Bali Floods: Viral Videos of Pythons in Tourist Streets Spark Alarm

New Delhi, February 27, 2026: The tropical paradise of Bali has been transformed into a series of murky waterways following nearly three days of relentless torrential rain. While infrastructure damage and travel disruptions are common during the monsoon, a series of “shocking” viral videos has added a layer of primal fear to the crisis: massive pythons swimming through flooded city streets.

Social media platforms have been flooded with footage showing giant reticulated pythons—some estimated to be over 5 meters (16 feet) long—gliding calmly past submerged scooters and luxury villa gates in popular tourist hubs like Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak.

Wildlife Displaced by “Historic” Rainfall

The sightings come as the Indonesian island grapples with what meteorologists are calling a “historic” monsoon cycle. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) issued high-level alerts this week as water levels reached knee-deep in major residential and commercial zones.

Experts explain that the appearance of these reptiles is a direct result of the rising water levels.

• Habitat Loss: Intensive flooding forces snakes out of their natural burrows and storm drains.
• Survival Instincts: As cold-blooded animals, pythons seek higher ground or simply float with the current to avoid drowning in oversaturated soil.
• Excellent Swimmers: Reticulated pythons are natively aquatic-friendly and can move surprisingly fast through floodwaters, often appearing in urban areas where they would normally remain hidden.

“You won’t find me anywhere near Bali anytime soon,” one traveler commented on a viral X (formerly Twitter) post, reflecting a sentiment shared by many potential visitors viewing the footage from abroad.

Impact on Tourism and Safety

The Badung Regency, the heart of Bali’s tourism industry, has been the hardest hit. In Canggu and Ubud, holidaymakers have been filmed wading through water with suitcases overhead, while emergency teams in rubber boats have been deployed to evacuate residents from the most severely inundated neighborhoods.

Despite the terrifying appearance of the snakes, authorities have noted several key points for public safety:

1. Non-Venomous but Dangerous: The pythons seen in the videos are generally reticulated pythons. While they lack venom, they are powerful constrictors and can deliver painful bites if provoked.
2. No Reported Attacks: As of Friday, February 27, 2026, local officials have reported zero snakebite casualties related to the flooding.
3. Murky Water Hazards: The primary danger remains the water itself, which hides open manholes, sharp debris, and displaced wildlife.

Travel Advice: What to Do

For those currently on the island or planning to travel, the Bali Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has urged extreme caution.

As the peak of the rainy season continues, Bali remains in a state of high alert. While the sight of a “swimming giant” makes for a viral headline, the focus for locals remains on drainage and recovery as they wait for the “Island of the Gods” to dry out.