All area’s of Bali people are required to wear the PPE face masks, and occasionally some “road block” check points have been in place, but not all day everyday.
The beaches remain officially closed due the Corona Virus but many surfers, local and tourists are still finding ways and locations where the closures are being flaunted. It really appears to be the case that a vast majority of international visitors here in Bali only seem to be concerned about the beach closure and not being able to surf. Not the fact that a lot of locals right across the island are finding it hard to pay bills or provide food and clothing for their families.
I did hear that Serangan beach was going to be re opened today the 21st for surfing ? But with no actual beach acess only access by boat at Rp100,000 per person. While Moni up in Legian area had heard that Legian beach was going to be opened for beach access only yesterday. But she has texted me this morning confirming (heart broken) that Legian beach is in fact still closed to the public.
Bali’s Domestic Terminal at the airport has been opened but not to the general public at this stage. There have been exceptions for business people, politicians, compassionate reasons and essential service people. I also think the same rules apply at Bali’s ferry terminal / sea port. But within the first few days the Bali Police had arrested quite a few scoundrals selling fake certificates of health at the ferry terminal for as low as 5 dollars a copy. If things improve their are plans to reopen the International Airport next month with some major hotels taking bookings for next month. But I still don’t think we will see any “bread and butter” tourism from Australia till much later in the year. For a long time most of the surfing community area’s depend on Australian visitors and their healthy holiday spending traits in Bali.
Yesterday the 20th of May Indonesia recorded it’s highest daily number of Corona Virus infected cases, 693 so there doesn’t seem to be any sign of the curve flattening out as yet. Here in Bali there are no numbers on testing, and the infection curve continues. Currently there are now 371 positive cases with the good news with 276 fully recovered patients, fatalities still remain at 4. The Nations official numbers are not at 19,189 positive cases, from this number 4,575 full recoveries and the fatality count has rose to 1,242 as of yesterday.
Ok that’s it for today’s news but if anything changes in the near future I will post the latest either here or in our Bali surf and weather reports on baliwaves.com
Peace from Bali
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
16th May 2020
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from
https://jakartaglobe.id
https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Hello everyone and thanks for dropping in to see what the latest news is on the Bali Corona Virus situation. Well The scene here in Bali is still similar to our last up date. We are seeing more people venturing out on the streets and I have loaded a video into this up date to give you a better idea how things look.
The video starts in Tuban and heads towards the International airport and shows hardly any people traffic walking or mobil. As we headed onto the Sunset Rd area moving towards the Seminyak zone the people presence become way more crowded with locals and a few westerners thrown into the mix. I’d have to say 95% of the people we say were wearing PPE face masks.
As we drove through kerobokan there were a lot more westerners riding and walking and a lot more people not wearingthe standard face masks. The peak area was in the Berawa to Batu Bolon area, lot’s of westerners cruising around and hanging in cafe’s and coffee shops, social distancing was breaking down. But up in the Echo beach area down towards the closed off beach barricade it was a ghost town.
The return trip home was pretty much the same and you can see as we get through seminyak and down into the Legian, Kuta and Tuban there was hardly any cars, bikes or foot traffic to be seen.
The latest numbers here in Bali as of this morning was showing a total of 343 positive cases on Corona Virus. From that number we have had 232 fully recovered patients. The number of fatalaties still remains at just 4. Across the Nation the number of Positive cases has now reached 16,496 with 3,803 recovered patients. The nations death toll has now reached 1,076.
I also think that the number of tests bbeing carried out has been stepped up but has still a long way to go to get up to the Presidents desired number of at least 10,000 per day. I have not seen any statistics for the number of tests being carried out here in Bali.
The city of Denpasar has been semi locked down from the 15th of May and will continue to be monitored closely through until the 30th of May. Schools also remain closed with a lot of students now on end of year vacation (un officially). Bali’s beaches, bars and most restaurants also remain closed. These restrictions might start to be eased around the end of May or early June. Domestic flight restrictions have also been eased and there have been flights from jakarta to Bali the last few days, with some controversy. The Indonesian Government is also starting to shake up it’s manufacturing industry to help become more self sufficient with a #BanggaBuatanindonesia which means Proudly Made in Indonesia.
Bali Gofundme pages
Pre Bali Corona Virus days Medewi had turned into a vehicle that was transporting local Indonesians in it’s community forward into the twenty first century. But that all came to a grinding halt with the onslaught of the Bali Corona Virus. So with this in mind I contacted one of the founding members of the Medewi Boardriders Club and asked if they had any programs in place where surfers can help in the way of a small contribution to help everyone in their community. The local lads do have a gofundme page and have promised to send me the link shortly. So I’ll also get that up online for everyone ASAP. If you love surfing at Medewi and have a few dollars to help out then follow this link below please.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/pls-help-medewi-community-during-covid19-crisis?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
The good news from the charity fun raiser group at “Project nasi” that their money target figure has smashed their goal of AU$30,000 and currently at AU$36,684. So congratulations to everyone involved and most importantly to everyone who has made a contribution. You can find their link and some information about Project Nasi on this link
https://www.gofundme.com/f/project-nasi-bali-covid19
Ok that’s us for now and please don’t hesitate to send through any information if you know of any volunteer groups helping out, we would love to do our little part and help bring a little more public surfer awareness to them.
Best Regards and Peace from Bali.
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
13th May 2020
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from
https://jakartaglobe.id
https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Hi folks and thanks again for dropping in here to see how we are faring in your favorite holiday destination of Bali. Well if my eye have not been deceiving me I’d have to say I’m seeing a lot more people out on the streets both on bikes and in cars and on the street in general. The last few days I haven’t strayed far from home only one trip down the beach to bail the rain water out of my boat and another trip to our local supermarket. I also took my 12 year old son out for an early morning jog. He has been a good trooper since our self isolation started a few months back. But he needs to get back in shape for karate and soccer when they resume again. A few of the photos were taken yesterday morning and the a couple from down the beach the day before.
Hopefully by early June we may see a small return to normality here in Bali with the re openinjg of the beaches to surfing again. I believe the President has a “road map” in place to re start Indonesia’s economy as soon as it’s safe to do so.
First up here’s the latest Bali Corona Virus stats thanks to https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19 As of this morning the number of confirmed / positive cases here in Bali has continued to clime steadily and now at 328 in total (but note minimal testing has been done here) From that number there has been a very high recovery rate of 215 people and still only 4 fatalities. While across the nation the number of positive cases has reached 14,749 and from that number 3,o63 fully recovered. Sadly Indonesia’s death toll surpassed 1000 over night and now stands at 1007.
Right across Bali it has been well promoted that everyone should be wearing PPE face masks. Yesterday morning while my son and were out jogging (wearing our masks) the only two people out of maybe 50 that we saw not wearing masks were two young fair skinned westerners (remember there are but a few hardy Aussie / Kiwi and US expats left here in Bali) riding a motorcycle with surfboards in their racks. Flaunting the “closed beaches and wear a mask” protocol / directives from the Balinese communities. Part of the reason why the Balinese are becoming irritated by foreigners thinking their rules don’t apply to them.
The good news from the charity fun raiser group at “Project nasi” that their money target figure has smashed their goal of AU$30,000 and currently at AU$33,825. So congratulations to everyone involved and most importantly to everyone who has made a contribution. You can find their link and some information about Project Nasi on this link
https://www.gofundme.com/f/project-nasi-bali-covid19
But you know it’s not just in the main tourist areas that people are genuinly hurting from lack of tourism work, either directly or indirectly. Another very popular area comes to mind that had basically only grown to what it is today through surfers, and that is Medewi. Pre Bali Corona Virus days Medewi had turned into a vehicle that was transporting local Indonesians in it’s community forward into the twenty first century. But that all came to a grinding halt with the onslaught of the Bali Corona Virus. So with this in mind I contacted one of the founding members of the Medewi Boardriders Club and asked if they had any programs in place where surfers can help in the way of a small contribution to help everyone in their community. The local lads do have a gofundme page and have promised to send me the link shortly. So I’ll also get that up online for everyone ASAP. If you love surfing at Medewi and have a few dollars to help out then follow this link below please.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/pls-help-medewi-community-during-covid19-crisis?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
Remember the Bali Corona Virus has pretty well affected all of Bali and as we find charity fund raisers and charity groups doing their best with volunteer workers to help the needy we will publish their info for them, it’s the most we can do at the moment as we also are just managing to keep the lights on and our children fed.
Ok that’s us for now and please don’t hesitate to send through any information if you know of any volunteer groups helping out, we would love to do our little part and help bring a little more public surfer awareness to them.
Best Regards and Peace from Bali.
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
8th May 2020
Thanks to Cathy, Moni and Jack for their contributions
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from
https://jakartaglobe.id
Bali Covid-19 public Facebook group
Hello everyone from here at ground level in Bali. Another few days have passed and not a lot has actually happened, except the number of infected cases to slowly keep creeping up and the number of recovered patients also growing even faster. Just for the record thanks to Jackie Pomeroy of the Bali Covid- 19 public group on Facebook. The total number of confirmed cases in Bali now stands at 300, fully recovered patients is now at 195 and that sure is reassuring for us over here to see such a high recovery rate. Bali’s death toll still remains at 4 leaving a total of 101 active cases under supervision.
Jackie has also cleared up the concern of the 400+ cases in a Bangli village that tested positive (seen on most international news channels). According to Doctors the tests taken were apparently taken by faulty test kits. After taking more reliable “swab” tests all the positive cases were then recorded as negative. The initial positive results resulted in a whole village being locked down until the “swab test” results were returned.
Locally in the Tuban to Nth Legian area the streets still remain to be quite and almost deserted. But on my outing yesterday to Canggu it was a while different ball game. It looked to me like it was almost business as usual with many warungs and small businesses open. I also saw westerners sitting around in cafe’s. Each suburb you enter clearly displays that PPE face masks must be warn, the only people I saw that were not complying were westerners. While in the main Echo beach / Canggu area where beach access is blocked off it was like a ghost town.
Over on the East Coast our friend “Jack” sent us a couple of photos that show locals enforcing the face mask rules by making anyone not wearing a mask to do “on the spot” push ups. The punishment could be a lot worse, so I hope people do follow the protocols.
Cath up in Berawa / Batu Bolong area of Canggu texted me this morning and sent a few images. Cath said along that stretch of beach this morning there were well over 100 *surfers in the water and on the beach. Even though the area is closed to public use.
I think the “westerners” that frequent that area are a little disturbed that locals are allowed to surf in the mornings but they have been excluded. At most popular locations locals are still exempt and allowed to surf, which is strange.
I’ve been hearing conflicted info about the lifting of restrictions and businesses being allowed to open and even when schools re starting. I guess we will know when we know.
One good thing is that Project Nasi the main charity group working hard to help feed needy people in their area is fast approaching their gofundme target of AU$30,000. So if you haven’t chipped in and can spare a few dollars please give them a shout out.
Find them on this link below
https://www.gofundme.com/f/project-nasi-bali-covid19
Ok thanks again for taking the time out to drop by, I also have some street scene video footage to edit up and load into this section soon.
Stay safe and follow the protocols, Peace from Bali.
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
4th April 2020
Thanks to Cathy and Moni for their contributions
Bali Corona Virus stats and article information from https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-mass-produces-covid19-testing-kits
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Hello everyone and sorry I haven’t up dated the last few days. I have had some pain in the butt head aches, and I’m not sure whether they were cause by my depression or if it was the head aches that caused my depression. Maybe a little combo of the both I’d say.
I do have to say that here in our sometimes busy sometimes sleepy little suburb of Tuban it has been very quite in the way of street / people traffic the last few days (photos). What I am also seeing is a very high proportion of people wearing PPE face masks. The local Pecalang have also totally shut down our beloved Kuta Reef to Airport Left and told the local boat drivers / reef taxis to not take any westerners out to the reef. They have also beefed up the barricade to the beach making it impassable with a locked gate for fishermen only access.
But on the “local” social media I’m seeing our local “pecalang” Balinese Security Teams needing to act further with more involvment to stop people from accessing beaches that have been clearly marked as closed. Apparantly down on the bukit and still up in the Berawa / Canggu area there is a certain type of tourist and local still ignoring the rules. The more they do it the more resound the Pecalang will become at enforcing the Governors rules.
A lot has happened over the last few days and I do have to say lots of reassuring news and a little scary news, but mostly reassuring. Firstly as most of you would have already heard on local and most International news channels. A large cluster of positive readings were recorded over on the East Coast near Bangli here in Bali. These were proven to be locally transmitted cases from a retutrning cruise ship worker who had not kept the best self quarantine discipline. He had been early tested on his return with a “quick test” that was negative at the time. It did result in a large amount of testing (results are still pending) and in the mean time left one whole village locked down in quarantine.
On the local news channel I also saw that the very popular “Sampurna” clove and tabaco cigerette factary (owned by Phillip Morris) in Java had to close down production after the COVID 19 virus has ripped through it’s factory, after testing it was found that there were over 100 positive cases and 2 workers had passed away. Leaving the company to quarantine it’s entire 500 workers. I’d also have to imagine Indonesia’s Bintang Beer company to be losing a big portion of it’s income with no Australian tourists here right.
There is also a chance that schools in Indonesia may not resume again this year and possibly not re open until January 2021. But that is most likely the worst case scenerio if the Corona Virus continues to spread.
On the good news front as of the 1st of May the Gilamanuk Bali / Java ferry terminal has been closed to public access. Only supply trucks and essential services permitted to cross. Effectively lowering the chances of transmitting any COVID 19 to Bali from Java and likewise from Bali to Java. This comes after the President asked for all Indonesians to cancel their plans of inter island travel to return to their villages for the Ramadan period. One image I saw of the Ferry Terminal was of bus loads of Indonesians trying to get across to Java from Bali but were not allowed.
More good news and Indonesia is now starting to produce it’s own COVID 19 rapid test kits here in Indonesia. Indonesia has struggled with testing because of a lack of rapid test kits but now with this great development it will allow Indonesia to pick it’s testing numbers to at least 10,000 per day.
On the Bali Corona Virus number as of this morning there are now 262 confirmed cases on the island. The good news is that of that number there has been 151 recovered patiants and Bali’s death toll still remains at just 4.
Thanks again for tuning into thy baliwaves again and we are trying to keep you up to date with their favorite holiday destination of Bali through these trying and un certain times. Hopefully the Gofund me charity people here in Bali will send us some up dates so we can get them to you in our next edition.
Stay safe and follow the protocols, Peace from Bali.
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
29th – 30th April
Thanks to Cathy and Moni for their contributions
Bali Corona Virus stats from https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Ok I hope everyone is coping as best as possible in this continued “Stay Home” period of our lives. Especially a big hats off to those here in Bali that are spending the large majority of their days at home, we’ve gone this long so lets see it out a little longer. I know first hand that it can get monotinous, repetative and boring, most dangerous of all, depressing. I’ve been through all of these symptoms but managed to get through with family, friends and pets. I think it’s really important to get into a routine and then stick with it, take your time with everything you do. Sit outside in the sun for a little while each day. It’s a big help if you have a garden to put around in. If you don’t have one, start one, grow any seeds you can find. Cut open a chilli, dry the seeds in the sun for a week or so and then put the seeds in the dirt and watch em grow, it helps.
On the home front here in the South end of Kuta down in Tuban my boy and I took our dogs for an early morning walk, I could see how depressed they were getting from not getting out on their usual regualr walks. So most of the photos we took around our little part of Bali, As you can see it was just about empty of people between 6.30am and 7.15am. I have to give eberyone a big pat on the back here in Bali for being so responsible and not out flaunting the rules and requests on the Balinese government.
Cathy up in the Berawa / Canggu area has let me know that the local Banjar in the area has been hard at work keeping the beaches free of traffic by installing fencing and repairing damged barricades from flaunters. Cath said there was only a couple of surfers (tourists) that had still made it onto the beach before being told to go home.
Moni up in Legian has also reported that the streets are all but deserted in the Kuta to Legian area. Moni also took a ride up to Seminyak and said it was quite busy with lots of shops and cafe’s etc still open for business.
Yes a lot of shops are now starting to re open but have strict rules of “no face mask no entry” Most of these small businesses also provide hand sanitizer before entry as well, some even have digital temperature scanners.
For the record the number of confirmed positive cases here in Bali has continued to slowly climb and now at 215 as of this morning. Fantastic news with now 96 confirmed recovered patients and Bali’s Corona Virus death toll remains at 4. On the bigger picture Indonesia now has a total of 9,771 confirmed or positive cases of Corona Virus, there were 260 new cases reported in the last 24 hours and 11 deaths in the same period. Indonesia’s total number of deaths from Corona Virus has now tragically reached 784 in total.
On the local supprt front it’s great to see so many kind people helping out with ready cooked meals and food packages. Last up date I did I listed 2 outfits that have been doing a fantastic and tireless job at it, and today I’ve been contacted by a couple more. But to keep doing this work they also need your help. So if you can help out please spare a dollar or two and help Bali get through these extremely hard and un precedented times. Check the links below and make your own call or spread the love around because all these people are doing their best to help.
Kita Peduli
providing fresh cooked meals to those in need
https://gogetfunding.com/kita-peduli/
Project Nasi
delivering food supplies to local Banjars for distribution to Balinese.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/project-nasi-bali-covid19
Island Graze Bali
putting together weekly/monthly essential food packages to the many in Bali who are struggling
https://www.gofundme.com/f/bali-friends-help-us-feed-families-in-need?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
Another good friend of baliwaves has also contacted me and is also going to try and set up something where he can also distribute some fresh cooked meals to locals in his area. I’ll give you a follow up on Steve from Kingtrading’s progress next up date.
Ok thanks again to all you good folks tuning in and helping to make a difference in our Balinese friends lives. Stay tuned and we will do our best to keep bringing you news and up dates from here on the ground in Bali.
Peace & Harmony to you
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
Bali 28th April 2020
Thanks to Cathy and Josh
Hello again everyone and thanks again for taking the time out to see what’s happening here in Bali, in these extremely hard times. I think it’s time to forget about the fence jumpers and rule flaunters for awhile. I reckon they have given themselves enough notoriety for now.
As you know, Bali depends on you guys for holiday here Bali. Tourism makes up the majority of incomes and puts food on the table of a large portion of the population, right down the chain. As soon as tourism stops and the incomes quickly dry up (most Balinese live month to month, my family included) stress and depression soon set in. Parents trying to keep their families fed and bills paid are the No.1 priorities. The local Banjars can only do so much to help their communities.
So I have to give great respect and many thanks to people involved in the various charity groups here in Bali and all around the globe that are working hard to help bring relief to the Balinese. Especially to all of you that are generously giving donations to these groups, everyone here in Bali needs your continued help and support. So for today two outfits formed of mostly Ex-Pats here in Bali that are genuinely making a difference to help our Balinese brothers and sisters. I hope you can offer a little more generosity to these people, I know times are hard everywhere, so even the smallest contribution can provide big help to others.
The first of today’s 2 charities is a small group that are providing immediate daily relief by serving free lunch time meals. Since their business went quite Daniel and Hober dedicated their time and energy to help feed those who don’t have the means to buy food. Read on please.
“Kita Peduli was created to help those who need it the most. Our company closed over 6 weeks ago, so we decided to put our spare time to good use and feed our community”
“Since we started just over a week ago, we’ve fed almost 1000 people. Unfortunately, this crisis has hit the bottom the hardest and hungry people can’t wait. From talking to people that have passed by for a meal, it’s evident that this has effected much more than the tourism industry”
“We serve meals daily at our house in Dalung from 11am to 2pm. As a safety precaution, it’s a drive thru system, strictly no hanging around”
The address:
Rumah Mimpi
Dalung Permai Blok F/2
Br Lingga Bumi
https://goo.gl/maps/QN5JXKnwg2yNCaKB6
“We hope to be able to provide daily meals to the vulnerable for as long as we possibly can. If you can help us to sustain, Please consider donating as little as $1 at” https://gogetfunding.com/kita-peduli/
Daniel and Hober’s website link is
https://www.ashari.co/?fbclid=IwAR1QFE0t2izDJiSeIJBMQeFsGby2ZV9lUJn0vIbaFz0kkI4EB0y0PDgbsOo
Our secong group of tireless folk are running “Project Nasi” You can see all the information on their gofundme page, just follow the link down the page please.
Project Nasi
Project Nasi is about supplying the bare essentials to Balinese in desperate need of supplies, in order to help communities survive the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Nearly all of Bali’s population of 4 million are either directly or indirectly dependent on tourism, and most have now lost their jobs or are on leave without pay. There is no government welfare system to support them, and with a minimum wage of just a few hundred dollars a month, nearly everyone lives pay cheque to pay cheque with little or no savings.
Many of us consider Bali our second home and would love to give some support but don’t know where to start. If you can spare just a few dollars, that’s enough to make a difference to an individual or a small family, and will help the communities in our home away from home survive the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Money will be used to buy essentials like nasi (rice), mie (noodles), cooking oil, basic cooking condiments, fresh local fruit and vegetables, drinking water, water filters, soap, sanitizer, face masks, gloves, etc. which will then given be to the local Banjars to distribute to their communities.
We want this project to be as transparent as possible so that you can see the great impact of your donation. In this info sheet, which will be regularly updated, you can see where the money has gone to and how many people it has helped: Project Nasi Factsheet
If you have a spare dollar please donate, if you don’t have a spare dollar but have a spare minute please share, and if you’re feeling really generous do both!
Please note if you are having any issues donating or donating from Bali try using VPN it may help.
Thanks in advance for your support!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/project-nasi-bali-covid19
Ok here’s two groups of like minded people doing their best to show their kindness and support to Bali. Please help if you can or even if you can help spread the word around to your friends, any form of positive help will go a long way. If anyone knows of other groups or individuals please pass on the information to us and we will do our best to help get them more recognition and awareness.
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
Bali 26th – 27th April 2020
Thanks to Cathy for the Berawa / Canggu up dates
Bali Corona Virus stats from https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Hello again from Bali, our situation here has not changed much in the last 2 days except for the fact that the number of infected cases still seems to be growing steadily. That said the number of recovered patients is also growing and that sure is a positive sign. Just for the record the number of recorded positive cases is now at 186, not a huge leap but all the same the number is getting higher each up date that I make. The number of recovered patients is now at 75. The Bali Corona Virus death toll still stands at 4, 2 foreigners and two Indonesians.
Cath up at Berawa has reported that yesterday there was an abnormal amount of westerners all gathered and grouped up in the surf and lazing around for the sunset. Seemingly oblivious, or maybe un disturbed that Bali is going through a time of extreme health issues not to mention an economic crisis (see photos). This virus didn’t enter Bali by itself on a one way ticket right. No it was unkowingly brought in with out too much doubt from Europe. The first case here in Bali and death was an elderly woman from Europe.
Please don’t think I’m just Euro bashing because if it was Aussies or Americans etc etc I’d be writing the same words. But it is plain as day that the young European population here at present are clearly flaunting and blatantly disobeying the wishes of the Balinese local Government. Cath has reported that after some heated confrontations by both local security and Europeans that the numbers on the ebach had dropped significantly this morning. She also reported that the barricades and fencing had also been repaired, which probably played the biggest part.
While down under in Australia and New Zealand the Government seems to be well on top of the Corona Virus. They can thank the cooperation of the citizens that have been applying strict social distancing and the Stay at Home principle. I also think the the threat of large financial penalties has also played it’s part. Now they have just introduced a “tracker App” which is totally volantary to help alert the medical authorities if anyone comes in contact with an infected person. But first testing needs to be carried out in large scale numbers for that to have any affect. Bali is a long long way away from that stage. But these steps and practises are winning the war against the virus in Australia.
Down here in South Kuta with the Muslim Ramada period happening I feel the streets are much quiter. But then around 6.30Pm when they open their fasting period from 6.00am the streets are alive and very busy. No where near as busy as pre Bali Corona Virus times but noticably much more people traffic buzzing past on our main road.
Don’t forget if anyone here in Bali is not feeling the best and showing some of the symptoms we have listed in our earlier reports then give these phone numbers a try.
Emergency = 112
or
via Whatss App
+6281133399000
Ok friends of Bali thanks for stopping by the baliwaves website, keeping you close to Bali at ground level since back in 1999.
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
Bali 23rd – 25th April 2020
Thanks to Cathy for the Berawa / Canggu up dates and Moni who is locked down in Legian
Bali Corona Virus stats from https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Here in Bali, the day’s for me seem to be passing unusually fast, probably due to the fact that there is so many jobs to be done around the house and yard, plus the need to entertain my children as best as possible. The poor buggers haven’t been out of our home and yard since February thanks to the Bali Corona Virus situation. At least my wife and I have had a few trips to the supermarkets.
I also had two fantastic hour long sessions down at the beach working on my two old traditional fishing boats last week. (see photos) which was so exhilarating and mentally up lifting, I can’t describe the feeling. How many times have most of us just taken for granted our right to “go down the beach” it’s a bit like turning on the tap and having water (for most). I’m one of your old surfers, lived a great percentage of my life at the beach, it soothes my soul. But take that away and yeah depression can set in, and it was. It was 5 weeks since I made it down to the beach, but the need to service these old boats of mine overcome all. Pretty soon, soon as I can I’ll be joining my Balinese fishing brothers and we will be fishing to survive.
Not a lot has changed at ground level here in South Kuta, people wise it’s possibly a little quieter. I do think even though the President has advised for the Muslim population not to travel home for their Holy Ramadan period, many have. I’m not seeing the usual “sellers” on the street near our house of a morning (mostly Muslim). Plus the usual stalls where people sell the food to the Muslim people of an evening when their “fasting period” ends each evening, are not there. UP DATE, yesterday evening around 6.30pm I had to go across to the local supermarket to buy some instant noodles. There was in fact stalls set up for the people that were opening their Ramadan fasting. The crowds of previous years were no where near the numbers of last night, that pretty much does confirm a lot of the Muslim population in our area are not still in Bali. There was absolutely no social distancing happening with people packed in 4 deep to buy food from the stalls.
With the numbers of infected cases here in Bali slowly creeping up everyone needs to stay focused on the stay home theme, stay in your local area and only go out for essentials. I do feel just about all the Balinese are following protocol. I also do have to say that our European and Russian friends, not all but the younger crew still do not get it. Constantly they are flaunting the rules of Stay home and are doing their ut most best to give themselves and their fellow countrymen a bad reputation here in Bali. By moving or climbing over barricades that say “beaches closed to surfing” with their surfboards in hand.
Cath up at Berawa reported a big number in the water surfing and only a few responding to the call to exit the water from local security this morning. Cathy said around 50 surfers in the water in this area (see photos) Likewise here in Tuban. Moni reported seeing at least 6 boats full of Euro *surfers heading out to surf the reefs, packed into the boats like sardines. Yesterday I had to go buy some supplies at a big supermarket as I had planned to do a village drop off. Every person shopping and working was wearing a (PPE) mask. The only people I saw not wearing masks were 3 very smug looking European girls. The constant flaunting of these rules set down by the local government and straight from the President is only going to prolong our situation and make things harder on everyone that has been doing the right thing. All objects of tourism have been closed through until the 29th of May at this stage, that includes surfing all from the Bali Corona Virus that began in China and then transited to Bali.
BTW the latest news from Jakarta is that from the 24th of April all air and sea travel is cancelled until further notice right across Indonesia. That also means Ferry’s and all domestic flights in and and out of Bali. With the exceptions of Indonesians being repatriated and Foreigners leaving. Also any emergency teams and services exempt from the groundings. This is a good way to help contain, and to keep out the Corona Virus and help Bali recover quickly.
Just for the record this morning the number of confirmed infections in Bali has reached 177, with 55 having been fully recovered. Bali’s death toll still stands at 4. The total number of infected cases in Indonesia has now reached 8,211 with 1,002 of these having fully recovered. The national death toll stands at 689, with 48 more deaths since yesterday. (these stats thanks to worldometers.info)
Today I had planned to make a relief mission up to our family village that is located in the foot hills of Mt Agung in the Karangasem regency. Even though my family and I don’t have much ourselves to give we do know our little village, that time forgot have far less. So I had planned to make a “drop off” of some basic food supplies to one of the possibly less fortunate area’s of Bali. But news came to us last night in the way of a phone call “from home” asking to cancel as the area had become a “red zone” with a new case of Corona Virus reported close by. I was still going to make the run, I planned to be in and out like a flash. But what has stopped me is the possibility of getting into our village, then not being allowed to exit and return to my family.
There are some large districts and a lot of smaller villages that have been locked down here in Bali. All of Singaraja has been, now Karangasem, no one allowed in, no one allowed out. This also happened in Australia, locking down borders. Now look at the situation there, the Australia Gov seem to have the Virus under control. Should Bali follow suit and put more “local” lock downs in place ? I think we are slowly getting there. I also here that Indonesia thanks to the Government has now “beefed” up their Corona Virus testing program with around 12,000 tests being carried out each day !
Terima Kasih teman teman (thank you friends)
Peace from Bali
Bali Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
Bali 21st – 22nd April 2020
Thanks to Cathy for the Berawa / Canggu up dates and my wife for the Bali morning market photos. Bali Corona Virus stats from https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Ok so the weather here in Bali continues to be picture perfect for this time of the year. We are seeing hot and humid day time weather and some early evening or night time showers. The only thing missing here is you and your friends.
Here in the Southern end of Kuta everything is still very quite and the majority of people are doing the right thing by staying home and keeping their social distance. Also by wearing PPE in the way of face masks if needing to go out for essentials. My wife had to go to our local fresh food produce market locally known as a “Pasar” to get some fresh veggies and rice. As you can see in a few of the photos she took that business is still very quite at 7.45am. Importantly most people there were wearing their face masks.
The number of known infected cases in Bali has crept up a little to 150 as of this morning. Good news is with the number of recovered patients has grown to 42, which is over 25%. The Bali Corona Virus death toll also still stands at just 3.
A lot of expats have been mostly concerned as to when Bali will re open beaches for public access. News has just been issued this week that the closures will continue through till towards the end of May, at this stage. Even then it’s not a certainty and I’m sure the authorities will make the right call due to the data that is available to them. The most complaints / objections I’m seeing on social media is from the younger European and Russian surfers that are still here in Bali. Most of which are still doing their best to circumnavigate the barricades to get to the surf. Normally I’d be one of these surfers. But times and reasons for these closures are very very different and very serious to help control and contain the COVID 19. As it clearly shows, the countries around the World that have been strict with the social distancing laws are the countries that have the fasted rate of recovery.
On the beach scene Cathy up in Berawa has reported in this morning saying that whilst she was out on her ealy morning walk. Cath tells me that she always wears here PPE mask and avoids any people on her walks as possible. This morning Cath reported at least 40 surfers in the water at Berawa and many people out on the beach. Mostly younger Westerners.
Here in my part of the World I’ve had a couple of trips down to the beach (400mtrs away) only to service my old fishing boat. trying to get her sea worthy so I can fish for food. Even though there is a barricade blocking the main entrance onto the beach it didn’t stop a couple of young Europeans from climbing over it with surfboards. Most of my old fisherman friends have also been down there tending to their boats, all knowing that they will be fishing to survive more than ever now.
There was talk or high hopes in some sectors that Bali would be welcoming tourism from China, Japan and South Korea back onto the island as early as June. This morning I read on a local website that the Balinese authorities in charge of the Bali Corona Virus situation has reassured everyone with a press release that ridding Bali and Indonesia of the Virus is their first and foremost objective, tourism can come later.
“It’s also good to see and hear that most Balinese have had some relief in the way of food packages being handed out from their local Banjars. But you must be a full member to qualify (Br Adat member). For example you can only receive food relief from your families (place or origin) Banjar. My family and myself included are full Banjar Adat members of our family village”
“Unfortunately to get that food relief, like many others in similar situations we would need to drive 3 hrs each way. The financial cost of the petrol would be greater than the cost of the relief package, Catch 22. To survive we have been pretty well left no other options than to use the rent money we had saved to extend the lease where we live. I’m also thinking about setting up a fundme page so that we can also try and survive and help others in similar situations as my family”
Those last couple of paragraphs were from my last Bali Corona Virus post 2 days ago. That said and done even the Balinese that are receiving a small amount of very very basic food packages, it’s no where near enough. Especially to keep one’s family healthy and immune systems up to scratch people need more than eggs, rice and noodles. Do you think you and your family could live on that, for months on end ? Then there’s the electricity bills, medicines / Doctors, rent, car / bike payments, etc etc etc. I’m sure there are plenty of readers out there that do have good “family like friends” here in Bali and I’m sure many of you are offering some financial support, and much respect to you for doing so.
But, many are not getting any help, many don’t have savings although I’m sure some do. In regards to selling off possessions it’s just not an option, no one has any money to buy, food and keeping the lights on etc are everyone’s first priority. We all can imagine that it would purely be a buyers market anyway. I’ve found from personal experience that once you do sell something you don’t get it back, and worse off for it in the long run.
With this in mind baliwaves is going to try and organise a gofundme page to try and help provide a little cash to our local community for starters that might help paying basic house hold bills. We would also assess where needed with help to those struggling with medical bills, my family included given we do get your support.
I feel the time to start acting is now. Even though we are only a few months into the Bali Corona Virus people are already very depressed in my circle of friends from financial stress. The local people that I associate with here in Bali are just your average low wage earners, I’ve never been part of the “ex-pat” scene as I prefer to get down and dirty Bali style. I think that’s how I’ve managed to make so many Balinese friends over the last 25yrs.
Just for the record, I moved to Bali 25yrs ago after being between jobs in Australia. I was down on my luck with 5 dollars to my name when a friend offered to cheer me up by buying us a couple of beers. He also asked me to put my last 5 dollars into an old pokie machine. Being a fairly happy go lucky (still single) leave it up to the luck of the Gods and hope type of guy I had no problem with it.
To cut a long long story short my 5 dollars won us 7,500 dollars and with my share I bought a ticket to Bali and landed here with just under 3,000 dollars in my pocket. I fell in with the local fishermen here in South Kuta and they adopted the Aussie who wanted to learn their traditions and culture. Help with their boats and nets etc etc. My 3 grand ended up going to buying an outboard motor and a motorbike to be able to get to the petrol station in order to fill the boat tank. Then I was able to fish for a living. I’ve had no trust fund or inheritance behind me, just a mostly level head and common sense to get me through.
I’ve lived here in Bali through some extremely hard and devastating times. From Jakarta riots, terrorist bombings, tsunami’s, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Not to mention Dengue fever and also a bout of Typhoid and countless number of fevers. But this Bali Corona Virus or COVID 19 looks like being the worst disaster Bali and the whole World has ever seen in a long long time.
Sorry for getting off track a little but I think it’s all kind of relevant to bring you up to scratch, for those who don’t know me, I am very grateful how my life is panning out. We will continue to do our best to help out with news and info from here in Bali at ground level as often as we can.
Peace from Bali
Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
Bali 19th – 20th April 2020
Thanks to Cathy for the Berawa / Canggu up dates and Bali Corona stats from https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Well we have had more beautiful weather again since my last up date and this morning is picture perfect. To make it even better we have had some evening rain to help cool and cleanse, and save me from watering the garden and tree’s as a bonus.
The weekend rolled through pretty slowly and it was good to spend more time with the family seeing as though the kids were not buried in school work. But now Monday morning and I can’t help but notice a lot more activity going past my window. But still no where near as busy as pre Corona Virus days. I do have to say it’s been a little boring and depressing in home self isolation. And I’m sure it wouldn’t be just me that’s feeling it.
But I am a little excited at the moment, with all the nightly rain we have had the last week I’m sure my traditional double outrigger Jukung (fishing boat) down on the beach would be in need of some bailing out. So I’ll mask up and go check her out and get a look at the ocean again. But that’s later on and something to look forward to, under normal circumstances it would be considered a “pain in the arse” I’ll make sure I grab a few photos to show you while I’m out.
The number of “known” infections here in Bali has jumped up to 135 from our last up date and some good news we also now have 38 people that have recovered from infection. The number of fatalities from the virus has increased to 3. But until we see wide spread testing being done I think that these numbers be lower than actual numbers.
Cath up in the Berawa / Canggu area has reported that she is seeing far less westerners trying to breach barricades to get onto the beach and far less surfers in the water. The local Banjars in her area have also set up check points and are stopping any people on the streets on bikes etc that are not covering up with face masks and handing out free masks to them. That’s great work and definitely a step in the right direction. Unfortunately it’s not happening everywhere in Bali yet.
It’s also good to see and hear that most Balinese have had some relief in the way of food packages being handed out from their local Banjars. But you must be a full member to qualify (Br Adat member). For example you can only receive food relief from your families (place or origin) Banjar. My family and myself included are full Banjar Adat members of our family village.
Unfortunately to get that food relief, like many others in similar situations we would need to drive 3 hrs each way. The financial cost of the petrol would be greater than the cost of the relief package, Catch 22. To survive we have been pretty well left no other options than to use the rent money we had saved to extend the lease where we live. I’m also thinking about setting up a fundme page so that we can also try and survive and help others in similar situations as my family.
For the Muslim population here in Bali I would imagine that their local Mosque or “Mas Jid” would be offering relief with similar packages to each of their community members. With Ramadan fast approaching it’s going to be hard for the Muslim population here in Bali in regards to “Mudik” travelling back to their villages in Java etc. For those that do decide to leave Bali they will have to undergo a 2 week quarantine period at their local major town in not your standard Aussie 4 star conditions to say the least. Then anyone who doesn’t have a Bali issued identity card (KTP) they may not be allowed to re enter to Bali. My neighbor and friend(Muslim) filled me in on this info yesterday, over the fence. If anyone else has any information on this we would be more than happy to hear it.
I think, I may be wrong, but we may also here some more news this week whether the beaches around Bali will be re opening, or the lock down extended. My view on that is that it would be ok if you live within close proximity of a particular beach to be able to access it without too much travel and interaction with others involved. But that will be up to the authorities to decide. Some salt water therapy sure would be good though.
Ok thanks again for tuning in and stay tuned and I’ll pass on any information I see or hear.
Peace from Bali
Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
Bali 18th April 2020
Thanks to Cathy, Moni and Ni Komang Ayu Wartini for contributions in this post. Statistics from https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19
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Hello friends and just a short up date to let you know Bali is still alive and kicking. Not a lot, well really nothing at all has changed. Most people are still isolating, some of the younger people are still complaining that they can’t live without surfing (I’ve been there before) and some locals are still carrying on trying to make a living out of the streets like nothing has happened.
There has been a few on going issue’s up in the Canggu / Berawa area’s (European hot spots) with some tourists knocking down barricades to get to the beach. There has been warnings issued in response and I don’t think it will be too long before financial infringements will be given out to offenders. It might just be a coincidence now that the local authorities are “cracking down” on offenders. But yesterday I did see quite a lot of young Europeans all walking with suitcases towards the airport (from my window at home). I’ve also heard of other similar like tourists heading to other islands to the East of Bali looking for lax rules on surfing. I just hope these people are not taking any unwanted baggage with them.
Once part 1 of my morning routine is completed I normally sit out in our front yard. It’s about 18 ft back from the road with a brink wall and gates that I can partly see through for my coffee break. I was doing a rough head count of who was and wasn’t wearing PPE (masks) and just about every girl that rode by was wearing a mask. Only about 20% of the males were wearing masks, macho thing maybe.
Just for the record the number of Corona infected cases here in Bali is still growing and I still don’t know one person that has had an actual swap or test done here in our part of Bali. The number of infected is now at 124 quite a jump since my last post. The number of recovered cases has also grown which is very good news, now at 36. The death toll still stands at 2.
Coming up very soon in Bali and right across Indonesia is the Ramadan period which will start on the 23rd or 24th of April and run through until the 23rd of May. The Indonesian government has asked the citizens to refrain from travelling back to their villages from where ever they may be. It’s not a direct order to refrain so I think with the large Muslim population here in Bali that many will make the journey back to Java.
That’s fine but we might see a spike in infected cases when the Ramadan period ends and these people return back to Bali. The end of Ramadan also has a week long national holiday called “Idul Fitri” This holiday period usually sees Bali’s roads choked with grid locked traffic from nationals on holiday. I do hope that this doesn’t happen this year. I think the main factor for most Indonesians is going to be keeping money for food and essentials only this year. But we will soon see.
Moni, Self Isolation in Legian
It’s been awhile.
As there are no beaches to visit, I decided I’d get stuck into another one of my loves while been in iso.
That is cooking…
Yep can you believe a qualified Pastrycook/self taught cook , hasn’t cooked since she arrived here in 2019 ( I have been back to Melbourne in that time)
So I went and got myself a two burner stove yesterday and have not stopped cooking since.
I’ve named her Joy, as she will bring me plenty of Joy through these iso days and save me from going completely cray cray in Bali.
You just have to find things that make you happy and try and do a little each day. We will all get through this together and come out bigger ( yep that’s me, fatty), better and stronger as one.
Stay safe until next time M
Ok so yesterday afternoon (17th) I walked to Kuta and back ( I need exercise). I saw security catch a young man ( looked local from a distance) on the beach.
By the time I walked back the police were there issuing what looked like a fine…
This is what it’s come down to as people are still jumping fences etc to get to the beach.
If we want the beaches to reopen we need to stay away simple as that….
Until next time stay safe M
Ok thanks again for dropping into the baliwaves and stay tuned and we will keep you as up to date as possible. Plus I’m continually digging into our archived surf photos and video files to keep that Bali surf stoke burning in everyone.
Peace from Bali
Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
Bali 14th – 15th April 2020
Contributions from Cathy and Chris up in the Canggu area and
Wayan from Kermas
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Hello everyone and seeing as though I’ve got the surfing element covered on baliwaves, new photos and video clip from our archived files of 2010. I better get you another “on the ground” up date on our situation here in Bali. As you know I’m in South Kuta, tucked away from the usual tourity parts of Bali but close enough to feel the pulse of Kuta and our surrounding suburbs.
First off hats off to everyone World wide who has been doing the right thing and staying off the streets, beaches etc etc and isolating away from other people as best as possible. It’s pretty darn obvious just watching or reading any international news that people spread this virus, not cats and dog or parrots etc, it’s people. So by limiting the amount of people you come in contact with limits the amount of risk your putting you, your family and friends in. As soon as anyone can come up with a working vaccine to the Corona the quicker we can return to normal life.
The more people keep interacting with others the longer it’s going to take, it’s basic mathamatics right. I see a lot of concern about certain cruise ships docking in Australia, many people very angry and concerned that these people were allowed off the ship. How the people were interacting in the community and possibly spreading the disease. Well, how can you catch the disease if you are not or have limited interactions. Much lower chances than people going about their merry way “routine exercising in public” etc etc etc. Not too mention going for a swim or surfing. Unless you live right on the foreshore ocean / river front you will have to come in un essiential contact of others and risk what.. ?
I know most everyone is different and many have “their” own opinions and ideas on our current situation, I guess I’m just an average citizen who follows the advice of more qualified people than myself. But basically it is nothing more or less than common sense that tells me to avoid un essiential contact. I’m not going to repeatedly waste my time or anyone else’s and sound like a broken record about foreigners and locals ignoring the closed beach status here in Bali. Or of locals congregating in warungs etc etc. But it is still happening.
Bali has always been known for it’s relaxed and easy going attitude and forgiveness of forinners. I think the time will have to come soon when they realize enough is enough and time to obey the rules like everyone else. I’m sure the Balinese want to get back on track and open to tourism again ASAP, but as long as this Corona Virus is in Bali it ain’t going to happen. We need people to obey the set rules and isolate, essiental travel only.
Just for the record the number of infections here in Bali has spiked again. Now we have a “known” 92 confirmed infections. Up from 81 in our last up date. I would love to know exactly how many people in Bali have actually been tested. I’m sure the “actual” number of infections is much much higher across the island, we just don’t have testing to know. The number of fatalities is still on 2, thank God. The number of recovered patients has grown to 21. The thing is from what I’ve seen everywhere else in the World is if the number of recoveries doesn’t increase the number of fatalities will. There was a total of 60 deaths since yesterday across the board in Indonesia an almost 30% spike in numbers since my last report. If these numbers follow this algorythme it’s going to be very very dangerous for everyone.
This morning and most mornings when I’m sitting in our front yard (walled in) drinking a well earned coffee. I’m still seeing truck loads, and I do mean trucks with the backs full of domestic Indonesian workers, off to work on some hotel etc construction site. I’m talking like 20 workers packed in like sardines in each truck and not one domestic worker wearing any PPE (mask) Then at the end of their work shift these same people are going to local warungs supermarkets etc etc. My advice people is to stay at home. It really does feel like your playing “Russian Roulette” just going to buy essiential food.
A lot of countries are now starting to “flatten” their death rate and infected case rate. Mostly by means of lock down and isolation that is enforced. Even in Australia the Governments are handing out heavy fines to those who don’t obey the rules. This needs to come in place In Bali. Our domestic airport is still open and many flights coming and going everyday. The International terminal is like a ghost town which is fine for this situation.
This morning I drove through the airport as my friend could not find a taxi or local transport driver close by and didn’t want to go searching all over the place. The domestic departure terminal was busy with lots of (I think) Indonesians returning to Java to possibly get ready for their Ramadan period. The problem is with parts of Java having a higher number of infections these people will more than likely be returning back to Bali at the end of their Ramadan. Possibly being unknown transmitters, self quarintine doesn’t work we’ve seen that unless it’s enforced. Bali needs to be made “unatractive” to everyone to keep people from coming and going freely.
Ok sorry for the essay everyone I’m just reporting what I’ve seen, and some of my thoughts. Peace and well being to everyone, hopefully we can get Bali back up and running again like it always has been. The best holiday destination in the World.
Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
Bali 12th – 13th April 2020
Contributions from Cathy and Chris up in the Canggu area
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Well I hope everyone staying home and isolating is keeping their sanity intact as best as you can. Officially it’s day 20 of self imposed isolation advised by our Governor here in Bali. While my children are somewhere close to day 30 of not leaving our house and yard. We have a large “play” area here where we live in a rented house so there is plenty of stuff for them to do, besides just play games on their phones. For those living in tight knit area’s it would be extremely difficult to keep the safe distance and true isolation.
Cath up in the Canggu area has been sending photos from up that way and saying that people are still breaking the law and ignoring signs saying beaches are closed. No we all know surfing is a healthy sport, God knows I’ve been a surfer for 50years. It’s the Newby westerners that are flaunting the rules. Rules are made to follow right, one rule for all is how it should be. I have also heard that even though the number of infections is starting to grow here in Bali that surfing may be allowed to restart soon. Me I’m just keen to get my boat back in the water and catch some fresh fish for my family.
Yesterday I had to make an emergency run back up to the Sunset road. Here in the Airport area of South Kuta around 1.30pm there was hardly any cars or bikes on the road. But as i neared the Sunset road up towards the back of Legian and Seminyak it was a another World, lots of cars and bikes. Foreigners and locals alike, noticably more Indonesians and many not wearing masks.
Just to give you the latest figures from here in Bali, officially we are now at 81 confirmed cases (no testing is being done unless patients are showing full symptoms) still only 19 full recoveries and the number of deaths remains at 2, thank God.
It’s great to hear the support of many of my friends reassuring us that they can’t wait to return to Bali and help show their support to their Balinese friends and families. But when will this be possible, no cure or vaccine in sight. I’m sure and certainly hope that our President won’t allow any foreigners back in to Bali unless their is a vaccine. I also think that will go right across the board for every country on the planet.
Then how will they check that you are in fact not a “silent carrier” of the virus. Will we all need a “virus free certificate” So I think it’s going to be a very long time before Bali and every country actually get to return to any normality. The older Balinese population won’t be as affected as the modern day Balinese who have heavily relied on tourism for their financial needs. Where the older population has never been in need of anything too fancy or flashy. Will food prices come down, they must. As no one will have paper money to throw around. With all this just starting to hit home in most locals the situation here in Bali will be simmering before too long. Many companies and small businesses are going to go under. There is no financial stimulus here in Bali.
So the quicker we can kill this virus the better off everyone in Bali and everywhere in the World for that matter will be. The best way is to stay home and try to avoid any contact. But everyone needs to eat, so just be careful going out and try to avoid any close contact. Follow the set protocols and respect and help others when ever you can.
Peace and well being from Bali
Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
10th – 11th April
Contributions from Cathy and Chris, the surfers ignoring the closed beach signage sent to me from a local Balinese surfer.
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Well I do have to admit from Tuban to Legian the number out on the streets seems to be getting smaller and smaller each day. I haven’t been out for a few days but from all news and reports it looks like most people are doing the right thing. But there is still an element of tourists that think they are here in Bali on vacation and surfing is on their to do list. On the same note there are a lot of Indonesians here also not following protocols. So all we can do is bunker down with our families and if this keeps getting worse wait for our leaders to start enforcing a lock down.
The two photos showing a guy and girl *surfers stepping over the baricade that stipulates that the beach is closed to the public is in fact happening at many beaches around Bali that have been closed. These type of people have no reasoning and believe it is their right to be able to go surfing while they are on vacation in Bali. The photos were sent to me from a Balinese local surfer. I’ve also been brought up today by a friend who lives in Denpasar City that life appears to be carrying on as usual. People out and about, shops and warungs all doing business as usual.
Here in Bali this morning it’s been a funny old day so far. First off we had a nice looking blue sky, then it clouded over dropped some heavy rain for maybe 5 minutes. Then more blue and sun shine. Repeat with more cloud and heavy rain for another 5 mins. Now at 11.10am we are back to blue sky and hopefully that where it’s going to stay. I can see our lawn growing way too fast with this kind of weather. But a bit of rain always feels cleansing a nice change from heat and humidity.
The latest news on the number of Corona Virus infections here in Bali has grown from 63 yesterday to 75 today. Recovered patients remains at 19 and deaths still at 2. While in the USA they are struggling with almost 2000 deaths a day the last few days. Likewise in Europe the numbers are still very high. Our problem here in Bali is not enough people are being tested to get more accurate numbers and I’m sure the actual number of infections is way higher. Many people would think they just have a common cold. But I also hear our Govenor has thousands of repid test kits on order.
Bali also suffered from a total lack of ppe, namely masks and hand sanitizer. They just all seemed to dissapear before we even had any known cases here, like many other countries also had the same problem. But it is good to now see many outlets selling the material masks and at resonable prices. So I hope the hoarders trying to sell masks on FB don’t profit from this pandemic.
Ok friends that’s about all I have for you this morning but stay tuned to the baliwaves.com and I’ll be keeping you entertained with more archived photos and video clips. Plus the odd old tale from my personal experiences here over the last 25yrs.
Stay safe and bunker down with your families.
Corona Virus, Bali Lock Down
8th – 9th April 2020
Contributions from Cathy and Chris, Ni Komang Ayu Wartini. Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Bali, this morning and weather and surf wise it’s probably just as good as it gets. The weather I can see and feel for myself, surfing news well I’m seeing plenty of surfing going down in great conditions from friends and FB posts and from our on the spot contributors. For my Family and me it’s almost Ground Hog month. Already I have to ask my kids what day of the week is. But that’s almost normal for me anyway.
The Outer Reefs here in Tuban, and the Canggu Pererenan areas although they were closed a few days back it seems all that has been forgotten and surfers are out there surfing. So I think that has just about gone out the window, un officially anyway. I do hope that the Banjars do regain control again.
Today’s photos were shot here in South Kuta showing empty roads and very empty usually bustling morning produce market. Cath and Chris sent us the Canggu / Pererenan photos.
There was also a lot of talks about Bali going into Lock down, like Nypie day but with lights and normal home life excepted. Most people I heard from thought it a great idea and a way to contain the virus in a small way. But the reality is that just a 3 day lock down would be almost futile and only token. Not a virus stopper being such a short time. I’m sure there would have been exceptions from essential emergency services, medical issues, live stock, farmers etc. But it won’t be happening it has been cancelled, for now.
The latest news from https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19 have updated their Corona Virus infection statistics and is saying that the number of infected cases here in Bali has grown from 43 yesterday to 49 today. Bali’s Death Toll still stands at 2 with an elderly and well known American surfer aged 65 passing away in his hotel room a few days ago. Information I’ve heard from his friends is that he had previously traveled to hot spots in the USA before returning to Bali. I was also informed that he had previously had some serious heart trouble in his past history. Very sad, but very real and things in my opinion and many others are that our situation is going to get very very serious here in Bali and right across Indonesia in the coming weeks.
Here in Tuban we are indeed luckier than other parts of the Tourist zones of Bali. It’s still very much noticeably more quite out on our streets close by the airport and also up in the Kuta / Legian stretch. But.. yesterday I had to go out in the car again for a very important task and drove along the main “By Pass” Highway and then onto the Kuta – Seminyak by pass highway know as the “Sunset Road”.
I was expecting to see an almost deserted road. How ever I was dissapointed to see Indonesian road workers (around 15 in one group) sitting side by side on the curb eating their lunch. I can’t say how many young aged lilly white skinned westerners (indicating that they haven’t been here long riding around on bikes and walking about, sitting in warungs and open resto’s, un masked. This area is known to be a very strong European destination and they all looked European to me. Look, it’s just not Westerners not heading the advice to only go out for essential needs that’s for sure. So we can’t just blame the young Westerners cruising around. No point blaming anyone at this point in time we have reached.
The time is fast approaching us where we will see if Bali has avoided a big death toll or not. Lets hope we have, but as we all know this virus holds no discrimination or preference. Everyone needs to stay calm and take control of them-self and their Families destinies right now.
Stay safe and Stay Home
Corona virus, Bali
Bali 6th – 7th April 2020
Contributions from Cathy and Chris
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Well I really don’t know what day it is or how many days my family have been isolating or only going out for essentials, we exercise at home and are not taking much for chance. The streets are still the same around here in Tuban with most people staying home and taking care of their families. But of course just like everywhere there are many people just going about their normal everyday stuff and I have seen a few un educated sneers when I’m outside spraying our outer walls with disinfectant each morning.
Well no matter which God you believe in I’m sure your God would like you to take some precautions for yourself and give him her or them a bit of a break. My family and I are Hindu and do believe in praying, offerings and respect. I’ve always been a little superstitious at the best of times. But the bottom line, or front line defense against this man made / created virus is ourselves. Then we can ask a little help from our God(s).
Our girl Cathy up in the Berawa / Canggu area has sent us some more snap shots from that area and I think many of you will recognize some of the streets. Again, Cath has told me of westerners grouping up around cafe’s etc etc. Not following the advice of our community leaders in Bali
The latest figures from Bali this morning thanks to
https://safecity.denpasarkota.go.id/id/covid19 are saying that there are 43 infected cases in total. Of the 43 total cases we have had 2 deaths and of the total cases there has been 18 full recoveries. Across the Nation of Indonesia we have a total of 2,491 infected cases, of that total 193 people have died and 209 people have fully recovered.
Around Bali especially here on the West Coast it looks like all of the beaches and surfing locations have been closed to all public. I have heard Keramas beach has been closed but as of yesterday I still heard of lots of surfing happening at other locations on the East side of Bali.
I have had my old outboard motor (purchased new in 2005) at our marine mechanics workshop since before our Nypie day on the 25th, I think it was the 22nd I took it there for a complete service. Yesterday I got the call to come and pick it up. So I drove up past Keramas almost to Karangasem and on the way I passed or saw so many surfers with surfboards and non surfers of western appearance on motorbikes it wasn’t funny. As I’ve previously mentioned, now that the West Coast has been closed to all surfers they are now travelling over to the East coast looking for beaches that are not locked down..
I also heard some news this morning that Bali will be in fact “Locking Down” starting on the 18th for at least 3 days. I think all families in Bali will be fine with this but then some westerners still here won’t be, bad luck as this is in every ones best welfare. Un like our “Nypie Day” Tv, lights etc etc will all be ok but the Balinese Government is calling for no one to leave their house or lodgings.
I also got a semi sarcastic and semi un educated comment this morning from Mark, but that’s fine I’m open to any comments as long as they are realistic and genuine. Not too mention from a real email address and not fake, I’m fine with that. But remember we don’t tolerate trolling or BS.
Stay safe and look after your families and friends, follow protocols and get through this in one piece. Thanks for dropping into the baliwaves.
BALI 5th April 2020
Contributions from Cathy and Chris, Ni Komang Ayu Wartini, Keramas Bordriders Club.
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Hello again from here in Bali, for anyone who is new to baliwaves.com We have been here on the ground Full time for over 25yrs and baliwaves has been keeping surfers from all over the World in touch with Bali at times when they can’t be here and in between soul cleansing surf trips, and that’s what we still do to this day.
Keramas Beach Up date; The Doktor who is a respected member of Keramas Boardriders Club texted through to me last night that Keramas beach is closed to the public and advises all surfers not to go there looking for waves.
Alright I’ve got some new numbers for you, first things first. So far to date there has been 25 Corona cases here in Bali. Still only 2 deaths as I mentioned in yesterdays up date. From those 25 in total there has been 10 people fully recovered. I have sourced this info off the web and how accurate it is well we just don’t know. Like the health authorities say many people may have Corona and not even know it. As in some instances the person may only experience some of the flu like symptoms and recover at home without even knowing they were infected.
Symtoms can be some or all of these
dry cough
runny nose and cold
fever or body temp over 38C
fatigue and muscle aches
Lack of appetite
unable to function
For those that have any of these symptoms but are still functioning ok it’s reccomended to STAY HOME. Even if you have one or two of the first stage symptoms you should be staying at home and not risking infecting others and further spreading the virus. If you must go out for medicine or food you MUST wear a mask and have as little contact with others as possible.
I was brousing around on the internet and I stumbled across some comments from tourists that have decided to stay here in Bali, seeing as though their visa is extended free. I think if the visa rules still applied 99% of these like minded people would have returned back to their own countries. But anyway their general common comment was that they didn’t want to risk going back to their countries and infecting their friends and families. Here in Bali they are not locked down and free to hang out and go out when they please. In their countries they would be quarintined and possibly under lock down, to minimise spreading and containing the virus.
Now my take on that is this. They don’t want to go home and risk infecting their friends and family but they are quite content to stay in Bali and risk infecting Balinese people and anyone else they may have come in contact with. As most of these people left their countries when this pandemic was already gearing up World wide. This is part of the danger Bali is now dealing with. What do you think.
Here in my neck of the woods I’m stoked they have shut down tourists from surfing out at Kuta Reef etc. The streets are still very quite and my wife reported on her trip to the local fresh produce market that it was super quite again. Indicating that the local Balinese of Tuban are mostly following protocol and staying home. Looking out my office window this morning so far I have seen 2 groups of Euro’s and quite a few Non Balinese walking by without masks on. When we all start to comply then we will soon see the end of this disasterous Corona virus.
Cathy up in Berawa sent through some more photos from her neck of the woods this morning. Each morning Cath goes out for a 10 min walk before returning home and spending most of her days isolating away from the Internationals still flaunting around. It’s quite common knowledge that all the beaches have been closed from Kuta to Medewi. But this is not stopping quite a few tourists from looking for beach access to go surfing. Pretty soon I imagine there will be serious fines issued, and so there should be. The message is, STAY at Home (please)
Ok thanks for dropping by and I’ll be back with more news and images from here in Bali as I get it. I’ll also be digging back into my surf photo archives again tomorrow to up date the baliwaves surf report page. So stay tuned with the original baliwaves (since 1999).
Sampai Jumpa Teman2
BALI 3rd – 4th April 2020
photos taken and received on 3rd – 4th April)
Contributions from Cathy and Chris and Moni.
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Hi everyone and I hope your doing ok, in good spirit and positive about how your handling the Corona Crisis.
Just for the record the latest Statistics I have heard from here in Bali is of 19 confirmed cases of Corona Virus and I think off the top of my head.. that there has been 2 deaths, 1 an elderly German lady and the other an elderly Indonesian National. Nb. I may be out of date with these numbers so if anyone has more accurate information please use the contact sheet instead of abusing us ok. Stay cool and calm please.
The Govenor of Bali and the President are still urging everyone to stay indoors and try avoid contact with others. This means no religous gatherings but Bali being Bali and Indonesia being the largest Muslim country in the World that’s going to be a tricky one I think. But as this goes on and possibly will get worse the Indonesian population will soon pull together.
All bars and clubs along with most restaurants in Bali have closed but many restos and warungs are still offering “take away” food for those who don’t have the facilities to cook themself. If you can it’s going to be much safer and more hygenic to cook yourself also it won’t put you in contact with as many strangers I’d imagine.
We are not in “lock down” but like I mentioned our leaders are reccomending to isolate. Most supermarkets and local fresh produce markets are still open and like most countries around the World only one family member should go out to get food.
Here on the West Coast of Bali our local Banjars and Police have been quick to act in closing down just about every beach and surfing location to public access to decrease the risk and spread of the Corona virus. I did here that the famous Keramas beach was closed to the public but this morning I have recieved news that there are surfers in the water. I think unless the beaches are controlled by responsible people setting an example and following protocol there are foreigners here that will abuse the advice of the State and Nations leaders. Please put your family, friends, neighbors and Bali first before you decide to go out and play in the surf.
This morning here in my local neighborhood things look pretty quite outside, especially for a Saturday morning. More and more locals are starting to be more careful, it’s also hard to go anywhere if you don’t have any money I guess. It’s still relatively early days of this man made disaster here in Bali and we still have a long way to go to get to the other side. Things will get worse I’m afraid so lets hope everyone pulls together and do their part in containing the Corona virus.
Cath and Chris who live near the beach at Berawa / Canggu said things are much quiter now that they are patroling the area to keep stubborn tourists off the beach. But anywhere there is a gap or unsealed access point some people are just not giving up. Maybe they think it’s their right to go surf or swim. I just think it’s plain selfish and arrogant, but some of us foreigners are just like that..
Moni’s Life in Legian
“I feel like my heart has just been ripped out from me…
They have closed my beloved Legian Beach, until further notice.
I understand why they have done it and it’s for our own health and safety, but shit what am I going to do now???
I am absolutely devastated, so can’t even imagine how all you die hard surfers are feeling…
Until next time stay Healthy, Moni”
Ok that’s us from here on your faborite holiday destination of Bali. Until the next up date, stay safe and be good. Stay in the loop with baliwaves.com as we are running some classic old video footage and old surfing photos out of our 22yrs worth of stock material.
Love from “the Island of the Gods”
BALI 1st – 2nd April 2020
photos taken and received on 31st March – 2nd April
Contributions thanks to Cathy and Chris, Moni, Wayan Kara, Andy, Ni Komang Ayu Wartini & Tyang.
Contact us if you would like to contribute to this up date
Hello friends and sorry I never got the time to up date here yesterday as I was, along with all my regular routines was editing some old archived surfing video footage from Serangan back in 2006. It’s on baliwaves.com if anyone has a spare 4mins 41secs to check it out.
Yesterday I did need to take a run up to the local pepito supermarket for some essientials and my wife also took an early morning visit to our local fresh produced markets. Both places are only around 300 – 500mtrs away from home and we wore masks and clear wrap around glasses, then returned straight back to the safety of home. Both locations were very quite and no problem with social distancing. Home really is the safest place to be, full stop, at anytime. That is unless you are in a bad relationship.. I’ve been there and so lucky to be where I am these days.
The streets here in Tuban, in my opinion, are the quitest they have been since this began. There is a little more activity for the early morning produce market. But now at 1.21pm I’m not hearing much traffic out on the main road which is only 30ft away from my office window. I have seen some strangers of European appearance wandering around yesterday, well a group of 4. That’s more than I have seen around here for quite awhile, none were wearing masks.
Up in Legian Moni has sent through her update along with a photo from Kuta / Legian beach that looks totally deserted. Moni’s up date is below this so keep reading.
Moni’s Life in Legian
“Today I’m feeling the heat here in Legian, it’s very humid, so I’ve had the air con cranking most of the day….
Then I decided to take myself for a walk as needed some exercise. Short walk today to Kuta market and back.
I have never seen Kuta market completely closed until today. Mind you I haven’t been there for awhile.
Then home to tidy my room and some food shopping out at carefore. I find carefore has the best bread and ham ( closest to Aussie stuff anyway) .
Made myself a delicious ham and salad sandwich…
The sandwich was so bloody good that I took a photo of it lol..
How I’ve missed my mother’s curried egg sandwiches..
Anyway stay healthy until next time M”
Cathy and Chris up in Berawa texted through to me saying that many restaurants are closed in their area. But, she mentioned there are still some open and the westerners that frequent them are not paying much heed to social distancing. Let alone any home isolating, in the proper sense.
I’ve had reports of solid crowds of surfers in the water over at Keramas and other locations on the East Coast of Bali. Now that the beachs are starting to lock down here on the West side I would imagine the more selfish international surfers will be flocking over that way. My mate and local fisherman Wayan Kara sent us a couple of images from Airport Reef and he said both Airport Left and Right along with Kuta and Middle Reefs were all showing crowds of mostly westerners. Even though some beaches are closed down on the bukit there are still some units accessing them via boat. Boat drivers chasing money from units hell bent on denying there is a World Crisis happening right now.
I’d love a surf more than any of those people.. but I love my family more.
Ok then peeps right now at 1.40Pm it’s a beautiful day here in Bali and the wind is fresh out of the ESE-SE. I hope everyone has everything they need and are following the protocols as best as you can. Until our next up date stay close to your families
Lots of love from Bali.
BALI 31st March 2020
(photos taken and received on 30th – 31st March 2020)
Credits and contributions, Cath and Chris, Moni, Worldometer, Ni Komang Ayu Wartini and tyang
Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Hi everyone and here’s another up date from your Bali. Pretty sad it’s come to this, outside here in South Kuta we have an absolutely beautiful day coming on. There’s been nothing but blue sky and right now at 1.35pm the temperature is sitting on 31 degree’s Celsius, Humidity is at 78%. The wind is also a fresh Easterly that reeks of perfection here on Bali’s West Coast. With all the smart people staying indoors just think how many waves are going through un ridden and that’s something we just need to tough out.
My wife had to go back to our local market again and she was good enough to snap a few photos from inside and around the front of the market. By all accounts it is very quite, with hardly even any locals. Although she did ask if it was busy earlier and told “only a little more” So that’s telling me that the average Balinese citizens are taking this very seriously. I have also have to make an emergency run to another supermarket later on so I’ll see how things are looking and report it in tomorrows up date. We also had the local Banjar come through our lane this morning spraying disinfectant from the back of a pick up, an hour after I already sprayed our walls and gates, hehe. I’m pretty sure this is happening all over Bali right now.
One friend texted through with photo from Keramas beach this morning where there was a solid crowd in the water.. surfing. It appears to me that the local Banjars are slowing shutting down all beaches here along the West Coast but the East Coast remains open.If anyone has any news on the East Coasts situation we’d like to hear it. Latest news off the beach over there is of solid perfect 3-5 foot waves.
Cath up in the Berawa / Canggu area of Bali made it down the beach for a secluded walk and said that it was virtually now like a ghost town since the NO SURFING rule came in. The East Coast had better hurry up and get on the program or all the young “hip” European learner surfers will be heading that way and bringing possible infections along with them. Most are doing the right ting and staying isolated. But there is quite a few with rocks for brains that are hell bent on going surfing and risking becoming infected or infecting others and then the snow ball begins right.
The over night World infection and number of deaths stats are still climbing and going up and down on yesterdays numbers. I’ve included a few screen shots from Worlometers website.
Alright I think it’s officially day 8 that everyone is supposed to be isolating and I believe the 2 week period has now been extended through till the end of May. People are already starting to do it hard here I’ve already had a few friends hitting me up for loans and it’s very sad that my family and I are in no way able to help out. We have been spending our rent money to survive as it is and things are not going to get better any time soon.
Please stay safe and stay at home as much as possible
contact us at baliwaves or feel free to leave a comment
Love from bali
BALI 29th – 30th March 2020
(photos taken and received on 29th – 30th March 2020)
Credits and contributions, Cath and Chris, Moni, Wayan Kara
Dewa Wenten, Canggu Community, Worldometer, Ni Komang Ayu Wartini and tyang Contact us here if you would like to contribute
Hello everyone and I hope we have all been doing our best to contain and stop the spread of the Coronal Virus. I wanted to get this up date on line to the public yesterday but I also had to up date our baliwaves.com website as well with more photos from our Bali archives that go back a long way. I’ll be digging back in there again from time to time just to keep the surfing stoke alive for you guys and what we can expect to get back into once the smoke clears and we get to the other side of this World Crisis.
Well first up while we are still on the surfing side. All around Bali the local authorities are closing down beaches to surfers. This is and should be happening World wide with the emphasis on STAYING AT HOME. I’m very proud of the majority of Balinese surfers here in Bali, especially the older and wiser ones with families that are staying at home. I’m really sad and frustrated to say the very least, of constantly hearing reports of foreigners flaunting the Bali Governors advice and requirements to STAY HOME unless your out for food or medicine, you know the really important things we need.
The feed back I’m getting from around Bali especially here on the West Coast from places like Canggu / Batu Bolong / Berawa ? Balian is that of Europeans blatantly flaunting the Bali Governors advice thinking Balinese rules don’t apply to them. When one beach is shut down they jump on their motor bikes and search for another one. I even read a blog on a popular Euro website (no names) of some Euro surfers not being able to surf or make a video… Who comes to Bali to make videos and find perfection in January (especially when the countries they leave are already being infected and possibly bringing the virus with them to Bali) anyway… Call me racist if you must, but there is a lot more at stake here for the Balinese and all of us that really care. Than just some kooks looking to take advantage of un crowded waves
My good friend and local fisherman Wayan Kara was down the beach early this morning to check his boat (and mine) he said (via text) that there were at least 20 surfers out at Kuta Reef, more at Airports and Middle Reef. Some of the local boat captains really don’t understand that they are playing “Russian Roulette” so to speak.
Cathy up at Berawa / Canggu area texted through to report that there are still big numbers of young Europeans flaunting around on the beach in this area. You can see it in a couple of Cathy’s photos she sent through, bloody incredible if you ask me.
Moni who is self isolating in Legian wrote this for us.
“Yesterday I woke with a bit of a cough. I new it was only a cough but thought if I went anywhere and I coughed people would look at me as if to say wtf girl why you out. So I took my self for a big walk to the end of my lane, to the chemist to get something to hit this cough on the head before it got to bad and then I’d feel like a total leper …and straight back to my home stay .
I chose to give myself a little self love by doing a hair mask ( my hair so dry here), face peel, foot soak . I was feeling a million dollars afterwards. I made a peppermint tea and relaxed on my balcony.
And before I new it the day was over…
So off I trotted to bed full of good stuff like Jamu, ginger tablets etc
I had a great sleep and have woken this morning with no cough. I think it’s the Jamu to tell you the truth. It’s so good for you so if you haven’t tried it get onto it peeps..
Stay healthy and have a great day” Moni.
On a personal note, I haven’t been outside our gates unless to spray homemade disinfectant over our gates and walls. My wife had to make a run to our local produce market this morning (300mtrs away) and snapped a couple of photos as you can see. Normally these markets are alive with people hustling to get the best food, not today as it shows almost empty. But people have to eat and you can’t hoard fresh food can you.
A couple of tips, follow protocol and follow protocol. make sure you air out your pillows and sheets in the sun as often as possible. Keep your house / flat ventilated as best as possible. Stay fit and exercise at home, start off with 5 push ups and sit ups and see if you can add more and more. I’m at 30 push ups and 40 sit ups in one set. If you are STAYING AT HOME, develop a routine, make a list and stick to it, do not sit in front of the TV all day listening to the doom and gloom that will finish you off quicker than this Corona Virus. Most importantly FOLLOW PROTOCOL.
Stay safe and Love to everyone, thanks for supporting baliwaves.com (the workingman / surfers website since 1999) I will be back with more news and reports as I get any.
Nb: If any expats or English speaking Indonesians here would like to contribute to our Blog please feel free to do so. It is something to add to your routine and keep everyone on the same page, CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFO.
BALI 27th – 28th March 2020
(photos from home, some sent to us from our Team in legian and Berawa area) Join our team and help contribute, contact us for more information
Alright so here in Bali we have all been informed to isolate and avoid contact with others, no socializing etc etc. As simple as that sounds, it is quite tricky, everyone needs to get supplies, Indonesian’s don’t have “pantries” or massive floor freezers” like most western countries. Our food usually comes from the daily morning markets on a daily basis. Even though here at my place we do have 2 refrigerators and plenty of space in a very large empty guest house. But most other families in Bali are doing it very tough, as always they will do what they have to do to have food on their table.
The TV continually blares out messages to isolate etc for 2 weeks. Starting on the 26th, just 2 days ago. With only to go out for essentials. I had to go out for 10mins yesterday and pay my internet bill so I can stay in touch and my kids don’t go crazy. As it is my 2 children aged 12 and 10 have not been out of our yard for 13 days now. Good kids I tell ya, no tantrums and never ever say NO to Mum or Dad. I’m a lucky man indeed. While I was out (masked up) there were quite a few people in the mini market that did make me feel a bit awkward (as I probably made them feel) in a eerie kind of way. Some like me were there to pay bills also, I kept my 2mtr distance and couldn’t wait to get back to the safety of my family home (rented) a mere 40mtrs away.
Here in Tuban the streets are quite compared to more happy times. But just from my window and front yard I’m seeing lots of people on motor bikes not wearing masks. There was even a “bakso” seller (meat ball soup) pushing his cart around this morning. I think many people are heeding the Governments very important protocols but a small percentage are not. I’m hearing bikes all night now the background noise of our busy streets is all but gone. The ringing / buzzing in my “surfers ear” is always there and noticeably much louder and more constant than ever. Part of the problem I think is that NO MASKS are available so anyone who waited to long missed out. I do hope our hospital Doctors and medical staff have enough so they can do their job as safely as possible.
I’ve also been messaging some good friends around Bali and they have also sent us some images and info. Cathy up in the Berawa / Old Mans area near Canggu has reported crazy crowds of surf schools and learner surfers still in the water in large groups. It is more quite than normal, lucky most of the cafe sect people have been shut down. Cath sent a few photos as well.
The last bunch of images are from Moni up in the Legian area near Padma st with her accounts, view and feelings via screen shot photo (we have worked that out now). On what it’s like to be an Aussie here in Bali on her lonesome. Sorry about the format but I’m not an expert on disaster blogging although I have been here for 25yrs worth so far and seen most. I should be pretty good at it by the end of this latest crisis though I reckon.
Statistically wise things are not getting better World wise. Too many deaths in Europe with another 800+ in Italy, over 100,000 infected cases in the USA. South Korea and Australia both had over 150 new cases since yesterday, While Indonesia’s death toll now at 87 and only God knows how many infected cases with very little testing being done that I am aware of or have heard of here in Bali anyway. It seems like you just about have to be die-ing to get tested. So for my family it’s isolation as best we can and I advise everyone to do the same and follow the governments protocol as best as possible.
If any expats here would like to contribute to our Blog please feel free to do so. It is something to add to your routine and keep everyone on the same page, CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFO.
Stay well friends
Baliwaves
BALI 25th – 26th March 2020
(photos taken this morning 26th March)
Hello again my friends and after yesterday’s Nypie Day I thought I’d better get some more info up on our “blog” (I hate that word). Well Nypie Day is normally my favorite day of the year, but yesterday it felt weird for some reason, probably just the whole “unknown” factor of these times we are living I guess. It’s strange but you would think being confined to home with no tv and some even without 3G / 4G the day would drag on and on. But it’s really quite the opposite for, for my family anyway. By the time you wake up and tidy up, cook and clean it’s almost midday then by 6.30pm it’s literally pitch black outside and time to settle in with candle light. It may seem a lot longer for my kids to deal with but for a parent there is always never enough time in the day.
Today the 26th and our Governor of Bali has declared another stay in doors isolation for today. We never really got any official information on this until seeing some friends posts on FB. Showing Police and Army personnel sending people off the streets and beaches. I wasn’t 100% certain of this although I had heard a rumor on the evening of the 22th. So I went for an early surf check, which is what I’ve been doing for the last 25yrs I’ve lived in this area. Most of my fisherman buddies were down the beach, most wearing masks and glasses like I was. The look on their faces this morning was a lot different, not the usual full of jokes and smiles that the Balinese are renowned for. No, today they looked solemn and aware of whats happening, just like myself.
I have been steadily hearing of more of the popular European area’s being closed off to the public. Beach area’s like Balian and Medewi, Uluwatu, Balangan and right around from Green Bowls to Pandawa. I’m pretty sure the Canggu area has also been shut down. If anyone has more info please share it with us and we will share with the World that is waiting for more info on Bali and their friends / family here. Contact us here
Daniel in Kuta posted this in the comments
“24th and Kuta beach was definitely not closed. I did my surf check, it was as flat as could be, so i did an 80-minute walk, Poppies 1 to Pantai Jerman and back up Poppies 2. No one around. Of the tourists still here, most people are struggling to get out and will leave tonight 26th. Then it is just Balinese, other Indos, us expats and the young Euros who will most likely be the source of any mass contagion, if it occurs. Kuta and Tuban, not being considered “hip” by the “in” Euro types, appear to be much safer places to be than Canggu or Seminyak, from an infection point of view”
For the record there were 6 more deaths in Indonesia since yesterday bringing the total to 55. 107 more infected cases, taking the total cases to 686.
Italy and Spain continue to spiral out of control with their over night stats. The USA has also had a very solemn 24hrs with another 222 deaths and 775 new cases.
Over in Australia I just found out that my 85yr old Mum and 62yr old Sister are both in quarantine waiting for test results. It’s no good and I certainly hope that you and your loved ones are safe where ever you may be.
Ok thanks for watching and I’ve found a bunch of old photos from around Bali and I’ll do my best to get some loaded up on baliwaves.com today. Contact us here via email if there is anything we can do to help.
baliwaves
BALI 24th March 2020
(photos) collected and received 23-24th March)
Hello again and here’s a little more news from Bali from my eyes and ears. This morning I made my usual early morning appearance at our local beach where we keep our traditional fishing boats (me included). I was wearing a mask and was happy to see a couple of my friends also wearing them. The talk was of the serious matter at hand and how welcomed “Nypie Day” would be tomorrow the 25th when we have an almost total lock down here in Bali. In years gone by the Medewi area has been known to not abide by this Balinese tradition. I hope they forget about tourism and stay in doors like the rest of Bali this year though.
If you look at Bali’s tourism numbers this year the number of Europeans entering Bali is much higher than ever before. If you have been to Bali in the last few years to surf you would have noticed that just about every surf school is European filled. So you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to work that out right, and where danger / hot spots might be focused around Bali.
The latest news that I received last night was of Bali’s premier surfing location of Uluwatu is closed until further notice. Rumor being that a Brazilian surfer has taken Ill with the Virus symptoms. Likewise Padang Padang beach and Green Bowls are also closed until further notice. A friend also texted and said they were advised not to go to Kuta Beach although I think it is still open. I’m not sure about any other locations around Bali that have been locked down but if anyone does have any news we would like to hear from you please.
But anyway I was out on the road again this morning I had to drive over to Sanur and then back to the Sunset Rd area to get in some last minute shopping for Nypie Day tomorrow. It was between 11am – 2pm I was out and much longer than my comfort zone wanted to be. There was a lot of traffic, not normal traffic but still quite a bit. The CareFour supermarket was also quite busy but I made sure that I was patient and never got too close to anyone.
Yesterday a helicopter was dropping pamphlets in the Seminyak area, I have posted the original photo of one in today’s photos and the translation (Thanks to Walt, who sent it through) goes like this.
- Do not hold social activities that cause mass gatherings in large numbers, both in public places and in their own environment, namely:
a. Social, cultural, religious gatherings and beliefs in the form of seminars, workshops and other similar activities; b. Music concert activities, fairs, festivals, fairs, night markets, exhibitions and family receptions c. Sports activities, arts and entertainment services d. Demonstrations, marches and carnivals, as well e. Other activities that are mass gathering - Stay calm and not panic and further increase awareness in each environment by always following the information and official appeals issued by the government
- If in an urgent and unavoidable condition, activities that involve large numbers of people are carried out while maintaining distance and are required to follow government procedures related to preventing the spread of Covid-19
- Do not make purchases and / or hoard excessively staples and other community needs.
- Not affected and spread the news with unclear sources that can cause unrest in the community, and
- If there is information that is unclear, the source can contact the local police.
Here in Bali you can really only get masks and sanitizer from scalpers if your lucky. You can’t even buy most standard materials to make disinfectant. But what I have started doing is using Porstex Tile cleaner mixed down with water as it is 20%HCL and very potent. If anything can survive that we are all doomed. I’m using that through an old fashioned “fly spay” type thingy on door handle’s gates etc etc anywhere that we touch if we come back from outside our home. I’ve also found that the cheaper brands of perfume all have a high alcohol content. So for a dollar you can get something that cleans your hands and make them smell fresh (smell nice for about a minute anyway).
For the record there were 10 more deaths in Indonesia since yesterday bringing the total to 48 and 66 more infected cases, taking the total cases to 514. While in parts of Europe there was more than 1000 deaths since the previous day plus more than 10,000 new cases of infection.
The sooner Bali is locked down the better the Balinese will be, in my opinion. If anyone is thinking “well what are you doing there Slim” Well I have no where else to go, my family are Balinese and couldn’t leave them. I couldn’t even afford the tickets if I we could leave, after 25yrs my train of thought is more Indonesian than Aussie.
Tomorrow on Nypie Day for the first time in history the TV will still be on for news up dates etc etc. I’ve also told the Internet will also be running, we will soon see how true that is. If you are here in Bali please abide by the Balinese rules and stay inside. Apparently certain Balinese departments aligned with the Banjars will be doing a lot of “disinfecting” while everyone is off the streets as well.
Stay safe everyone and if you have any news or info that may be of help to anyone here or locked down anywhere please do send it through to us and we will publish it. In these times of disaster, suffering and death please show some patience, sympathy and empathy to our fello man.
baliwaves
BALI 23rd March 2020
(Video footage from Bali 22nd of March)
Hello everyone and I hope we are all doing the best we can seeing as though we are all pretty much in the same boat, just different locations around the Globe. Like I mentioned in yesterdays blog up date things have scaled right back at just about every where here in Bali. Except for what I saw yesterday in my travels, that was a huge amount of learner surfers in the Batu Bolong to Berawa area (I’m talking a couple of hundred more or less) up near Canggu yesterday, mostly Europeans who have left Europe thinking Bali would be safer, lets hope it is and that none entered Bali with infections already..
Here’s a video view around the streets of Bali I took mostly out of the car window on the 22/03.20 between the Airport / Canggu / Airport
Most domestic workers that have been stood down have already here in Bali have left to head back to their villages, especially with our “Nypie Day coming up on the 25th.
I’ve always jokingly said that Nypie Day is one of my favorite days of the year. Being a day to stay home and reflect, quality family time. How good it would be to have 2 or 3 Nypie Day’s in a row. Well ironically and quite sadly this year I think it’s going to be a lot more than just 2 or 3 days in a row. With part isolation for many families here in Bali and the un known of what is waiting for us just around the corner and over the hill.
This morning I thought I’d take an early visit to my local beach for a surf check and a “street check” at 6.10am just as the dawn light was reaching the West Coast. I have to say that our local produce market looked a lot quiter than usual and my wife confirmed that when she later returned back home with some fresh vegetables for today’s lunch. Down the beach fishermen were getting ready to go fishing and I’d have to say they would be as safe out there on the ocean than anywhere. Hopefully I’ll get to go out for a dawn till dusk session tomorrow my self. Other than that there wasn’t much sign of humans in my sight between home and the beach.
Just for the record here in Indonesia
Number of Infected cases is at 514 up from 450 yesterday
Number of Deaths at 48
New Deaths since yesterday is up by 10 from yesterday
Total recovered is at 29
Italy and the majoy Eurpopean countries are still being ravaged by the Corona Virus, Italy’s death toll now stands at 5,746 and close to 60,000 infections.
(These numbers were collected early this morning)
Ok friends of Bali please follow your countries governments protocols, especially social distancing to help stop this mungrel virus from spreading further than need be and help end the pandemic. One thing for certain is that it’s not going away anytime soon.
I also hear our brothers and sisters down in Australia have made it through the toilet paper crisis but now face and even greater concern with all pubs and clubs closing their doors and bottle shops starting to dry up. I wish that was our only worry here in Bali.
Love ya’s all from Bali
BALI 22nd March 2020 (photos taken at 8.30am in Canggu / Echo beach)
This morning I thought I’d take a run out on the streets to check traffic between here and Canggu (and to shoot some photos for the baliwaves.com). Normally, well this day and age it takes a good hour to drive to Canggu from Kuta and that’s if you don’t get caught in a grid lock on the way. Today it was like driving back in time of days long ago when traffic jams only occurred at New Years, not every day. So I would have to say your average Indonesian is keeping to protocol and keeping the social distance as much as possible.
Oh yeah just to clear up anyone that might be confused, this up date is not an “official” Corona Virus WHO report. Nope it’s just a Blog to keep a lot of mostly Australian surfers who can’t be here in touch with their beloved island of Bali. Bali is not in 100% lock down, but this must be at least stage 1 of any lock down procedure, Bali’s Airport partially closed, International Airlines not flying, schools closed and small business struggling to keep afloat etc etc. That sure sounds pretty serious to me and it is no joke that’s for sure. As every Balinese needing money to provide for their family well knows by now.
Up at Canggu this morning I was a little shocked to see mostly (95%) Europeans in the area. Echo Beach it self wasn’t too bad and numbers looked way down on the usual day to day up there. But down at Batu Bolong, the surf school capital of the World (it seems) there must have been over 200 learners all packed together like sardines, I can’t call that following protocol or social distancing. At the famous right hand river mouth break of Pererenan there also must have been 40 surfers jammed together mostly foreigners again. If there is a danger hot spot in Bali right now I’d have to say it’s up there. No Balinese brought in this virus I’m pretty safe to say. Although there are plenty of travelling Balinese that have visited most countries around the World but that percentage is no comparison to the percentage of foreigners fleeing to Bali from infected European and Asian countries.
Just for the record here in Indonesia
Number of Infected cases is at 450 up from 385 yesterday
Number of Deaths at 38
New Deaths since yesterday at 6 down 1 from yesterday
Total recovered is at 20
Italy has been devastated from this Corona Virus with almost 800 deaths since yesterday and many more new infections. Other large European countries like France and Germany also have reported more new cases. The infections in the US also continue to rise and more deaths. Australia is reporting more new cases but now new deaths since yesterday.
Ok that’s me from here in Bali today. But stay tuned and keep reading below or if your stuck here in Bali copy the emergency phone numbers I have listed down the bottom of this page.
I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time out to drop us a line with positive feed back, it is very much appreciated I can assure you, Thanks Again.
Bali 21st March 2020
(photos taken at 8.00am here in Tuban / Bali)
Well on this mornings surf check visiting our local beach which is only around 400mtrs away from home I do have to say the streets around and near our family (rented) home were almost deserted. I was glad in a way, because the locals were starting to take this seriously. I have been hammering it into my close circle friends as well that this Corona / Wuhan borne virus is a reality, and now as they can see it’s effect on tourism and everyone’s personal and families economy / cash flow is very real.
I was bit indifferent to seeing a large group of South Koreans (20+or-) with half a dozen Indonesian surf guides milling around down the beach after their soft top session at Kuta Reef. I mean what else can the surf guides do, we all need money if it’s on offer. It’s a real Catch 22 situation for most of us here in Indonesia, with no cash bail outs from the Government.
Now at 11.50am our usually busy main road (jalan Dewi Sartika) that also runs directly to the airport from Kuta through Tuban is noticeably quite except for the odd car and motorbike I see and hear from my front room office here at home.
Last night there was a bit of a panic at Bali’s International Airport with around 200 Aussies trying to “get out of Dodge” But due to a combination of factors eg; last minute rush to leave Bali, Australians.. travelling on duel citizen passports from other countries (now why any real Australian would bother doing that beats me ?) and a lack of communication with Australian Border Authorities many of these people were unable to fly out and were left at the airport. My advice is to contact your countries Embassy or Consulate here in Bali ASAP and get them to help you get home to where ever as safely and quickly as possible. Don’t make or cause problems to the Indonesian staff at the airport it’s not in their control, they are simply following your countries protocols.
There is no way out at the moment for locals here in Bali, Tourism is pretty much everything to everyone from the diving area’s of Ahmed and Tulamben, the retreats of Ubud and just about everyone from Denpasar down to Uluwatu. We are all tightening our belts so to speak with no in coming cash just out going…
Overnight Statistics have jumped again here in Indonesia with now
Number of Infected cases at 385
New cases at 60
Number of Deaths at 32
New Deaths since yesterday at 7
Total recovered is at 17
Nb: I cannot (not for the lack of searching) find any stats for Bali itself, just for Indonesia in general.
A very serious concern is the number of new infections and deaths in Italy, France and Iran. While China appears to have stopped reporting it’s number of new cases and deaths
Italy now has more infected people and deaths than China with almost 6,000 new cases and over 600 deaths since yesterday bringing their total deaths from the Coronavirus at 4,023
Ok that’s me from here in Bali today. But I’m going to try and take a quick motor bike ride into town later and snap a few photos of how it looks at “street level” around town for my next update. So stay tuned and keep reading below or if your stuck here in Bali copy the emergency phone numbers I have listed down the bottom of this page.
Bali 20th March 2020
Out on the streets of Bali around Kuta and where my family and I reside the daily routines of most Balinese and other Indonesians seem to be going on as normal so far. Except for the one big thing missing, International visitors. It’s very quiet with only scattered tourists that appear to have fled from their own countries while the getting was good. But have they jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire, no ones knows at this stage.
I’m not seeing any or very little social distancing, which is a worry. The Balinese have always been known for their easy going laid back approach to most things, and at this stage nothing has changed, or very little that I’m seeing. The Balinese are very social and interacting with each other on daily basis from visiting the local produce markets, local community Banjars or just hanging out with their friends where ever they are located on the island.
But right across the board locals are being laid off or working hours cut back for the lucky ones. Small businesses, tour guides and especially restaurants, hotels, homestays and bars, both mainstream and your humble “feet in the sand” type beach sun set bars are deserted. Especially now that our Dry Season is beginning it’s only going to get harder and harder for everyone. The Indonesian Government won’t be bailing out small businesses or handing out cash installments to the low income earners, like other countries are doing.
On the 16th of March the Indonesian Gov went ahead and closed all schools across the nation for an extended period of 2 weeks to help keep Indonesian kids from close contact with others. The high majority of Indonesian’s have a one working parent situation. This works out fine for us here, but would be very hard to implement in Western countries like Australia or America with the high costs of living etc etc and two income families the norm.
Travel into Bali is still possible as the Indonesian government is only not issuing VOA’s or extensions on any VOA’s through until around the 20th of April 2020 (that period may also change). But travel to Bali is still permitted by applying for a visa at your closest Indonesian Embassy. Plus you need a clean bill of health from a Dr. Then pass all the temperature scans if you can find an air line that is still flying here to Bali.
So far to date Indonesia has 309 confirmed cases with the death toll at 25 and growing daily. Unfortunately due to Indonesians many islands and cultures no one I think really knows the total extent of infections, but I think the death toll would stand.
Our Worlds have all been turned upside down, or more like thrown into a tumble dryer. Well for now anyway, if we all play our part in this calamity of events we will get through it and everyone can soon get back to coming and being guests of our Balinese hosts here in Bali again. But for now most countries are being locked down and Indonesia is included, I think it’s all for our own safety and I for one commend the Indonesian Gov for their actions so far. Please remember to try and keep your distance as best as possible when out and about, watch your hygiene etc and follow your Governments protocols.
Stay tuned to the baliwaves and I’ll keep updating this information with any new news as I hear of it. For anyone still here in Bali the Hotline phone numbers to contact if your worried about your health are 112 or 223333
Thanks Slim.
We are due in your area in May after supposedly being in the Maldives and further afield but that is certainly in doubt. We will try to get to Bali as soon as it practicable and will try to stay longer.
We come every year and we know how tough it is for the locals .
Cheers
Rob
NZ
I love your surfing journalism, at the best of times,,, and with what’s going on around the world, it’s also cool how your giving us the live updates of what’s happening in your, and our beloved Bali, and not just out in the surf! All we can do is thankyou for what you do,,, you deserve more credit in what you bring to our lives,,, please send those Kuta street shots, we would love to see them,,, as sad as it will be for the locals, it might be shocking to visualize as a Bali fan still we’ll love to see them,,, Catch you tomorrow!
Thanks Slim for the update, your a champion.
Take care mate. Looking forward to getting back to Indo as soon as it’s safe.
What’s happening with Kerobokan jail. Some countries are letting prisoners go (eg Iran) because jails are a hub for the infection?
Indonesia isn’t in Lockdown. Bali isn’t in lockdown. We’re doing social distancing. We can still leave our homes to supermarket, restaurant, offices. However, we’re recommended to stay at home as much as possible. Schools are closed in Denpasar and south Kuta.
The title is too overrated. It’s not a lockdown. It’s social distance. We try to minimize all activities outside. We can still go to work and buy anything outside. Bali governments closing all the tourist spots that’s why it’s very quiet. But there are still some guest inside the hotels. It’s to early to say Bali still safe , but it has 3 confirmed cases so far . Lets pray together for the world, hope everything will be better soon.
Who fits the bill in Indonesia should a person contract the virus in Indonesia?
Will foreign prisoners serving time in Indonesia be looked after should they contract the virus and whose cost?
Good question Brett you better check that out with the Prison Board maybe ? This is basically a website for surfers who love coming to Bali not Prisoners. Good luck and if you get any information we’d be interested in knowing more. They might need to stop any visitors from bringing the virus into the prison maybe ?
BTW, nothing is free in Indonesia 🙂
Hi Eka, nothing I think is over rated with this current World pandemic that is happening. Bali’s airport is practically locked down to foreigners and I think most airlines have grounded their International flights. Tourists don’t want to travel, well the smart ones I would think and the smart ones are self isolating especially the elderly and those with other illnesses. You are right people can go to work if their work place has not shut down and people need to get food supplies, that’s of course. Have you actually read what I have wrote in these 2 up dates. All I am doing is giving our viewers which are 100% surfers some news on Bali’s situation and what I see with my own eyes. Plus what ever statistics I can find. Lets hope people do start to “self isolate” but what I have seen today in the Canggu area made me very sad. Tourists were everywhere not self isolating not social distancing and this will cause a problem and prolonging Bali and it’s residents suffering longer. All schools have been shut down in Indonesia, I am glad my children are here safe at home, they are not allowed out, only into our home grounds. The growing number of infections in Indonesia and the growing number of deaths in Indonesia is proof that Indonesia and every other country has an element of danger involved. Everyone should be home in their place of residence with their families and friends. Not partying and running around on holiday in Bali like there is no problem or danger of further spreading the Corona Virus to others, I think. I also have not heard of one person being tested for the virus here in Bali, Bali doesn’t even have the equipment to completely test anyone with samples having to be sent to Jakarta for testing. The only ones getting tested would be those very very sick and obviously infected. Unfortunately we are still a long way before this is all behind us and sad to say things could get a lot worse before they get better. I do hope you and all your family stay safe and healthy Eka. Feel free to send us any productive information you may have on this situation here in Bali. But, by no means is this a place for arguing or being anti baliwaves.com sorry.
Thanks for the update. My husband and I have just managed to postpone our planned holiday, which was to be next week to Bali, ,
to September. Hopefully all will be ok by then, especially for everyone in Bali…
Yes Miranda Bali’s airport is virtually closed to foreigners and the smart people are self isolating as I hope you are with your family. Stay safe and stay vigilant. Please feel free to send us any information that can be of a positive assistance. These two up dates I have wrote are for surfers that can’t be here in Bali but still are very concerned about their Bali friends and family. But, by no means is this a place for arguing or being anti baliwaves.com sorry. Stay tuned as I will be up dating this article again soon especially on the self isolating. Stay safe if you are here in Bali and follow the protocols please. Just log into any International NEWS FEED on YouTube if you don’t have cable TV and you can also see what is happening here in Indonesia and all around the World.
Hi Karen, I’m sorry I don’t have or have not heard any news on how the prisoners in the Jail are being treated and or if any will be released. You will need to contact the appropriate Government Department for that information baliwaves.com is a surfing website just trying to give our surfer friends around the World an idea of what is actually happening here in Bali, many surfers are worried about their Balinese friends and family.
Thanks Tim glad to hear it Bro
Thanks Mal !!!
Thanks Bro much appreciated !!!!
Thanks Rob much appreciated and glad to hear it !!!!
Thanks Astrid, yes its very sad to see the World practically crippled by this and I hope everyone follows protocols and we get through this asap and see Bali as it’s usual self again asap
Well summarised mate by the way Australian government is currently putting Australia into further Lockdown it’s a crazy crazy world take care
Yg BENAR nihh BALI DI LOCK DOWN..bukankah KEWENANGAN PEMERINTAH PUSAT utk ME LOCK DOWN DAERAH..TKS
Yes Whyu, Bali is not in total lock down but maybe the first stage of being locked down if things get worse because of people not taking the Governments advice by social distancing and self isolating if showing any symptoms. I hope we all get through this pandemic as safely as possible without many more lives lost.
thankyou for your un biased report my partner and son are in badung.it is good to see some real figures as nothing is being said about bali.stay safe there i am in contact twice daily with my partner and she is doing everything she can to self isolate and stay at home.thanks again and good luck.
Hi Slim. Great factual reporting. As a frequent visitor since 1976 My heart goes out to all in Bali as I know what a huge impact tourism or lack of it is to Bali. We will 100% be back when this virus has run it’s course
Jesus mate I feel your pain……..I can hear it in your words. All our thoughts go out to you and the family.
A Sept trip for my brother in laws wedding is on hold , not looking good.
A soon as this all clears and I get some money back under my belt ( my industry has all but halted ) I’ll be booking a trip back and the services of Baliwaves………
Paul
How do you reckon the Euro learners got into Bali to begin with Slim? I know someone who got in before the lockdown, but that’s it. Nice to see someone making money, but this does seem really dangerous as you say. Thanks for this reporting, really outstanding and here’s hoping we can be back at some point for the early Dry Season for May or more likely June. Take care and stay safe!
Good on you Slim,
These are really good, first-hand accounts, the sort we don’t get from the press.
Much appreciated.
Doc
your name says it all, and your fake email address confirms it…………
Thanks Doc !!!
Next 4:10 vid please make it of the waves. We dont care about the dirty streets of Bali.
Mate please ignore Jesse’s comment and don’t punch your screen and break it. Stick with it! Loved the road trip video, it’s the nearest thing to what I should have been doing this week, and an interesting look at what’s going down in the streets. By the way didn’t know you liked Dire Straits.
Glad you liked it Jesse Jughead, all these fake trolling email addresses and messages (ISP numbers) are being collected as reference, just saying, now go and take your medication 🙂
Hey thanks Captain and I hope your getting those jobs done around the house mate or signing up to go pick fruit etc 🙂 That dude “Jesse” alias Jughead has been around for 17yrs or so if you can believe that… Creating 100’s of fake email address, try replying to that one he used just now ([email protected]) He has an identity thing, thinks he should be here doing this instead of me. I have already reported him to the FBI (on line) when he started to get threatening a few years back. Now he’s in lock down (USA) he probably has nothing to do
I use fake emails to troll surfers in times of crisis, what am I ?
Selamat hari raya Nyepi Slim and family!
Happy to see you’re taking precautions and finding a use for that cheapie perfume.
Take care and let’s use this Nyepi to reflect on how lucky we’ve been, despite the crowds we complain about, to have enjoyed the freedom to travel, live, work, and surf Bali, and get things back to safe and normal.
Ooh, ooh, I know this one. Jesse are you a nutter?
24th and Kuta beach was definitely not closed. I did my surf check, it was as flat as could be, so i did an 80-minute walk, Poppies 1 to Pantai Jerman and back up Poppies 2. No one around. Of the tourists still here, most people are struggling to get out and will leave tonight 26th. Then it is just Balinese, other Indos, us expats and the young Euros who will most likely be the source of any mass contagion, if it occurs. Kuta and Tuban, not being considered “hip” by the “in” Euro types, appear to be much safer places to be than Canggu or Seminyak, from an infection point of view.
Thanks for the info Daniel much appreciated bro and we are on the same page with the “young hip Euro types” Stay safe Daniel and let me know if we can help.
Hi Slim, thanks for your report. Here in Germany it is the same as in Bali. People are isolated at home. When you meet someone outside the reaction is strange. We don’t know how it will move on. They government says that momentary it is the calm before the storm and the peak is yet to come. It will get really bad…… It was a honor to meet you at the secret spot east coast 1 week ago – after 18 years I recognized you, not bad, eh? The waves were absolutely wonderful and I often think back of these days…. I hope someday we’ll meet again out there, sharing some waves. I hope that everything will get good again. Wish you all the best in Bali.
Are those “young hip Euro” (Ha!) types still getting into Bali or stuck here?
Thanks for sharing those emails from your friends Slim, it was interesting and tough to read these first hand accounts. However, I think they’re really important for folks around the world to read and appreciate the situation the Balinese and Indonesians overall are in.
Stay safe, thanks again and will follow her advice regarding praying.
Thanks Tee, some are psuedo expats and some are thinking they can stay and surf un crowded waves to themselves at everyone elses expense I think. Thanks for staying in touch and I’ll do my best to keep the up dates coming through
What Baliwaves writes is arguably the best insight into the current situation in Bali you can find anywhere on the internet. When Slim says his children are in no way let out that is saying something. Keep up the excellent blog Baliwaves. You’re the best place to stay informed especially for surfers and young people. Some youngins need to know their actions and sheer foolishness are endangering a lot of other people. The bukit will be pumping this year without no one out. Like going back before the 70s. Cheers.
Thanks Brett !!!!
Padma been pumping hope to get some shots during the next few days,stay everyone and respect the locals
Ok as from today, 3-April, it appears even surfing the reefs is now not allowed, by non-locals anyway. We have been able to surf the Kuta/Tuban reefs this week (one day i was by myself, but most days, 12-15 at each reef, consisting of say, 11 locals and 4 bule) but now the police have told the boat taxis that no bule can surf the reefs or beach (also no swimming). Locals can surf the reefs, but without bule guests or learners to pay for their boat trip out, that may not last long. Everything is shut now. Very few places open to eat.. No one knows how long this edict will last, but the Emergency is slated to last until 30th of May. How long poorer Balinese and other Indonesians here can last without an income is worrying. And what happens after a few weeks of no income, with regards to social order and crime is a growing concern
Thanks Mirco I was really stoked that you recognized me after so many years Bro. Please keep in touch and hopefully when this clears you can come back and we will surf together again !!! Stay safe and much love to you and your family !!!
Thanks for the updates Slim.
Stay safe and well. Fingers crossed to catch up later in the year.
Thanks Jeremy miss ya bro and am looking forward to surfing with you again !!
Heard that Sanur Beaches are open again. If that is true, it doesn’t make any sense. As this is one of the most busiest beaches visited by locals, expats and tourist in confined spaces.
Can’t agree with you more about the “can’t be told” Westerners that just won’t stay in side or leave the island. They don’t want to go back to their countries and risk infecting their family and friends but are happy to risk infecting Indonesians.
Don’t matter what “others” do these so called educated and soul searching newbies should use their brains and set an example by staying home and earn the respect of Balinese
Not sure Joe, But I do know just about every beach on the West Coast is shut down. I also heard the East side around the Sanur area is a hot spot, with one death happening over there. I hope everyone stays safe, if we can just keep the “can’t be told” Euro’s off the streets we will have a better chance
Well said Slim, those arrogant Euro dickheads need a tune up with a couple of mill fines shoved up their arrogant arses or a stint in Karaboken to give them an understanding of isolation.
Not going to win me many friends on here but thought I’d pipe up being a long time reader of yours and a ‘euro’ here.
We are from UK and live in Dubai. Got stuck in Bali after a fairly quick u-turn from our government which has meant we can’t go home.
We can fly to UK which is where we were originally from (have not lived there for 6 years though).
There are no easy routes back, most having to fly through some fairly high risk covid areas with long transfers in airports and most having certain legs of the flight cancelled last minute, as the situation changes hourly.
I am in WhatsApp groups with westerners trying to get home. I can’t talk for all but vast majority are concerned of catching the disease in transport and taking it home, not as you described that they are happier to pass to the Balinese than they are to their own country.
Every single country in the world has used the ‘blame the foreigners’ approach. So I understand it here but was hoping that a surf blog would be less right wing.
Look forward to us all being happy again surfing. Until then I hope you all stay safe
Hi Mark, and thanks for your feed back, much appreciated and I do understand that people wanting to get home that have left it far too late are having trouble doing so. That problem is “operator error” I think, as the writing was on the wall a long time ago and people were informed by “their” embassies and consulates of the urgency to return to “their” home land countries of citizenship etc etc.
I don’t really understand your comment about right or left wing, I still don’t understand political speech being a life long surfer. I did used to play either left or right wind when I played soccer though. So you can retain your own political views and preferences I don’t care for that either way.
My comment that you are reefering to how ever was what I read on a popular “Euro based” blog here in Bali. There was not one mention of dangers of traveling, or being stuck in transit, so please re read what I pretty much quoted. The authors were more than happy to stay here and flaunt around like they were privileged and needed here, which is a big joke and maybe only in their minds. I’m hearing from my friends of Euro’s trying to bargain down prices with locals in just about every aspect. It’s these Euro’s or the majority of that are complaining about being told to stay in doors and not go to the beach looking for surf. These people just think they are on a visa free extended vacation. That’s how it appears here on the ground in Bali. What you said about the Euro’s being stuck in airports might be true, like I said these people waited far too long to act. But here on the ground in Bali these “Euro’s” that I see are not planing on going anywhere. They are happy to disregard the official advice of the Balinese Government and think they can do as they please and possibly risk infecting anyone they come in contact with. Lets face the facts Mark….. The majority of these people came here to Bali after the World was in Crisis. Coming from danger zones to Bali now tell me that is ok
Totally agree with your vies as always baliwaves, love your work and ideals
Hard to explain to someone who hasn’t spent years in Bali dude. The Balinese are a very old race and have very strong religious beliefs that you are not going to understand. It was advised by Balinese priests to make this symbol and place on entrances, for Balinese. Your question was rather confusing for someone who has more than likely been to school at some point of your life. There is no known cure for this virus, just look at the deaths its leaving behind in Europe and other countries at the moment. But if your trying to be sarcastic with the Balinese Hindu community well thats a whole different level of ignorance, my sincere apologies if your genuine…
Gladly 🙂 Hope you’re ok mate
Hey Kris, excuse my reply to your comment I just thought it a bit odd, times are testing and I think everyone is definitely feeling the stress from isolation, loss of income, worrying about family.
Hey, set up a go fund me page. I’ve been reading your blog for the past year and would be happy to help. I’ve been reading it alot more since covid, and the info has been great.
Thanks Matt we really appreciate your support bro and I’m going to try and organize a fundme page as soon as possible and hopefully we will be able to help some other struggling families here.
I just love to troll people in times of hardship and trouble… what type of an arsehole do you think I am. I hope everyone please comments…. but sorry I am such a dick head that I use FAKE email accounts….. I’m a bit of a jughead….
Fuck off with your fake email addresses you jughead weak as piss…..
Hey slim thanks for the updates. I took a tour around canggu this morning. There is now a guard in a military uniform whistling at people from the warungs in front of the echo left. Tugu and old mans were empty also so I assume more guards were spread out on the beach as all of those spots have had full crowds up until recently. That has forced all the surfers to enter from the barracades at pantai perancak where they shuffle down to the standard peaks at berawa. I’ve been driving around alot lately and i believe their is only access to one spot maybe a second one which I shall not name.
thanks for the info Garret I appreciate it bro. Yes I heard it was getting way out of hand up in the Berawa to Old Mans area lately. The Euro’s are blatantly flaunting the rules that most everyone else has been abiding buy. If they had a bad name before well now it’s ten fold worse.
By Euros, you mean People from Europe or more generally non-local people? (Like european, Russian, Japanese, us, australia…) or is it only people from Europe who don’t respect the rules in Bali?
Hi Coco ! thanks for your feedback / comment. Well I’m not sure if you have been up to the Berawa to Canggu area of late since the Corona Virus made it’s way here to Bali ? but from the information I have been receiving on a daily basis from expats and local Balinese friends living in that area it appears to mostly (99%) be in regards to Westerners of European appearance / language speaking foreigners that don’t want to abide by the rules set down by the Balinese and local community. Mostly the “surf scene” younger crew that insist on having access to the beaches even if it means moving or climbing under / over barricades put in place along with signs stating that beaches are closed to tourism.
How is it in your area where you live in Bali ? I’d love to here from you on it. Also in my area near Kuta Reef to Airport Left the information I get from my local friends is of Europeans (not Aussies or Americans) that are turning up each day wanting to surf. First those people have to climb over a closed beach barricade to get on the beach 🙁
I also have heard from some of my European friends in the slightly older age group with families (also surfers) and long time expats that are respecting the rules and doing their best to self isolate and Stay Home to help stop the spread of this deadly virus that is affecting the whole World. I am also a surfer with over 25years of full time life here in Bali and have not had a surf in getting close to 6 weeks in respect of the current rules in place. So that’s about all the information I have for you Coco I hope your safe and healthy where ever you happen to be. I see your email address is French. Stay safe and Peace.
Good on you mate for providing your no bullshit, man on the street coverage, despite the obvious hardship that yourself and family are going through. My thoughts are with many of my Indonesian friends including jl wanna segara. Thanks for keeping us informed. Sam
Hi , me and my family were due to arrive in Bali on 6 August 2020 after spending 6 days in Singapore flying from the UK. We have not heard if this will go ahead at the moment. As much as I was excited about this holiday I don’t want to attempt if we have to isolate whilst there and if once holiday is over have to isolate once back in the UK. Opinions would be appreciated
Cheers
hello and thanks for the comment Although this is not my forte. I hear the International airport will be possibly opening towards the end of June. To enter Bali you will need a certificate of health stating that you have had a negative PCR test no longer than 7 days before arriving in Indonesia. If no PCR certificate no entry. If you have the paperwork I don’t think there is any quarantine. I hope this helps
Hello, thanks for the update. Most of the time we avoid the crowds by staying home in Jimbaran. Once in a while, we will head to a nearby beach. But every once in a while, will make our way to a beach for some fresh air–a much-needed break from our confined walls.
I have a question, for anyone who can answer this. Has anyone seen the usual trash build up along Bali’s coasts? Or has it stopped with fewer tourists on the island?