Passenger Numbers Predicted to Rise 10 Per Cent, Denpasar Transport Office Urges Earlier Exodus

The Denpasar Transportation Office (Dishub) predicts that the number of vehicles and passengers during the 2026 Lebaran transport period will increase by 10 per cent. The period is scheduled from 13-29 March 2026 following the establishment of integrated command posts at Ubung Terminal, Uma Anyar, and Serangan Port.

Denpasar Transportation Office Head I Ketut Sriawan has urged residents to travel during the exodus earlier than usual. This is particularly important as Idulfitri this year coincides closely with the celebration of Nyepi, Bali’s Hindu New Year.

“Our recommendation is to leave earlier if possible. Try not to travel during the pengerupukan or ogoh-ogoh processions. On 18 March, roads across Bali will be occupied by ogoh-ogoh processions,” Sriawan explained on Monday (9 March 2026).

Sriawan predicts that 134,246 passengers will travel by land from Denpasar during the exodus. Meanwhile, passengers arriving or disembarking in Denpasar are estimated at 103,782 people.

“We are anticipating shortages of passenger seats and transport facilities. The goal is to ensure that transport operators are ready to serve prospective exodus travellers,” he added.

Sriawan explained that the Lebaran transport operation this year is generally similar to the previous year. However, he stated that the Denpasar Transportation Office will continue to monitor vehicle movements at strategic points frequently used by exodus travellers.

“Since this is a routine activity that is being enhanced, we need to focus more carefully on the increased movement of exodus travellers. There are no system changes. Because Nyepi and Idulfitri are close together, we remind people to leave earlier,” Sriawan said.

Sriawan expressed optimism that the exodus period this year would proceed smoothly. According to him, vehicle capacity in Denpasar has also been prepared.

Previously, passenger volume increases at Ubung Terminal in Denpasar during the 2025 Lebaran exodus occurred on H+3 (three days after the celebration) with a total of 369 passengers. Meanwhile, the peak exodus flow at Serangan Port occurred on H+2 with 1,047 passengers.