Researcher Found A Dangerous E. coli Bacteria at Bali’s Most Popular Beaches

Share:

A nonprofit organisation in Bali has been monitoring the water quality at two of the island’s most popular tourist beaches. According to the tests’ findings, the seawater in Canggu’s Batu Bolong Beach and Seminyak’s Petitenget Beach is contaminated with harmful E.coli bacteria.

Yayasan Bali Bersih, a Bali-based nonprofit affiliated with the Westerlaken Foundation in the Netherlands, has been performing water quality assessments at Bali’s busiest beaches destinations whichresults are surprising. 

Through their Instagram accounts, Yayasan Bali Bersih (the Clean Bali Foundation) and the Westerlaken Foundation have shared their findings with the general public. The organisations conduct routine laboratory testing on seawater as part of regular water quality surveys. 

The nonprofit organisation stated that the objective of the research was to “determine whether or not there are Escherichia coli [E, coli] bacteria in seawater, which can disrupt marine ecosystems and potentially endanger the health of locals and beachgoers.”

Researcher Found A Dangerous E. coli Bacteria at Bali's Most Popular Beaches
Source WHO

Yayasan Bali Bersih and the Westerlaken Foundation discovered that E-coli bacteria are present in the ocean after collecting water samples on the 21st of June, 2023. To ascertain the frequency of E. coli in the water samples, the researchers employed the MPS (Most Probable Number Method). According to the results, there were bubbles in the lab test tubes with an MPN of more than 1100.

This indicates the presence of E.coli and seawater contamination in Canggu’s Batu Bolong Beach and Seminyak’s Petitenget Beach. It is concerning because E. coli can be found in water supply and food processing. E.coli contamination is likely due to home or human waste, such as faeces.  The high concentrations of E. coli discovered in the water samples last week suggest a danger of the disease spreading among humans due to the bacteria. 

According to the researchers, “The inspection results will provide important information to the authorities and the public regarding the condition of clean sea water in Bali.”

The researchers added, “By knowing the content of Escherichia coli in seawater, countermeasures and improvements can be taken to minimise health risks and maintain the sustainability of marine ecosystems.”

Interested in this topic? Check out our other articles from Social Expat: 

Related News

The long holiday of Libur Lebaran is just around the corner, and for those staying in Indonesia, finding the perfect way to spend the break can be an exciting challenge. While many opt for a getaway to Bali or Yogyakarta, the vibrant music scene in Indonesia offers another enticing option—concerts. April 2025 is shaping up […]

During the Eid al-Fitr holiday in 2025, LRT Jabodebek is offering special ticket promotions with fares starting at IDR 5,000 and capping at IDR 10,000.  It is applicable from 28 March to 7 April 2025; moreover, throughout the Lebaran transportation period, which runs from 21 March to 11 April 2025. During this time, LRT Jabodebek […]

As is widely known, in 2025, Nyepi Day falls on Saturday, 29th March, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan 1446 Hijri. This unique circumstance has raised specific concerns among Muslims in Bali regarding the observance of Tarawih prayers, which coincide with the Nyepi celebrations observed by Hindus. On this day, all individuals in Bali […]

PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) has confirmed that the 37 airports under its management are fully prepared to accommodate travellers during Eid 2025. Throughout the Eid al-Fitr 2025 homecoming period, 37 airports will operate 24 hours a day. “To ensure the smooth running of Lebaran transportation, we have prepared all airports for 24-hour operation. […]

Expat Property

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Business Networking
150,000
Paradise Lane
Social Networking
150,000
Dobu Restaurant & Bar
Business Networking
150,000
Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Sunset Road

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery