Bali is indeed one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, millions of tourists come to enjoy the beauty of the beaches, culture, and cuisine of this island of the gods. However, with the increasing number of tourists and the dense local population, it is undeniable that some roads in Bali often experience traffic jams. Knowing the areas prone to traffic jams in Bali is important, especially for those of you who want to have a comfortable vacation without wasting a lot of time on the road.
This article will discuss several roads in Bali that are known to be prone to traffic jams, as well as provide an overview of the causes of congestion in these areas. This will make it easier for you to plan your itinerary and choose alternative routes to save time during your vacation.
Why is Bali often congested?
Traffic congestion in Bali is caused by several main factors. First, the road infrastructure is relatively narrow compared to the increasing number of vehicles. Second, there is high tourism activity, with many tourists using private vehicles or rental cars. Third, there are crowded areas such as shopping centers, markets, malls, and access roads to famous tourist attractions.
This is why it is very important to know the areas prone to traffic jams in Bali so that you can anticipate them before traveling.
List of Areas Prone to Traffic Jams in Bali
Here are some points known to be prone to traffic jams in Bali, complete with the main causes:
1. Cokroaminoto Street – Badung Regency Office Complex
This road is the main route for trucks and large vehicles heading to Java. As a result, traffic around Cokroaminoto to Puspem Badung is often congested, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. This road is also a vital access route for residents of Denpasar and its surroundings, so it is not surprising that traffic jams often occur.
2. Teuku Umar Barat Street (North Denpasar)
This area is filled with rows of shops, restaurants, and business centers. In addition, there are many traffic lights, which often cause traffic jams. During working hours, traffic jams on Jalan Teuku Umar Barat can be very long, especially at major intersections.
3. Imam Bonjol & Malboro Street
This road is relatively narrow but crowded with shops, private vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles. Long queues are common, especially in the afternoon. Imam Bonjol and Malboro roads are often used as alternatives by residents, but they are becoming increasingly congested due to the large number of road users.
4. East Gatot Subroto Road
One of the causes of traffic congestion on this road is the presence of a large shopping center. The large number of cars, tourist buses, and motorcycles heading to the mall causes heavy traffic. This condition usually occurs on weekends or during the holiday season.
5. Tamblingan Lake Road (Sanur)
As a popular tourist area in Sanur, Jalan Danau Tamblingan is often crowded with vehicles. The presence of malls and culinary centers further adds to the traffic congestion, especially at night when tourists begin to fill the area.
The main road connecting Denpasar and Jimbaran is one of the busiest spots. In addition to being densely populated, this route also provides access to popular tourist areas in Jimbaran. It is not uncommon for long traffic jams to occur, especially on weekends.
7. Canggu – Batu Bolong – Berawa Highway
The Canggu area is now one of Bali’s new tourist centers. Many tourists, local residents, and shopping activities make this area increasingly crowded. The relatively small roads cannot accommodate the volume of vehicles, causing traffic jams almost every day.
8. Seminyak & Petitenget Highway
The Seminyak and Petitenget areas are known as centers for entertainment, restaurants, and luxury hotels. It is not surprising that these streets are always crowded with tourists, both day and night. Traffic congestion in this area gets worse during the holiday season.
9. Ubud Highway & Central Parking Lot
As one of Bali’s main tourist destinations, Ubud is always crowded with tourists from various countries. The main road to Ubud is often congested, especially in the area near the central parking lot and art market. This condition can make the trip to Ubud take longer than expected.
10. Kuta Highway & Ngurah Rai Airport
This is one of the most congested points in Bali. The road from Kuta to Ngurah Rai Airport is almost always busy. The large number of tourists, shops, hotels, and main access to the airport are the main causes of congestion. During rush hour, vehicles can be stuck for quite a long time in this area.
Tips for Avoiding Traffic Jams in Bali
To ensure your trip remains comfortable, here are some simple tips you can follow:
Try to travel outside of rush hour (before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.).
Use a navigation app to monitor traffic conditions.
Find an alternative route that is quieter, even if it is a little longer.
Consider renting a car with a local driver who is familiar with the roads.
Knowing the areas prone to traffic jams in Bali will greatly help you plan your vacation more efficiently. By understanding the points where traffic is often congested, you can better manage your travel time and avoid wasting time on the road.
If you want a more peaceful vacation without worrying about traffic jams, it’s best to use a reliable transportation service. Contact Bali Mutia to rent a car with an experienced driver who is ready to take you to various tourist destinations more comfortably and efficiently.
