On May 11 and 12, the main road to Uluwatu — Jalan Raya Uluwatu — will be completely closed. The reason is a large-scale Balinese religious ceremony expected to gather tens of thousands of participants and significantly affect traffic in the Jimbaran, Pecatu, and Bukit areas. This isn't just a temporary disruption but a complete halt of traffic on one of South Bali's most important routes.
According to official information, traffic will be closed:
- from Jalan Uluwatu (near the Pura Ulun Swi temple)
- to Jalan Raya Uluwatu in the Pecatu area
Up to 25,000 people will participate in the religious procession, and the column length is about 5-6 kilometers, so traffic will be paralyzed for several hours. Entry and exit in this section will be completely closed to both cars and bikes. The only exception is for ambulances.
The procession begins at 5-6 AM on May 11. Presumably, the road won't open earlier than 11:00. The participants will return the next morning, May 12, once again occupying a large part of the route.
These closures are particularly important for those planning trips to the airport, excursions, or check-ins in the Uluwatu, Ungasan, and Nusa Dua areas over the next two days. Extra time should be allowed, or the route should be adjusted. Bypass Ngurah Rai and the toll road Toll road will remain open, but be prepared for traffic jams.
The south of Bali is unique in that there are few direct alternative routes. This is why 70 people - pecalang and police officers - will be regulating traffic in the Bukit area during the ceremony. They will redirect the flow of bikes and cars onto detour routes.
The ceremony causing islanders to slow down is called Masupati. It is one of the most important religious events of the year for Jimbaran residents - a ritual of moving sacred relics from one temple to another. This time, participants will walk about 15 kilometers on foot.
The route includes:
- the start at Pura Ulun Swi
- Patung Nakula Sahadewa junction
- Politeknik Negeri Bali campus intersection
- Nirmala intersection
- and ending at Pura Luhur Uluwatu
In 2023, a similar procession was already held, and locals remember how children were late for school, and traffic was completely paralyzed. Therefore, in 2025, authorities tried to notify both locals and tourists in advance.
Foreign visitors to the island are warned: you can watch this ceremony, but with maximum respect. Participants will walk in silence, as this is a sacred ritual for them, so it is advisable not to approach them closely or film them without permission. Believers are also unlikely to understand tourists wishing to join the procession, even if they dress modestly.
Despite the ceremony and the halt of traffic on some streets, the Uluwatu temple itself will remain open to tourists. The famous evening Kecak dance show will also take place in the temple's amphitheater. However, getting there will be more challenging.
From May 13 to 16, another ceremony will take place in Uluwatu. Restrictions due to this will be less extensive, but some parts of the temple will be inaccessible.
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