Discover Bali by Sea: Water Taxis Link Benoa and Tanjung Benoa

TheIndonesia.co - Imagine gliding across the crystal-clear waters of Bali, feeling the sea breeze on your face as you skip past traditional fishing boats and lush coastal scenery. Now, thanks to a new initiative by Pelindo Regional 3 Bali and Nusa Tenggara, this vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of Bali’s first water taxi service—a fast, scenic, and culturally rich alternative to Bali’s often crowded roads.

According to Antara News Agency, this new maritime route connects Pelabuhan Benoa (Benoa Harbour) in Denpasar with Tanjung Benoa, a vibrant coastal village in Badung known for its water sports, traditional culture, and eco-tourism. More than just a shortcut, this initiative is part of a broader effort to create sustainable tourism experiences that benefit both visitors and the local community.

Bali that's full of magic—some of it hidden in the lanes of villages, some of it shimmering on the ocean surface. With the launch of the water taxi between Benoa and Tanjung Benoa, travellers now have a chance to rediscover this magic by sea—where every wave tells a story and every journey creates a memory.

Welcome aboard!

A Smarter Way to Explore Bali

Anyone who has visited Bali knows that traffic can sometimes slow down even the most well-planned itinerary. The typical drive from Benoa to Tanjung Benoa, for example, can take up to 30 minutes or more depending on traffic on the Bali Mandara Toll Road. In contrast, the new water taxi makes the journey in just 10 to 15 minutes, offering not only a faster commute but also a unique sightseeing experience.

The service launched as part of a trial initiative by Pelindo Regional 3, with the goal of easing land traffic while enhancing maritime tourism. The boats used are modern, safe, and comfortable—ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers looking to experience Bali from a different perspective.

Supporting Local Communities and Sustainable Travel

But the water taxi project is more than just a tourist attraction. It’s a model of community-focused development. As part of its Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, Pelindo has not only built the water transport infrastructure—including a dock in Tanjung Benoa—but also provided support to five local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that operate nearby.

Importantly, the management of the water taxi has been entrusted to the Tanjung Benoa Indigenous Village, a move that ensures local traditions, employment, and cultural values are protected and promoted.

“We’re grateful for this initiative. It doesn’t just improve accessibility—it also opens up new opportunities for culture-based and marine tourism,” said I Made Wijaya, the traditional leader (Bendesa Adat) of Tanjung Benoa.

The dock’s location also integrates well with community-led tourism initiatives, ensuring visitors enjoy an authentic Balinese experience from the moment they arrive.

Eco-Conscious Tourism: Where Nature Meets Culture

Bali’s natural beauty is one of its most precious assets, and this new route is helping to promote eco-conscious tourism. During the water taxi’s trial launch, organizers released baby sea turtles (tukik) into the waters around Tanjung Benoa—an act symbolizing gratitude and commitment to marine conservation.

Such actions align well with the growing interest among global travelers in sustainable and responsible travel. Choosing a water taxi over a taxi car not only reduces carbon emissions but also supports ocean-friendly tourism practices that protect Bali’s fragile ecosystems.

Must-Visit Destinations Around Benoa and Tanjung Benoa

If you're planning to hop on the new water taxi, you're in for more than just a fun ride. Both Benoa Harbour and Tanjung Benoa offer incredible sights, sounds, and experiences worth exploring.

Here are a few must-visit spots and travel-friendly suggestions to make the most of your journey:

Pelabuhan Benoa (Benoa Harbour): A Gateway to Maritime Bali

Before you even board the water taxi, take time to explore the revitalized Benoa Harbour area, which is quickly becoming a new hub for marine tourism. The harbour is undergoing development to become a cruise and yacht-friendly destination, and there's growing interest in eco-marine activities, seafood dining, and artisan markets.

Don’t miss:

• Fish Market Walks: Get a glimpse of daily life as local fishermen bring in their catch.
• Seafood Restaurants: Try freshly grilled fish with Balinese sambal at harbour-view restaurants. And enjoy the Balinese traditional nasi campur Bali.
• Benoa Cruise Terminal: Ideal for cruise passengers wanting a quick scenic escape.
• Tanjung Benoa: Water Sports and Cultural Heartbeat

A short ride away, Tanjung Benoa is a haven for both adrenaline junkies and culture lovers. It’s one of Bali’s best destinations for jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, and diving. But beyond the action, you’ll also find a deep-rooted Balinese culture, with traditional ceremonies, temples, and village life.

Top experiences:

• Watersport Activities: Safe, beginner-friendly adventures suitable for all ages.
• Pura Dalem Ning Lan Taman Beji Temple: A spiritual site nestled by the sea.
• Turtle Island (Pulau Penyu): Take a short glass-bottom boat ride to this turtle sanctuary where you can see and learn about marine conservation efforts.

Sunset Cruises & Island Hopping

With water taxi service now a reality, travel agencies are exploring combo packages that include sunset cruises, snorkeling tours, or even private boat charters departing from either dock.

These could connect to nearby gems like:

• Serangan Island: Known for its sea turtle conservation center and mangrove forests.
• Nusa Dua: Just minutes away, offering upscale resorts, golf, and white-sand beaches.
• Jimbaran Bay: Reachable by sea for a romantic seafood dinner by the beach.

Tips for International Visitors

• Where to Buy Tickets: Ticket counters are expected at both docks, with digital booking options in development.
• Accessibility: The boats are easy to board, and facilities are being upgraded to accommodate seniors and children.
• Language: Staff are trained in basic English to assist foreign tourists.
• Safety First: All boats meet national safety standards and are equipped with life vests.

A Cultural Voyage, Not Just a Commute

What makes this water taxi service unique is how it combines transportation, tourism, and tradition. It’s not just a ride—it’s a cultural voyage that takes you through Bali’s coastal heritage. It’s a way to beat traffic while embracing the sea, support local communities, and help preserve the environment—all in one experience.

As tourism in Bali continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, the focus is shifting from quantity to quality and sustainability. And this initiative by Pelindo and the Tanjung Benoa Indigenous Village represents the future: one where tourists and locals share in the benefits of a well-connected, culturally rich, and environmentally respectful Bali.

So the next time you're in Bali, skip the road—take the sea.

Getting There: Visitor Info

• From Ngurah Rai Airport to Benoa Harbour: Approx. 20–30 minutes by taxi.
• Benoa to Tanjung Benoa Water Taxi: ~15 minutes by boat.
• Best Time to Visit: Morning for calm seas and afternoon for sunsets.
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, and a sense of adventure.