Electric Shuttle Bus Service Introduced In Bali’s Top Tourism Resorts

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Back in April 2025, the South Korean Government gifted the Bali Provincial Government ten electric shuttle buses as part of a grant to help improve transportation and reduce emissions on the island. These shuttle bus services are now in operation across the central south of Bali.

While the first of the buses arrived in Bali back in April, the  Bali Provincial Government had to wait for the full set of ten vehicles to arrive on the island before starting to trial the services. The new services will operate between Central Parking in Kuta and Central Parking in the ITDC, also known as The Nusa Dua.

Speaking to reporters, the Head of UPTD Trans Bali-Trans Sarbagita Nyoman Wiratama revealed that the trial name for the electric bus service remains the same. The service is to be known as Kalista and is an entirely free service for all users. 

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Wiratama told reporters, “The first goal is to know the performance because there is a plan for the Bali Provincial Government to get 10 electric buses. Kalista wants to test our data collection on how the electric bus is operational.”

He added that the trials start this week, with full services expected to be rolled out in 2026. There is much to be assessed, since these buses are electric, there are potential issues with charging requiring infrastructure upgrades across the province, and route setting must be adjusted too. 

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Wiratama explained, “We know [about] the reliability and battery power. After getting a grant for an electric bus from Korea, we at least have experience and have an evolving operation plan.”

The free electric Kalista service is also set to integrate with the existing Trans Metro Dewata service, which returned to operation in April 2025. The overall mission is to encourage both local residents and tourists to use public transportation systems as much as possible. 

Wiratama noted that there will be an incremental uptake from the public in using these new public transportation systems. He shared, “Starting from April 2025, every month, there is an increase. The hope is that in the future, electric buses will socialize the community so that the use of private vehicles can be reduced. So that the traffic jam can be reduced little by little.”

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Speaking back in April 2025, during a meeting with the South Korean Deputy Environmental Minister, Lee Byung-hwa, Governor Koster shared more details on the vision for the partnership.

He shared, “What we requested were 8 metre long buses, and smaller in size to suit the conditions on the roads in Bali. It is estimated that it will only be completed in the next 7-8 months, so it might be possible in early 2026.”

The new Kalista service comes in addition to the new electric bus service that is in operation in Sanur. Following a successful trial, the service has now become a permanent feature. The service currently operates from 6 am to 10 pm, with the last service setting off on the route at 9 pm.

Each bus can carry 10-12 passengers. The route starts at Sanur Tourism Junior High School (SMP), stopping at Sanur Sindu Market, Icon Mall, the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU) at Lake Poso, and onward to Mertasari Beach Parking.

The Head of the Denpasar Transportation Office, Ketut Sriawan, spoke with reporters last month and shared, “For now, six electric shuttle units will operate, and the Mayor of Denpasar has assigned us to add six more units. So, in 2025, there are 12 units serving the parking pockets of Mertasari and Segara Ayu.”

While traveling on public transport is highly encouraged in Bali by tourists, the reach of the available routes is still limited. For now, the most popular way to navigate around the island is with a local driver and guide, by using online ride-hailing services such as Grab and GoJek, or by self-driving on a rental motorcycle.