Sanur is one of Bali’s busiest resorts right now; not only is it a popular vacation destination in its own right, but it is also the gateway for Bali tourists to visit Nusa Penida.
Sanur Harbour is now in such high demand that the Denpasar Transportation Agency will reopen Mertasari Pier to keep tourists moving smoothly.
Despite being the low season, Sanur Harbor is super busy. Demand for travel to Nusa Penida is rapidly increasing. With Bali named as the Best of Best Destinations in the World by TripAdvisor for 2026, more and more international tourists and domestic tourists are eager to explore all that the province has to offer.
Sanur is the most popular departure point for tourists to travel by fast boat to the Nusa Islands, the Gili Islands, and Lombok. While it is possible to cross from Padangbai and Serangan, Sanur remains the departure point of choice.
Although Sanur Harbour received a major upgrade only a few years ago, demand for travel through the port has grown so significantly that the Denpasar Transportation Agency has had to reopen Mertasari Pier to cope with the volume of passengers.
The Head of the Denpasar City Transportation Agency, Ketut Sriawan, told reporters, “We maintain the quality of Denpasar City’s transportation services, including traffic management. By operating the Mertasari Pier, passenger traffic isn’t concentrated at Matahari Terbit Sanur, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic.”
He confirmed that the Denpasar Transportation Agency has coordinated with all local stakeholders, including the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), Perumda Bhukti Praja Sewakadarma (BPS), and the Traditional Village-Owned Enterprise (BUPDA) of Intaran Traditional Village.
He added, “We have coordinated with Perumda BPS to work with the Traditional Village. We are currently in the planning stage, including preparing passenger waiting rooms and safety facilities.”
Traffic flow in Sanur has been an issue for years, and because the resort is located between Denpasar City and the Bukit Peninsula, as well as close to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, bottlenecks form from all directions leading into Sanur.
At peak rush hour, when the most popular tourist fast boat crossings occur, this can lead to gridlock throughout the Sanur area, impacting both local residents and tourists.
Over the last five years, Sanur has been transformed into a new Special Economic Zone for Medical Tourism and is now home to major developments, including Bali International Hospital and ICON Bali Mall.
Sanur Travel Alert
Gridlock at the harbour has led to a new pier reopening. Here is how to beat the crowds.
Harbour Gridlock
Sanur (Matahari Terbit)
Tap for Details ↻High Demand
The Issue: Crowds heading to Nusa Penida are causing traffic jams at peak hours.
Impact: Bottlenecks affect tourists and locals near the new ICON Bali Mall.
Mertasari Pier
Reopening Soon
Tap for Info ↻Traffic Relief
The Fix: Authorities are reopening Mertasari Pier to redistribute passengers.
Goal: To stop everyone from concentrating at a single point (Matahari Terbit).
Alternative Ports
Skip Sanur Entirely
Tap for Ports ↻Beat the Crowd
Option A: Serangan Harbor (Official recommended alternative).
Option B: Padangbai (East Bali) for a different route to the Gili/Nusa islands.
Arrival Tips
If you must use Sanur
Tap for Advice ↻Drop & Go
Warning: Parking is very tricky. Expect a “quick drop off” only.
Strategy: Leave extra time or travel at off-peak hours to avoid the rush.
With even more tourists travelling to Sanur for vacations and medical tourism purposes, as well as an increase in the number of tourists traveling through Sanur Habor through to the outlying islands, it is clear that all infrastructure needs to be level up further, from passenger traffic at the habor through to vehicle traffic on the roads, through to parking availability and public transport accessibility local leaders are acutely aware that further changes are necessary.
There are hopes that by reopening Mertasari Pier, passengers traveling through Sanur Port will be able to do so without encountering crowds and queues.
Sriawan added, “Once the arrangements are complete, we hope that sea transport operators, along with the KSOP, can begin docking and mooring at Mertasari Pier.”
He noted that teams are also hoping to also promote Seranagn Harbor as an alternative to Sanur Harbour for tourists looking to travel by fast boat, to help further redistribute passenger traffic.
Tourists traveling to Sanur Port for fast boat connections are advised to leave plenty of time to travel to the harbour. Tourists must also be prepared for a quick drop off, as parking in the area is tricky and drivers often cannot secure a parking space close to the harbor entry.
To avoid crowds, it is better to opt for a fast boat service at an off-peak hour, or travel out of nearby Serangan Harbour or head over to Padangbai in East Bali.
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Steve bmi
Wednesday 28th of January 2026
That will be the end of peaceful mertasari Beach where more importantly we sit amongst hundreds of lokals if not thousands all the families who Bing all the kids and elderly, If the traffic wasn't a disgrace already it's going to be completely ruined a nightmare, it's a headfark now on and off the bypass all the way to jln poso and small side streets to bypass. Mertasari will be controlled and boom gated.
Peter
Wednesday 28th of January 2026
Yes the bali way of doing things create traffic jams
M
Wednesday 28th of January 2026
Oh nice, I hope the street to the Mertasari beach will be built larger before they start this project... last time I've been there for the kite festival I just spent 3 hours for going 250m out from the parking area.
Steve bmi
Friday 30th of January 2026
@M, I know traffic is bad but you should stop driving and stop going around in circles
Exp
Tuesday 27th of January 2026
According to google the cause of the traffic problems at Sanur Port are caused by the locals themselves:
"Traffic issues at Sanur Port are frequently caused by local, informal transportation groups (often described as thugs or "preman") blocking or intimidating online taxi drivers and tourists. They demand exorbitant fees for short trips and restrict access to the port area, creating, in some cases, significant traffic congestion and safety concerns."
Steve bmi
Friday 30th of January 2026
@Exp, definitely and all over the same 10.000 single drivers driving around at once looking for customers, filling all the parking doing g 10 point turns middle of road
Nigel
Tuesday 27th of January 2026
Yes drop off if dangerous, see many people crossing the road because no entry comi from Sanur side, maybe need traffic lights so can enter from both sides
Exp
Saturday 31st of January 2026
@Nigel, Jl Bypass is extremely dangerous to cross on foot. A road dreamed up by cold and cynical planners. Locals do not care as it is only foreigners around on foot or bike.