One Killed and Significant Damage Reported at Sangeh Monkey Forest in Bali Following Severe Storm
Bali, Indonesia – A fatal accident and extensive structural damage were recorded at the Sangeh Monkey Forest, one of Bali’s premier tourist attractions, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after extreme weather conditions battered the area. The incident marks one of the most severe impacts on the site in over a decade.
Tragic Loss and Injuries Amidst Collapsing Trees
During heavy rainfall accompanied by a tornado, several enormous trees—some reaching 50 meters in height and 1.5 meters in diameter—were uprooted and toppled throughout the main temple complex of Sangeh Monkey Forest, located in the Abiansemal District. The collapse led to the destruction of ancient structures and tragically claimed the life of a staff member.
IB Nyoman Suamba, a 51-year-old staff worker, was killed when a pavilion at the Pucak Sari Temple was crushed beneath a falling tree. Another staff member, 47-year-old Nyoman Rasna, suffered a broken arm in the incident. Both men were on duty monitoring the monkey population when the sudden severe weather struck.
IB Putu Mas Arimbawa, Head of Abiansemal District, confirmed the incident to the media and described the chaotic events. “Due to the extreme weather, several large trees fell, destroying nearly 80 percent of the temple area. They were both usually on duty watching the monkeys here when the tornado hit,” he said. Arimbawa further explained that a safety evacuation was underway as trees started falling; however, Suamba tragically turned back to retrieve his phone charger moments before the building collapsed.
Extensive Damage to Historical Temple Complex
The storm caused severe structural damage to the Pucak Sari Temple area. The main mandala and around thirteen temple buildings—including palinggih and bale—were either heavily damaged or completely flattened. Despite the widespread destruction, the palinggih meru, a significant temple shrine, remained intact.
In addition to structural damage, the storm uprooted more than a dozen ancient nutmeg trees, some exceeding 50 meters tall, a defining feature of the aged forest area. Bali Police have provisionally estimated the material losses at approximately IDR 1 billion (around USD 67,000), though assessments are ongoing.
According to IB Gede Pujawan, Head of Alas Pala Sangeh Tourism Management, approximately 30 nutmeg trees were downed by the storm, compounding the damage to the cultural site.
Community Response and Memorial Plans
The tragedy occurred during the post-Pujawali celebrations at Pucak Sari Temple, a period traditionally marked by ceremonies. In response to Suamba’s death, special ceremonies are planned to honor the fallen staff member, beginning with a simple memorial service within two days, potentially followed by a larger ritual. The deceased will undergo a cremation process in accordance with local customs.
Local authorities and tourism management are working swiftly to clear the debris while continuing to allow public access to areas outside the temple complex. However, the temple itself remains closed temporarily out of respect and for safety reasons.
Badung Deputy Regent Bagus Alit Sucipta visited the site and pledged rapid assistance. “We have ordered the Badung Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to assess the situation immediately and provide the necessary support. The temple has just held a large ceremony, making restoration efforts even more critical,” Sucipta stated.
Safety Concerns Amid Bali’s Severe Rainy Season
This incident follows a similar fatal tree-collapse at the Ubud Monkey Forest almost a year ago, underscoring the ongoing risks posed by Bali’s increasingly extreme weather patterns. The island is currently experiencing one of its most intense rainy seasons in memory, prompting calls for heightened vigilance from tourist operators and the public.
Paramedic Inastuti, who assisted at the scene, urged, “We recommend that tourist attraction managers and visitors remain extra cautious during this period as severe weather conditions are expected to persist in the coming days.”
The local government and tourism boards have been urged to implement stronger safety protocols to prevent such tragic incidents in the future, balancing tourist accessibility with preservation and hazard mitigation in these cherished natural and cultural sites.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates on restoration efforts and safety advisories. Tourists visiting Bali during this period are advised to stay informed about weather developments and follow guidance from local officials.
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