Leak on Bali Water Taxi Project: Airport to Canggu Feels Within Reach

The government is beginning to promote the development of water taxi services in Bali as a solution to the frequent traffic congestion in tourist areas. This sea-based transport mode is designed to connect Ngurah Rai Airport with the Canggu region, which is known for its high mobility; travel time, which can take up to two hours by land route, could be reduced to 30 minutes. The development of the water taxi is a strategic step to address the increasingly complex mobility needs in Bali. “The development of water taxi services is part of our commitment to supporting the government’s policy in providing an integrated transportation system. We hope this service can become an efficient, safe, and comfortable alternative for both the public and tourists,” said ASDP President Director Heru Widodo in his statement on Monday (20/4/2026). The push for this project also comes from the Ministry of Transportation. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi views the water taxi as a solution to connect various modes of transportation while easing traffic density, particularly in the Badung Regency area, which is the centre of tourism activities. In the initial stage, ASDP together with PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia has completed the feasibility study for the project. The study results indicate that the project has prospects to proceed, considering various aspects from market, technical, to social and environmental impacts. From the study results, the Sekeh to Canggu (Berawa) route was selected as the priority route. This route is deemed the most potential to provide direct benefits to the mobility of tourists and local residents. The route determination was carried out through a comprehensive study, including considerations of maritime safety aspects and infrastructure readiness. “Through this approach, the water taxi service is expected not only to be efficient but also safe and integrated with Bali’s tourism ecosystem,” said ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale. Currently, the project is entering the next stage in the form of preparing the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) and handling permits. ASDP together with Angkasa Pura Indonesia targets this process to be completed in 2026 before being resubmitted to the government for further decisions. In the future, the development of water taxis in Bali is expected not only to become an alternative transport solution but also part of efforts to build a more integrated and sustainable transportation system in Indonesia’s flagship tourist destination.