Candidasa Beach in Bali, usually a favorite among travelers for its pristine waters and peaceful vibes, has turned into a nightmare. An oil spill recently hit the area, and tourists weren’t sticking around to deal with it—they packed up and left early.
What Happened?
Candidasa Beach, located in Bugbug Village, Karangasem, was hit with an oil spill that’s disrupted both the environment and tourism. This wasn’t just a little leak—the spill stretched about 2 kilometers along the shore.
The stench? Overwhelming. The water? Pitch black. For visitors looking forward to snorkeling, diving, or even just lounging by the beach, this was a dealbreaker.
Tourists Cut Their Trips Short
The impact was immediate. Hotels around the area started seeing guests check out earlier than planned. The strong smell and polluted water left tourists with no other choice but to leave.
According to I Wayan Kariasa, head of the Karangasem Hotel Association, the spill was first noticed on Saturday, December 28. It’s not the first time something like this has happened, but it’s bad enough to disrupt tourism big time.
What’s Being Done?
Local authorities, including the Karangasem Environmental Agency, have been contacted to address the spill. While the exact source of the oil is still unknown, officials are working on solutions to clean up the mess.
Why It Matters
Candidasa Beach has long been a go-to destination for tourists visiting Karangasem. Its beauty, charm, and appeal to divers and snorkelers make it a hotspot. An incident like this doesn’t just hurt the environment—it puts the local tourism industry and the livelihoods of the surrounding community at risk.
Looking Ahead
The hope is that the cleanup will happen fast to restore the beach to its former glory. For now, though, travelers are steering clear, and businesses in the area are feeling the sting. Let’s hope Candidasa bounces back soon—it’s too beautiful a spot to lose.