Bali Water Taxi Project, A New Way to Enjoy Travel from Ngurah Rai to Canggu

Behind Bali's beauty, traffic jams often disrupt the rhythm of Tourist Travel. Water Taxi emerges as a new concept to restore the experience of exploring the Island of the Gods without congestion.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated this water taxi is designed to connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport with Canggu, a coastal village now magnetizing surfers, digital nomads, and sunset seekers.

“The water taxi can connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport with the Canggu Tourism area as an efficient, eco-friendly mobility option supporting Bali's tourism sector,” he said during a Working Meeting (Raker) with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Wednesday.

This concept isn't just about transportation, but a new way to enjoy Bali without 1.5-2 hours of road congestion. 

With the water taxi, tourists will later Travel by sea for approximately 30 minutes, traversing the coastline stretching from the south to the west of the island.

This route will connect key tourism hubs like Seminyak, Kuta, and even the cliffs of Uluwatu. Each destination has distinct characteristics, yet all are linked by the sea.

Canggu has transformed into one of Bali's most sought-after destinations. Surveys show this area ranks in the top three favorite tourist spots for both domestic and international travelers. 

Rows of tropical-style cafes, crashing waves, and creative communities make Canggu Bali's dynamic new face.

However, building a sea route isn't without challenges. Southern Bali's waters are known for their dynamic nature, making safety aspects a primary concern in this project's planning.

“To ensure safety and security aspects in these extreme waters, a layout with wave barriers or breakwaters is needed for the harbor at Ngurah Rai Airport or Sekeh Beach and in Canggu at Brawa Beach,” said the Minister.

This project is estimated to require an initial investment of Rp1.21 trillion, with PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry appointed to handle operations. 

Currently, the process is still at the Detail Engineering Design (DED) study stage, with construction planned to start from August 2026 to July 2027.

Beyond numbers and technical plans, the water taxi offers a Travel Experience realigned with Bali's landscape. 

If realized, the water taxi could mark a new chapter in the narrative of Bali Tourism – faster, greener, and more poetic.