A Perth man is being hailed a hero after saving the life of a stranger at a notorious island cliff near Bali.

Footage of the dramatic 25-minute ordeal shows 19-year-old Jake Davison’s desperate attempts to save a Chinese tourist who was swept off the rocks at “Devil’s Tears” on the holiday island of Nusa Lembogan.

Jake Davison. (9News)

The man was one of three Chinese vistors who were reportedly taking a selfie last year, when a large wave came up behind them and swept then down into the gorge below.

Mr Davison rescued one man, but another man died later in hospital.

The 19-year-old scuba instructor swam nearly 50 metres, through strong currents to make it to the drowning tourist.

9News spoke to him exclusively, in which he described not thinking twice about rescuing the man.

“There was definitely one moment where I thought... I don't know if I'm going to be able to get out myself, let alone, get this guy out.”

The merciless waves knocked both men off the safety of the rock numerous times, almost pushing them to the point of giving up.

The rescue was incredibly difficult in the crashing surf. (Supplied)

“When I got to him he just kept climbing on top of me and stuff and pushing me underwater,” Mr Davison said.

“He just had no energy. and he didn't want to try any more and I was just like 'come on', I kept yelling at him saying 'come on, come on'.”

Onlookers passed Mr Davison a rope, to help pull the man from the water and to safety.