New Fast Boat Route Launches Between Bali and East Java for Adventurous Tourists
A new fast boat service connecting Bali and East Java has officially commenced operation, promising a quicker and more convenient travel option for tourists and locals alike. The inaugural journey took place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, with 75 passengers aboard the Express Bahari fast boat traveling from Banyuwangi to Serangan in Bali.
Significantly Reduced Travel Time
This new public transportation route offers a remarkable reduction in travel time between the two regions. Passengers can now complete the journey from Banyuwangi to Denpasar in approximately three hours. Previously, this trip required a ferry crossing over the Bali Strait followed by a four-hour drive to central Denpasar, a process often extended by heavy traffic congestion on the Gilimanuk-Denpasar Highway.
I Ketut Sriawan, Head of the Denpasar Transportation Office, praised the vessel’s quality, highlighting its different seating options, including VIP, executive, and economy classes. “The safety standards have been verified by Syahbandar authorities, and the ship’s condition is very good,” he stated in a press briefing following the first successful voyage.
Alleviating Traffic Congestion and Boosting Tourism
One of the anticipated benefits of the new fast boat service is the potential easing of vehicle congestion at key ferry points. Sriawan explained that during peak travel periods such as Eid and the Christmas-New Year holidays (Nataru), the fast boat operations could significantly reduce traffic build-up in Gilimanuk on the Bali side and Ketapang on the East Java side. He emphasized that integrating sea transportation helps relieve pressure on land transport infrastructure.
The service also aims to diversify tourism patterns across Bali Province by making various destinations more accessible. Sriawan mentioned that visitors could explore tourism hotspots in Serangan, Denpasar, and other parts of Bali, while those based in Bali could conveniently visit natural attractions like Mount Ijen in East Java. “This integration supports comprehensive tourism development,” he noted.
Positive Passenger Feedback
Budiono, a domestic traveler who frequently commutes between Banyuwangi and Sanur (Central Bali), shared his favorable impression of the service. “I used to travel by road, taking five to six hours. With the fast boat, the trip is much shorter,” he said.
Service Details and Operation
The Express Bahari fast boat currently operates the Banyuwangi-Denpasar route exclusively. The service runs six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, with departures from Banyuwangi at 9:00 a.m. local time and returns from Denpasar at 2:00 p.m. Local officials view this service as an affordable and convenient travel alternative that leverages Bali’s maritime routes to offset traffic challenges on the island’s roads.
Bali already boasts numerous daily fast boat departures from Sanur Port to popular nearby destinations including Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Additionally, fast boat trips extend to Lombok and the Gili Islands. Other ports such as Serangan in Denpasar and Padangbai in East Bali also offer routes to Bali’s outlying islands and neighboring provinces.
In addition to scheduled fast boats, sea taxi services such as GoBoat provide scenic daily transfers between locations like Canggu and Uluwatu, as well as Jimbaran, offering alternative routes that help visitors avoid road congestion.
Safety Advisory for Travelers
Travelers intending to use boat services in Bali are advised to check weather conditions and wave forecasts before departure to ensure safety. The Australian Tourism Advice Bureau, Smartraveler, has recently issued warnings regarding boat travel in Bali, urging tourists to select reputable providers carefully. Their advisory highlights concerns about inconsistent adherence to international safety and maintenance standards among some commercial and private boat operators, noting incidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the new Bali-East Java fast boat route marks a significant step forward in regional transportation and tourism infrastructure. By enhancing connectivity and easing road congestion, officials hope the service will contribute to a more integrated and sustainable tourism economy in both Bali and East Java.
As this service gains popularity, stakeholders emphasize the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, regular maintenance, and responsible operation to safeguard passengers and maximize the potential benefits of this innovative transportation link.
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