Jembrana, Bali. Traffic congestion continued to build at Gilimanuk Port, Bali's largest ferry terminal, on Monday afternoon as travelers headed back to their hometowns ahead of the Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr holidays, with vehicle queues stretching up to 30 kilometers from the ferry terminal.

The port, operated by state ferry company ASDP Indonesia Ferry, serves as the main crossing point between Bali and Java and typically sees a sharp increase in traffic during the annual homecoming season.

Field observations showed that the queue was dominated by intercity buses, private cars carrying travelers, and logistics trucks waiting to board ferries bound for Java. Authorities have directed vehicles to use designated holding areas and parking pockets prepared near the port while awaiting boarding.

However, the number of travelers using motorcycles appeared to have declined compared with previous days, allowing them to move more smoothly toward the port area.

ASDP said traffic density toward Gilimanuk is expected to persist until March 18, the peak homecoming period.

Fredi, a traveler from Surakarta, said long lines of four-wheeled vehicles were already visible several kilometers before reaching the port.

“For cars and buses, the queues are still very long. Along the road toward the port you can see vehicles stretching in a long line,” he said.

Fredi estimated that the queue of cars and buses extended roughly 30 kilometers from the port area.

Another traveler, Rudi from Mojokerto in East Java, said he had been waiting since early morning to cross from Bali to Java.

“I have been waiting in line since 6 a.m., but I was only able to enter the port area around 5 p.m.,” he said.

Rudi added that this year’s congestion felt worse than during last year’s homecoming season.

“In my opinion, this is the worst compared with last year’s homecoming period. The queue is extremely long and vehicle movement is very slow,” he said.

Despite the long lines for cars and buses, motorcycle riders were still able to pass through traffic more easily and reach the ferry terminal without being trapped in the same congestion.

Officials at Gilimanuk Port continued to manage vehicle flows entering the terminal area in an effort to ease the buildup of traffic.

Authorities expect the surge in travelers to persist over the coming days as more Indonesians head to their hometowns on Java ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, known locally as the peak period of the annual migration.

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