Government forecasts indicate that the peak travel day for outgoing holiday traffic will fall on Friday, March 28th, marking the start of a nationwide exodus as families journey to their hometowns for Eid, locally known as Lebaran. The return flow of travelers is expected to be at its highest on Sunday, April 6th, as people make their way back to work and daily routines. Eid al-Fitr itself will be formally observed on either March 30th or 31st, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Tourists planning to visit Bali during this period should prepare for increased traffic congestion, long queues at the airport, and popular attractions being busier than usual. However, on Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, which falls on March 29th, the island will come to a complete standstill, offering a brief pause before the lively festivities resume in full force.

Anticipating a Surge in Traffic

The President Director of Jasa Marga, Subakti Syukur, highlighted the expected rise in travel volume, estimating a 50% increase from normal conditions. However, he noted that traffic management measures could reduce congestion by about 9% compared to previous years. "We have been preparing for a long time, and with good coordination, we are optimistic that we can handle the surge in travelers," Syukur stated.

Starting as early as March 17th, traffic control measures will be introduced across Bali, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar. Road closures, diversions, and one-way traffic systems will be implemented to improve the flow of vehicles and prevent gridlock.

Key Traffic Changes in Kuta

Kuta, one of Bali’s busiest tourism hubs, will see several traffic adjustments during this period. Officials have announced that Jalan Majapahit, Jalan Pudak Sari, Jalan Tuan Lange, and Jalan Kendedes will experience changes in traffic direction and entry points.

The Head of Kuta Traditional Village, Putu Adnyana, explained that Jalan Pudak Sari, a frequently congested route, will transition into a one-way road to alleviate traffic pressure. "Previously, this road often experienced severe congestion due to its narrow two-way lane, especially during holiday periods. To improve traffic flow, vehicles will now enter from Jalan Kartika Plaza and exit via Jalan Kubu Anyar," he noted.

Simpang Karang Semaja, another congested area, will also see changes. Traffic exiting Jalan Kendedes will now be directed toward the Ngurah Rai Bypass, while vehicles from the bypass will no longer be permitted direct access to Jalan Kendedes, instead needing to enter via Jalan Tuan Lange. This area will operate as a one-way system to prevent bottlenecks. Adjustments to Jalan Majapahit are still under review and will be announced soon.

Tips for Tourists

For visitors unfamiliar with Bali’s roadways, these changes may seem complex, but the key takeaway is that traffic congestion in the central southern areas will be significantly higher between March 17th and April 6th. Tourists are advised to allocate extra travel time when moving between destinations and to avoid peak traffic hours, which typically fall between 7-10 AM and 4-8 PM.

Whether traveling by taxi, private driver, or motorbike, staying informed about road diversions and planning alternative routes can help avoid unnecessary delays. As Bali prepares for this high-travel season, these measures aim to ensure a smoother experience for both tourists and residents navigating the island during one of the busiest periods of the year.