If you’re on vacation in Bali and see long lines at some gas stations, don’t panic right away. In recent days, several areas in Bali have indeed experienced limited fuel supply. Some gas stations even ran out of certain types of fuel, causing vehicle queues to become longer than usual.
This situation is certainly quite noticeable for tourists, especially if you rent a motorbike or car to get around Bali. But that doesn’t mean your vacation plans have to be canceled. With a few adjustments, you can still enjoy your trip comfortably.
Here are some things you should do while the fuel supply situation in Bali hasn’t fully returned to normal.
Don’t Wait Until the Tank Is Almost Empty
Usually we only look for a gas station when the fuel gauge is close to empty. For the time being, you should avoid doing this.
If the fuel is already down to half a tank and you happen to find a gas station that’s open and not too crowded, there’s no harm in filling up right away.
This is especially important if you plan to travel quite far, for example from Seminyak to Ubud, from Canggu to Uluwatu, or taking a trip to Karangasem and North Bali.
Don’t assume the next gas station will definitely have fuel in stock.
Fill Up as Needed, No Need to Overdo It
Even though supply is limited, try to still buy fuel according to your travel needs.
There’s no need to fill up the tank or buy extra fuel in excessive amounts just because you’re afraid of running out. Reasonable purchases help make fuel distribution more even for other road users.
Pertamina previously also urged the public to use fuel wisely according to their needs while the supply recovery process is ongoing.
Ask the Hotel or Villa About the Fuel Situation
Before setting out, you can ask hotel staff, villa staff, or the manager of your accommodation about the condition of the nearest gas stations.
Local residents usually have faster information about which gas stations currently have stock, which ones have long lines, or alternative locations you can try.
If you rent a motorbike or car from a rental provider, you can also contact them first.
A simple question like, “Where’s the nearest gas station that still has fuel?” can save quite a bit of time.
Leave Earlier
If you have a fairly tight schedule, allow extra travel time.
Vehicle queues at gas stations can sometimes affect traffic on the surrounding roads. So a trip that usually takes 30 minutes might take longer.
This is especially important to keep in mind if you’re heading to the airport, joining a tour, have a restaurant reservation, or are trying to make it to activities like snorkeling, diving, or a fast boat.
It’s better to arrive a little early than to have to rush because you’re stuck in a vehicle queue.
Combine Several Destinations in One Area
For the time being, you can also create a more efficient itinerary.
Instead of moving between far-apart locations in one day, choose several attractions that are in the same area.
For example, if you’re in Uluwatu, you can spend a day exploring the beaches, temples, restaurants, and sunset spots around South Bali.
If you’re staying in Ubud, you can focus on exploring Ubud and the surrounding area before moving to another region the next day.
Besides saving fuel, the trip also feels more relaxed.
Use Transportation with a Driver If Needed
If you don’t want the hassle of thinking about fuel availability, using a car with a driver can be a more comfortable option.
Local drivers are usually more familiar with road conditions and gas station locations around the areas you’ll be visiting.
You also don’t have to spend your vacation time driving around looking for a place to fill up on your own.
For short trips, online transportation services can still be an option. But remember that local drivers are also facing the same fuel supply conditions, so wait times may differ from usual.
Don’t Carry Fuel in an Unsafe Way
If it’s hard to find a gas station, you might come across roadside vendors selling fuel in small quantities.
If you do have to buy from a small vendor, still pay attention to safety and fuel quality. Avoid carrying your own fuel reserves in bottles or containers that aren’t designed to store fuel.
Gasoline is highly flammable and unsafe to store carelessly, especially inside a vehicle.
It’s better to look for another gas station or ask for help from the rental provider and the staff at your accommodation.
Do Tourists Need to Cancel Their Trip to Bali?
For now, there’s no need to immediately cancel your vacation just because of the fuel supply issue.
Tourism activities in Bali are still running. The main issue is more about the possibility of queues at gas stations and the availability of certain fuel types in some locations.
The Bali government previously stated that fuel transport ships have arrived and additional distribution is starting to be carried out to various areas in Bali. Even so, queues are still being reported in some areas, so conditions in each region can differ.
Since the situation can change quickly, it’s best to check the latest information from your accommodation, driver, vehicle provider, or nearest gas station before starting a long trip.
Stay Relaxed and Plan Your Trip Well
A fuel shortage can indeed slightly disrupt your trip, especially for tourists who rely on rented motorbikes or cars. But with simple planning, a vacation in Bali can still go comfortably.
Try not to let the tank get too empty, fill up when you find an available gas station, make a more efficient itinerary, and set aside extra travel time.
Most importantly, there’s no need to panic or buy fuel excessively.
Bali can still be enjoyed as usual. You may just need to be a little more flexible in planning your trip while the fuel supply situation recovers.
