Major Road Closure Will Impact Bali Tourists’ Journeys to Uluwatu
Bali, Indonesia – May 9, 2025 – Tourists planning to visit Uluwatu next week should be prepared for significant road closures affecting one of Bali’s busiest highways. From May 11 to May 12, 2025, the Uluwatu Highway will be closed to facilitate traditional Balinese Hindu ceremonies, prompting the need for alternative travel routes.
The closures are set to coincide with the sacred Masupati and Ngiring Sasuhunan Ida Bhatara Dewa Ayu Jimbaran Ceremony, a significant cultural and religious event for the local residents of Jimbaran Village. The ceremony involves a procession in which thousands of devotees will journey on foot from Ulun Swi Temple in Jimbaran to the iconic Luhur Uluwatu Temple, a distance of approximately 5-6 kilometers.
The pilgrimage is scheduled to commence at 6 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, with participants expected to return the following day at the same time. During this period, road users are strongly advised to avoid the Uluwatu Highway and consider alternative routes. Local officials, including representatives from the Pecalang and Bakamda of Jimbaran Traditional Village, have recommended using the Udayana University Campus (Unud) route or the Dharmawangsa Kampial Highway.
Authorities have urged all road users to prioritize the procession and respect the ceremony’s significance. There will be no exceptions to the road closure rules, except in emergencies where ambulance vehicles will be granted access. Drivers are required to comply with the directions of the Pecalang, tasked with maintaining safety and order during the event.
The Jimbaran Village Pecalang have expressed their apologies for any inconvenience the closure may cause and extended their gratitude to the community for their understanding. Tourists interested in observing the procession are welcome, but must do so respectfully. This includes avoiding taking photographs of participants without explicit permission and being considerate of the religious nature of the event. Spectators are encouraged to maintain a respectful distance and remain mindful of the ceremonies taking place.
While the ceremony will restrict access to certain areas of the Uluwatu Temple, tourist attractions will generally remain available. Visitors can still enjoy the Kecak Dance performance at the Uluwatu Temple Amphitheater on both days, though traffic is expected to be heavy in the area. Thus, travelers to Uluwatu Temple are also advised to utilize the alternative routes suggested and plan ample time for their journeys.
Additionally, travelers in the Uluwatu area should be aware of another upcoming event from May 13 to May 16, when the Uluwatu Temple will host a Piodalan Ceremony. Although the temple and Kecak Dance performance will be operational, access will be restricted during the ceremony days.
As Bali’s popularity continues to soar among international travelers, local officials are keen to maintain the integrity of cultural practices while ensuring a smooth travel experience for all. Tourists are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly during this time of elevated activity surrounding Uluwatu.
For ongoing updates regarding this and other Bali news, travelers are invited to follow local news outlets and engage in community forums to receive timely information that could impact their travel plans.
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