One Fatality and Extensive Damage Reported at Bali’s Sangeh Monkey Forest Amid Severe Weather
Bali, Indonesia – December 4, 2025 — Severe weather, including heavy rainfall and tornado-like conditions, has caused significant destruction at one of Bali’s most popular tourist sites, the Sangeh Monkey Forest. The incident tragically resulted in the death of a staff member and serious injury to another, alongside extensive damage to the historic temple complex within the forest.
Incident Overview
On December 3, 2025, multiple large trees, some towering as high as 50 meters and more than 1.5 meters in diameter, fell within the main temple grounds of the Sangeh Monkey Forest. The severe weather struck suddenly, leading to the collapse of a pavilion at the Pucak Sari Temple, a key feature of the complex.
IB Putu Mas Arimbawa, Head of the Abiansemal District, confirmed the fatal accident and extensive damage to media outlets. Fifty-one-year-old staff member IB Nyoman Suamba died when the pavilion collapsed under the weight of a falling tree. Another staff member, 47-year-old Nyoman Rasna, was seriously injured, sustaining a broken arm.
Arimbawa detailed the aftermath: “Due to the extreme weather, several trees measuring 50 meters high and 1.5 meters in diameter fell, causing nearly 80 percent destruction of the temple area.”
The calamity unfolded as both staff members were monitoring the monkeys when a sudden tornado occurred. Rescue personnel had begun evacuating the site when Suamba briefly returned to retrieve his phone charger, resulting in the tragic accident.
Structural and Environmental Damage
The Sangeh Monkey Forest, known for its ancient nutmeg trees and cultural heritage, faced unparalleled devastation. The main mandala area of Pucak Sari Temple took the brunt of the damage, with numerous buildings flattened, sparing only the palinggih meru, a sacred temple shrine.
Around a dozen mature nutmeg trees were uprooted or felled. The local police provided an initial estimate of material losses approximating IDR 1 billion. Head of the Alas Pala Sangeh Tourism Management, IB Gede Pujawan, reported that roughly 30 nutmeg trees and 13 temple structures including palaces and pavilions were affected by the storm.
Arimbawa also noted an ironic detail: “A large tree deemed dangerous and positioned just in front of the temple surprisingly did not fall during the storm.”
Ongoing Response and Memorial Plans
Although the broader tourist area of Sangeh Monkey Forest remains accessible, the temple complex itself has been closed to visitors as cleanup and repair efforts begin. In honor of the deceased staff member, special ceremonies and memorial services are being planned. These ceremonies coincide with the ongoing post-pujawali festival activities observed at Pucak Sari Temple.
Arimbawa explained, “Since there was a casualty, a significant memorial service will be held here, followed by the cremation of the deceased. A simple ceremony will be conducted shortly, with larger events to follow based on priestly guidance.”
Government and Community Reaction
The Badung Regency authorities promptly responded to the disaster. Deputy Regent Bagus Alit Sucipta personally visited the site with local officials to oversee relief measures. He instructed the Badung Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to assess the losses and accelerate assistance.
“The temple had just hosted a large ceremony, and now we must quickly provide support to repair the damages caused by this unexpected tragedy,” Deputy Regent Sucipta affirmed.
Paramedic Inastuti, who attended the scene, urged for heightened caution during the ongoing extreme weather conditions affecting Bali. “We urge public and tourism operators to increase vigilance as severe weather is expected to persist in the coming days,” she stated.
Context and Safety Advisory
This devastating event at Sangeh Monkey Forest comes nearly a year after a similar tragedy at Ubud Monkey Forest, where two tourists were killed by a falling tree. Given the severity of this year’s rainy season in Indonesia, tourism stakeholders in Bali are being called upon to implement and maintain strict safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
Visitors to Bali’s outdoor attractions and cultural sites are advised to stay alert for weather warnings and adhere to any advisories issued by local authorities during this volatile season.
The loss at Sangeh Monkey Forest serves as a somber reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness amid Bali’s spectacular yet sometimes unpredictable environment. Restoration and safety enhancements will be crucial in safeguarding both visitors and heritage sites moving forward.
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