Returning Travellers Stranded at Mengwi Terminal Following Gilimanuk Port Congestion
Severe congestion towards Gilimanuk Port is beginning to impact passenger build-up at Mengwi Terminal Type A in Badung Regency, Bali. Several returning holiday travellers have been forced to stay overnight at the terminal as shuttle buses from the direction of Java have been delayed by up to 10 hours.
“I have been waiting since 1 pm because the scheduled departure was at 2 pm. It turns out the shuttle bus was held up in congestion from the direction of Gilimanuk,” said Teguh, a returning traveller from Surabaya, when met at Mengwi Terminal on Monday 16 March 2026.
Teguh was eventually dispatched using a chartered coach hired by the bus operator as a replacement for the main bus stuck in congestion. He chose to remain patient whilst waiting as he was aware that traffic conditions towards Gilimanuk Port were extremely heavy.
“It’s okay to wait, as long as I arrive safely at my hometown,” added Teguh.
Similar circumstances were experienced by Paino, a returning traveller headed to Klaten, Central Java. Paino had even been waiting since the morning for his bus to arrive at Mengwi Terminal.
“I tried to board a bus heading in another direction earlier, but was not allowed to. I was told to wait for a replacement bus at 7 pm, but it still hasn’t arrived,” said Paino, who remained stranded at Mengwi Terminal until 8 pm local time.
The Head of Mengwi Terminal Type A, I Dewa Gede Tantara Tesa Putra, acknowledged delays in shuttle buses arriving from Java heading to Bali. According to him, this situation has been occurring since Sunday 15 March evening.
“The congestion at the ferry port certainly has knock-on effects, particularly for shuttle buses arriving from Java to Bali. In fact, there were passengers yesterday evening who had to stay overnight due to passenger build-up,” explained Dewa Tantara.
As a precautionary measure, terminal authorities requested that each bus operator adjust departure schedules to afternoon or evening times. This step was taken whilst waiting for traffic volume at Gilimanuk Port to clear.
“The delays are difficult to predict, ranging from nearly 6 hours to 10 hours from schedule. We had already advised bus operators not to depart in the morning because we were waiting for traffic to ease,” he stated.
Dewa Tantara confirmed that several bus operators have taken the initiative to hire charter coaches to transport passengers from Mengwi to Gilimanuk Port or to congestion points to prevent passengers waiting too long at the terminal. Afterwards, passengers are collected by the proper AKAP buses that are already waiting there.
“The original buses are waiting for them at Gilimanuk or Ketapang. Only a few bus operators are doing this to manage the surge and prevent delays from getting worse,” concluded Tantara.
Meanwhile, the tense atmosphere quickly lightened when several members of Badung Police Headquarters performed humorous dance moves at Mengwi Terminal on Monday evening. This comedic action prompted the returning travellers, who had just finished breaking their fast, to join in and dance together.
“We are helping to provide security and providing small gifts for breaking the fast for the returning travellers departing to Jember. These include food, drinks, fruit and vitamins so they remain fit during the journey,” said Head of Operations for Badung Police Headquarters Kompol I Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana.
This simple Balinese dance entertainment, such as Joged and Kecak, is part of the security services during the 2026 Ketupat Agung Operation by Badung Police Headquarters. The returning travellers from Jember were facilitated by Jember Regency Government. Police presented security in a more relaxed manner so that returning travellers would feel happy before embarking on their long journeys.
“This is a small part of our efforts to create safe and comfortable conditions during this holiday period. This is one of our activities,” added Sudarsana.
The terminal operator noted that this evening’s departures were the result of cooperation with the Jember Regency Transportation Authority, which facilitated dozens of residents. Officials ensured that all coordination for departure preparation and security aspects had been carefully conducted at the location.