Express Bahari II – an express passenger ferry commenced operations between Banyuwangi, East Java, and Denpasar on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. The Express Bahari Banyuwangi can reduce the travel time between South Bali and Banyuwangi from 6 hours to only 2.5 hours.
As reported by radarbali.com and BaliPost.com, the Transportation Agency for the City of Denpasar is championing the new fast ferry service, insisting it will boost the economies of both Bali and East Java, while also reducing traffic congestion on the roadways connecting the two locations.
“On the first voyage, there were 75 passengers. If everyone brought their vehicles, we could shift 75 vehicles,” said I Ketut Stiawan, Head of the Denpasar City Transportation Agency.
According to Stiawan, the fast boat’s condition exceeds existing standards because it provides VIP and executive seating. The ship also meets strict maritime safety standards. He believes it will have a positive impact on the two regions, Banyuwangi and Denpasar.
Bali is also expected to benefit in general. “Transportation will reduce the burden on the Denpasar-Gilimanuk roadway. During the Eid high season, the fast boat service will also reduce traffic between Gilimanuk and Ketapang,” Stiawan explained.
The Serangan Pier was chosen as the Bali terminal due to its strategic location and supporting infrastructure.
Banyuwangi, situated on the easternmost end of the Island of Java, is home to several excellent beaches and serves as a gateway to several interesting tourism sites. The City hosts 24 annual events and is the starting point for those wishing to visit the Ijen Volcano.
The fast boat is expected to have a positive economic impact on Denpasar, especially Serangan Island. Stiawan announced plans to improve the facilities at the Serangan Pier, including waiting rooms and better shore-to-ship access. Adding: “Hopefully, everything will be integrated: sea, air, and land,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with an academic observer on transportation issues from Udayana University’s Engineering Faculty, Prof. Alit Suthanaya stated that the Banyuwangi-Denpasar fast boat service undoubtedly enhances the existing transportation options, especially for tourism.
The increase in tourist visits resulting from the new service will also have a positive impact on the economy. It will also reduce traffic congestion currently passing through the Ketapang-Gilimanuk Ferry Port, both at the ports and on the roads, said the Professor.
Reduced traffic congestion will also lead to lower energy consumption and reduced air pollution.
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“The Serangan Island Masterplan also needs to be reviewed to accommodate the development of existing activities. Landside capacity needs to be reassessed, including the provision of necessary infrastructure, such as parking capacity, and the need for integrated transportation services,” said Prof. Alit.
Ricky Ada, the operations manager for Express Bahari, told Balipost.com that the new fast passenger ferry service will operate six days a week, departing from Banyuwangi at 9:00 am and arriving at Serangan Island in Bali after a 2.5-hour trip at 11:30 am. The return trip to East Java will depart from Bali at 2:00 pm and arrive in Banyuwangi at 4:30
Pm.
Depending on passenger demand, the operator is prepared to operate additional vessels.
Pricing
Special introductory fares are available at Rp. 225,000 one way for an “Executive Class Seat” that will sell for Rp. 275,000 once the introductory promotion has ended. VIP seating is available at Rp 275,000 during the opening promotion, increasing to Rp. 325,000 per seat thereafter.
Tickets can be purchased at the port or online. Passengers must present a KTP identity card or other form of identification.
There are 400 seats available on each voyage.
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