Tourists trying to get to the Gilis via fast boat from Padang Bai are going to have to wait.
The Port Authority of Padang Bai has tentatively extended the closure of the pier for fast boats until Wednesday, July 25 due to extreme weather conditions.
Waves have been big and heavy in the Lombok Strait, which boats must cross to get between Bali and Lombok and the picturesque Gillis, northwest of Lombok.
“The closure was extended until July 25, or until weather conditions improve,” said head of the Padangbai Port Authority (KSOP), I Nyoman Parwata, as quoted by Bali Post.
The closure of the port is based on the recommendation of the meteorology agency, BMKG Region III Denpasar.
KSOP previously called for a similar closure on July 19.
Bigger boats going to Lembar, Lombok have still been running occasionally, but are not sticking to schedule and are less regular.
East Bali has experienced major traffic congestion due to the port closure, with backed up vehicles that had lined up, wanting to make the crossing.
“It started yesterday afternoon, traffic jams have begun to unravel,” Karangasem Police spokesman Herson Djuanda told reporters.
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