Bali’s tourism industry has long been synonymous with the vibrant southern regions, leaving the untapped potential of North Bali largely overshadowed. However, as global tourism patterns evolve, questions arise as to why North Bali, particularly the scenic Buleleng Regency, remains less frequented by tourists. The answer, according to Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, lies in the critical issue of accessibility.
During a recent visit to Buleleng, Sandiaga pinpointed the lack of efficient road access between South and North Bali as the primary barrier to tourism growth in the northern part of the island.
“North Bali faces significant challenges in attracting tourists due to poor accessibility. The journey from South Bali, including Denpasar and Badung, to Buleleng is a major deterrent,” he explained.
To remedy this, Sandiaga emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure development, particularly the construction of a toll road linking the northern and southern regions of Bali. This project, which has been under discussion for some time, is now gaining momentum, with the central government expected to initiate the tender process for the toll road in 2025.
“The construction of this toll road is crucial,” Sandiaga noted, adding that the project is also set to connect with the re-tendered Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road. “Once completed, we anticipate that travel time to North Bali could be reduced to just 90 minutes, making it far more accessible to both domestic and international tourists.”
In addition to improving road access, Sandiaga underscored the importance of expanding air travel options to North Bali. A key component of this strategy is the proposed North Bali Airport, a long-term project that aims to ensure balanced tourism development across the island.
“The distance and travel time to North Bali are the most significant hurdles we face. It’s imperative that we support the development of this region, which holds tremendous potential,” Sandiaga stated.
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However, the realization of the North Bali Airport project hinges on the commitment of local authorities. While the central government has already given its green light, the project requires strong local backing to move forward.
Meanwhile, in a bid to boost tourism in the short term, Sandiaga’s ministry is launching a new tourism package that includes fast boat trips from Watudodol, Bangsring, Pemuteran, and Lovina. This initiative, set to roll out within the next 30 days, aims to attract more visitors to Buleleng by offering a unique and convenient travel experience.
To further enhance tourism prospects, the ministry is also focusing on increasing domestic tourist numbers by opening new flight routes to Banyuwangi Airport. This move is part of a broader strategy to make North Bali more accessible and to diversify the island’s tourism offerings beyond the well-trodden paths of the south.
As Bali’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, these initiatives represent a concerted effort to unlock the hidden gems of the island’s northern regions, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable tourism future.
