In the temple complex of Pura Bukit Sari, within the Sangeh Monkey Forest, a large and old nutmeg tree fell. It crushed the bale gong pavilion where two staff members were inside. One of them died, and the other was injured. The deceased was a 51-year-old guide named Ida Bagus Nyoman Suamba.
An eyewitness, Taraka, reported that around 2:30 pm, heavy rain and gusty winds began. He and three colleagues took shelter in the bale gong, a large open pavilion with a roof. As the wind strengthened, Taraka and Ketut Darmayasa decided to move elsewhere, but two park staff remained in the pavilion.
A few minutes later, Taraka heard a cracking sound, ran back, and met an injured colleague with a broken arm on the way. The bale gong was no longer there — the pavilion was completely destroyed by the tree trunk. Ida Bagus Nyoman Suamba was trapped under the debris. The damage to the temple complex was estimated at approximately 1 billion rupiahs.
Falling of large trees during strong winds is not uncommon in Bali. Last year, a similar incident in the Ubud Monkey Forest resulted in the deaths of two tourists from France and South Korea.
During the rainy season in Bali, it is important to be more cautious about shelters: avoid taking cover under old, tall trees during storms, pay attention to what's above, and heed staff warnings.
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