Of all the possible tourist attractions in and around Bali, perhaps the deadliest is Angel’s Billabong – a volcanic overhang, featuring a natural infinity pool, a rock arch, and extremely dangerous conditions when the waves are big.
Located on Nusa Penida Island, Angel’s Billabong is a short boat ride from Bali. So, many visitors flock to the picturesque site every year, hoping to get that perfect island escapism image for Instagram. But it can come at a cost – multiple people have died here.
The casualties are the result of large waves crashing onto the volcanic boulder, and people being smashed, then swept out to sea. And below, you’ll find one example of a close call that some swimmers had while lounging in the electric blue infinity pool water.
A gaggle of girls are floating in the aquamarine waters, when suddenly, a couple of large waves pummel through the cliff opening, creating a human washing machine inside the natural pool. The girls are tossed around like dolls, bouncing off the cliff faces, appearing visibly shaken, as others yell at them to get to safety.
It’s not the first time things got hectic for the sake of a photo at Angel’s Billabong. A while back travel influencer Katy Johnson nearly died while posing for a photo at the spot, when a rogue wave broke behind her and swallowed her whole. Johnson wrote:
Related: Rogue Wave Annihilates Travel Influencer in Bali (Video)
“What started as a serene, fun moment turned into one of the scariest experiences of my life. At first, I laughed it off (you know, after my soul returned to my body), but learning that over a dozen tourists have actually died at this spot? That hit hard.”
And others advise against acting foolishly at Angel’s Billabong, too. According to the travel blog on Availablewith regards to swimming at Angel’s, they write:
“You’re going to see a lot of people get in that infinity pool at Angel’s Billabong at low tide. We’d strongly urge you not to join them.
“It’s not just high tide that presents a serious risk to swimmers, there is a freak wave phenomenon that occurs with large waves crashing over the infinity pool.
“This can drag swimmers straight out to sea and, at least, four people have drowned at Angel’s Billabong.
“Don’t turn a day trip into a tragedy for an Instagram photo, it’s best to enjoy the ride there through the natural countryside and then take some cool photos.”
The danger at Angel’s Billabong is so real, some have even called the place “cursed.”
Related: Freak Waves Destroy Oblivious Humans, a Compilation (Watch)
