Early Mudik Intention Backfires with Eight-Hour Queue at Padangbai Port
A number of travellers at Padangbai Port in Karangasem, Bali, have stated they deliberately left early to avoid congestion and long queues to the ferry. However, lengthy queues have already occurred since 7 days before Eid.
Based on observations by detikBali on Saturday 15 March 2026, hundreds of queuing travellers appeared anxious. In addition to crowding with other passengers, the hot weather around the port made conditions increasingly uncomfortable, particularly as most travellers were fasting for Ramadan.
To avoid the intense sun, some travellers without tent access chose to shelter in the port area or beneath trees. The crying of young children could be heard from various parts of the port, whilst their parents attempted to calm them.
“I deliberately left early to avoid queues but I’ve already been queuing for more than eight hours here at Padangbai Port,” said Sawaludin when encountered on Sunday 15 March 2026.
The man, who works as a casual labourer, stated that he travels home every year with his wife and children. Within a year, he can return to his village two to three times to visit his extended family in East Lombok.
“Last year, I also left early and only queued for about four hours. But now there are more travellers leaving early,” said Sawaludin.
Another traveller, Sri Martini, also stated she deliberately left early so she could spend more time with her extended family in Lombok. According to her, she makes time to travel home every year.
“After my children’s school holiday begins, I always go home immediately so I can spend more time with family during Eid,” said Sri Martini.
Although she can return home twice a year, the Ramadan season remains the most anticipated time because it has a different atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Head of Service Unit (Satpel) of the Land Transport Management Centre (BPTD) at Padangbai Port I Ketut Sugiartono stated that the increase in passenger numbers began on Friday 13 March 2026. However, the increase remains at a normal stage and has not yet reached overwhelming levels.
“The increase is quite significant from pedestrian passengers, motorcycles to cars,” said Sugiartono.
He explained that the number of pedestrian passengers, which previously averaged around 2,000 people per day, has now increased to between 4,000 and 7,000 people per day.
Meanwhile, the number of motorcycles, which previously stood at around 700 units per day, has now reached 2,000 units per day. Cars, which previously numbered around 68 units per day, have increased to approximately 200 units per day.
“We will continue to coordinate whilst observing the situation on the ground; if there is a very significant increase in passenger numbers, we will certainly take steps,” said Sugiartono.