Christmas Holiday Sparks Significant Tourist Surge in Bali
Bali is experiencing a notable rebound in tourist arrivals during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, marking a positive turnaround after weeks of reduced activity attributed to unfavorable weather and travel concerns across Indonesia.
On Friday, December 26, 2025, the domestic arrivals terminal at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport witnessed bustling crowds as travelers from various parts of the country arrived to enjoy their year-end vacations on the renowned resort island. Many domestic tourists opted to travel after Christmas, utilizing the extended holiday period before the New Year.
According to Wayan Pasek, a professional in Bali’s tourism sector, although visitor numbers were lower earlier in December, the situation has been improving since Christmas. "Compared with last year, the numbers are lower, but the curve is rising again. Since Christmas, it’s been getting busy," he stated. He also observed that traffic congestion is increasing, roads are crowded, and the airport activity is noticeably busier.
The majority of tourists at this time remain domestic visitors, but foreign tourists are also becoming increasingly visible. Peak tourist arrivals are anticipated on December 31, as people prepare to celebrate the New Year.
Data from airport operator Angkasa Pura revealed that daily domestic passenger volumes reached 30,543, with 16,779 arrivals and 13,764 departures. International passenger movements surpassed this figure, totaling 40,203 per day, comprised of 23,808 arrivals and 16,395 departures.
The influx of tourists is palpable on Bali’s streets, particularly in Kuta, the island’s iconic tourist hotspot. Key roads, including Jalan Patih Jelantik and Jalan Raya Legian, have seen a return of traffic jams dominated by vehicles bearing license plates from outside the province. Foreign tourists riding rented motorbikes navigate through slow-moving traffic, adding to the lively street scene.
Congestion tends to peak in the late afternoon as visitors flock to Kuta Beach to view the sunset, a longstanding attraction in the region. Meanwhile, nightlife establishments along Legian Road are filling up earlier than in previous years, with queues forming outside popular clubs well before nightfall.
Tourist Handoko from Jakarta shared his reason for arriving post-Christmas, noting, “We could only come now because the children just started their holidays.” He and his family plan to stay in Bali for six days before returning to Jakarta prior to New Year’s Eve.
Tour guide Erna expressed optimism about the recent uptick in visitors, suggesting it helps counter earlier fears of a prolonged tourism slump. She linked the earlier slowdown to poor weather conditions and public concerns about flooding in other areas of Indonesia. “Now that the weather has improved and Christmas is here, tourists are coming back,” she said. “I hope this positive trend continues into the New Year.”
The renewed dynamism in Bali’s tourism sector signals a hopeful outlook for the island’s economy as it navigates the year-end holiday season. With increased arrivals and vibrant local activity, Bali appears poised to regain momentum following recent challenges.
Tags: Tourism, Bali, Bali Tourism, Year-End Holiday, Holiday Travel
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