Plan a CruiseBenoa Cruise Port Guide
Bali is a premier cruise destination in Indonesia, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Your ship will likely dock at the improved Port of Benoa, although some may still tender passengers ashore. Be aware that the approach to Benoa can be challenging due to strong tidal currents, numerous shoals and sandbanks, and precise turns, with local fishermen often close to the ship. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed by Balinese dancers. The cruise terminal also hosts demonstrations of Balinese art and culture, including dancing, puppet shows, Gamelan Orchestra performances, wood carving, batik printing, paintings, and sculpture. Benoa is also developing as a turnaround port for international cruises. A thoughtful tip: if your room steward is from Bali, consider requesting your stateroom not be cleaned one day to allow them time to visit family.
Getting Around from the Port
Benoa Port is approximately 11-12 kilometers (7 miles) south of Denpasar, Bali's capital, with a drive time of 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Ngurah Rai International Airport is also conveniently close, about 10 kilometers away.
Getting around Bali independently can be challenging as attractions are spread across the island, and the road infrastructure is not always efficient. Just outside the terminal, you'll find numerous taxis and drivers offering tours. For flexibility, you can hire a private car or van with a driver for about $65 for 4 hours; ensure your driver speaks English. Typical taxi fares from the port are around $30 to Denpasar, $27 to Kuta, and $37 to Nusa Dua. Rideshare apps like Grab and Gojek are available; download them for convenient travel options. Note that Grab typically accepts only cash in Bali. If considering renting a car, an International Driver's License is required.
Attractions and Activities
Bali offers a wealth of experiences beyond the immediate port area. Key areas of interest include:
- Nusa Dua: An enclave of upscale 5-star resorts and beautiful beaches, located about 40 kilometers from Denpasar.
- Denpasar: The bustling capital city, offering a glimpse into local markets and daily life.
- Ubud: Considered the cultural heart of Bali, known for its arts, crafts, and spiritual ambiance.
- Kuta Beach: The island's most popular and developed beach, ideal for relaxation and surfing.
- Tanjung Benoa: Located just north of Nusa Dua, this peninsula offers a mix of hotels and the multi-denominational Benoa village, featuring a mosque, Chinese temple, and Hindu temples in close proximity.
Other appealing areas include Celuk and Sanur. Given the spread-out nature of attractions and the road conditions, exploring these areas is often most enjoyable with a hired driver or as part of a small group tour. Bali's natural beauty is undeniable, with its multitude of mountains, volcanoes, paddy fields, and stunning coastlines perfect for relaxing or surfing. Remember that most of Bali is Hindu, and you'll find temples in every house, with village temples welcoming small change donations. For organized tours, it's wise to compare offerings from your cruise line with independent providers like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Within the cruise terminal, you'll find some small stalls selling local goods. Outside the terminal gates, souvenir sellers are also present.
When it comes to local dining, eating with your hand is a common practice in Indonesia. The technique involves using four fingers to form a small ball of rice, which can then be dipped into sauces and popped into your mouth with the help of your thumb. The crucial etiquette rule is to use only your right hand, as the left is traditionally used for personal hygiene. Avoid using either hand to serve yourself from communal dishes; instead, use utensils provided for serving, then dig in. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after eating. Be aware that in more formal or "classier" establishments, eating by hand may be frowned upon, so observe local customs or use cutlery if provided.
Safety
When using credit cards in Indonesia, exercise caution as cloning and fraud are significant concerns. While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, American Express can be problematic. Be prepared for smaller establishments to levy surcharges of 2-5% for credit card payments over cash.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). However, Australian and US dollars are also widely accepted. While major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted, American Express can be problematic. Be aware that smaller businesses may impose a 2-5% surcharge for credit card transactions, making cash a preferable option.
Free Wi-Fi internet connection is available in the East Berth of the cruise terminal. Elsewhere, paid internet typically costs around Rp 5,000 per hour, though free hotspots can be found in certain shopping malls, McDonald's, Starbucks, and some hotel lobbies. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. A unique aspect of Balinese culture is the naming convention for male children: the first is Wayan, the second Mate (pronounced mah-tee), the third Komang, and the fourth Ketut. The cycle then repeats. Many also have a middle name they might use. For emergencies, dial 112.