In tandem with the construction of Bali’s mass rapid transit (MRT), the Badung Regency Government in Bali has announced plans to launch a sea-based transportation system, or “sea toll,” in early 2025 as a solution to the persistent traffic congestion that plagues the island’s popular southern tourist areas.
The initiative is led by Badung Regent and Bali Vice Governor-elect I Nyoman Giri Prasta, who emphasized the project’s potential to transform travel for visitors.
“Hopefully, this will begin operating in January or February. We are collaborating with third parties for the provision of the boats,” Giri Prasta said in Mangupura on Sunday.
How the Sea Toll Will Work
The sea toll system will connect major tourist destinations such as I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Canggu, and Nusa Dua. Travelers will use small boats to traverse the routes, stopping at designated “stopover points” rather than large piers.
“The boats will deliver tourists directly to their destinations, such as hotels, without the need to use Bali’s heavily congested roads,” Giri Prasta explained.
The initial routes will prioritize high-demand corridors, including connections between the airport and Canggu as well as the airport and Nusa Dua.
Building on Existing Practices
Sea-based travel is not entirely new to Bali. Some tourists already opt for boats, such as jukung, to bypass traffic when traveling between destinations like Canggu and Uluwatu. One example is the route to Padang-Padang Beach, served by Go Boat, a ticketed service connecting coastal attractions.
Giri Prasta sees the sea toll system as a formalized extension of such practices, offering broader coverage and a more structured approach.
The project is part of a broader effort to alleviate congestion in Bali’s southern regions, which include high-density tourist hubs like Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu.
“The first routes will connect the airport to Canggu and the airport to Nusa Dua,” Giri Prasta said.
