December 24: Bali’s Busiest Day of the Year!

Christmas holidays, known in Bali as Nataru, are approaching. The island’s services are preparing for massive loads, even predicting the most challenging days. One such day is expected to be December 24.

The influx of tourists is projected to double. December 25 marks the start of an extended holiday weekend across the country. A wave of local and international travelers is expected to flood the Island of the Gods from all directions, putting maximum strain on the airport, ferry crossings, roads, and intercity bus routes. Many Indonesians prefer to travel to Bali with their families in private vehicles, as it’s significantly more affordable. Some Balinese politicians have even proposed banning cars with out-of-region plates from entering Bali during the holidays, though such suggestions have been rejected for now. Unfortunately, this likely means traffic jams during the holiday season will, as always, be horrendous. The chaos is expected to last until around January 3.

Travelers planning to arrive in Bali or journey anywhere on December 24 should prepare for severe road congestion. This date coincides with the event known as “homecoming,” when Indonesians travel to their hometowns to celebrate the holidays with family. Although the holidays are Christian, Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, is home to 29 million Christians.

While December 24 is predicted to be the busiest day for incoming travelers, the peak of Christmas and New Year activity is expected between December 16 and early January. Tourists can anticipate heavy traffic, overloaded services, restaurants, hotels, and even shopping malls throughout the holiday season. The intensity will fluctuate but remain high until early January.

Bali’s airport is no exception and is actively preparing for the upcoming rush. Measures include organizing passenger flow, streamlining pick-up zones, and optimizing traffic to and from the airport.

Visitors arriving in Bali, departing the island, or exploring during this period are advised to follow some simple yet crucial tips: allow extra travel time, carry snacks, water, and plenty of patience.

Sources: balipost, cnnindonesia