Topics of Interest to Bali Tourists + News Roundup｜August 30, 2026

🚌 Trans Metro Dewata Confirmed to Continue Operations! Bali Relies on Public Transport to Ease Traffic

The Bali government has reaffirmed that the Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) bus system will continue operations, positioning public transport as a key measure to tackle Bali’s traffic congestion.

Bali’s Transportation Agency stated that simply widening roads cannot fundamentally solve traffic jams. Without simultaneous development of public transport, traffic issues will only resurface a few years later.

Currently, TMD’s daily ridership in July and August has exceeded 5,000 passengers, indicating growing demand for public transport among Bali residents and tourists.

For travelers, this is a change worth monitoring long-term.

While TMD cannot yet replace Grab, Gojek, or private car hires, if routes and frequencies continue to increase, it could become a more practical option for tourists who don’t want to be stuck in traffic every day.

Especially as Bali faces worsening traffic issues, the answer may not just be ‘building another road.’

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⛽ Bali’s Pertalite Shortage Eases! Pertamina Adds 700 KL Supply

If you’re renting a scooter or driving in Bali recently, this news is worth noting.

Some gas stations in Bali have recently experienced Pertalite shortages and long queues, with lines even spilling onto the roads.

Pertamina Patra Niaga has announced an additional 700 kiloliters (KL) of Pertalite supply, increasing the daily allocation from around 1,600 KL to 2,300 KL to address inventory shortfalls at certain stations.

Areas including Denpasar and Nusa Dua have seen Pertalite run out at some stations.

Pertamina stated that the issue is mainly related to inventory adjustments and distribution at certain supply points, and emphasized that restocking is being accelerated.

Officials expect queuing at gas stations to gradually return to normal.

If you’re exploring on a rented scooter, I’d suggest not waiting until your tank is nearly empty to look for a gas station over the next few days.

If Pertalite is out of stock, you can also check nearby SPBU stations or opt for Pertamax instead.

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🌊 Drowning Incident at Goa Lawah Beach! Couple Swept Away While Washing Feet in the Sea

Another seaside safety incident has occurred in eastern Bali.

On the morning of August 28, a couple from Kintamani was swept away by strong waves while near Goa Lawah Beach in Klungkung, and both tragically lost their lives.

According to police reports, the couple was simply preparing to wash their feet at the shore, not engaging in prolonged swimming, when they were carried off by a sudden surge of waves.

This incident serves as a stark reminder to travelers:

Bali’s beaches are not places where you can just wade in because the sea looks calm.

Especially on the east and south coasts, which are influenced by Indian Ocean conditions, even if the shore appears relatively calm, rip currents and sudden large waves can still pose dangers.

If there are red flags, no-swimming signs, or lifeguard warnings at the scene, it’s best not to take risks.

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🏖️ Badung and Wakatobi Partner to Promote Tourism, Bali Shifts from ‘Crowds’ to ‘Quality’

The Badung Regency government recently launched a tourism collaboration with the Wakatobi Regency government, aiming to boost the tourism industry through cross-regional exchanges.

Badung officials stated that Bali’s current challenge is no longer simply ‘how to attract more tourists,’ but rather how to improve tourism quality and destination management.

The two parties will exchange insights on scenic area management, tourism product development, and how to address various issues facing the tourism industry.

This direction is worth paying attention to.

Bali currently attracts millions of international visitors each year, yet popular areas simultaneously face issues like traffic congestion, environmental strain, and overdevelopment.

So, the focus of Bali’s tourism policy is likely to gradually shift from:

‘Attracting more people’

to:

‘How to make visitors have a better experience while reducing pressure on the environment and residents’ lives.’

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🏙️ Jembrana Prepares to Tidy Up ‘Spaghetti Cables,’ Improving Road Safety and Cityscapes

If you’ve traveled on roads in Bali’s less touristy areas, you’ve likely noticed another common sight:

A dense tangle of electrical wires, internet cables, and utility poles.

The Jembrana district government has recently begun drafting new regulations to clean up the messy network cables and utility poles lining the roads.

Officials say that some current network cable arrangements are chaotic, not only affecting the cityscape but also posing safety risks to road users.

In the future, the government aims to promote shared network infrastructure, allowing different telecom and internet providers to share certain lines and equipment, reducing the need for redundant poles and cables.

This initiative is currently focused on Jembrana, but if successful, it could serve as a model for tidying up cables in other parts of Bali.

For tourists, there won’t be much impact in the short term, but in the long run, it’s a positive step for Bali’s road scenery and public safety.