Water Taxi Prepared, Ngurah Rai Airport–Canggu Could Take Just 30 Minutes

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi is pushing for the accelerated development of tourism transportation in Bali through plans for a water taxi service. This initiative is expected to strengthen intermodal connectivity while reducing traffic density in increasingly developing tourist areas. “The ministry is preparing strategic steps to improve connectivity, including the development of water taxis that will serve the route from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to the Canggu area,” Dudy said, as quoted from Antara (10/4/2026). Based on observations by the Ministry of Transportation, the land journey from the airport to Canggu takes 1-2 hours, especially during peak hours. However, with the water taxi, the journey is projected to take only 30 minutes, making it a faster and more efficient alternative. In addition to the water taxi, the Transport Minister also highlighted plans to develop infrastructure at Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng Regency. Two piers will be expanded to serve various types of ships. This development is being carried out to separate the movement of large and small vehicles, making the logistics flow more organised and safe. To anticipate a surge in vehicle traffic, particularly ahead of Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr in 2027, the Transport Minister also requested Pelindo to open a new pier at Gilimanuk.