Benoa Port sits just 10km from Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, greeting cruise ships with its nice blend of modern amenities and authentic Balinese vibes.
For other Indonesia Cruise destinations check out our Indonesia Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
Inside the terminal, you’ll spot tourist info centers, places to swap your currency, clean toilets, and local vendors selling their goods.
The port has two main berths for ships up to 310m, while the bigger vessels need to anchor offshore and use tender boats.
Getting around? Grab or Gojek rides cost between IDR 80,000-150,000, or you can hop in a taxi or arrange a hotel pickup.
Once you’re set, check out the nearby beaches, temples, and water sports to make your Bali stop truly memorable.
Map of Bali (Benoa) Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Benoa Port: Location and Transportation Options
Benoa Port sits on Bali’s beautiful Bukit Peninsula at coordinates -8.7429, 115.2171 and acts as the main cruise terminal for the island. It’s super convenient – only about 10km from Ngurah Rai International Airport (a quick 15-20 minute ride) and not far from hotspots like Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Denpasar.
Coming from the airport? You’ve got options. Grab or Gojek apps will run you between IDR 80,000-150,000, while airport taxis cost around IDR 200,000. Many hotels can sort out transfers too if you ask in advance. Heading out from the port? Think about grabbing a private driver for the day – it’s a great way to pack in all the Bali sights without stressing about transportation.
Port Facilities: What to Expect When You Arrive
Welcome to Benoa Port – where modern comfort meets Bali’s signature charm! You’ll walk into a terminal that hasn’t forgotten its roots, with traditional Balinese touches blended into a practical space that has everything you need.
Got questions? Head to the tourist info centers. Need cash? Currency exchange spots have you covered. And yes, there are clean bathrooms and plenty of shaded spots to catch your breath after the journey.
If you’re lucky (and most visitors are), you’ll be greeted by colorful Balinese dancers putting on a show right there in the terminal. While waiting for your ride, browse through the artisan markets for unique souvenirs, or treat yourself to a quick traditional massage to work out those travel kinks.
The port has two berths for the big ships, with smooth paths for wheelchairs throughout. When you’re ready to explore the island, just swing by the pre-paid taxi counters or tour desks – they’ll sort you out without any hassle.
Cruise Operations and Tender Procedures
Navigating Benoa Port varies by cruise line and how big your ship is. The port has two main spots to dock – the East Berth (250m long, 11m deep) and South Berth (290m long, 10m deep) – which can handle ships up to 310m.
If you’re on a bigger ship like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, you might pull right up to the Benoa-Bali Cruise Terminal that opened in 2018. But plenty of ships have to anchor offshore and use tender boats instead. Viking ships and the Celebrity Solstice typically shuttle folks to shore this way.
For safety reasons, local pilots and tugboats help guide ships in the harbor. Just keep in mind that docking plans can shift depending on how busy the port is and what your cruise line usually does.
Must-See Attractions Near Benoa Port
When you dock at Benoa Port, you’re perfectly placed to check out Bali’s coolest spots. This corner of the island puts you right near all the good stuff – gorgeous beaches, ancient temples, and the kind of experiences you’ll be talking about for years.
Just a quick trip away, Tanjung Benoa offers all kinds of water adventures if you’re feeling active. If you’re into stunning views, Uluwatu Temple sits dramatically on seaside cliffs and is totally worth the visit. Beach lovers shouldn’t skip the beautiful shores of Nusa Dua and Pandawa, while Caow Eng Bio Temple gives you that peaceful Balinese spiritual vibe everyone comes looking for. Nature buffs will get a kick out of the Water Blow’s impressive ocean spray, and the Turtle Conservation Center lets you connect with local wildlife in a meaningful way.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Ujung Pandang (Makassar) for a different Indonesia Cruise destination.
Local Tips for a Smooth Bali Visit
To make the most of your Bali cruise stop, you need more than just a map—you need the inside scoop that locals and regular visitors have figured out the hard way.
Skip the port’s overpriced taxis by either booking through cruise-approved companies or just walking about 15 minutes past the gates where the normal-priced taxis hang out. Always nail down the fare before getting in, and shoot for 150,000-300,000 IDR for shorter trips.
When shopping, don’t pay sticker price! Start your haggling at about 30-50% of what they’re asking. If vendors get pushy, a simple “tidak, terima kasih” (no thank you) works wonders.
At temples, keep it respectful—cover those shoulders and knees, don’t pat anyone on the head (it’s seriously offensive), and kick off your shoes before entering the holy spots.
Weather, Currency and Practical Information
Weather, Currency and Practical Information
Heading to Bali? You’ll want to prep for that tropical heat! The island stays warm all year (26-31°C), though you’ll likely get soaked if visiting between October and April during rainy season. Throw some light clothes in your suitcase, grab reef-friendly sunscreen, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
Money-wise, you’ll need Indonesian Rupiah – about ₱10,000 equals roughly $0.70. There are ATMs right at the cruise terminal, but having cash on hand is smart for haggling at markets or jumping in taxis. Most bigger shops and restaurants take credit cards.
Don’t stress about talking to locals – many Balinese in tourist spots speak decent English. That said, dropping a casual “Suksma” (thank you) will definitely earn you some smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi in the Terminal Reliable Enough for Video Calls?
Terminal Wi-Fi for video calls? It’s about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. Don’t count on it. You’re better off grabbing a local SIM card or popping into a nearby hotel lobby when you need to jump on those important Zoom meetings.
Can Cruise Passengers Attend Local Ceremonies at Nearby Temples?
Absolutely! Cruise passengers can check out plenty of cool ceremonies happening at Bali’s temples. Just grab one of the sarongs they offer, toss in a small donation (it’s good karma!), and jump into the experience. You might catch the Melasti beach purification rituals, watch the hypnotic Kecak fire dance performances, or even get a spiritual refresh with a water blessing at Tirta Empul. The locals are pretty welcoming as long as you’re respectful.
Are There Storage Lockers Available at the Cruise Terminal?
Bad news – there aren’t any storage lockers at Benoa Cruise Terminal. Total bummer, right? If you need somewhere to stash your bags, check out LuggageHero nearby (they charge between $1.20-$4.90 per bag) or just ask your tour operator if they can help you out with your luggage situation.
How Strict Is the Dress Code When Visiting Balinese Temples?
When visiting Balinese temples, yeah, they’re pretty serious about how you dress. You gotta cover up your shoulders, knees, and belly. Most places will toss you a sarong when you buy your ticket, but it’s smart to bring your own modest stuff – shows you respect their culture and makes sure you won’t get turned away at the door.
Are Medical Facilities Available at the Port for Emergencies?
Feeling woozy from the heat at port? Bad news – Benoa doesn’t have its own medical facilities right on site. But don’t panic! Your cruise ship’s medical clinic can handle immediate issues, and for anything serious, BIMC Hospital is just 10km away. Not super convenient, but definitely an option if things go sideways.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Jakarta Cruise Ship Port.
