Asia's most beautiful island to use 'water taxi' to address traffic congestion amid tourism boom

By VNA March 4, 2025 | 08:44 pm PT

Tourists pose for photographs on Kuta beach on the island of Bali on Jan. 4, 2019. Photo by AFP

The government of Indonesia's Bali island, which was named Asia's most beautiful by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, is planning to introduce a water taxi system as a strategic solution for frequent traffic congestion.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said that the proposed service will connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to the Nusa Dua area in Badung Regency, offering an alternative mode of transport for tourists.

As part of the initial assessment, the use of jukung - traditional Balinese boats - was conducted on a trial basis to measure the efficiency of water-based transport.

Results showed that a trip from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to Uluwatu Temple in Nusa Dua took approximately 35-40 minutes using these traditional boats.

With modern, high-speed water taxis, travel time is expected to be shortened to 25-30 minutes.

In addition to water taxis, authorities are also considering other transportation solutions to enhance connectivity between major tourist destinations.

One of these includes a seaplane service, which is being explored for operations in strategic locations such as Bali, Labuan Bajo, and Sumba.

Bali, known for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

This year, the island targets 6.5 million foreign arrivals.