Authorities discovered the body of an unidentified woman below the cliffs of Pura Luhur Uluwatu in Badung, Bali, on Thursday, 9 January 2025. The body was found wearing only a black bikini, raising questions about her identity and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Open Wounds and Suspected Fractures
Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, I Nyoman Sidakarya, stated that the body had open wounds and a suspected broken right leg.
“The victim was wearing only a black bikini. There were visible injuries on her body, and her right leg appeared to be fractured,” Sidakarya explained on Thursday. Based on preliminary observations, authorities believe the woman may be a foreign national.
Discovery and Evacuation Effort
The local lifeguard team, Balawista Badung, reported the incident to the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office at 10:20 a.m. local time. Twelve rescue personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. The body was located beneath a 68-meter-high cliff near the popular Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple.
To locate the body precisely, the rescue team deployed a thermal drone for observation before lowering a team member with ropes to reach the site. The recovery operation, which took approximately 90 minutes, concluded successfully at 1:25 p.m.
“Time was of the essence as the tide was rising, and there was a risk the body could be swept away by waves, complicating the evacuation process,” Sidakarya said.
Safety Concerns and Preventive Measures
The incident’s chronology is still unclear.
The customary village leader of Pecatu (Jro Bendesa Pecatu), I Made Sumerta, highlighted the risks posed by the steep cliffs in the area, particularly as visitors approach the edge for selfies.
He urged greater caution, especially among those afraid of heights. “We hope visitors refrain from getting too close to the cliff edges just to take photos,” he said.
Further Investigation Underway
The remains have been transferred to RSUP Prof Ngoerah Denpasar for further examination. Efforts to identify the victim and determine the cause of death are ongoing.
The operation involved a coordinated effort from several agencies, including Denpasar Search and Rescue, Denpasar Police’s Marine Unit, Bali Police’s Mobile Brigade Unit, Kuta Selatan Police, SAR 115, Badung Regency’s Civil Service Police Unit, ORARI, Pecatu village security, local tour guides, and community members.
The incident has drawn attention to safety concerns in the popular tourist area, where steep cliffs and strong ocean currents pose significant risks. Authorities urge visitors to remain cautious and adhere to safety guidelines.
