Leaders Propose New Solution To Southern Bali’s Tourist Traffic Issues

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Leaders in Bali are proposing new solutions to tackle the island’s traffic congestion issues in top tourism hotspots.

As the resorts of Uluwatu and Ungasan grow at an exponential rate, the supporting road infrastructure is showing signs of struggle.

Leaders, communities, and tourists are all observing more traffic than ever in and around Uluwatu and Ungasan in South Bali.

As the Bukit Peninsula has seen rapid tourism growth in the last ten years, with a massive boom in the last five, the road system is in dire need of leveling up in order to support the unprecedented amount of traffic flow.

This peak season has highlighted that urgent action must be taken in this area of the island in particular. 

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The Regional Secretary of Badung I Wayan Adi Arnawa spoke to reporters about his and his team’s ideas to make a positive impact on the traffic situation in and around Uluwatu and Ungasan.

He noted clearly that the increase in tourist visits has not been balanced with adequate investment in infrastructure developments, resulting in congestion.

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The impact is also feared to cause discomfort for local residents, especially tourists who are spending more of their limited time on the island stuck in traffic jams. This, he shared, has become a challenge that must be overcome by the Badung Regency government.

Arnawa explained, “We must honestly admit that with the increasing number of tourist visits, there is one problem with infrastructure…If we compare it with the level of visits that have an impact on the high level of public income, if it is juxtaposed with the construction of a limited road, it is certainly not comparable.”

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He was able to confirm that efforts to tackle the issue have already been given the go-ahead by the Regent of Badung.

Arnawa explained the first phase of building the South Ring Road (JLS) has already started from Siligita to Sawangan, and the next stage will start from Karang Mas, Puri Gading, and Uluwatu.

Arnawa also confirmed that the traffic jams that often occur on Jalan Raya Uluwatu, right in front of GWK Cultural Park is because there is only one road access.

With this in mind, the Badung Regency Government are planning a new access route in the south, with land acquisition expected to be completed in 2024 with a budget of IDR 250 billion.

According to Arnawa in 2025, the government will add another IDR 300 billion for further land acquisition.

He continued, “We will also push the toll road to the south towards Sawangan, which is the South Ring Road so that this will be the access of the people in Ungasan and Kutuh if you want to go to Denpasar; you don’t need to go through GWK just through this toll road.”

Arnawa concluded, “This toll on the south is part of the plan. Hopefully, building access that is connected from one road to another can have a better impact on the community’s economy.”

Leaders in Bali have long been discussing ways in which they can improve the road network on the island.

With talk of flyovers, underpasses, and the provision of more sea taxis, all options are being considered.

The bottleneck effect that is seen on a daily basis heading in and out of the Uluwatu and Ungasan tourism area is of huge concern, with traffic jams even becoming so long at points that taxi drivers have suggested to passengers that it is quicker to walk; though that’s not always a safe option either with limited safe sidewalks and much of the congestion backing up onto bypass roads at times too. 

Arnawa explained to reporters that the expansion of the toll road to the south towards Sawangan will also be encouraged in the coming months and years.

He outlined out the toll road will be an access point for tourists and the public, so it is expected to reduce congestion in the southern region.

There is high hope that investments in these projects will go a long way in reducing congestion and increasing comfort for local residents and tourists visiting Uluwatu, Ungasan, and the surrounding areas.