Peak Exodus Traffic at Padangbai Port Predicted for H-5 Eid
Peak exodus traffic at Padangbai Port in Karangasem, Bali, headed to Lembar Port in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), is predicted to occur on H-5 and H-4 Eid, specifically 16-17 March 2026.
“This is based on monitoring of exodus traffic patterns from previous years,” said I Ketut Sugiartono, Head of Port Service Unit (Satpel) at the Land Transport Management Centre (BPTD) Padangbai Port, on Tuesday (10 March 2026).
Sugiartono explained that on H-3 Eid, Hindus in Bali hold Tawur Agung Kesanga as part of the Nyepi (Day of Silence) celebrations. Following this, an ogoh-ogoh procession will be held on the evening of pengerupukan.
According to Sugiartono, travellers are likely to avoid travelling during the pengerupukan day or the day before Nyepi, as traffic will be disrupted by the ogoh-ogoh parade.
Crossing authorities have prepared several contingency schemes should there be a surge in passenger numbers at Padangbai Port. Under normal conditions, crossings will operate the standard 13 trips daily.
“However, should congestion occur, trips will be increased to 17 by accelerating passenger loading and unloading processes. Should passenger numbers surge significantly, all vessels will be deployed, resulting in 20 trips,” said Sugiartono.
Twenty vessels have been readied at Padangbai Port to serve the 2026 Eid exodus. Sugiartono confirmed all vessels are in good condition and seaworthy.
According to Sugiartono, the total fleet available for transporting passengers during this year’s Eid exodus consists of 26 vessels. However, six vessels are currently undergoing dry dock maintenance.
“Therefore, only 20 vessels from Padangbai Port to Lembar are ready for operation,” said Sugiartono.
Sugiartono hopes the outbound and return journey traffic at Padangbai Port will proceed safely and smoothly this year. He ensured that crossing operations will heed weather forecasts and advisories from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to ensure maritime safety.