Benoa Port Reopened, Serving Cruise Tourism and Eid Homecoming

After the Nyepi period, Benoa Port reopened its gates, marked by the arrival of the Cruise Ship MS Volendam. The Dutch-flagged vessel docked on Friday at 07:00 AM Central Indonesia Time, just one hour after the port resumed operations.

The 237-meter-long ship carried 975 passengers and 617 crew members, continuing its voyage route from Australia to Singapore after previously stopping at Komodo Island.

Benoa Port's General Manager, Anak Agung Gde Agung Mataram, emphasized their operational commitment aligned with tourism needs and community mobility.

"Pelindo ensures port operations can resume optimally after Nyepi while continuing to support the smooth flow of homecoming travel and tourism activities," he stated in Denpasar on Friday.

During its overnight stay at Benoa, the Cruise Ship provided travelers an opportunity to explore Bali—an island renowned not only for its landscapes but also cultural rituals.

The following day, Saturday March 21 at 5:00 PM Central Indonesia Time, the ship was scheduled to continue its journey to Singapore.

Benoa isn't merely an International Tourism gateway. Beyond cruise ship arrivals, this port also plays a vital role in the 2026 Eid homecoming (Mudik Lebaran) flow.

Three Pelni vessels—KM Awu, Tilongkabila, and Binaiya—served as the backbone for passenger mobility to various regions in Nusa Tenggara, while KM Leuser was redirected to alleviate congestion at other ports.

Agung added that various operational adjustments were made before and after Nyepi.

"Operational adjustments prioritized safety, security, and smooth service for ships and passengers," he explained.

Projections for the period March 7 to April 7, 2026, indicate Benoa Port will serve approximately 4,480 passengers across eight ship visits.

This figure is lower than the previous year's 7,424 passengers but still reflects travel momentum amidst dynamic holiday season patterns.

At Benoa, the sea converges tradition with modern journeys. From Nyepi's silence to the bustling arrival of cruise ships, this port reaffirms its role as a crucial node connecting Bali with the world.