Port Essentials
- Terminal Location: Benoa Harbor (Pelabuhan Benoa), Denpasar, Bali – NOT Tanjung Benoa Beach
- Full Address: Jalan Pelabuhan Benoa, Pedungan, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80222, Indonesia
- Coordinates: 8.7508°S, 115.2186°E (for Google Maps/Grab)
- Docking: Direct at pier – no tendering
- Port Facilities: Basic terminal, taxi queue, money exchange (poor rates), toilets – no shops/restaurants
- Transport at Port: Taxis queue at exit, Grab available but scarce, no free shuttles
- Port Time: Typically 8am-6pm (10 hours)
- Visa: Free visa on arrival for most nationalities (bring passport)
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) – ATM at Sanur 8km away, bring cash
Drive times to major attractions:
- Sanur Beach: 20 min (8km)
- Nusa Dua: 30 min (12km)
- Seminyak: 45-60 min (15km)
- Ubud temples & rice terraces: 60-90 min (35km)
- Denpasar Airport: 30 min (13km)
Critical: Benoa cruise terminal is an industrial port in Denpasar, 5km from Tanjung Benoa Beach resort. You dock at the cargo harbor, not the tourist beach area.
Bali doesn’t do cruise ports like Singapore or Dubai. Benoa Harbor is a working port that happens to receive cruise ships. No shopping mall. No food court. No WiFi worth mentioning. You’re here for temples, rice terraces, and Balinese culture—not port facilities.
The advantage? You’re 30 minutes from everything that makes Bali worth visiting. The challenge? Indonesian traffic is chaotic, distances are deceptive, and 10 hours isn’t enough to see it all.
Here’s what you actually need to know.
Benoa Cruise Terminal Map
Benoa Cruise Port to Denpasar Airport
- Distance: 13km
- Drive time: 30 minutes (no traffic), 45-60 minutes (typical traffic)
- Cost: IDR 150,000-200,000 (£8-11 / $10-13)
Most cruise passengers don’t need the airport—you’re arriving by ship. But if you’re doing pre/post-cruise extensions, Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is your gateway.
Getting there: Grab (Indonesian Uber), Blue Bird taxis (metered, reliable), or pre-arranged hotel transfer.
Transport from Benoa Cruise Port
Taxi and Grab from Benoa Harbor
- At the port exit: Taxi queue with drivers holding destination signs. They’re expecting cruise passengers and pricing accordingly.
- Important: Indonesia uses Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Exchange rate: £1 = 20,000 IDR / $1 = 16,000 IDR approximately. Prices below in IDR, GBP, USD.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Taxi Cost | Best Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanur Beach | 8km | 20-30 min | IDR 100-150k (£5-8 / $6-9) | Grab/Taxi |
| Nusa Dua | 12km | 30-40 min | IDR 150-250k (£8-13 / $9-16) | Grab/Taxi |
| Seminyak | 15km | 45-60 min | IDR 200-300k (£10-15 / $13-19) | Grab/Taxi |
| Ubud | 35km | 60-90 min | IDR 400-600k (£20-30 / $25-38) | Private driver |
| Tanah Lot Temple | 28km | 50-70 min | IDR 350-500k (£18-25 / $22-31) | Private driver |
| Tirta Empul Temple | 40km | 75-90 min | IDR 500-700k (£25-35 / $31-44) | Private driver |
- Grab reality: Works in Bali, but drivers are scarce at cruise terminal. Pre-book through hotel or book regular taxi at port. Save Grab for return journey from Ubud/Seminyak.
- Negotiating taxis: Agree price BEFORE entering. Port taxis quote high because they know you’re time-limited. Counter-offer 20% less, settle somewhere in middle.
- Traffic reality: Bali traffic is unpredictable. Rush hour (7-9am, 4-7pm) doubles drive times. Google Maps is optimistic—add 30% to estimates.
Private Drivers for Bali Temple Tours
For groups of 3-4 passengers wanting flexibility, hire private driver with car for the day.
- Cost: IDR 600,000-800,000 (£30-40 / $38-50) for 8-10 hours
- Includes: Driver, petrol, car (usually Toyota Avanza), driver speaks basic English
- Excludes: Temple entrance fees, lunch, parking (small amounts)
Where to book:
- Hotel concierge (most reliable, slightly more expensive)
- Port taxi drivers (negotiate for full-day rate)
- GetYourGuide private Benoa port excursion with lunch included
Advantage: Stop at rice terraces for photos, skip temples that don’t interest you, adjust timing based on traffic. Your driver knows shortcuts.
Strategy: Tell driver your must-sees, let them plan efficient route. They’ve done this circuit 1,000 times.
Distances from Benoa Cruise Port
People underestimate Bali distances. “Only 35km to Ubud” sounds close until you hit single-lane roads with motorbikes, trucks, and rice field detours.
| Attraction | Distance | Drive Time | Walking? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanur Beach | 8km | 20-30 min | No |
| Tanjung Benoa Beach | 5km | 15-20 min | No |
| Nusa Dua Resort Area | 12km | 30-40 min | No |
| Denpasar City Centre | 10km | 25-35 min | No |
| Seminyak (shops, beach clubs) | 15km | 45-60 min | No |
| Ubud (rice terraces, temples) | 35km | 60-90 min | No |
| Tanah Lot Temple | 28km | 50-70 min | No |
| Tegallalang Rice Terraces | 40km | 70-90 min | No |
| Tirta Empul (holy spring) | 40km | 75-90 min | No |
| Tegenungan Waterfall | 25km | 45-60 min | No |
Walking radius from cruise terminal: Zero. You’re in an industrial port. Nothing within walking distance except cargo warehouses.
What You Can Do in 10 Hours
Most cruise ships give you 8am-6pm = 10 hours docked. Factor in 30 minutes disembarkation, 45 minutes back for “all aboard” = 8 hours usable time.
Full Day Ubud & Temples (8-9 hours)
The Classic Bali Experience:
- Depart port: 8:30am
- Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple: 9:45am (45 min visit)
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: 11am (1 hour for photos, swing optional)
- Ubud lunch: 12:30pm (45 min)
- Ubud Monkey Forest OR Ubud Market: 1:30pm (45 min)
- Tegenungan Waterfall: 3pm (30 min)
- Return to port: 5:30pm
Cost: Private driver IDR 700k (£35/$44) + entrance fees IDR 200k (£10/$13) + lunch IDR 150k (£8/$9) = Total £53/$66 per person (group of 4)
Book tour: GetYourGuide Ubud shore excursion with guide
Why it works: Covers Bali’s greatest hits, balances temples with nature, includes iconic rice terrace photos everyone wants.
Reality check: You’ll spend 3 hours in the car (traffic), 5 hours sightseeing. Bring patience for traffic jams and tourist crowds at Tegallalang.
Beach & Water Sports at Tanjung Benoa (3-4 hours)
The Lazy Option:
- Taxi to Tanjung Benoa Beach: 15 min
- Parasailing, jet ski, banana boat: 2-3 hours
- Beach club lunch: 1 hour
- Return to port: 45 min back
- Cost: Taxi IDR 150k each way (£8/$9), water sports package IDR 500k (£25/$31), lunch IDR 200k (£10/$13) = £43/$53 per person
- Book activities: GetYourGuide Tanjung Benoa watersports
- Alternative: Jet ski & sea walker experience at Nusa Dua
- Beach club option: Canna Bali beach club day pass with food & beverage credit
- Who this suits: Families with kids, anyone who’s templed-out, people wanting low-stress beach time.
- What it’s not: Pristine Caribbean white sand. Tanjung Benoa is fine for water sports but the beach itself is average by Bali standards.
Seminyak Shopping & Beach Clubs (4-5 hours)
The Fashion/Beach Club Route:
- Taxi to Seminyak: 45 min
- Shopping Seminyak Square, boutiques: 2 hours
- Beach club lunch (Potato Head, Ku De Ta): 2 hours
- Return to port: 45 min
Cost: Taxi IDR 300k round trip (£15/$19), shopping (variable), beach club IDR 500k (£25/$31) = £40+/$50+ per person
Why bother: Bali’s most stylish beach clubs, better shopping than Ubud’s tourist markets, see how expats and wealthy Indonesians spend weekends.
Time risk: Traffic from Seminyak back to port can be brutal 3-5pm. Build in extra buffer.
Tanah Lot Temple Sunset (TIMING CRITICAL)
The Postcard Shot:
- Most ships depart 5-6pm
- Tanah Lot is 50-70 min from port
- Sunset is around 6pm year-round
- This only works if your ship departs 7pm or later
Don’t attempt this on standard 6pm departure. You’ll miss the ship chasing sunset photos.
Adventure Activities
Ubud River Tubing (Half Day): Book Ayung River tubing adventure – 2.5 hours on the water through jungle gorges
Not recommended for cruise passengers: White water rafting (4-5 hours minimum), sunrise treks up Mount Batur (requires 2am start), Nusa Penida day trip (requires full day + ferry).
Spa Transfers from Benoa Port
86+ monthly searches for “benoa port spa transfer” suggest many cruise passengers pre-book spa treatments.
Popular spas near port:
- Theta Spa Bali (Sanur): 5km, 15 min, IDR 100k taxi (£5/$6)
- Spring Spa (Sanur): 8km, 20 min, IDR 120k taxi (£6/$8)
- Bali Collection Spa (Nusa Dua): 12km, 30 min, IDR 180k taxi (£9/$11)
How it works: Book spa appointment for 10am-12pm, taxi from port to spa, treatment 90-120 min, lunch nearby, taxi back to port by 4:30pm.
Cost reality: Balinese massage IDR 400-800k (£20-40 / $25-50) for 90 minutes. You’re paying Western prices at tourist spas. For authentic local prices, go to Sanur village spas, not hotel spas.
Private driver advantage: Book driver for 4 hours, visit spa + quick temple/rice terrace stop, driver waits = better value than multiple taxis.
Free Things to Do Near Benoa
Honest answer: Nothing free within walking distance. You’re in an industrial port.
Budget-friendly options requiring transport:
Sanur Beach (20 min taxi, IDR 100k)
- Public beach, no entrance fee
- Beachfront path for walking/cycling
- Warungs (local cafes) for cheap lunch IDR 50-80k (£2.50-4 / $3-5)
- Swim, relax, watch local fishermen
- Return taxi to port: IDR 100k
Total cost: IDR 200k (£10/$13) for taxis + IDR 80k (£4/$5) lunch = £14/$18 for 3-4 hours
Bali Museum, Denpasar (25 min taxi)
- Entrance: IDR 50k (£2.50/$3)
- 1-2 hours exploring Balinese history, art, culture
- Only worth it if you’re genuinely interested in museums
- Not worth it if you only have 10 hours in Bali
Temple Entrance Fees (Not Free, But Cheap)
- Tirta Empul: IDR 50k (£2.50/$3)
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: IDR 50k (£2.50/$3) + swing IDR 100k (£5/$6) optional
- Tegenungan Waterfall: IDR 20k (£1/$1.25)
Temples are cheap to enter. Transport is the expensive part.
What to Pack for Bali
Temple dress code: Shoulders covered, sarong required (rental at temples IDR 20k if you forget)
Essentials:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50 minimum—equatorial sun is brutal)
- Sarong or light trousers for temples
- Water shoes or sandals (wet temple stones are slippery)
- Waterproof phone case for waterfall photos
- Indonesian Rupiah cash (many places don’t take cards, ATMs charge fees)
- Insect repellent for rice terraces
- Light rain jacket (tropical showers appear suddenly)
- Reusable water bottle(stay hydrated in heat/humidity)
Photography gear: Bring proper camera or good phone. Rice terraces and temples are Instagram gold. Lightweight tripod useful for waterfall shots.
Don’t bring: Expensive jewelry (leave on ship), excessive luggage (you’re in a car all day), beach gear for Ubud trips (you won’t use it).
Benoa Cruise Port Facilities
What’s actually at the terminal:
❌ Shopping mall
❌ Restaurants
❌ Food court
❌ Reliable WiFi
❌ Tourist information office worth visiting
✅ Basic toilet facilities
✅ Money exchange (terrible rates—use ATM at Sanur or airport instead)
✅ Taxi queue at exit
✅ Covered waiting area
ATM strategy: Withdraw cash at Denpasar Airport ATM before cruise, or withdraw in Sanur/Ubud during your port day. Port exchange booth gives you 10-15% worse rate than ATMs.
Water: Buy bottled water in Sanur or Ubud, not at port (if any vendors are even there). IDR 10k at local shop, IDR 30k at tourist spots.
Indonesian Money & Tipping
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Exchange rate: £1 = ~20,000 IDR / $1 = ~16,000 IDR (fluctuates)
ATM withdrawal limit: IDR 3,000,000 per transaction (£150/$188)
How much cash to bring:
- Temple day: IDR 1,500,000 (£75/$94) covers driver, entrance fees, lunch, tips
- Beach/shopping: IDR 1,000,000 (£50/$63) covers transport, beach club, lunch
- Spa day: IDR 1,200,000 (£60/$75) covers transport, treatment, lunch
Tipping:
- Drivers: IDR 50-100k (£2.50-5 / $3-6) for full day
- Spa: 10% customary
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge
- Guides: IDR 100k (£5/$6)
Credit cards: Major hotels, beach clubs, high-end restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard. Local warungs, taxi drivers, small shops = cash only.
Shore Excursions vs Independent
| Option | Cost (per person, 4 people) | Flexibility | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship excursion | £80-120 ($100-150) | Fixed itinerary | Won’t miss ship |
| GetYourGuide tour | £60-90 ($75-113) | Some flexibility | Reputable operator |
| Private driver | £35-45 ($44-56) | Total control | Self-managed timing |
| Taxi + entrance fees | £30-40 ($38-50) | Maximum flexibility | You handle everything |
- Ship excursions win on: Zero stress, guaranteed return, English-speaking guide, air-conditioned coach.
- Private driver wins on: Cost (for groups), flexibility (skip boring stops, add photo stops), authentic experience.
- Our take: Bali is manageable independently if you’re comfortable negotiating with drivers and handling your own timing. First-time Asia visitors might prefer organized tour security.
Common Questions
Where exactly is Benoa cruise terminal?
Benoa Harbor, Jalan Pelabuhan Benoa, Denpasar. Industrial port 13km from airport, 5km from Tanjung Benoa Beach resort area. Your ship docks at working cargo port, not tourist beach.
What’s the Benoa cruise terminal address for taxi drivers?
“Pelabuhan Benoa” (Benoa Harbor) or “Terminal Kapal Pesiar Benoa” (Benoa Cruise Ship Terminal). Show them: Jalan Pelabuhan Benoa, Denpasar Selatan 80222. Coordinates: -8.7508°S, 115.2186°E.
Is Benoa the same as Tanjung Benoa Beach?
No. Benoa Harbor (cruise terminal) is 5km from Tanjung Benoa Beach. Different locations. Taxis take 15-20 minutes between them.
Can you walk anywhere from Benoa cruise port?
No. Industrial port with zero tourist facilities within walking distance. You need taxi, Grab, or organized transport for everything.
How far is Ubud from Benoa port?
35km, 60-90 minutes drive depending on traffic. Doable as day trip from cruise port but you’ll spend 2-3 hours in car round trip.
Do I need visa for Bali cruise port?
Most nationalities get free visa on arrival for stays under 30 days (including cruise passengers going ashore for the day). Check Indonesia visa requirements for your nationality. Bring passport.
What currency does Bali use?
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Bring cash for taxis, entrance fees, local restaurants. Major tourist spots accept USD but give poor exchange rates. ATMs widely available.
Is Uber available at Benoa port?
Grab (Indonesian equivalent) works in Bali but drivers are scarce at cruise terminal. Regular taxis more reliable at port. Use Grab for return journey from Ubud/Seminyak.
Can I rent scooter at Benoa cruise terminal?
Technically possible but not recommended. Bali traffic is chaotic, roads are confusing, you have limited time, and Indonesian driving is… creative. Hire driver instead.
What time do cruise ships dock at Benoa?
Typically 7-8am arrival, 5-6pm departure (10-11 hours in port). Pride of America and some longer itineraries may offer overnight stays. Check your cruise line’s specific schedule.
Are there shuttles from Benoa port to Ubud?
No free shuttle. Some cruise lines offer paid shuttle to Sanur but not Ubud. You need taxi, private driver, or shore excursion to reach Ubud.
What should I buy in Bali from cruise port?
Wood carvings, batik fabrics, silver jewelry (Celuk village), coffee (Bali coffee), traditional paintings. Buy in Ubud Market, not from port vendors (if any exist). Negotiate prices—expect to pay 50-70% of first asking price.
Is Benoa safe for cruise passengers?
Yes. Standard precautions: agree taxi prices upfront, watch for pickpockets in crowded markets, don’t leave valuables in cars, stay hydrated. Bali is generally safe for tourists. Traffic is the main danger—aggressive driving is normal.
Can you swim at beaches near Benoa port?
Tanjung Benoa Beach (5km): Calm water, good for swimming, better for water sports.
Sanur Beach (8km): Calm lagoon, good for swimming, not spectacular but pleasant.
Seminyak Beach (15km): Surfable waves, strong currents, experienced swimmers only.
None match Caribbean beach quality. You’re in Bali for culture, not beaches.
Weather at Benoa Bali
- Year-round: 26-33°C (79-91°F), high humidity 70-85%
- Dry season: April-October (best for cruise visits)
- Wet season: November-March (afternoon thunderstorms common)
- Rain pattern: Brief tropical downpours, rarely all-day rain
Pack for heat and humidity regardless of season. Afternoon thunderstorms possible year-round.
Indonesia Cruise Ports Hub
Exploring more of Indonesia? Check our Indonesia cruise ports guide covering Komodo Island, Jakarta, and other Indonesian destinations.
Also nearby: Singapore cruise port for comparison with Southeast Asia’s most efficient cruise terminal.
Browse all Asia cruise ports for regional itinerary planning.