Public transport, or the lack thereof, has been an issue in Bali for decades. Not only does the lack of a reliable and expansive public transportation network impact local communities, but it also limits tourists’ access to the island.
Sanur, Bali’s oldest tourism resort, has recently introduced a shuttle bus service that is proving to be a game-changer. The question now is whether the model can be adopted across tourism resorts around the island.
Badung Regency, which is home to top tourist destinations like Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, has one million vehicles. Despite the region having an official population of only around 500,000, the number of registered vehicles in the regency is putting a huge strain on the road network.
Sanur, located within Denpasar City, is one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations and has also been struggling with traffic issues of its own. The resort has cracked down on illegal parking and introduced a shuttle bus service for tourists, which has completely changed the experience of the place.
The Sanur Shuttle Bus service has been in full operation for a few months now, following a successful trial period in 2025.
Speaking to reporters, the Deputy Chairman (Petajuh) of the Padruen Village Customary Business Entity (BUPDA), Wayan Robi, explained that the shuttle bus service has generally succeeded in reducing illegal parking, which has often exacerbated traffic congestion, especially in the Jalan Danau Tamblingan area.
He noted that an overhaul of the approach to traffic management and traffic law enforcement in Sanur has helped keep both local community members and tourists moving through the area with ease.
Sanur Harbor is also the busiest tourist port in Bali, and so the resort has to accommodate both visitors who stay in the area, and also millions who are passing through the harbor to catch boats to Bali’s Nusa Islands, as well as the Gili Islands and Lombok.
Robi shared, “Although the number has decreased, violations still occur. Therefore, we continue to enforce the law through field inspections. The public and tourists are asked to utilize the parking spaces provided or collaborate with local residents. If the location is too far, they can use the shuttle bus. A monthly subscription plan is also available.”
Changing up the parking situation in Sanur has made a huge difference, too. All too often, traffic congestion was exacerbated by illegally parked vehicles blocking the two-lane streets down to single-lane traffic.
The Trans Metro Dewata does operate around Denpasar City and offers six main transport routes across the central regions of the island, but it is not widely used by tourists.
Robi confirmed that the Intaran Regional Government (BUPDA) has now implemented two shuttle bus service schemes.
The first is a daily service that runs on a fixed route system, which operates just like a normal public bus, stopping at designated points. The second is a booking-based service that caters to special needs, such as ceremonies and hotel events. He explained, “For booking services, for example, if there’s an event at the hotel, a shuttle bus can pick you up from Mertasari directly to the event location. The hotel usually covers the costs.”
The booking fee for the hire bus is IDR 500,000 per unit for a four-hour usage period. However, this service is only valid within the boundaries of the local customary village and cannot be used for journeys across the province.
The tourist bus service is increasingly in demand, the routes currently assist up to 100 passengers a day, with each journey costing tourist passengers IDR 5,000, which can be paid by contactless.
Robi explained, “Every tap is important, as it’s the basis for our assessment of service needs on the ground. The 90-minute rate applies as many times as necessary, provided the user continues to tap, but will not be charged. If the time passes, the new rate will apply.” Local residents are charged just IDR 2,000 per 90-minute journey time.
Following the success of the Sanur Shuttle Service, the route will also continue to be expanded in collaboration with the Denpasar City Government to increase connectivity. This step is expected to expand service coverage and strengthen the well-organized public transportation system in the Sanur tourism area.
The Head of the Denpasar City Transportation Agency, I Ketut Sriawan, stated that currently 12 shuttle buses have been prepared to support the mobility of tourists and residents in the Sanur area. He shared, “With this mayoral regulation, traffic and transportation arrangements in Sanur will be more focused, while also encouraging the use of more environmentally friendly public transportation.”
There are hopes that the success of the public transport system in Sanur will encourage more resorts to follow suit, in turn connecting resort to resort, making travel across Bali even more affordable and accessible for tourists.
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