The Kelingking Beach is a beautiful beach in Nusa Penida island of Bali which is one of the most photographed beaches in Indonesia.
It is famed by its T-Rex shaped cliff and beautiful turquoise of its waters that attract thousands of tourists on a yearly basis. However, the beach appears to be an ideal swimming place to Black Pea and to relax, but it is not so in reality.
The quick answer is: No, it is not safe to swim at the Kelingking Beach.
Also read:Nusa Penida Island : All You Need to Know (Like, Actually Know)
The Beauty and the Danger
As you go to the top to see the cliff, you will find Kelingking Beach to look like a tropical paradise. Awesome cliffs, white sand, crystal blue ocean makes it look like a dream come true. However, there are severe dangers to such a paradise.
The beach is open to Indian Ocean and this implies that waves are strong and unpredictable. The sea is capable of changing at any moment even on a seemingly calm day. Mammoth waves break on the shores and powerful rip currents are able to wash away even the powerful of swimmers into the open waters. This is one of the traps that most of the tourists underestimate since the water appears so beautiful.
Official Swimming Ban
Many accidents and the loss of many lives have led to the prohibition of swimming in the Kelingking Beach created by the respective local authorities despite the presence of signsaround the beach to warn people against accidents. There are warning signs placed along the trail and on the beach in order to warn the visitors about the danger. The security guards and the residents make it a point to warn people against going into the water but unfortunately enough some tourists also do not heed them and get themselves into trouble.
People drown here, or try to rescue others from drowning, almost every year—and sometimes even once a month. This is not mere cases of the weak swimmers dying as a result of getting into accidents: even the strong and skilled swimmers have also died.
Why Swimming Is Not Safe
It is not safe to swim in Kelingking Beach because of a few reasons:
- Strong Rip Currents
Rip currents are swiftly moving streams of water which run off-shore to sea. You can hardly see them, yet they exert immense strength. Once you get sucked into one, it may drag you away hastily and you will not be able to make it back to shore
- Large, Unpredictable Waves
The waves in Kelingking Beach may be huge and are unpredictable. Filling up the bank of the water may even be dangerous. One huge wave can push you overboard or drag you to the ocean.
- No Lifeguards
Kelingking Beach is secluded and it lacks any professionally trained lifeguards. When you start to have problems in the water, there is no one to save you right away.
- Steep and Difficult Access
To access the beach, one has to hike attempting the steep path and a narrow road basically with bamboo railings. When the emergency comes, the help could hardly be obtained within a short period of time.
- Lack of Medical Facilities Nearby
The oceanside is not adjacent to a clinic or a hospital. You could survive an accident but then it could take a long period before any medical attention could be paid to you.
Getting to the Beach Is an Adventure
It is a hassle to reach the beach before you even think of going into the ocean to swim. The journey down to the sand through the top viewpoint can consume about 30 45 minutes and there are steep steps, rocky areas and wooden rails. It needs a good physical condition and steady steps. Most fall exhausted when they are heading back up due to the heat and the steep slope.
That is why there were some tourists who choose not to descend but just enjoy the sight on the top. And to speak the real truth, that is why Kelingking Beach is so renowned to be seen in the first place what is seen when it is seen at this level.
What You Can Do Instead
It does not mean that you should not get to the Kelingking Beach just because it is not safe to swim there. Nonetheless, most people can still enjoy it in more ways than one:
Take amazing photos
The famous cliff scene is ideal to capture some good scenic photographs and memories as well.
Relax on the sand
On the other hand, in case you are going to hike down, the sand allows you to sit and relax enjoying the feeling so you just need to watch out not to end up too close to the water.
Hike and explore
It is an experience in the very hike. A lot of people find challenge and the attractive nature to be surrounding them.
Visit safer beaches nearby
In case you want to swim there, Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida, Atuh Beach, and Diamond Beach will be great choices. These are more calm beaches and also more swimming during low tide.
Common Mistake: Underestimating Nature
The common mistake made by a number of tourists is, it will not happen to me. Nature is not selective. The sea is strong and dangers at Kelingking Beach are not imaginary. On the Internet there are numerous accounts of individuals who just wanted to make a quick swim and got into serious trouble
When the people of the area are telling you not to go swimming, never do it. they are more familiar with the sea than any one.
Last piece of Advice, Be Smart, Be Safe
Kelingking Beach is also one of the beach locations in Bali that requires respect due to it being one of the prettiest locations in the area. Here is no use swimming. Look, get your pictures and admire the raw power of nature but watch out in the water so you do not become part of it.
