A swarm of bees crossed the Bali Mandara Toll Road on Sunday afternoon, prompting concern among motorists after a video of the incident circulated on social media.
The footage showed motorcyclists slowing down and stopping as thousands of bees moved across the road.
The Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency confirmed the incident and provided a scientific explanation. Head of the agency, Ratna Hendratmoko, said the phenomenon is linked to seasonal environmental changes.
“As reported in entomological studies, bees are social insects that have adaptation mechanisms to environmental changes, often due to changes in the weather,” Ratna said, as quoted from AntaraNews.
She explained that bees are ectothermic animals, meaning their body temperature depends on environmental conditions. Changes in temperature, humidity, and wind can influence their behaviour, including movement in large groups.
Search for New Nest and Habitat
Ratna said the movement observed on the toll road was part of a natural migration process known as swarming. This occurs when a colony seeks a new nesting site.
“The phenomenon of colony migration (swarming) aims to find a new nest. It commonly occurs when the old habitat is no longer supportive; there is a change in environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, or disturbance); the bee colony expands and requires new space,” she said.
She added that the process can also be understood from an ecological perspective. “This phenomenon can also be studied from an ecological perspective as a form of organism response to ecosystem dynamics,” she said.
The agency coordinated with Ni Luh Putu Eswaryanti from Udayana University to verify the cause. The academic confirmed that transitional weather conditions contributed to the migration.
“She verified that the transitional season, scorching heat, and wind can trigger the migration of bee colonies to more favourable locations,” Ratna said.
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Location and Traffic Impact
Authorities noted that the toll road is located near the Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest, which serves as a natural habitat for bees. The area provides access to nectar from mangrove flowers, supporting bee populations.
Ratna said the structure of the toll road may also attract colonies. “The infrastructure of the Bali Mandara Toll Road, including the undercarriage, provides protection from rain, strong winds, extreme temperature changes, and minimises disturbance from predators, making it an ideal place for nesting,” she said.
Despite the disruption, authorities reported no serious incidents. “For the time being, there are no reports of fatalities or serious injuries due to this incident, and traffic conditions remain under control, although there was some slowdown in vehicle movement,” she said.
Earlier footage showed several motorcyclists stopping in the motorcycle lane as the swarm passed. Toll officers were seen managing traffic and directing vehicles in affected areas.
