Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — In observance of the Hindu Day of Silence, or Nyepi, Gilimanuk Port in Bali will temporarily shut down for 24 hours from March 29 to March 30, 2025. As part of the island-wide observance, all activities, including public transportation and port operations, will come to a halt.
The closure coincides with the Eid homecoming “Mudik” rush accompanied by a surge of travelers returning to their hometowns during the long holiday. Nyepi, which falls on March 29, 2025, is observed just two days before Eid al-Fitr, anticipated on March 31, 2025.
Therefore, authorities are urging travelers to plan their trips accordingly to avoid disruptions. “The last ferry from Gilimanuk Port will depart on March 29 at 5:00 a.m. local time. We advise travelers heading to Java to adjust their schedules to avoid being stranded during Nyepi,” said Jembrana Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner (AKBP) Endang Tri Purwanto, on Thursday (March 20), as reported by Antara.
Ferry services across the Bali Strait will remain suspended until the conclusion of Nyepi on the morning of March 30. In additions, online and in-person ticket sales for ferries will be paused starting at 3:00 a.m. on March 29.
Overlapping Nyepi and Eid Travel Rush
With Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr occurring close together, state-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has taken proactive measures to ensure smooth operations at the critical Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing between Java and Bali.
“We have coordinated with all stakeholders to prepare traffic management strategies, especially given the unusual overlap of Nyepi and Eid this year,” said PT ASDP Ketapang General Manager Yani Andriyanto on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
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ASDP has release the closure period for both port in accordance with the overlapping Nyepi and Eid Travel rush. The Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi (Java) will be closed from Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) until Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. WIB.
Meanwhile, Gilimanuk Port, Bali will be closed from Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA) until Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. WITA.
Anticipated Surge in Travelers
The temporary closure is expected to cause a spike in passenger volume, leading to potential overcrowding. To accommodate stranded travelers, designated rest areas will be provided at both Ketapang and Gilimanuk ports.
At Gilimanuk, buffer zones will include police stations, mosques, and the terminal in Jembrana Regency. Meanwhile, in Banyuwangi, facilities will be available at Sritanjung Terminal, ASDP’s parking lot in Bulusan Village, and Grand Watu Dodol.
To ensure travelers’ comfort, the Banyuwangi local government has deployed personnel and medical staff at these locations.
As this year Eid homecoming PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry urges passengers to plan ahead, monitor updates through official ASDP channels, and rely on verified communication lines for accurate information regarding port operations and ferry schedules.
(Raidi/Agung)
