Bali’s Ubud Will Be More Walkable For Tourists By End Of 2026

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If you were to ask local residents in Bali’s Ubud what they would like to see changed about their home, the first would be the traffic, and the second would be the state of the sidewalks. If you were to ask tourists, they would say the same thing.

We know, here at The Bali Sun, we’ve asked on multiple occasions. It looks like all our requests are about to be answered, as the Bali Provincial Government has confirmed Ubud’s sidewalks will be fixed in 2026.

We’ll believe it when we see it, right? But here at The Bali Sun, we are hopeful that it will really happen this time. After all, Sanur has already proved that it is possible. Once upon a time, and not so long ago, walking through Sanur felt like taking your life into your own hands.

Now, it’s a breeze. The difference is remarkable and the solutions simple: fix the pavement, crack down on illegal parking, and keep streets clean. Locals are happy. Tourists are happy. 

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In Ubud, the sidewalk situation has become a real point of contention. Once the butt of the joke, and now a genuine civic issue, banners criticizing the condition of the area’s sidewalks have been installed across Ubud over the last month, attracting public attention.

In response, the Bali Provincial Government, through the Bali Public Works and Public Housing Agency (PUPRKIM), has confirmed that several road and sidewalk repair projects will be carried out this year.

Speaking to reporters, the Head of the Bali Provincial PUPRKIM Service, Nusakti Yasa Wedha, explained that the sidewalks in the Ubud area are part of the road section under the authority of the Bali Provincial Government.

However, in handling it, the Provincial Government and the Gianyar Regency Government (Pemkab) have agreed that repairs will be carried out together. This is big news to hear. It is not uncommon for issues like this to be handed from one agency to another and then back again, with action not taken for months, sometimes years on end. 

Wedha told reporters that the Bali Provincial Government will handle the sidewalks on the Tegaltamu or Barong Batubulan Statue section to Payangan. Some of the repairs in the Ubud area are being carried out by the Gianyar Regency Government through the Gianyar Regency Regional Budget (APBD).

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He shared, “The provincial government is handling several sidewalks on the road section from Tegaltamu or Barong Batubulan Statue north to Payangan. Some parts in the Ubud area are being handled through the Gianyar Regional Budget (APBD) of approximately IDR 9 billion.”

He also confirmed that in 2026, the Bali Provincial Government will also handle a number of other road sections, including in the Baturanyar area in Karangasem Regency, and Bondalem. “This year, we’re only focusing on Gianyar. Similarly, in Karangasem, we’re also working on Baturanyar and Bondalem.”

Wedha confirmed that the provincial government’s target for this year’s work is approximately nine kilometers. These sections are part of a provincial road network that totals more than 800 kilometers around the province. He added that the Bali Provincial Government allocated a budget of approximately IDR 94 billion in 2026. “Our total provincial budget is approximately IDR 94 billion. This includes routine maintenance, periodic maintenance, and landslide mitigation.”

With the work set to be completed by the end of 2026, tourists visiting Ubud need to be aware of their footing for a little longer. While it’s the last thing tourists really want to be thinking about while exploring the arts and culture capital of Bali, it is important to be mindful of your step, especially on sections of road where the pavement is completely collapsed.

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Over the last few years, we’ve heard plenty of reports of both tourists and locals twisting ankles, and in a couple of cases, even breaking legs, as a result of walking on these pavements.

That being said, walking is still the best way to experience Ubud, and its ancient alleyways and labyrinthine market streets.

For the best guided walking tour in the land, be sure to check out Ubud Story Walks, which not only offer exceptional guided tours of Ubud’s most impressive cultural landmarks, but also know how to navigate the streets with ease!