Bali isn’t completely overcrowded — but some places definitely feel that way right now. Traffic conditions vary hugely depending on where you are, what time you travel, and which roads you use.
If you’re visiting Bali in the next two to three months (2026), the short version is this:
👉 Most of the island is still manageable — but parts of Canggu are not.
Below is a realistic breakdown of where congestion is worst, which streets to avoid, and how to move smarter during your stay.
Is Bali overcrowded right now?
No — not everywhere.
Many areas of Bali still feel relaxed, especially outside peak commuting hours. However, a few hotspots have reached a point where traffic congestion directly affects daily movement.
Right now, Canggu is the main problem area, particularly for scooters and short car trips.
Why Canggu feels overcrowded
Canggu’s traffic issues aren’t just about visitor numbers. The real problems are:
- Narrow local roads never designed for heavy traffic
- Rapid development without road expansion
- Heavy scooter use mixed with cars, delivery vans, and construction traffic
- Drivers using residential streets as “shortcuts”
This creates bottlenecks that don’t show up clearly on maps, but locals and long-term visitors feel them daily.
Streets and areas to avoid in Canggu (next 2–3 months)
⚠️ Canggu “shortcuts” (biggest issue)
So-called shortcuts connecting Berawa, Batu Bolong, and Pererenan are currently among the worst congestion points.
These small residential roads:
- Are extremely narrow
- Have two-way traffic forced into one lane
- Get completely blocked during peak hours
Avoid using shortcuts entirely between:
- 08:00–10:00
- 16:30–19:00
What looks like a faster route often turns into a 20–30 minute standstill.
⚠️ Batu Bolong main access roads
Roads leading toward Batu Bolong Beach are heavily congested:
- Late afternoons
- Sunset hours
- Early evenings
If you’re heading to the beach for sunset, go early or walk if possible.
⚠️ Berawa area during school & work commute
Berawa roads are especially busy:
- Morning drop-off hours
- Late afternoon return traffic
This affects both scooters and cars, and delays add up quickly.
Areas of Bali that are not overcrowded
To keep things balanced — many parts of Bali are still moving just fine:
- Ubud (outside peak hours)
- Uluwatu (traffic exists, but flows better)
- Sidemen
- Amed
- North and East Bali generally
If you’re flexible with locations or split your stay, congestion is very avoidable.
How to move around Bali more easily right now
If you’re staying in or near Canggu:
- Avoid peak hours whenever possible
- Don’t blindly follow Google Maps shortcuts
- Walk short distances when you can
- Plan meals, beach visits, and workouts outside rush hours
- Consider staying slightly outside the busiest zones
Sometimes a 10-minute walk beats a 25-minute scooter ride.
Will this get better soon?
Traffic patterns in Bali change slowly. Over the next 2–3 months, congestion in Canggu is unlikely to improve significantly. Some seasonal shifts may help slightly, but shortcuts and main access roads will remain problematic.
If traffic stress is a concern for you, it’s worth:
- Choosing accommodation strategically
- Or spending part of your trip outside Canggu altogether
Final thoughts
Bali isn’t “too crowded” as a whole — but specific streets in Canggu absolutely are right now. Knowing which roads to avoid and when makes a huge difference to your experience.
If you plan smartly, you can still enjoy Bali without feeling stuck in traffic every day.
