In July 2024, I Nyoman Giri Prasta, the Regent of Badung and newly appointed Deputy Governor of Bali, unveiled plans for a revolutionary ‘sea toll road’ aimed at providing tourists with an alternative route between Canggu and the Bukit Peninsula. This ambitious project has now received official approval and is set to launch in early 2025.
Despite its misleading name, the so-called ‘sea toll road’ is not a traditional road but a newly designed ocean taxi service that will transport tourists from Canggu’s Berawa area to Nusa Dua, and even to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
This initiative will complement the development of Bali’s new Urban Railway Network, including both the MRT and LRT systems, aimed at enhancing public transportation and alleviating the pressure on the island’s increasingly congested roadways.
The project will not necessitate the creation of a new port or harbor in the Berawa area.
Officials from the Badung Regency Government are partnering with the Bali-Penida River Basin Office to develop a designated ‘ship transit point’ as part of the project’s design.
Regent Prasta explained that the new initiative is akin to existing sea taxi services from Canggu, like the GoBoat route connecting Canggu to Uluwatu.
GoBoat currently operates two primary sea taxi routes, along with numerous fast boat services linking Bali’s major ports to surrounding islands, including Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, the Gili Islands, and Lombok.
The first sea taxi route is the Canggu-Jimbaran service, connecting Nelayan Beach in Canggu to Kedonganan Beach in Jimbaran. The second is the Canggu-Uluwatu route, which links Nelayan Beach in Canggu with Padang Padang Beach in Uluwatu.
The sea crossings typically last between 20 to 35 minutes, offering a substantial reduction in travel time. While Google Maps estimates a drive of 1 hour and 20 minutes between central Canggu and Uluwatu, the actual car journey often exceeds 2 hours, even in the absence of heavy traffic.
During this festive season, Bali’s fast boat services are expected to experience high demand, with tourists advised to secure their tickets well in advance.
For those still finalizing their travel plans, operators like GoBoat provide flexible ticket options, allowing for easy adjustments in case of changes.
Tourists who are unable to secure tickets for their preferred crossing may want to consider later afternoon departures, as these tend to be less crowded than the early morning boats, which are often filled with day-trippers.
Additionally, exploring departures from alternative ports in Bali could increase the chances of finding available tickets.
Sanur Port is the largest and most frequented hub for fast boat departures and arrivals in Bali. However, there are also options from Padangbai in East Bali, as well as Serangan, located just a short drive from Sanur. Serangan is an excellent alternative for those staying in the central southern part of the island.
Tags: I Nyoman Giri Prasta, Bali, Canggu Bukit Peninsula Sanur Port, GoBoat, Taxi Route
