Bali Latest News November 10 | Free Electric Buses Launch, Jimbaran Road Improvements

Bali’s Free Electric Buses Hit the Road! GWK to Denpasar Route Free for One Year

Bali’s public transportation sees new progress.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster officially announced on November 9, 2026, that Trans Sarbagita electric buses have begun trial operations, offering free rides for at least one year.

These electric buses are a donation from the South Korean government, with a total investment of around 500 billion IDR including charging facilities.

Currently, Route 1 (Koridor I) connects:

• GOR Ngurah Rai (Denpasar)
• Renon
• Denpasar city center
• Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park)

A total of 11 electric buses have been deployed, with 10 operating daily and 1 serving as a backup.

The service is operated by Indonesia’s state-owned DAMRI, under the supervision of the Bali Transportation Agency.

Notably, while the ride is free for passengers, they still need to tap an electronic money card (e-money) for ridership tracking. Assistance is available on board for those without an e-card.

The governor has introduced the concept of ‘zero emissions, zero noise, zero rupiah,’ aiming to encourage locals and young people to change their transportation habits.

For travelers, this service offers a public transport option to reach GWK. However, whether it fits into a travel itinerary depends on bus stops, frequency, and transfer convenience.

【Bali Landmark】Complete Guide to GWK Cultural Park: World’s Tallest Statue, Traditional Dance Performances, and Photo Spots

Road Improvement Project Underway on Nusa Ceningan! 3.7 km Section Getting Upgraded

On Nusa Ceningan, the island next to Nusa Lembongan, a road improvement project around the island is ongoing.

On November 8, Klungkung Regent I Made Satria inspected the road paving project and urged the construction supervision unit to ensure project quality.

The main scope of this project includes:

• Road treatment length: 3.7 kilometers
• Road width: approximately 3 meters
• Project budget: approximately 9.49 billion Indonesian Rupiah
• Estimated construction period: 150 calendar days
• Funding source: 2026 Regional Government Budget (APBD)

The local government also hopes to gradually widen main roads in the future to improve connectivity with the island’s ring road.

Nusa Ceningan is a popular side trip for many travelers visiting Nusa Lembongan, offering sea views, a blue lagoon, and the Yellow Bridge connecting it to Nusa Lembongan.

The road improvements will benefit both locals and travelers moving around the area, though it’s still advisable to keep an eye on road conditions and traffic arrangements during construction.

[Lembongan Island / Nusa Ceningan Attractions Guide] Explore Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan’s top sights, food, and transport: Bali’s nearby paradise (https://gobaligo.id/en/blog/nusa-lembongan-ceningan-guide/)

Jembrana Installs 3 Flood Early Warning Systems! Bilukpoh, Samblong, and Loloan Rivers Under Monitoring

As Bali enters the rainy season, the western regency of Jembrana is stepping up flood prevention measures.

The Jembrana Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed on November 9 that flood early warning systems (EWS) have been installed around three rivers prone to flooding.

Installation locations include:

• Bilukpoh – Penyaringan River section
• Samblong River section
• Loloan River section

These areas have experienced flooding or waterlogging due to heavy rainfall in the past, making them priority monitoring sites.

The warning system triggers alerts based on changes in river water levels. When the water reaches a set height, an alarm warns nearby residents to stay vigilant; if the level continues to rise, the system issues a stronger alert to help residents take early evacuation measures.

Currently, the equipment is provided with assistance from Indonesia’s state electricity company, PLN.

BPBD stated that there are still 11 river locations in Jembrana that require early warning equipment, so the current three systems do not cover all potential risk areas.

This measure is mainly aimed at reducing the impact of seasonal floods on local residents, and also reflects the strengthening of disaster prevention efforts in western Bali.

Denpasar’s Old Sports Hall to Be Renovated in 2027! Government Allocates IDR 28 Billion for Facility Upgrades

An aging sports hall in downtown Denpasar is set to undergo renovation.

The Bali provincial government has allocated IDR 28 billion in the 2027 budget to renovate GOR Yuwana Mandala Tembau, located in Penatih, eastern Denpasar.

Located at Jalan Trengguli No. 5, this sports hall has not undergone a comprehensive renovation since it opened in 1983.

Currently, the hall and its surrounding facilities suffer from multiple aging issues, including:

• Partial roof leaks
• Broken building glass
• The exterior walls and some facilities are outdated
• Insufficient maintenance of the surrounding environment

The Bali Provincial Education, Youth, and Sports Office has announced that actual construction is expected to begin in 2027.

This sports hall has previously hosted activities such as badminton, martial arts, volleyball, futsal, and basketball, and serves as an important public facility for local residents’ daily exercise.

This renovation aims not only to improve the building’s appearance but also to restore the sports hall’s normal functions, providing better sports facilities.

Although this project is not directly aimed at tourists, it reflects that the Bali government has begun to prioritize the maintenance and renewal of aging public facilities.