A Seamless Connection Between Bali and East Java
On 23 July 2025, Indonesia launched a game-changing sea route: a fast boat service connecting Sanur (Bali) and Ketapang Port (Banyuwangi, East Java). This new option drastically cuts travel time while offering a scenic, comfortable, and efficient journey across two of Indonesia’s most vibrant islands.
This new Bali to Java fast boat service has been welcomed with enthusiasm by both local tourism players and international visitors, as it opens up exciting opportunities for multi-island adventure travel.
Why This New Route Matters
1. Time-Saving and Comfortable Travel
Previously, travelers moving from Bali to East Java often had to endure long road trips and ferry crossings via Gilimanuk. With the new Sanur to Banyuwangi ferry, travel time is reduced to just 2.5 hours aboard a modern, high-speed catamaran. The boat accommodates up to 176 passengers and provides amenities designed for both comfort and safety.
Whether you’re headed to hike Mount Ijen, explore Baluran National Park, or start an overland trip to Bromo and Yogyakarta, this fast boat is the most efficient way to start your East Java adventure.
2. Perfect for Multi-Island Itineraries
With Bali’s popularity as an international gateway and East Java’s rising appeal for nature and culture-based tourism, this route enables seamless Java-Bali combination trips. Travelers can now conveniently add East Java to their Bali itinerary — ideal for those looking to get off the beaten track while still enjoying organized, comfortable travel.
Fast Boat Route Details
Departure and Arrival Points
- From Bali: Sanur Port
- To Java: Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi (East Java)
Both ports are located near major tourist hubs. Sanur is easily accessible from Denpasar, Ubud, and the airport, while Ketapang is just a short ride from Banyuwangi city, the gateway to Mount Ijen.
Duration and Schedule
- Travel Time: ~2.5 hours
- Boat Type: High-speed catamaran
- Capacity: 176 passengers
- Service: Daily departures (Check latest schedules with your travel provider)
This fast boat makes the cross-island journey feel like a scenic cruise rather than a tiring transfer.
Top Experiences in East Java After Arrival
1. Mount Ijen: The Blue Flame Crater
Just a short drive from Ketapang, Mount Ijen is one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes, famous for its blue flames and sulfur miners. An early morning hike rewards travelers with surreal views and a rare look at an active volcanic crater lake.
2. Baluran National Park: Indonesia’s Little Africa
East Java’s hidden gem, Baluran, offers savanna landscapes, wild deer, and even herds of buffalo. Perfect for wildlife photography and a peaceful escape into nature.
3. Banyuwangi Coffee Trails and Local Culture
Banyuwangi is gaining recognition for its eco-tourism and local culture. Visitors can explore traditional villages, stay in eco-lodges, and enjoy locally-grown coffee in plantation tours.
Bali–Java Trips: Who Is This Perfect For?
1. Adventure Travelers
Those seeking volcanoes, national parks, waterfalls, and rural experiences will love what East Java offers. Combined with Bali’s beaches and temples, it’s the ultimate active traveler’s itinerary.
2. Culture Seekers
Explore the diversity of Java’s music, dance, crafts, and spiritual life. A Bali–Java trip offers a deep dive into Indonesia’s cultural richness in a way no single island can provide.
3. Tour Operators and Travel Agents
This new route opens doors for fresh tour packages and cross-island combos. Imagine a 7-day “Volcanoes and Beaches” itinerary, or a 10-day “Cultural Trails of Java and Bali” program. The logistics just got easier.
Why You Should Add This Route to Your Product Portfolio
1. Higher Value, Better Experience
Adding East Java to a Bali trip increases value for money and appeals to clients looking for more than just resorts and beach life.
2. Rising Demand for Lesser-Known Destinations
Travelers today are looking beyond mainstream locations. Banyuwangi, Ijen, and the Java heartland offer authentic experiences with fewer crowds — a perfect match for post-pandemic travel preferences.
3. Operational Simplicity
The fast boat removes the complexity of coordinating land-ferry transfers. A smooth, direct route equals smoother itineraries, satisfied clients, and better reviews.
Plan Your Cross-Island Adventure with Ease
This new fast boat between Bali and Java is more than a convenience — it’s a fresh opportunity to explore more of Indonesia with less stress and more comfort.
Whether you’re a traveler, a content creator, or a tour agent building unforgettable itineraries, now is the perfect time to capitalize on this new sea connection.
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