Bali’s New Governor Reveals Major Development Projects for the Island Paradise

Bali Road Projects Could Disrupt Tourist Vacations

While renovations at Besakih Temple are unlikely to affect tourist visits, a series of road and transportation projects are set to cause disruptions across Bali through 2026 and beyond.

Bali Mandara Toll Road.

Key Road Projects and Timelines

Governor Koster outlined aspiring plans for Denpasar’s infrastructure, stating, “In Denpasar, new roads on Sunset Road – Mahendradatta, Gatot Subroto-Canggu, Ahmad Yani Underpass, Tohpati Underpass, Jimbaran Underpass, the road for the shuttle from the parking building to the Sanur Harbor will be worked on in 2026 and 2027.”

These projects aim to alleviate traffic congestion but are expected to cause important disruptions, particularly around the Bukit Peninsula bottleneck.

View of Bukit Peninsula towards Denpasar, Bali.

Sea Taxi services as an Choice

As a countermeasure, Bali is investing in sea taxi services. by December 2025, a sea taxi service is slated to be fully operational, offering direct transport from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to resort destinations like Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, and Seminyak.

Governor Outlines Infrastructure Advancement

Governor Koster addressed the media on March 12, outlining the Bali Provincial government’s commitment to major infrastructure projects between 2025 and 2028. According to Koster,”These programs must run and be completed by 2028 at the latest,at worst by 2029.We share tasks according to each region and capability.”

Impact on Tourism Through 2029

The development projects, including road constructions and the enhancement of alternative transportation methods, are set to reshape the tourism landscape in Bali. Although the government aims to minimize disruptions and improve overall infrastructure in the long run, travelers should anticipate potential inconveniences during the construction phases.

Planning your Trip

• Stay Informed: keep up-to-date on project timelines and road closures.
• Consider Alternative Routes: Explore using sea taxis to bypass congested areas.
• Plan Ahead: Allow extra travel time to accommodate potential delays.

While Bali undergoes these significant infrastructure improvements, tourists should be prepared for potential disruptions. By staying informed and considering alternative transportation options like the sea taxi services, visitors can still enjoy their vacations with minimal inconvenience. Be sure to follow local news for real-time updates on road closures and project milestones to navigate the island effectively.

What specific advice would Ari WIBOWO offer travelers visiting Bali during these infrastructure projects to minimize disruptions and ensure a positive travel experience?

Bali Road Projects: Navigating Tourist Disruptions – An Expert’s View

Archyde News sits down with travel consultant, Ari Wibowo, to discuss the impact of bali’s upcoming infrastructure projects on tourism.

The Road ahead: Bali’s Infrastructure Overhaul and Tourist Impact

Archyde: Ari, thank you for joining us. Bali is undergoing significant infrastructure developments. what’s the general overview for tourists planning to visit in the next few years?

Ari Wibowo: Thanks for having me. Bali is indeed evolving. While renovations at Besakih Temple shouldn’t pose issues, a series of road and transportation projects are slated to cause disruptions across bali through 2026 and possibly beyond, even into 2029.

Navigating the Key Road Projects

archyde: Governor Koster mentioned several key road projects. Can you elaborate on locations and their expected impact?

Ari Wibowo: Certainly. the projects include new roads on Sunset Road – Mahendradatta, Gatot Subroto-Canggu, Ahmad Yani Underpass, Tohpati Underpass, Jimbaran Underpass, and the road to Sanur Harbor. These are predominantly in the Denpasar area. While aiming to reduce traffic, they’ll inevitably cause congestion, especially near the Bukit Peninsula.

Sea Taxi services: A Tourist Lifeline?

Archyde: It sounds like travel could be challenging. Is there a solution? We’ve heard about sea taxis.

Ari Wibowo: Absolutely. The sea taxi service, expected to be fully operational by December 2025, offers direct transport from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to popular destinations like uluwatu, Jimbaran, kuta, and Seminyak. This could be a game-changer for avoiding road congestion.

Minimizing Disruptions: Practical Advice for Travelers

Archyde: What practical advice can you offer tourists planning trips to Bali during this period?

Ari Wibowo: Firstly, stay informed.keep up-to-date with project timelines and road closures through local news. Consider alternative routes like the sea taxis.And most importantly, plan ahead and allow for extra travel time due to potential delays. Adaptability is key.

The Big Picture: Long-Term Benefits vs. Short-Term Pain

Archyde: These projects are designed for long-term improvement. Do you think the short-term disruptions are worth the long-term benefits for Bali tourism and infrastructure?

Ari Wibowo: It’s a balancing act. The government’s commitment to these programs,aiming for completion by 2028 or 2029,underscores the belief in long-term gains. Better infrastructure should ultimately improve the tourist experience and distribute tourism more evenly.

Tourism and New Airport developments

Archyde: Taking into account current developmens, what would you say about the impact that the nort Bali International Airport will have in the next 5 years?

Ari Wibowo: Well, considering that the North Bali International Airport is set to be built in Buleleng Regency and should serve over 32 million passengers annually, we can expect the tourism to spread more evenly through the province and away from the congested central south.

A Question for Our Readers

Archyde: we’d like to pose a question to our readers. If you were planning a trip to Bali during these infrastructure projects, which areas would you prioritize visiting and which would you avoid due to potential disruptions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!