New Toll Road Proposed to Connect Iconic Bali Tourism Destinations with Emerging Vacation Hotspots
Bali, Indonesia – As traffic congestion continues to challenge the island’s residents and visitors alike, plans for a new toll road aimed at connecting Bali’s iconic tourism sites with emerging vacation destinations have resurfaced, signaling a renewed commitment from government officials to improve transportation infrastructure across the island.
Addressing Bali’s Traffic Congestion
From Denpasar in the south to Gilimanuk in the west, and popular spots like Uluwatu and Ubud, Bali’s roads are frequently clogged with heavy traffic, particularly during peak tourist seasons. The issue has been a consistent topic of concern for both local authorities and the tourism sector, which remains a vital part of Bali’s economy.
In 2024, then Indonesian Minister of Tourism Sandiaga Uno publicly confirmed that plans were underway to develop a new toll highway linking the southern and northern parts of Bali. The Minister indicated that by 2025, the tender process for the project was expected to launch, although the topic had since remained relatively quiet in the public eye—until recent developments brought it back into focus.
The North Bali Toll Road Initiative
Minister Uno explained that the proposed toll road would connect to ongoing efforts to finalize the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road, with an aim to reduce travel time significantly. “If there is this new toll road, hopefully, it will take around 90 minutes to reach North Bali,” he noted during a press briefing in September 2024. This new route, dubbed the North Bali Toll Road, is also planned to support the construction of a proposed North Bali Airport, a project endorsed by President Subianto Prabowo during his current term. The airport and improved toll road are key elements in developing North Bali into a prominent tourism destination, addressing prevailing issues related to long travel distances and limited accessibility.
Minister Uno emphasized the importance of collaborative development: “I feel that the constraints of distance and travel time are the most vital issues. We must take the same side in developing North Bali because this is an area full of potential.”
Political Support and Expanded Vision
As the year 2025 draws to a close, local political figures have stepped forward to advocate more actively for the toll road project. Gede Sumarjaya Linggh, a prominent Bali politician known for promoting growth in the northern regions, voiced strong support for the infrastructure development.
Linggh highlighted the uneven growth patterns across Bali, explaining, “The large state development in Badung and Denpasar drives uneven growth, increasing inequality as the northern and eastern regions lag behind, where employment opportunities are low and labor flows southward.” He stressed the urgency of easing this disparity to encourage sustained economic and social development island-wide.
Pushing the idea further, Linggh proposed rerouting the existing plan for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi Toll Road to pass through the north of Bali instead. His vision entails the transformation of the corridor into the Gilimanuk-Seririt-Soka-Denpasar Toll Road. According to Linggh, this adjustment would alleviate traffic congestion and bolster the growth potential of medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) located along the route.
“The toll road that originally led to Gilimanuk–Mengwi should be diverted to Gilimanuk–Seririt–Soka to reduce traffic and allow MSMEs to continue growing,” Linggh remarked. “If the toll road remains on its current route, MSMEs along the road could potentially die.”
He further emphasized that toll projects should align with the Detailed Spatial Planning (RDTR) to target underdeveloped areas needing investment rather than predominantly developed southern regions.
Traffic Management and Future Outlook
Current holiday seasons, including Christmas and New Year, once again bring challenges for Bali’s traffic management systems. Increased patrols and coordination efforts have been put in place to mitigate congestion and keep transportation running smoothly for tourists and locals.
Anak Agung Ngurah Rai Yuda Darma, Head of the Badung Regency Transportation Agency, commented on these efforts: “Collaboration and synergy are key to maintaining smooth traffic management in Badung. We hope that coordination with all stakeholders will run optimally, so transportation services to the public and tourists, both domestic and international, can be provided optimally.”
Community Reactions and Challenges Ahead
The public discourse around the toll road has sparked a range of reactions. While many welcome improvements to Bali’s transport infrastructure, some residents caution that more immediate concerns, such as road maintenance, waste management, and environmental sustainability, also require urgent attention.
Commenters online have voiced frustrations over ongoing issues like potholed roads and waste disposal before embracing new projects, highlighting the need for balanced development initiatives that address the island’s multifaceted challenges.
Conclusion
The proposal for a new North Bali Toll Road underscores the island’s ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure in support of its vital tourism industry and regional development goals. If successfully realized, the project promises to transform travel across Bali by linking diverse regions, facilitating easier access to both established and emerging attractions, and providing economic opportunities to underserved communities.
With continued political backing and stakeholder collaboration, the coming years could bring significant improvements to Bali’s transportation network—beautifying travel experiences for visitors while fostering inclusive growth across the island.
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