Early Homebound Travellers Begin Crowding Mengwi Terminal, Passenger Numbers Reach 3,400 Daily
Terminal Tipe A Mengwi in Badung, Bali, is becoming increasingly crowded with passengers undertaking early departure for homebound travel ahead of Nyepi Day and Eid 2026. A surge in passenger numbers has been observed since 6 March.
“There is indeed a fairly significant increase, particularly for outbound passengers. Most are in the Eid homebound travel phase,” said Head of Mengwi Type A Terminal I Dewa Gede Tantara Tesaputra on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Current data shows that the number of departing passengers at Mengwi Terminal has reached 3,400 persons per day with a total of 109 bus fleet units. This figure represents a sharp increase compared to the normal daily average of approximately 1,300 to 1,400 passengers.
“The daily increase is significant because the fleet reaches 109 vehicles, and passengers number around 3,400. This has exceeded our terminal capacity. However, we have implemented a scheme to distribute passengers across several waiting points,” said Tantara.
Terminal management has mitigated congestion by directing passengers to various areas including departure halls, food courts, and gazebo facilities. This measure was taken given that the number of operating buses has also increased from the usual 60–72 fleet vehicles to double that number.
“We have distributed the fleet density as well, with some on the departure route and others on the food court route. This is our preparedness regarding the surge in passengers and fleet vehicles,” explained Tantara.
According to Tantara, homebound travellers at Mengwi Terminal are currently dominated by those heading to Jakarta. He had initially predicted that the majority would travel to East Java or Central Java. Bus operators are now adding fleet units to accommodate the high demand for tickets to Jakarta.
“Now the main destination is actually Jakarta, whereas we had predicted East Java and Central Java would be the primary destinations. Jakarta has also surpassed our expectations. Bus companies such as M-Trans, Malang Indah, and others are adding more fleet units,” he explained.
Mengwi Terminal remains open 24 hours to provide maximum service to the public during this homebound travel period. Tantara predicts that the peak exodus will occur on the day before Nyepi.
“We predict the peak will follow the central directive, which is the day before Nyepi, and passenger numbers are likely to increase further,” he added.
Tantara urged residents to purchase bus tickets through official online channels to ensure safe and comfortable travel. He also advised homebound travellers to depart early to avoid congestion on the route towards Gilimanuk Port.