Indonesia’s islands offer up a bunch of different cruise port experiences.
When you dock at Bali’s Benoa Port, you’ll be greeted with some cool traditional dance performances.
Over in Jakarta, Tanjung Priok puts you within easy reach of the city’s historic spots.
For Komodo Island, your ship will drop anchor offshore, and you’ll hop on smaller boats to get up close with those amazing dragons and other wildlife.
If you’re hitting Java, Surabaya’s Tanjung Perak and Semarang’s Tanjung Emas are your jumping-off points for exploring the island’s cultural hotspots.
Every port has its own vibe, getting-around options, and chances to mix with locals – all part of what makes cruising Indonesia so special.
Bali (Benoa) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Nestled on Bali’s southeastern coast, Benoa Port has been Indonesia’s go-to cruise gateway since 1924. It’s just 6.5km from Ngurah Rai International Airport and puts you within easy reach of Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Sanur.
The port has two berths and handles around 50 ships each year from big names like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. When you step off the ship, you’ll be welcomed with some cool traditional dance performances.
Just a heads-up – ride-hailing apps don’t work here, but you won’t have trouble finding prepaid taxis and private transfers. From Benoa, you’re in a sweet spot to check out Bali’s gorgeous beaches, ancient temples, and rich cultural spots.
Jakarta Cruise Ship Port Guide
The busy Tanjung Priok Port is Jakarta’s main gateway sitting on Java’s northwestern coast. You’ll be among thousands of visitors at Indonesia’s biggest seaport, where cruise ships like Viking Orion and Oceania Nautica typically stop for about 8-12 hours.
The terminal is only 15km from Jakarta’s buzzing downtown. Check out the old-world charm of Fatahillah Museum, the traditional wooden Pinisi boats at Sunda Kelapa Harbor, or grab some amazing street food in Glodok.
Immigration is pretty straightforward, and you’ve got plenty of ways to get around – hop in a taxi or book a private ride. Bring light clothes because April is hot, with temperatures hovering around 27°C.
Komodo Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Komodo Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Heads up – Komodo Island isn’t your typical Indonesian cruise stop. There’s no actual harbor here, so your ship will drop anchor offshore in the stunning blue waters. Local boats will ferry you to Loh Liang jetty, which takes about 10-20 minutes.
Most tour packages cover:
- Boat hops between the cool viewing spots
- All park entry fees (expect to shell out $15-20 per person)
- Guides and rangers who’ll tag along (this part’s non-negotiable)
- Snorkel gear if you’re hitting Pink Beach
- Some grub and water to keep you going
Try to visit between April and December when the weather’s best. And don’t sleep on booking your excursions – they cap visitors at 400 people daily, so spots fill up fast.
Surabaya Cruise Ship Port Guide
Surabaya rolls out the red carpet at Tanjung Perak – we’re talking one of Southeast Asia’s oldest seaports. Unlike Komodo where you’re stuck viewing dragons from offshore, Surabaya gives you a proper dock experience. It’s Indonesia’s second-biggest city with a whopping 9.6 million locals packed into the metro area.
Need wheels? Grab a Blue Bird taxi right at the terminal (they run about $10 per hour) or just fire up the Grab/Gojek apps if that’s more your style. Heads up – April 2025 is getting busy with six cruise ships scheduled, including the Viking Orion and Norwegian Sun.
While you’re in town, check out the random Russian submarine at Monkasel (yeah, really) or poke around the old Sampoerna cigarette factory. Shore trips offer everything from city wandering to digging through Majapahit Kingdom ruins if you’re feeling historically adventurous.
Semarang Cruise Ship Port Guide
Semarang Cruise Ship Port Guide
Tucked away on Java’s northern shoreline at 6°58’S 110°25’E, Semarang’s Tanjung Emas Port welcomes cruise ships to its modest 1.6 km² harbor just a quick 3 km ride from downtown.
The port handles ships up to 200 meters long with water depths of 8-10 meters – perfect for mid-sized cruise vessels. For the upcoming 2025 season, they’re hosting five luxury cruise lines between April 5-23. Most travelers head out to see the incredible Borobudur Temple (about 86km away), but don’t overlook local gems like the haunting Lawang Sewu building or the colorful Sam Poo Kong Temple right in town.
Getting around is pretty straightforward – you’ll find port shuttles, taxis (expect to pay around 150,000 rupiah to the city center), and accessible transportation options to help you discover central Indonesia’s cultural hotspots.
Lombok (Lembar) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Lombok’s Lembar Port is your western gateway to this gorgeous Indonesian island. Big ships drop anchor offshore, and you’ll hop on tender boats to reach land, typically between 8:00-10:00 AM. The port sits about 21km south of Mataram along the Lombok Strait.
Want to experience real Sasak culture? Check out Banyumulek for amazing pottery or swing by Sukarara to see incredible handwoven textiles. The historic Lingsar Temple is worth a visit, or you could wander through Narmada Water Palace to soak up Lombok’s fascinating heritage.
Quick tip: Bring Indonesian Rupiah with you – ATMs are pretty scarce at the port. It’s also smart to book your tours ahead of time since the tourism setup here isn’t as slick as what you’ll find in Bali.
Ujung Pandang (Makassar) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Makassar (they used to call it Ujung Pandang) sits right on Sulawesi’s southwestern coast, and it’s a real gem for cruise ships. The harbor is super close to downtown – honestly, you couldn’t ask for a better spot. Being Indonesia’s fifth-largest city, you can easily wander around on foot or hop on one of those fun, colorful trishaws that zip around everywhere.
While you’re there, check out Fort Rotterdam with its old-school colonial vibes, or swing by Pelabuhan Paotere to see those cool traditional phinisi boats. The Jalan Terong Market is pretty wild too – lots of noise and color! Hungry? Grab some grilled milkfish at one of the waterfront joints, or cool off with es pisang ijo, this sweet green banana dessert that locals love.
If the city gets a bit much, just take a day trip to Kayangang Island. It’s chill, quiet – totally different from the city buzz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year for Cruising Indonesia?
The sweet spot for cruising Indonesia? April to October during the dry season. You’ll get smooth sailing, sunny days, and killer conditions for splashing around in the water. Tons of other travelers hit up these stunning waters during these months too – it’s when this tropical paradise really shines!
Are There Visa Requirements for Cruise Passengers in Indonesia?
Cruising through Indonesia’s visa rules is pretty simple! As a cruise passenger, you can chill with the visa-on-arrival option if you’re staying less than 30 days. Got plans to hang around longer or exploring beyond your cruise? Just grab a tourist visa before you head out.
How Reliable Is Internet Connectivity at Indonesian Cruise Ports?
Internet connectivity at Indonesian cruise ports? It’s hit or miss, honestly. Major spots like Bali and Jakarta offer pretty decent Wi-Fi, but smaller islands? Don’t count on it. Your best bet is grabbing a local SIM card if staying connected matters to you. That’ll give you way more reliability than hoping the port Wi-Fi works when you need it.
What Local Currencies Should I Carry at Each Indonesian Port?
You’ll definitely want to have Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) handy for all ports in Indonesia. Try to grab some smaller bills – the 10,000 to 50,000 notes are perfect for haggling at markets or paying street vendors. Not a bad idea to tuck away some US dollars too, particularly singles and fives for tipping your guides during shore excursions. Cash is still king in many spots across Indonesia!
Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at Indonesian Cruise Terminals?
Looking for a place to stash your bags at Indonesian cruise terminals like Tanjung Priok? You’re out of luck – they don’t offer luggage storage. Your best bet is to reach out to your cruise line directly. They’re usually pretty good about holding your stuff while you wander around exploring the gorgeous ports.
