Bali Fast Boat Crossings To Gili Islands And Lombok Will Be Closed During Nyepi: Here’s What Tourists Need To Know 

Share The Article

The countdown to Nyepi is on! The most sacred day of the year in Bali will be observed on the 19th March, and tourists need to start making their Nyepi plans now. For those not in the know, on Nyepi Day, everyone in Bali must stay home or in their accommodation.

The island falls silent for a full 24 hours, so tourists need to make sure their travel plans are figured out. 

Nyepi Day is one of the most wonderful days of the year in Bali. Here at The Bali Sun, we love being in Bali for Nyepi Day, though we understand why some travelers opt to leave the island if they are traveling for a limited period of time.

Nyepi Day offers everyone a chance to slow down, to be still, silent, and reflective. It is a deeply reverent day, and it is an honour to be on the island during such an auspicious time. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bali Tourism Board (@balitourismboardofficial)

For those who are looking to travel out of Bali specifically for Nyepi, or are set to be on the move during the Nyepi period more generally, there are a few things to be aware of in terms of travel and public transport access. From 6 am on the 19th March until 6 am on the 20th March, no movement will be permitted anywhere on the island.

Only ambulances or vehicles traveling to a hospital in the event of an emergency are permitted to move. The airport closes, all roads are shut, and the local pecalang, aka village security officers, are stationed on posts ensuring that everyone stays home to observe the silence. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GoBoat.id (@goboat.id)

While the observation of silence and stillness technically starts at 6 am, in actual fact, the island comes to a standstill much earlier.

Most businesses in Bali will close around midday on the 18th March, so that staff can travel home and prepare for the Pengrupukan ceremonies, also known as the Ogoh Ogoh Parades. Tourists must also be aware that most public transport stops operating from around 3 pm, including local taxi drivers, and roads start to close around 4 pm in preparation for the Pengrupukan ceremonies. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GoBoat.id (@goboat.id)

Tourists planning on traveling to the Gili Islands, Lombok, or the Nusa Islands must be aware that there are no fast boat crossings on Nypei Days and that port closures will come into effect on 18th March. The temporary closures will take place at the following times:

At Gilimanuk Port: Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00 a.m. to Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.

At Padangbai Port: Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:00 a.m. to Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

At Lembar Port: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 9:00 p.m. to Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1:30 a.m.

Ketapang Port: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. local time.

Indonesia’s Director General of Land Transportation, Aan Suhanan, has told reporters, “Regarding the Nyepi Day, ferry services to and from Bali will be temporarily closed.”

Adding “People planning to travel to or from Bali are advised to plan carefully and adjust their schedules to avoid being affected by the ferry service closures.”

Tourists should also be aware that Indonesia will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr on 21st March. During this time, millions of people travel across the country to see family, friends, and enjoy vacation time.

Many millions of people travel overland and by sea during this time, so while all crossings from Bali are closed for just over 24 hours on the 19th-20th, crossings from the 21st March will be in high demand.

It is highly recommended that tourists who are looking to travel by boat to or from Bali during the Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr festivals book tickets in advance, as services are guaranteed to sell out.