Sea cruises to Bali are becoming increasingly popular. According to the port company PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), 36 liners passed through Benoa Port in Denpasar from January to April 2025, bringing 50,000 foreign tourists to the island. This is half of all the ships planned for the year — with a total of 72 cruises expected.
For comparison, throughout 2024, 59 ships docked at the port, and more than 103,000 people disembarked from the liners. It's already evident that 2025 could very well be a record-breaking year.
Bali is indeed attractive for such trips, as tourists don’t need to venture far from the port to get the most out of their visit. Within a radius of just 25–30 km from Benoa, there are dozens of attractions. Visitors spending only 7 hours on the island have the chance to experience both nature and culture, as well as the sunsets.
Most often, groups disembarking from the liners head to Ubud to learn about local religion, art, and spiritual practices, or they go to Tanah Lot, the famous temple on a rock overlooking the ocean. Other popular destinations include Canggu, known for its sunsets and nightlife, and the cool Bedugul with its lakes and strawberry farms.
Crucially, Bali has become more accommodating for those choosing cruise travel in recent years. The Indonesia Port Corporation (Pelindo) has invested significant resources in modernizing Benoa: the docks have become more convenient and longer — they can now accommodate large cruise ships; the passenger embarkation and disembarkation system has been improved; and ground logistics including buses, parking, and security have been updated.
Additionally, in May 2025, drills were conducted to prevent sabotage and smuggling — part of efforts to enhance security amidst increasing traffic. Scenarios involving the disembarkation of offenders, the search for prohibited items, and responses to warning signals were modeled.
This is an important step, say representatives of Pelindo, as the increase in tourists also raises interest from criminal networks. They claim that Benoa Port is now one of the most prepared on the island in terms of security.
By the end of 2025, Benoa Port plans to welcome another 36 cruises. If the pace continues, more than 100,000 passengers will once again arrive in Bali via the sea gate. Or even more if last year's record is surpassed.
The island is interested in developing this direction, as the growth of such guests brings money without requiring a large amount of infrastructure in return. Tourists arrive in the morning and leave in the evening, needing no accommodation but actively spending during the day.
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