A new fast boat service is set to begin operations in June 2025, connecting Denpasar, Bali, with Banyuwangi, East Java. The initiative is part of a broader effort by regional authorities to improve inter-island connectivity, reduce travel time, and expand public transportation options between two of Indonesia’s busiest tourist and commercial regions.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by regional authorities to improve inter-island connectivity
The upcoming route is expected to significantly reduce the travel burden currently experienced by both tourists and residents moving between Bali and Java. At present, the most common overland option involves a lengthy and unpredictable journey along the Denpasar-Gilimanuk Highway, followed by a ferry crossing from Gilimanuk Port in West Bali to Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi. This route spans roughly 150 kilometers and can take anywhere from five to ten hours, depending on traffic conditions.
The new fast boat route will operate between Serangan Port, located near Bali’s tourism hubs of Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Benoa, and Marina Boom Port in Banyuwangi. The sea-based journey will provide a more direct and potentially quicker alternative for passengers, especially during peak travel periods when road congestion tends to spike.
Infrastructure Push on Both Sides
Preparations are currently underway at both ports. In Banyuwangi, East Java’s provincial government has overseen key upgrades to Marina Boom Port. Under the leadership of Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, the terminal has been modified to accommodate higher passenger volumes and redesigned to incorporate local architectural elements reflective of Banyuwangi’s cultural identity.
Meanwhile, in Bali, port authorities at Serangan are awaiting a final operational plan from the service providers. Local officials have stated that full readiness will require further coordination to finalize adjustments to docking infrastructure, waiting areas, and passenger logistics.
The vessel servicing the new route is expected to carry up to 300 passengers per trip. However, critical operational details — such as trip frequency, ticket prices, and booking mechanisms — remain pending, and are anticipated to be announced closer to the launch date.
Implications for Regional Tourism and Mobility
The launch of this route reflects a larger push to improve tourism accessibility between East Java and Bali, two regions with distinct cultural and ecological attractions. East Java’s Mount Ijen, known for its otherworldly blue fire crater and sulfur mining operations, is a major draw for adventurous travelers. Banyuwangi is also the entry point for nearby natural reserves and quieter beach destinations that contrast with the busy southern coastlines of Bali.
Meanwhile, West Bali, often overlooked by visitors who remain in the island’s central or southern regions, could benefit from renewed attention as part of a “dual-destination” travel model. This concept promotes the idea of exploring both Java and Bali within a single trip, potentially easing the strain on Bali’s more saturated tourist zones and spreading tourism benefits more evenly across regions.
Still, several questions remain. The success of this new route may depend not only on infrastructure readiness but also on sustained traveler demand, reliable scheduling, and how seamlessly the journey integrates with other transport modes. There are also considerations about environmental impact, given the sensitivity of marine ecosystems and the coastal communities along the route.
Public Reaction and Expectations
Although the project has been under discussion for some time, public awareness remains relatively limited, and many logistical details are yet to be confirmed. Until those details are shared, the practical viability of the route and its impact on travel behavior will be difficult to gauge.
The introduction of a fast boat connection between Denpasar and Banyuwangi could reshape travel patterns and strengthen economic ties across the Bali Strait. However, whether this initiative will deliver on its promise of convenience, or face the same challenges as other transport schemes in the region, remains to be seen.
