How Will Bali’s Nyepi Day Road Closures Impact Tourists This Week? What You Need to Know About Travel Restrictions During the Twenty Four Hour Silence

As Bali prepares for Nyepi, a day of silence and self-reflection, both locals and tourists alike must make adjustments to their travel plans. In addition to the annual Nyepi holiday, the Eid al-Fitr celebrations will also be taking place, further adding to the complexity of travel on the island. These events, which coincide, will create significant changes to the island’s usual transportation systems.

Mandara Toll Road Closure and Travel Disruptions

One of the most affected areas will be Bali’s Mandara Toll Road, which connects several key destinations, including I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The toll road is scheduled to be closed for 32 hours over Nyepi Day, starting from 11:00 PM on Friday, March 28th, 2025, and reopening on Sunday, March 30th, 2025, at 7:00 AM. During this period, no vehicles will be allowed to travel along the toll road, which could significantly impact tourists trying to move between major destinations, including those making their way to and from the airport.

While the toll road will be closed, emergency vehicles will still be allowed to use it in exceptional cases. The company operating the toll road, PT Jasamarga Bali Tol, has made provisions for emergencies, offering escorts for emergency vehicles if necessary. The company also emphasized that although Nyepi Day involves a strict restriction on movement, emergency services would remain operational, and assistance would be available as needed.

Impact of Nyepi on Daily Life and Travel

For Bali’s Nyepi observance, the island effectively comes to a standstill. Nyepi, starting at 6:00 AM on Saturday, March 29th, 2025, and ending at 6:00 AM on Sunday, March 30th, 2025, requires the entire island, including its residents and visitors, to refrain from any activity, including traveling. This 24-hour period of silence is meant for self-reflection, and while the rest of the island stops, essential services such as the airport remain operational.

The airport, despite the restrictions on land travel, will not be closing its doors. I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will continue operating, with heightened coordination to handle Eid al-Fitr traffic. However, the Mandara Toll Road closure will create a delay for passengers, especially those with early flights on March 30th, 2025, as they will need to plan their journey to the airport accordingly.

Air Traffic and Airport Operations During the Holiday Period

Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport expects a significant increase in passenger traffic during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. With an estimated growth of 4.5 percent in passenger numbers and a 5.6 percent increase in flight activity, the airport anticipates around 1.5 million passengers and approximately 9,000 aircraft movements during the holiday period. Additional staff have been deployed to ensure smooth operations, including airport security teams, airport police, and operational support from the Indonesian Air Force.

AirNav Indonesia’s Preparedness for Increased Flight Activity

While Bali will observe Nyepi, flights will continue to traverse the island’s airspace. The General Manager of AirNav Indonesia’s Denpasar Branch, Suryadi Joko Wiratomo, assured that air traffic control would be operational with a 30-person team on standby at the airport. Despite Nyepi Day’s impact on the island’s movement, AirNav personnel will remain ready to manage the airspace, ensuring that normal operations proceed for the incoming and outgoing flights.

On the day of Nyepi, flights over Bali’s airspace will increase by about 18 to 20 percent compared to the usual number, with an additional 27 flights planned for March 27th and 28th and April 4th and 5th. Travelers should expect busier-than-usual air traffic, requiring them to allow extra time for arrival at the airport to avoid any potential delays.

Travel Tips for Tourists During the Holiday

Tourists traveling to and from Bali during Nyepi and the Eid al-Fitr period should be prepared for a few travel challenges. Due to the toll road closure and potential traffic jams around the airport, extra time should be allotted for travel between destinations. It is advised that visitors leave early, especially if traveling to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, to ensure timely arrival and avoid missing their flights.

Given the anticipated traffic disruptions, those planning to visit popular destinations like Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud, or even heading to Uluwatu, should factor in the possibility of congestion, particularly on the main roads that serve as access points to the airport.

The Global Impact and Preparing for Travel in Bali

This unique blend of local religious observance and global travel during Eid al-Fitr will likely create ripple effects across international tourism. As Bali is a popular global destination, travelers from around the world may be impacted by these changes. The heightened demand for flights and the limited mobility on the island may necessitate flexibility in travel planning. Visitors planning to arrive for Nyepi or Eid al-Fitr may need to adjust their schedules accordingly, ensuring they can experience the island’s celebrations and natural beauty while navigating temporary restrictions.

Final Recommendations for Travelers

Plan for extra travel time if you’re heading to Bali’s airport.
Expect heavier traffic and road closures, especially on the Mandara Toll Road.
Be aware of the increase in flight activity and potential congestion.
Familiarize yourself with emergency protocols in case you need to move during Nyepi.