Speed Boats Could Soon Link East Java and Bali

In the past year and a half, Indonesia's tourism pros have been cooking up something exciting: a new way to link Bali and East Java!

While Western Bali and East Java boast incredible culture and natural beauty, they haven’t attracted as many tourists as Southern Bali. So, the idea is to make it way easier for both locals and visitors to check out these hidden gems. How? By introducing a speedboat service between Gilimanuk (Bali) and Ketapang (East Java), offering a quick and efficient alternative to the traditional ferry. 🚤 Ideal for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots!

Although ferries currently run between Gilimanuk Harbor (Bali) and Ketapang Harbor (East Java), tourists are increasingly favouring faster and more convenient high-speed boats. Just as the introduction of speedboat services has made travel between Bali, Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, and Lombok more comfortable, tourism leaders aim to bring the same improvements to Western Bali and East Java by establishing efficient high-speed boat connections.

A new tourism package is in the works, connecting Watu Dodol in Banyuwangi to Menjangan Island and Lovina in Buleleng, designed for both domestic and international travellers. Lovina is Northern Bali’s top tourist spot, while Menjangan Island is one of Bali’s best snorkelling destinations. Additionally, East Java is home to the renowned Ijen Volcano, famous for its mesmerizing blue flame and stunning turquoise caldera lake. Despite their beauty, these locations remain hidden gems, as most tourists still flock to Southern Bali. Direct boat connections between Lovina, Menjangan, and Watu Dodol will make it easier for travellers to explore these untouched parts of Bali and uncover the wonders of East Java.

The Ministry of Transportation, which oversees maritime transport, is currently reviewing the proposed fast boat route. If the plan meets the necessary technical requirements, new infrastructure will be built on Menjangan Island and at Lovina Beach. Lovina already has a pier, but it will need to be extended by 75 meters to accommodate the new service.

Recent data from the Buleleng Tourism Office reveals that the number of foreign tourists visiting the district has doubled in 2024 compared to the same time last year. Currently, most tourists reach Buleleng via the Gilimanuk-Ketapang ferry, with a nearly two-hour journey to Lovina. However, a new speedboat route from Banyuwangi to Lovina would significantly reduce travel time to just 30-45 minutes, making the trip much quicker and more convenient for visitors.