New East Bali Port to Enhance Tourist Connectivity Across Indonesia’s Island Destinations
In a significant move to bolster tourism and regional connectivity, Bali’s Karangasem Regency is advancing plans to build a new port in the coastal village of Amed. This development aims to strengthen links between Bali and neighboring island destinations such as Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan, which together form what is popularly known as Indonesia’s “Golden Triangle” of tourism.
The initiative is driven by the desire to improve transportation efficiency for tourists island hopping throughout the region—a travel style increasingly popular among holidaymakers seeking diverse experiences in Indonesia’s archipelago. The new port is expected to cut travel times dramatically, especially between East Bali and the central southern areas of the island, thus facilitating more convenient and enjoyable journeys.
Deputy Regent of Karangasem, Pandu Prapanca Lagosa, highlighted the benefits during a recent media briefing. He pointed out that current travel from Sanur to Karangasem takes approximately two to three hours. The new port would shorten this duration significantly, enabling faster access to and from East Bali. “This port will accelerate the transformation of tourism in Karangasem and open up new routes that integrate leading tourism destinations in the lava land,” he said. He further expressed optimism that the Amed location presents “extraordinary prospects” for continuing growth in tourism and economic vitality within the region.
Amed, traditionally known as a charming fishing village popular with marine enthusiasts, stands to gain increased visitor numbers and enhanced infrastructure as part of this project. The Karangasem Regency also encompasses the existing Padangbai Port, one of Bali’s largest harbors, which currently offers fast boat services to the Nusa Islands, Gili Islands, and Lombok. The new facility in Amed will complement this by connecting East Bali more directly with these key tourist hubs and West Nusa Tenggara Province.
The planned port in Amed is part of a broader strategy to upgrade Bali’s maritime tourism infrastructure. This includes developments such as the luxury yacht marina in Benoa Harbor, which now has 140 berths and can accommodate up to three jumbo cruise ships simultaneously, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most capable ports. The marina project is slated to be fully operational by 2028, with ongoing enhancements including new hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets.
Meanwhile, neighboring Sanur—a principal departure point for tourists visiting nearby islands—is also preparing for future expansion. Town authorities have announced plans to create a second harbor by subdividing and expanding the existing Sanur Port across Matahari Terbit Beach and Mertasari Beach. This expansion is anticipated to relieve congestion and improve passenger flow, catering to the increasing demand driven by Bali’s rising tourism numbers.
Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara indicated that this segmentation of Sanur Port would be feasible upon transfer of authority from the Ministry of Transportation to the Denpasar City Government. The mayor emphasized that this would allow travelers more flexible options for crossing, reducing bottlenecks at peak times.
These efforts to enhance Bali’s port infrastructure underscore a strategic vision to position the island as a premier maritime tourism hub in the region. By improving access between Bali and adjacent islands, authorities aim to foster a seamless travel experience that benefits both visitors and local communities alike.
As these projects progress, tourists can look forward to quicker and more efficient island hopping adventures, unlocking Indonesia’s rich natural beauty and cultural treasures with greater ease. The new East Bali port marks a pivotal step toward a more connected and prosperous future for Bali and its neighboring islands.
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