Bali's Popular Beach Implements New Policy to Reduce Traffic Congestion

Bottom line: The Tanah Barak cliff passage at Pandawa Beach is now closed to private vehicles. Whether you’re on a scooter or in a car, you must park at the Lelangon parking lot and then walk or take a shuttle to the beach (ticket price remains IDR 25,000 per person, for both domestic and international tourists). This is to make the popular photo spot safer and reduce conflicts between people and vehicles. The shuttle can carry up to 800 passengers per day.

Pandawa Beach in Uluwatu, at the southernmost tip of Bali, is sometimes called the ‘Blue Highway’ due to its dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful white sand beach. It has become an increasingly popular must-visit destination. But with a surge in tourist numbers over the past year and a half, local authorities have decided to adjust the access method to make traffic flow smoother and safer for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Bali’s New Attraction: Tanah Barak

The Tanah Barak area of Pandawa Beach is the most popular entrance. As visitors walk from the parking lot to the beach, they must pass through a narrow cliff passage, which has also become a hotspot for photos. To make it safer for pedestrians, private vehicles are now banned from this passage. Instead, authorities have introduced a shuttle service that not only protects pedestrians but also reduces surrounding traffic pressure and keeps the area looking tidier.

Local official Ni Luh Hepi Wiradani explained that this policy was developed based on visitor suggestions. ‘Many tourists wanted Tanah Barak to be more orderly, without vehicles weaving through and disrupting their experience. So we adjusted the traffic system to let everyone enjoy themselves more easily.’

Tanah Barak is no less impressive than Japan’s famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Now, whether you’re on a scooter or in a car, you need to park at the Lelangon parking lot and then walk or take a shuttle to the beach. The ticket price remains the same as before, at IDR 25,000 per person, for both domestic and international tourists.

This new system has been running for a few days and has received great feedback. Tourists and the local community are both satisfied with the new measures. ‘Since this policy was introduced, visitors have reported that they feel more at ease without vehicles interfering with their fun.’

The shuttle can carry up to 800 visitors daily between the parking lot and the beach, but for those wanting to snap photos of the cliffside passage, walking remains the best option. During peak season, Pandawa Beach welcomes over 2,000 visitors a day. Once a hidden gem, it has now become a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Pandawa Beach’s management team is quickly adapting its operations to handle the surge in visitors. During this year’s Eid al-Fitr holiday, for instance, daily visitor numbers reached 2,500 to 3,000, posing a major challenge for the management.

Read more: Bali Actually Has Five Peak Seasons! How to Travel Smart and Avoid the Crowds?

Local leaders are also considering a new zoning plan, dividing the beach into several dedicated areas: a public beach zone, a water sports zone, a beach club zone, a dining zone, and a private beach for exclusive events like weddings and proposals.

Pandawa Beach lies between Green Bowl Beach (check out Xiao Jie Indonesia’s introduction) and Pantai Gunung Payung. If you’re looking for a few more nearby attractions, see our Uluwatu Guide: 47 Food, Fun, and Activity Recommendations.

Tanah Barak and Pandawa Beach are actually closer to Nusa Dua or Sanur, two resort areas on the southern east coast of Bali. Check out our guides below for food, fun, and accommodation:

• Nusa Dua Guide
• Sanur Guide

Klook Day Tour:

Take a VW convertible to explore South Bali! Stops include Padang Padang and Pandawa Beach for stunning views, then head to Uluwatu Temple for sunset, followed by a seafood dinner in Jimbaran. The package includes pickup, driver, and fuel—so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Bali!

Uluwatu VW Convertible Safari Tour

Travel Tips:

In June 2024, we had lunch at Icon Bali, then took a private car from Sanur to Tanah Barak in the afternoon. In the evening, we headed to the nearby White Sand Beach Club. We loved this relaxed half-day itinerary—feel free to use it as inspiration!

June 2023: Tanah Barak

Later that same evening at White Sand Beach Club—everyone said it was fantastic!

We bought our tickets here. Their lagoon sunbed fits eight people, which was just perfect for us! The ticket price includes a minimum spend:

White Rock Beach Club Day Pass

Want to compare prices for more attraction tickets? Check out the Bali Ticket Price List , which includes booking links for 49 popular attractions via Klook, Agoda, and Trip.com.

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