5 MIN READ
10-16-2024
Hidden Trash at Pererenan Beach: Uncovering 831 Pounds of Waste to Save a Surfing Paradise
Ihsan, 4ocean Crew Member
On October 3, 2024, our Denpasar Beach Team headed out to Pererenan Beach, ready for another day of cleanup.
Pererenan is famous for its stunning shoreline and excellent surfing waves, attracting both local and international tourists. But beneath the surface of this picturesque beach in Bali, there was a hidden problem that had gone unnoticed—plastic waste buried deep around the stones supporting the breakwater and scattered under a nearby bridge.
As we began the day’s cleanup, it became clear just how much trash was concealed in these hard-to-reach areas. Plastic bottles, food wrappers, and even remnants from religious ceremonies were tightly packed between the rocks.
After walking about a kilometer, we discovered a significant amount of trash beneath the bridge, which crosses over a brackish river flowing toward the beach. This river was a direct pathway for trash to reach the ocean, potentially disrupting the surfers who frequent Pererenan Beach.
Knowing the importance of keeping the area clean, we spent 30 minutes carefully removing the waste under the bridge. With each haul of trash, we made sure to keep the brackish river and surrounding areas as pristine as possible.
We collected a total of 27 sacks of waste , amounting to 831.37 pounds of plastic and other debris, including plastic bottles, food wrappers, and plastic items from ceremonial offerings.
Despite the physical toll, we knew that every piece of trash we removed was one step closer to safeguarding the beach for both surfers and marine life.
Challenges Faced
The steep descent under the bridge posed a significant challenge for our team. Navigating the uneven terrain while hauling large sacks of trash wasn’t easy, and we had to be extremely cautious to avoid slipping or losing our grip on the trash. However, through teamwork and careful planning, we managed to transport all 27 sacks up to the top without any issues.
Beyond the physical difficulty, cleaning the hidden waste from beneath the breakwater rocks and under the bridge required extra effort. Much of the plastic was wedged tightly between stones, making it tricky to extract. Yet, we remained focused, determined to leave no piece of trash behind.
Impact Details
By the end of the day, our efforts had resulted in a significant environmental impact:
- Total Waste Collected: 831.37 lbs
- Sacks Used : 27
- Common Items Found: Plastic bottles, food wrappers, ceremonial plastic, and waste from hidden areas beneath rocks and the bridge.
One of the most shocking realizations was just how much waste was hidden from plain sight. The brackish river that flows to the beach is a direct pathway for plastic pollution to enter the ocean, affecting the surfers and marine life alike. Cleaning this area not only made the beach more enjoyable for tourists but also protected the local environment from long-term harm.
Cleaning Pererenan Beach wasn’t just about removing trash—it was about protecting a place that so many people, locals and tourists alike, hold dear. For surfers, this beach is a paradise. By removing 831 pounds of waste, we helped preserve that experience for them, but also sent a message about the importance of environmental stewardship.
As Dika Setiawan, one of our crew members, reflected, “Pererenan Beach is a paradise for surfers in Bali. Seeing tourists start to respect and acknowledge what 4Ocean does is really encouraging. Locals are also becoming more aware of the pollution problem, which is a step toward lasting change.”
It was a tiring day, but looking at the bags of collected trash, the team felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Knowing that we were making a real difference and preventing the trash from flowing into the ocean gave us the motivation to keep going, no matter the challenges.
The cleanup at Pererenan Beach was a powerful reminder of the importance of tackling not just the visible waste, but also the hidden trash that threatens the beauty of our shores. Despite the physical challenges, our Denpasar Beach Team left with a sense of pride, knowing we had made a tangible difference.
As we loaded the final sacks into the truck, we couldn’t help but look back at the now-pristine beach. This wasn’t just about the work we had done today—it was about the future of the ocean, the beaches, and the countless visitors who come here to enjoy them.
We hope that by continuing these efforts, we can inspire more people—both locals and tourists—to respect the environment and take action to protect it. Together, we can keep Bali’s beaches beautiful and plastic-free.
