The long-awaited Bali Maritime Tourism Hub is nearing its formal opening, marking a major milestone in Indonesia’s marine tourism development. Situated in Tanjung Benoa, the redevelopment has transformed the harbor into Indonesia’s first international-standard cruise ship pier, poised to become a premier gateway for luxury marine visitors.
At the Indonesian Maritime Week 2025 in Jakarta, Antoni Arif Priadi, Director General of Marine Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, announced the completion of the new Bali Benoa Marina within the hub. “Pelindo has prepared Benoa Port as a Maritime Tourism Hub,” Priadi stated. “The Bali Maritime Tourism Hub is now finished, and cruise ships have already started arriving, supported by world-class facilities.”
Set for a soft opening in October 2025, the Bali Benoa Marina boasts the capacity to accommodate dozens of luxury yachts. The nearly IDR 900 billion investment reflects a commitment to delivering top-tier infrastructure to support Bali’s growing marine tourism sector.
Priadi also highlighted plans to expand Indonesia’s marine transport capabilities beyond Bali. He pointed to Makassar’s emerging role as a direct logistics hub, which will streamline exports by bypassing traditional routes through Jakarta and Surabaya. “This will reduce shipping time and costs significantly,” Priadi explained.
In tandem with these developments, the Denpasar City Tourism Office launched a new campaign to promote the region’s marine tourism offerings. Head of the office, Ni Luh Putu Riyastiti, unveiled the initiative aboard the Phinisi Cruise ship in Benoa Harbour, aiming to attract a diverse range of international and domestic tourists.
Denpasar’s rich coastal areas—such as Sanur, Benoa, and Serangan Island—offer abundant underwater adventures and ocean expeditions. Riyastiti emphasized the importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship. “Maintaining marine sustainability and protecting coastal ecosystems are central to our approach,” she said, underscoring efforts to repair and restore ecosystems while supporting local communities.
Meanwhile, Badung Regency is tackling increasing traffic congestion by developing new sea taxi routes to key tourism hotspots, including Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak. Secretary of Badung, Ida Bagus Surya Suamba, confirmed plans for the Canggu-Cemagi Boat Terminal, scheduled to open in 2026. The terminal will provide fast boat shuttle services connecting Bali Airport with Canggu, enhancing travel convenience for visitors.
As Bali readies to welcome the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub, these integrated developments signal a new era for Indonesia’s marine tourism, combining luxury, sustainability, and accessibility.
