Watch: How a casual Bali visit turned into a near-death experience for influencer
What started as a casual outing at a popular tourist spot in Bali turned into a terrifying experience for American travel creator Katy Johnson. While visiting Angel's Billabong on Nusa Penida island, she was nearly swept away by a powerful wave.
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The incident happened on Easter Sunday while Johnson was recording a selfie video near the edge of the tide pool– an area known for both its stunning views and unpredictable tides. Suddenly, a strong wave crashed over the rocks, knocking her backwards. The video she later posted showed the frightening moment just before her camera went under, capturing how quickly things turned dangerous.
'Not the kind of baptism I signed up for'
In her post to followers, Johnson described the incident with a hint of humour, but also acknowledged how serious and dangerous the situation really was.
'Easter Sunday in Bali really said, 'You wanna meet Jesus today?' Because I almost did. One rogue wave came crashing in at Angel's Billabong like it had personal beef with me and nearly swept me right off the viewing platform and into the next life. Not the kind of baptism I signed up for,' she wrote.
The video ends suddenly, showing the moment Johnson is struck by the wave and thrown off balance. What follows is a brief, blurry glimpse of the chaos before the footage cuts out completely.
Watch the viral video:
Hidden dangers behind the scenic view
Although Angel's Billabong is often shown as a peaceful, turquoise tide pool, it has a history of accidents that many tourists don't know about. In her post, Johnson shared that she was shocked to find out just how risky the spot really is.
'Learning that over a dozen tourists have actually died at this spot? That hit hard. There were no warning signs, no security, and honestly, no reason to think the waves would even reach the deck,' she wrote.
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Her comments highlight a growing concern among both tourists and locals– the lack of basic safety measures at many high-risk but popular spots in Bali. Despite multiple incidents in the past, some of these locations still operate without warning signs, safety barriers, or staff on site.
A wake-up call for tourists and travel platforms
After the incident, Johnson used her platform to remind fellow travellers to put safety first, especially when visiting places that lack proper regulation or safety measures.
'Your life is worth more than content. Responsible tourism means staying curious and cautious. Research your locations, be aware of your surroundings, and don't ignore your gut,' she advised.
Her message sparked widespread conversations online, with many users sharing similar experiences of dangerous encounters at tourist spots that were inadequately marked or managed.
No lessons learnt despite past incidents
Angel's Billabong has long been known for its unpredictable tides and sudden wave surges. Despite several fatal accidents over the years, there has been little progress in improving official safety measures at the site. The lack of action raises concerns, not just for tourist safety, but for the broader tourism industry that depends heavily on social media exposure.
For content creators, it's the constant challenge of getting the perfect shot while staying safe in risky settings. For local authorities, Johnson's experience serves as a much-needed reminder that safety must come before spectacle.
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