Is Bali’s traffic finally getting relief? Badung Regency kicks off two major road projects, bringing big changes to Uluwatu, Jimbaran, and Canggu
In recent years, many travelers to Bali have shared the same sentiment: ‘The scenery is still stunning, but the traffic jams are getting worse.’ Especially when heading to popular spots like Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Canggu, and Berawa, a short drive of just a few kilometers can sometimes take over an hour.
To tackle the long-standing traffic woes that plague both locals and tourists, Badung Regency has officially announced the launch of two major road projects with a total investment of IDR 2.9 trillion (approximately USD$161 million). These include the Southern Ring Road (Jalan Lingkar Selatan, JLS) and the Berawa–Umalas–Kedampang–West Teuku Umar shortcut, with construction expected to begin in phases between 2026 and 2027, and a more complete road network to be finished by 2029.
Bali’s most popular tourist areas finally get traffic relief
Badung Regency is the heart of Bali’s tourism, encompassing:
- Jimbaran
- Uluwatu
- Nusa Dua
- Canggu
- Berawa
- Seminyak
- Kerobokan
In recent years, rapid tourism growth, along with an influx of new hotels, villas, cafes, and restaurants, has overwhelmed the already narrow roads. Traffic jams are especially common from afternoon to evening.
The Badung Regency government says the primary goal of the new roads is to give travelers more options beyond the few main arteries, creating alternative routes to disperse traffic.
South Ring Road to Become New Artery for South Bali
The most anticipated development is the South Ring Road (Jalan Lingkar Selatan, or JLS).
The first phase of construction is already underway, with a section from Uluwatu to Dreamland Beach having been under construction for about three months, progressing at a rapid pace.
Next, the following will be completed:
- Approximately 10.9 km of the South Ring Road (Uluwatu–Jimbaran)
- The Siligita intersection upgrade
- Subsequent extension to the full 30 km South Ring Road network
Once finished, travelers heading to:
- Uluwatu Temple
- Dreamland Beach
- Bingin Beach
- Balangan Beach
- Jimbaran Beach
can expect to bypass the most congested roads, benefiting traffic across the entire Bukit Peninsula.
Canggu and Berawa to Get New Express Connector Roads
Another major project is the Berawa–Umalas–Kedampang–West Teuku Umar Shortcut.
The first phase will construct approximately 4.8 kilometers of new roads, primarily aimed at improving traffic between Canggu, Berawa, Seminyak, and Denpasar.
Anyone who has lived in Canggu knows that traveling from Berawa to Seminyak or Denpasar, even over a short distance, often takes a considerable amount of time during peak hours.
Once the new road is completed, it is expected to provide an alternative route, easing traffic pressure on existing roads.
More Canggu Food and Fun
Canggu is a hotspot on Bali that combines a relaxed atmosphere with trendy vibes. Not only does it boast stunning beaches, but it's also home to many unique cafes, creative restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a favorite among surfers and young travelers. Whether you're seeking natural scenery or looking to explore local culture, Canggu has something for everyone! Want to learn more about Canggu? Click here.
Canggu Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: Top 17 Canggu Stays You Can't Miss
- 16 Private Pool Villas in Canggu: Canggu Villa Recommendations You Can't Miss
- Luxury Resort in Canggu: Regent Bali Canggu
- Bali Group Travel: Canggu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Travel in the Coming Years May Be Affected by Construction
For travelers, these developments are undoubtedly good news, but they also mean that certain areas may experience disruptions due to construction in the coming years, including:
- Road diversions
- Traffic controls
- Increased localized congestion
- Construction noise
If you’re planning a trip to Uluwatu, Jimbaran, or Canggu in the near future, it’s advisable to check the latest road conditions before departure and allow extra travel time.
Over 52 Kilometers of New Roads to Be Added by 2029
In addition to the two major projects already announced, the Badung Regency government has stated that by 2029, a total of over 52 kilometers of new roads will be added.
The authorities hope that a more comprehensive road system will connect residential areas, public facilities, commercial centers, and major tourist attractions, not only improving residents’ quality of life but also enhancing the travel experience for visitors to Bali.
My Take: Won’t Solve Traffic Jams Immediately, But Worth Looking Forward To
In recent years, many travelers have noted that Bali’s most frustrating issue is traffic congestion, especially in popular areas like Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, and Jimbaran.
This time, the Badung Regency government has finally invested a large budget in building a new road network, signaling that the authorities have acknowledged the traffic problem and are taking concrete action.
However, road construction won’t be completed overnight. In the short term, construction may still affect certain sections, and even after the new roads are finished, whether they can fully resolve the congestion remains to be seen, given the continuous growth in tourist numbers.
If the projects are completed on schedule, the improved convenience of traveling between Uluwatu, Jimbaran, and Canggu will indeed be something for independent travelers to look forward to.
No discussions yet — be the first to ask.