New Toll Road Proposed to Connect Bali’s Iconic Tourism Destinations with Emerging Vacation Hotspots
Bali, Indonesia — As the island continues to grapple with mounting traffic congestion, local and national leaders have reignited plans for a major infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity across Bali’s key tourist areas. The proposal centers on a new toll road that would link the island’s famous destinations in the south and west with developing vacation hotspots in the north.
Addressing Bali’s Growing Traffic Woes
Bali’s increasing popularity as a global tourist destination has brought significant road traffic challenges. Visitors often find themselves stuck in lengthy congestion, whether traveling between Denpasar and Gilimanuk or journeying from Uluwatu to Ubud. These traffic issues have been a persistent concern for both residents and tourists alike.
Back in 2024, former Indonesian Minister of Tourism Sandiaga Uno announced that plans were underway to design a toll highway that would better connect Bali’s southern and northern regions. He indicated that the tender process for the project was set to commence in 2025 but public discussion dwindled until recent weeks.
Speaking to reporters in September 2024, Minister Uno highlighted the importance of the toll road in reducing travel time: “The toll road also connects to the re-tendering process of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road. If there is this new toll road, hopefully, it will take around 90 minutes to reach North Bali.”
Supporting North Bali’s Development and a New Airport
The proposed “North Bali Toll Road” is a crucial part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and economic growth in the island’s less-developed northern region. The project also complements plans for a new North Bali Airport, a key initiative backed by President Subianto Prabowo to expand access for travelers.
Both former Minister Uno and current Tourism Minister Widiyanti Wardhana emphasize that improved transportation infrastructure is essential to unlocking North Bali’s potential as a prominent tourist destination. Minister Uno remarked, “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.”
Renewed Local Support and Calls for Inclusive Development
As 2025 draws to a close, the toll road initiative has returned to public discussion, driven by advocacy from local political figures. Gede Sumarjaya Linggih, a vocal supporter of North Bali’s advancement, recently urged for renewed commitment to the mega project.
Linggih highlighted the uneven economic growth across the island, pointing out that southern areas like Badung and Denpasar have seen greater development compared to northern and eastern regions. “The large [state development] in Badung, and Denpasar drives uneven growth, increasing inequality as the northern and eastern regions lag behind, employment opportunities are low, and labor flows southward, ultimately unable to accommodate the lower classes,” he said.
Going further, Linggih proposed rerouting the existing plan for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi Toll Road. Instead of connecting central Bali with the west along its current path, he suggests extending it through the north, creating a new Gilimanuk-Seririt-Soka-Denpasar corridor. This, he argues, would help alleviate traffic congestion while supporting medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) along the route. “If the toll road remains on its current route, MSMEs along the road could potentially die,” Linggih warned.
He also stressed that future toll road projects should align with the Detailed Spatial Planning (RDTR), prioritizing underdeveloped regions to ensure balanced growth. According to Linggih, while southern Bali has naturally developed, significant investment is needed in other parts of the island to foster equitable prosperity.
Immediate Traffic Management Efforts During Peak Seasons
Traffic congestion remains a pressing issue during major tourist influxes, such as the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Authorities are stepping up efforts to manage traffic flow with increased patrols and coordination.
Anak Agung Ngurah Rai Yuda Darma, Head of Badung Regency’s Transportation Agency, told reporters on December 22, “Collaboration and synergy are key to maintaining smooth traffic management in Badung. We hope that coordination with all stakeholders will run optimally so that transportation services to the public and tourists, both domestic and international, can be provided optimally.”
Challenges Ahead and Public Responses
Despite enthusiasm for the toll road, public comments reveal skepticism and concerns about various challenges. Some locals point out ongoing issues such as road maintenance, waste management, and environmental preservation, which they believe should be addressed alongside new infrastructure projects.
One commenter suggested, “The local and national governments might also consider fixing many of the potholes that make driving such a challenge throughout the busiest areas of Bali.” Others warned that Bali’s existing waste crisis and depletion of green areas could hinder sustainable development.
Looking Forward
As the North Bali Toll Road project moves closer to realization, it promises to be a game-changing development for the island’s tourism landscape. If successfully implemented, the new highway could significantly reduce travel time, distribute economic benefits more evenly across Bali, and open up promising destinations in the north to more visitors.
However, achieving these goals will require continued collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and business stakeholders to ensure that growth is sustainable and inclusive.
With tourism representing a backbone of Bali’s economy, efforts to improve transportation infrastructure signal a critical step toward enhancing visitor experiences and supporting the island’s long-term prosperity.
Add a comment