Updated 4 September 2026. Earthquakes are possible in Bali because Indonesia is a tectonically active region. That does not mean every visitor will experience a dangerous event, but it is also wrong to promise that there is nothing to worry about. The risk depends on the earthquake's strength and depth, distance, local ground, building quality and whether you are near the coast.
What to know about the risk
- Earthquakes cannot currently be predicted reliably by exact date, place and magnitude. You can monitor an event after it starts and prepare in advance.
- Magnitude describes energy released at the source, not guaranteed damage at a particular hotel. Depth, distance, local ground, shaking duration and building design all affect the result.
- After a strong event, aftershocks are possible. Do not return to a damaged building just because the main shaking has stopped.
- A tsunami does not follow every earthquake. But strong or long shaking near the coast, an unusual rise or sudden retreat of the sea, or a loud roar are natural warning signs: move away from the water immediately without waiting for a phone alert.
Before the trip and at check-in
Save your accommodation address and an offline map. Ask staff for two routes from the building: an exit route and a safe point away from the coast. Locate the stairs, exit, first-aid kit and meeting point; do not plan to evacuate by lift. At night keep your phone, shoes, glasses, water and a small torch beside the bed. Do not place heavy items above the bed or block the exit with suitcases.
If you stay near a beach, ask in advance where to go after a tsunami warning: to higher ground or inland. In a real evacuation, follow signs and local instructions even if they differ from the route shown in an app.
During an earthquake indoors
Use Drop, Cover, Hold On:
- Drop to the floor so you do not lose your balance.
- Take cover under a sturdy table or other stable furniture; if none is nearby, protect your head and neck with your arms near an interior wall.
- Hold on until the shaking stops and be ready to move with the shelter.
Move away from windows, glass, tall cabinets, hanging objects and exterior walls. Do not run outside during shaking, stand in a doorway or use a lift. If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. In a kitchen, protect yourself first rather than taking extra risks to switch everything off.
Outside, in a car or near the sea
- Outside: move to an open area away from buildings, walls, trees, wires, signs and anything else that could fall.
- In a car: pull over smoothly away from bridges, overpasses, power lines, trees and signs. Stay in the car until shaking stops, then check the road carefully.
- On the coast: after strong or long shaking, do not wait for an official push message. Move immediately to higher ground or as far inland as possible. Do not return to watch the first wave; dangerous waves may arrive in a series.
After the shaking
Check yourself and people nearby, put on shoes, and watch for broken glass and fallen wires. If safe, check for fire, gas smell, electrical damage and water leaks; do not use a flame if you suspect a gas leak. Leave a visibly damaged building by the stairs and do not go back until specialists say it is safe. Expect aftershocks and follow updates from BMKG, local authorities and your accommodation.
Where to check information
The main Indonesian source for earthquake data and tsunami warnings is InaTEWS BMKG. BMKG publishes recent events, parameters and recommendations; its earthquake and tsunami preparedness guidance explains the basic precautions. Save the Info BMKG app, but do not rely only on the internet: evacuate immediately when natural tsunami signs are obvious.
Bottom line: whether to visit Bali is a personal decision. An earthquake is not a reason for panic, but it is not a reason for unconditional reassurance either. Check your accommodation, know the exit, keep shoes and a phone nearby, take cover during shaking, and if you are by the sea after strong or long shaking, move uphill or inland immediately.
Sources checked 4 September 2026: InaTEWS BMKG, BMKG earthquake and tsunami preparedness guidance, USGS earthquake safety guidance.
