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Tourism & EventsPublished: October 11, 2026

Bali Designates Six Low-Emission Zones Including Ubud, Kuta and Sanur

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has designated six low-emission zones—Ubud, Nusa Penida, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Sanur, and the Gajah Mada Cultural Heritage Area in Denpasar—under the Kerthi Bhumi Satwika program aimed at balancing tourism development with environmental sustainability.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced on October 10 that six areas across the province have been designated as low-emission zones under the "Kerthi Bhumi Satwika" program. The designated areas are Ubud, the Nusa Penida Islands, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Sanur, and the Gajah Mada Cultural Heritage Area in Denpasar.

According to Koster, each area has distinct characteristics and priorities. Ubud will focus on cultural and environmental tourism, while Nusa Penida emphasizes preserving its island ecosystem. Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Sanur are expected to promote consistent adoption of environmentally friendly tourism practices, while the Gajah Mada area in Denpasar aims to integrate historical preservation with sustainable urban development.

The designation is intended to align spatial planning policies with greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts and accelerate clean energy adoption across sectors. The program is structured around five pillars: Green Energy, Green Transportation, Green Ecosystems, Green Tourism Industry, and Green Society.

No specific vehicle restrictions, penalties, or implementation timelines have been announced yet. The government says success will depend on collaboration among tourism businesses, traditional villages, local communities, and research institutions.

Things to Consider

No specific restrictions (such as vehicle bans or penalties) for tourists or residents have been announced yet, so normal travel and daily activities are unaffected for now. However, future traffic measures or incentives for electric vehicles/bicycles may be introduced in areas like Ubud, Kuta, and Sanur, so it's wise to periodically check local news or updates from hotels and tour operators for changes.

Source: ANTARA News Bali