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Benoa Harbour Bali

4.4
·85 reviews·, Indonesia

Benoa Harbour: Bali's vibrant maritime gateway for cruise ships, island hopping, and unforgettable sunset dinner cruises.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon

Catch the sunset glow

CrowdMedium
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Benoa Harbour - Image 1

Benoa Harbour Bali

Best Time

Afternoon

Catch the sunset glow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Benoa Harbour: Bali's vibrant maritime gateway for cruise ships, island hopping, and unforgettable sunset dinner cruises.

4.4
(85 reviews)

"A developing port that's a gateway to Bali's maritime adventures, from cruise ships to island escapes."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Drivers Ahead

Assertive taxis at the port. Pre-book your car and driver for a stress-free experience. :car:

Check Cruise Schedules

See if a cruise ship is docked for a more vibrant port atmosphere. :ship:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cruise Ship Sightings

Cruise Ship Sightings

Witness majestic cruise liners like Holland America Line or Silver Nova docking at the terminal. A truly impressive sight!

Sunset Dinner Cruises

Sunset Dinner Cruises

Experience a magical evening with a pirate-themed dinner cruise, sailing around Benoa Harbour at sunset.

Island Hopping Adventures

Island Hopping Adventures

Embark on a boat trip from Benoa Harbour to stunning islands like Nusa Lembongan for a day of exploration.

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Planning Your Visit

Cruise Ship Arrivals & Port Buzz

Benoa Harbour is a key port for cruise ships visiting Bali. Check schedules to see if a large vessel is docked, as this significantly impacts the port's atmosphere and activity. It's a hub for maritime tourism, offering various boat trips and excursions.

Navigating Port Services

While Benoa Harbour is developing, be prepared for assertive taxi drivers and vendors. Booking a car and driver in advance is recommended for a smoother experience. The port itself is generally clean and well-maintained.

Best Times

When
Afternoon
Why
Catch the sunset glow
Crowd
Medium
When
When cruise ships dock
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Meninjau Pelabuhan Benoa yang menjadi Bali Maritime Tourism Hub untuk meningkatkan pariwisata di Bali dari sektor maritim. Saat saya datang, sedang ada 2 kapal pesiar atau cruise yang bersandar, salah satunya kapal milik Holland America Line, MS Noordam yang panjangnya hampir 300 meter. Selama tahun 2024 sudah ada 56 kapal pesiar yang bersandar di Pelabuhan Benoa. Kami juga sedang menyiapkan area ...
@erick.thohir
126.7K likes • 2.8M views

Book Drivers Ahead

Assertive taxis at the port. Pre-book your car and driver for a stress-free experience. :car:

Check Cruise Schedules

See if a cruise ship is docked for a more vibrant port atmosphere. :ship:

Padahal ga sengaja lo kesini dan ga bergarap juga kalo ada kapal pesiar nyandar🤣ehh tiba tiba ada 3kapal pesiar wkwk kalo di bilang hoki ,hoki juga yakk pdhl gatau apa apa😘😁#berandatiktok #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #kapalpesiar #queenelizabeth #fyp #pelabuanbenoa #benoabali
@raitisnaaaa_
11.2K likes • 231.9K views
Benoa Harbour Bali Cruise Terminal
ks_jaya_transport
5 likes • 107 views

Vendor Interaction

Vendors can be persistent. A polite 'no, thank you' is usually sufficient. :shopping_bags:

Island Getaway

Consider a boat trip to Nusa Lembongan for a quieter island escape. :island:

Emang boleh sebisa itu 😎 Lets join our experience Dinner Cruise .. . . . 📍Benoa Harbour, Denpasar Bali Contact us 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Hotline 1 : 082210131233 (Whatsapp) Hotline 2 : 081370062555 (Whatsapp) Or call us at : 03619591040 (Hunting) . . . #sailing #phinisi #cruise #sunsetdinner #dance #sailordance #sailor #sailorcruise #sea #sunset #phinisicruise
phinisicruise
63 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Drivers Ahead

Assertive taxis at the port. Pre-book your car and driver for a stress-free experience. :car:

Check Cruise Schedules

See if a cruise ship is docked for a more vibrant port atmosphere. :ship:

Vendor Interaction

Vendors can be persistent. A polite 'no, thank you' is usually sufficient. :shopping_bags:

Island Getaway

Consider a boat trip to Nusa Lembongan for a quieter island escape. :island:

Sunset Dinner Magic

Experience a unique pirate dinner cruise for sunset views. :sparkler:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(85 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Benoa Harbour is a developing port that serves as a key hub for maritime tourism, particularly for cruise ship arrivals and departures for island excursions. Visitors appreciate the impressive sight of large cruise liners and the convenience of accessing boat trips to nearby islands and sunset dinner cruises. However, some find the aggressive nature of local vendors and taxi drivers to be a drawback.

"We docked here on a ship. There are many flea markets but they cater to shorter women. I liked many of the clothes but they were way too short. I am 5'9"
The taxis and guides for hire are quite aggressive and the women selling the clothes are quite aggressive as well and do not take 'no thank-you' very easily. It was a bit of a turn-off to be honest. Other than that the area was quite clean, too bad the water where we docked was not."

Nadine Cannell

"We arrived with our Aida cruises. Everything’s was great and clean. In front of the terminal stood a lot Taxi driver. And then we found Chandra, the best driver ever. Not only a good driver, also the best guide. We hired him immediately after the first day for the second day. He told us a lot of the culture and the price was very fair. Best choice 👍"

Bianca Niehoff

"Developing port, if you are lucky the cruise ship will dock beside it if not tender boats from the sea. Book a car and driver beforehand if you can, some new development is happening building wise."

Ldn Bne

What People Like

Impressive cruise ship sightings
Gateway to island trips
Sunset dinner cruise options

What People Dislike

Aggressive vendors/taxis
Water cleanliness concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Benoa Harbour is accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services from most parts of Bali. If you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll either dock directly at the terminal or use tender boats. For a smoother experience, consider booking a private car and driver in advance, especially if you plan to explore beyond the immediate port area. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Benoa Harbour is a well-known maritime hub in Denpasar, Bali. It's clearly signposted and easily locatable using GPS navigation on your smartphone. Instagram

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the port. Many tour operators also offer pick-up and drop-off services from Benoa Harbour for various excursions. Booking a driver beforehand is often recommended to avoid aggressive touts. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Benoa Harbour is a departure point for fast boat services to Nusa Lembongan. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Instagram+1

Limited parking facilities are available for those arriving by private vehicle. However, it's generally more convenient to arrange transport through a tour operator or pre-booked driver. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the general areas of Benoa Harbour is typically free. However, specific activities like dinner cruises or boat tours will require separate bookings and tickets. Instagram+1

Benoa Harbour operates 24/7 as a working port. However, the hours for specific tour operators and cruise ship terminals may vary. It's best to check with individual providers for their operating times. Instagram

The docking fees for cruise ships are typically handled between the cruise line and the port authority. As a passenger, you won't directly pay an entry fee to the port itself, but shore excursions will have their own costs. TikTok

While the harbour itself is accessible, attractions like dinner cruises or island hopping tours will have their own ticket prices. For example, a pirate dinner cruise might cost around 330,000 IDR per person. Instagram

Yes, you can often purchase tickets for boat tours and cruises directly at the harbour. However, booking in advance, especially for popular activities like sunset dinner cruises, is highly recommended to secure your spot. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Benoa Harbour is a hub for maritime activities. You can witness cruise ships docking, embark on sunset dinner cruises, take boat trips to nearby islands like Nusa Lembongan, or simply enjoy the bustling port atmosphere. TikTokInstagram+1

The port area itself is generally described as clean and well-maintained. However, some reviews mention that the water near the docking areas might not always be pristine. Reddit

Yes, there are flea markets and shops at Benoa Harbour, though some visitors have noted that the clothing sizes might cater to shorter individuals. Be prepared for persistent vendors. Reddit

The atmosphere can vary. When cruise ships are docked, it's lively and bustling. On other days, it's a functional port with ongoing maritime activities and tour departures. TikTok+1

Families can enjoy the sight of large ships and potentially a dinner cruise. However, the port environment might be less engaging for very young children compared to dedicated tourist attractions. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Benoa Harbour is primarily a port, some tour operators offer dining experiences as part of their packages, such as sunset dinner cruises. Dedicated restaurants within the immediate port area might be limited. Instagram+1

Dinner cruises often feature a variety of cuisines, sometimes with themed menus like a pirate dinner. It's best to check with the specific cruise operator for their menu offerings. Instagram

You might find local eateries a short drive away from the immediate port area. For a wider selection of Balinese cuisine, consider venturing into Denpasar or other tourist hubs. Instagram

Dining on a cruise or as part of a tour package will have its own price. If you find local eateries nearby, prices can be quite affordable. Instagram

Options can vary greatly depending on the dining provider. It's advisable to inquire with the cruise or tour operator in advance about vegetarian or vegan meal availability. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The most striking photo opportunities include the majestic cruise ships docked at the terminal, the vibrant sunset views during dinner cruises, and the scenic boat journeys to nearby islands. TikTokInstagram+1

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. If cruise ships are present, any time they are docked provides a great backdrop. Instagram

Yes, you can freely take photos of cruise ships from the harbour area. If you're on a boat tour, you'll get excellent perspectives from the water. TikTok+1

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas of the harbour. However, always be mindful of any restricted zones or private areas, especially on board cruise ships or private vessels. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both the grand scale of ships and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for seascapes and the harbour panorama. Don't forget a polarizing filter for water shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Benoa Harbour can be an interesting stop for families, especially if a large cruise ship is docked, which is always a hit with kids. The sight of these massive vessels can be quite awe-inspiring. For a more engaging experience, consider booking a family-friendly dinner cruise. These often have a fun, themed atmosphere that can entertain children, and the novelty of dining on a boat is usually a winner. TikTokInstagram

While the port itself might not have dedicated play areas, the boat trips to Nusa Lembongan offer opportunities for kids to enjoy the sea and explore new environments. Just ensure you choose a reputable boat operator and keep a close eye on children around the water. The excitement of seeing different islands can be a great educational experience. Instagram

🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers

If your cruise ship docks at Benoa Harbour, you're in for a treat! The port is a gateway to exploring Bali. Many passengers find the sight of the docked cruise ships themselves impressive. Upon arrival, you'll likely encounter numerous taxi drivers and tour guides offering their services. It's wise to have your excursions pre-booked or to negotiate prices clearly. InstagramReddit

Consider booking a private car and driver for the day to explore Bali's cultural sites, beaches, or temples at your own pace. Alternatively, many cruise lines offer organized shore excursions. If you're looking for a unique experience directly from the port, a sunset dinner cruise is a fantastic option to cap off your day in Bali. Instagram+1

💑 Couples

For couples, Benoa Harbour offers a romantic starting point for unforgettable experiences. A sunset dinner cruise is a perfect choice, providing a magical ambiance with stunning ocean views and delicious food. The gentle rocking of the boat and the colorful sky create an intimate setting. Instagram+1

Couples looking for a more adventurous or scenic escape can opt for a boat trip to Nusa Lembongan. The island's beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere are ideal for a romantic day trip, offering a chance to explore together and create lasting memories. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Maritime Tourism Hub

Benoa Harbour is actively developing as Bali's Maritime Tourism Hub, aiming to boost tourism through its marine offerings. It serves as a crucial point for cruise ship arrivals, with vessels like Holland America Line's MS Noordam and Silversea Cruises' Silver Nova frequently docking. This influx of large ships brings a unique energy to the port, making it an exciting place to witness global travelers disembarking and exploring the island. TikTokInstagram+1

The harbour is also the gateway to various sea-based excursions. From here, you can embark on memorable dinner cruises, often with a fun pirate theme, offering stunning sunset views over the water. For those seeking adventure, Benoa Harbour is a primary departure point for fast boats heading to the picturesque islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, promising a delightful island-hopping experience. Instagram+2

While the port infrastructure is growing, visitors should be aware of the assertive nature of some taxi drivers and vendors operating in the area. It's often recommended to pre-book transportation or be firm but polite when declining offers to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Reddit

Island Escapes from Benoa Harbour

One of the most popular activities originating from Benoa Harbour is the journey to Nusa Lembongan. This beautiful island, located just off Bali's southeast coast, offers a more tranquil escape compared to the mainland. The trip typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes by fast boat, depending on the sea conditions. Instagram+1

Nusa Lembongan is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore iconic spots like Dream Beach, Mushroom Bay, and Devil's Tear. The island also boasts a more relaxed pace of life, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Instagram

Beyond Nusa Lembongan, Benoa Harbour also facilitates trips to Nusa Ceningan, which is connected to Lembongan by a distinctive yellow bridge. This smaller island offers unique attractions like the Blue Lagoon and Mahana Point, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for cliff jumping. Instagram

Experiencing a Sunset Dinner Cruise

For a truly memorable evening, consider a sunset dinner cruise departing from Benoa Harbour. These cruises offer a unique perspective of Bali's coastline as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Many operators, like Pirate Dinner Cruise, offer themed experiences that add an element of fun and entertainment to the dining. Instagram+1

The experience often includes a delicious meal, with options ranging from local Indonesian dishes to international cuisine. Some cruises also feature live music or traditional performances, enhancing the festive atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a romantic evening or a lively group outing. Instagram+1

Prices for these cruises can vary, but some promotions offer good value, making it an accessible luxury experience. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure a memorable culinary journey on the water. Instagram

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