KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the eruption of Mount Agung and the closure of Ngurah Rai International Airport, the atmosphere in Bali is relatively calm, a Malaysian stranded at the tourism hotspot said.
Kathleen Nandong, who is stuck on the island with her husband, said that so far, she is feeling safe and secure.
“The local authorities have things under control. I saw military trucks and ambulances going to and from Mount Agung. However, things are still calm,” the senior training consultant with Institute Tadbiran Awam Negara (Intan) told The New Straits Times.
Kathleen and her husband, who arrived in Bali on Thursday, were supposed to fly back to Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, but their flight has been tentatively rescheduled to Tuesday.
The couple only learned of their flight’s cancellation when they reached the airport. However, in spite of the mass cancellations, she said that the situation at Ngurah Rai was calm.
“It was not chaotic, as people were orderly. No shouting, no commotion. People were calm, if a little jittery.
“We're hoping that we can fly off tomorrow, if not within this week. I can't tell how long we are going to be here, but we’re just trying to keep our spirits positive, knowing that God is in control of all things,” Kathleen said.
The 36-year-old added that she has had to fork out extra funds to pay for her unplanned extended stay at Kuta Raya, as stranded tourists have not been offered compensation.
“We are staying at the same hotel we checked out of yesterday, out of convenience and familiarity.
“No point in panicking. (We are) just making the most out of the situation (and are) relaxing a little longer and enjoying the local food,” she said.
Other stranded tourists seem to be taking the same approach.
“People are trying to stay positive, joking around, sharing experiences and exchanging stories,” Kathleen said, adding that the air quality in the Kuta area is clear.
“The rain has helped to clear the air. Sometimes, the rain is heavy, and at times it is just drizzling.
“(But) the tap water is a bit muddy this morning. Probably because of the mud reported to be (flowing) from the mountain area,” she added.
Meanwhile, an investment banker, Fatin Natasha Shamsul said she and her friend were supposed to leave Bali yesterday.
"However, due to the eruption, we had to extend the trip until tomorrow or Wednesday depending on the situation at the airport.
"We will be staying here until everything is okay, probably two more days," she said, adding that they were staying far from the affected area.
“The hotel here is 70km from Mount Agung and due to this, we are all doing fine and none of us is affected by the smoke.”