Bali's Unrelenting Rains Turn Dream Holidays Into a Soggy Struggle

For Polina, a frequent visitor from Moscow, her current trip to Bali is far from the tropical escape she envisioned. Describing the intense monsoon conditions, she said, "A minute outside and you’re soaked down to your underwear." While Bali’s winter is known for rain, she notes this year’s downpours are exceptional, lasting for days instead of hours. The persistent weather has paralyzed daily life, making simple errands, coffee meetings, or even food delivery nearly impossible. In her area of Uluwatu, while major flooding is absent, deep, vision-obscuring puddles now hide dangerous road hazards. The high humidity presents another battle, leaving belongings perpetually damp and apartments prone to mold. "Everything feels flimsy, like it might fall apart," Polina shared. "It’s hard to call this a vacation. People coming here for a holiday now are likely in for a major disappointment." The situation is officially severe. Indonesian authorities have declared a red-level weather alert for Bali due to the torrential rains, which have triggered significant landslides and floods. Forecasts predict the storms will continue until at least February 26, accompanied by strong winds. Videos circulating on social media show residents wading through knee-deep water on flooded streets, some resorting to using surfboards to navigate their neighborhoods. The difficult conditions follow recent reports of other tourists facing serious health crises on the island, including cases of dengue fever.