Major New Traffic Flow Rules Spark Gridlock in Bali’s Prime Tourism Areas
December 15, 2025 – Bali, Indonesia – Over the weekend, Bali’s busiest roads experienced severe traffic congestion following the implementation of new traffic flow regulations designed to alleviate holiday season gridlock. The adjustments coincide with intense rainfall caused by Cyclone Seed 93S, which brought flooding to many of Bali’s key tourist resorts, compounding travel difficulties for visitors and locals alike.
Temporary Measures Amid Peak Tourist Season
Bali traditionally welcomes over one million tourists during the Christmas and New Year holiday period—a significant influx that places extraordinary pressure on the island’s already strained transportation infrastructure. Many domestic tourists travel from Java by road, often bringing their own vehicles, which further crowds the roads.
To address this seasonal surge, local authorities introduced new traffic flow rules as a temporary measure aimed at improving vehicle movement over the festive weeks. Depending on the effectiveness of these changes, there is potential for some of the measures to become permanent fixtures in Bali’s traffic management plan.
Gridlock and Public Reaction
Despite intentions to ease congestion, initial implementation led to significant traffic jams. Viral videos circulating on social media showed near standstill conditions at the Simpang Sunset Road-Mertanadi-Jalan Raya Taman intersection, a notorious bottleneck in the Kerobokan Kelod area.
AKP Ni Luh Tiviasih, Chief of the Badung Police Traffic Unit, emphasized that the current traffic engineering initiatives are part of experimental efforts to identify the most effective solutions for easing congestion around Kerobokan Kelod. “This traffic management strategy has been coordinated with the Badung Regency Transportation Agency and Kerobokan Kelod Urban Village. Barriers to direct traffic flow were installed starting Sunday, December 14, at 8:00 a.m. Central Indonesian Time,” AKP Tiviasih explained.
She urged the public to stay informed through official government channels and social media updates, expressing hope that road users would adapt swiftly to the new routes to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Key Changes and Testing Phase
One of the significant alterations impacts Jalan Gunung Tangkuban Perahu, which is now operating as a one-way street running east to west for all vehicles. I Made Gede Wiryantara Adi Susandi, Head of Traffic at the Badung Transportation Agency, noted that this adjustment will be tested over the next month. “If successful without major issues, this could be made permanent,” he stated.
Supporting Tourists and Coordinated Efforts
Acknowledging the frustrations of tourists caught in gridlock, officials have increased the deployment of traffic officers at strategic points and areas prone to congestion during the busy Christmas and New Year period.
I Ketut Sriawan, Head of the Denpasar Transportation Agency, highlighted key congestion points including Sanur resort areas, Living World Denpasar shopping center, and other commercial hubs across Denpasar City.
To better manage traffic volume near Sanur Port, which sees up to 7,000 people crossing during peak times, alternative piers such as Mertasari and Serangan—which collectively accommodate around 1,200 passengers—will be utilized. Tourists heading to Sanur Harbour and nearby beach resorts may be directed to park at Mertasari Beach parking facilities and take electric shuttle buses for the remainder of their journey.
Outlook
While these traffic adjustments have initially resulted in traffic slowdowns and public frustration, authorities remain optimistic that as drivers adapt, road conditions will improve. The collaborative effort involving police, transportation agencies, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and public order officials reflects ongoing commitment to managing Bali’s transportation challenges during peak travel periods.
As the holiday season continues, tourists and residents are encouraged to monitor updates and plan accordingly to minimize delays.
For additional travel tips and traffic updates in Bali, visitors are advised to follow local government social media outlets and official announcements.
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