Operational Schedules for Ngurah Rai Airport and Gilimanuk Port During Nyepi
Jakarta — As the Hindu New Year celebration of Nyepi (Saka Year 1948) approaches, the Ministry of Transport has announced coordinated operational adjustments across Bali’s transport network to ensure public mobility whilst honouring the sacred Catur Brata Penyepian observance, a central tradition for Hindu communities on the Island of Bali.
Minister of Transport Dudy Purwagandhi stated that these operational adjustments represent government support for the Nyepi celebration and efforts to safeguard public safety and travel comfort. “We are adjusting transport operations to ensure smooth mobility before and after Nyepi, whilst respecting the Catur Brata Penyepian observance, an important part of Balinese local wisdom. We urge the public to plan their travel well in advance for orderly, safe, and comfortable journeys,” Purwagandhi said in Jakarta on Sunday, 15 March.
The adjustments resulted from coordination between local government, security forces, relevant agencies, and traditional community representatives, as outlined in the joint appeal concerning Nyepi Year 1948 celebrations.
The government hopes that public mobility before and after Nyepi will proceed in a well-planned manner whilst prioritising safety, security, and travel comfort, whilst maintaining harmony and respecting Balinese local values and wisdom.
Several transport modes in Bali will temporarily suspend operations during the 24-hour Nyepi observance period as a mark of respect for the Catur Brata Penyepian tradition.
Flight operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will be suspended from Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA through Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA. During this period, all domestic and international flight activities will cease and resume normal operations after the Nyepi period ends.
Operational adjustments have also been implemented for ferry services connecting Bali with surrounding areas. On the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route, ferry services from Ketapang Port in East Java will suspend operations from Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 17:00 WIB. Meanwhile, services from Gilimanuk Port in Bali will close from Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 05:00 WITA and reopen on Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA following the conclusion of Nyepi observance.
Additionally, maritime services on the Padang Bai-Lembar route will adjust schedules by temporarily halting shipping activities during Nyepi and resuming operations after the period ends.
In the land transport sector, public transport terminals in Bali have also adjusted operations. Mengwi Type A Terminal, a key transport hub in Bali, will limit intercity and inter-provincial bus departures until mid-day on Nyepi Eve (H-1). The terminal will then cease operations during Nyepi and resume normal service after the celebration concludes.
Minister Purwagandhi further requested that all transport operators ensure readiness of transport infrastructure, including fleet serviceability and human resource preparation during the operational adjustment period.
“We ask all transport operators to continue coordinating with relevant field agencies and ensure all transport services operating before and after Nyepi maintain safety standards and service quality for the public,” the Minister emphasised.