Mishap on holiday island prompts warning to Aussie tourists: 'Always check'

No one plans for something to go wrong while travelling abroad, but sometimes the unexpected can occur. Such was the case for several tourists visiting Bali this week.

"Your sign to get travel insurance," is one woman's message to other travellers, sharing an incident that unfolded at a wharf on Nusa Lembongan — a popular Indonesian island. And it's a message travel insurance providers condone, with Cover 1 telling Yahoo News Australia "a solid understanding of your coverage can help to mitigate any frustrations" as even the simplest of mishaps can ruin a holiday.

Travellers' bags fall into water at wharf in Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a popular pitstop between Sanur, a southeast beach in Bali, and the sought-after Gilli Islands where visitors travel by boat across often rocky seas. Many have complained of rough and unstable seas when visiting the islands by boat.

In a video shared on TikTok, a handful of luggage is seen floating aimlessly in the water below. It's not known how the suitcases ended up in the water, however, they likely fell from the wharf before or while being loaded onto the boat. Others are seen lined up on the wharf. According, to some tourists the luggage is often seen "sliding around the dock" as they're "not strapped in".

Several men, who appear to be locals, are seen plucking the fallen bags from the water, some using long sticks with hooks, as the bag owners presumably stood by and watched in disbelief — not knowing if their belongings inside would be damaged or left untouched.

"Same thing happened to me going over to an island next to Bali in the same spot," someone shared in response to the clip.

"At least there’s now a jetty/dock! 2 years ago I had to wade through the water with my bag above my head," someone else claimed.

Previously, Yahoo News Australia spoke to an Aussie traveller who was heading to Fiji but arrived to discover her items were soaked after Qantas allegedly left her luggage in the rain. So it's entirely possible for the water to seep through.

Aussies warned to 'always check' insurance which may not protect luggage

Cover for damages or losses caused by a transport provider, as seen in Bali video, would depend on a range of factors Natalie Smith, head travel expert for 1Cover Travel Insurance, told Yahoo, warning Aussies that basic cover may not protect your bags.

"As a rule, if a transport provider such as a ferry or airline loses or damages your luggage, they are responsible for compensating you. However, if they refuse to compensate you, or the amount is not equal to the value of your belongings, you can then take the matter to your travel insurer," she said.

"Keep in mind that the amount you can claim for will be based on your insurance cover limits. You should also allow for depreciation due to the age, wear and tear of your luggage and belongings."

"Travellers should be mindful when selecting lower priced, basic policies as these may not provide sufficient cover, if any, for your luggage and belongings," she added. "Look out for mid-range or comprehensive cover when seeking a policy with luggage cover benefits".

• Tourist warns against Bali experience on 'traumatising' boat ride

• Aussie reveals traumatic Bali incident: ‘Don’t know how we didn't die'

• Four Aussies missing in Indonesia found alive, 'floating' in ocean

Aussie travellers are advised to "always check your policy coverage to be sure of your luggage limits and any relevant exclusions". "If your items go missing or are damaged by a transport provider you would need an official report of the incident as well as documentation of any settlement offers," she said.

"If you can provide receipts or proof of purchase for the affected items, this can help to streamline your claim process too". Additionally, "some insurers exclude cover for water damage to your phone, so be wary when snapping those selfies," she concluded.

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