20 Shuttle Buses Prepared for Besakih IBTK Ceremony, Free for Elderly and Pregnant Women
The Management Agency for the Sacred Area of Pura Agung Besakih is preparing 20 shuttle buses during the Karya Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh (IBTK) in 2026. Ten shuttle buses will run from the Kedungdung parking area to Manik Mas, and another ten from Manik Mas to Padma Buana.
The Head of the Management Agency for the Sacred Area of Pura Agung Besakih, I Gusti Lanang Muliarta, stated that the shuttles from Kedungdung to Manik Mas are non-electric to transport all pilgrims. This is because large vehicles, such as buses, are only permitted to park in the Kedungdung area and are not allowed to enter the Manik Mas zone.
Meanwhile, the shuttles from Manik Mas to Padma Buana and vice versa are electric and specifically for transporting pilgrims in the categories of children, pregnant women, the elderly (lansia), disabled individuals, and priests.
“For young and healthy pilgrims, we ask them to walk from Manik Mas to Pura Penataran Agung Besakih,” said Muliarta on Thursday (26/3/2026).
For pilgrims who do not wish to walk, an alternative is available in the form of local motorcycle taxis. The management has coordinated with motorcycle taxi drivers to be on standby at several points along the route to the worship site.
With these various transportation options, the management hopes that the implementation of the 2026 Karya IBTK can proceed safely and smoothly. Pilgrims who cannot use the shuttle buses from Manik Mas to Padma Buana are expected to understand, as the service is prioritised for specific groups.
For information, the 2026 Karya IBTK will involve continuous worship (nyejer) for 21 days, with the peak ceremony on Thursday (2/4/2026) and the closing (penyineban) on Thursday (23/4/2026).
Meanwhile, the ascent to Mount Agung in Karangasem, Bali, will be closed for 28 days from 28 March to 24 April 2026. The closure is in conjunction with the Karya Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh (IBTK) at Pura Agung Besakih, with the peak ceremony on 2 April 2026.
The traditional village head of Besakih, Jro Mangku Widiartha, said that letters have been sent to Mount Agung climbing guides, travel agents, and others. The decision was made based on a meeting (paruman) attended by all temple caretakers of Pura Agung Besakih.
“We hope that all tourists or climbers will understand and not force themselves to climb Mount Agung during the closure,” said Widiartha on Monday (23/3/2026).
The purpose of the climbing closure is to maintain the sanctity of Mount Agung during the ceremony. This is because on 30 March 2026, the nedunang ceremony or the lowering of Ida Bhatara from their respective storages to reside at Pura Penataran Agung, Besakih, will take place.