West Bali And East Java Connectivity To Be Improved For Tourists 

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Over the last 18 months, tourism leaders in Indonesia have been working on ways better to connect West Bali and East Java as travel destinations.

With far fewer tourists visiting West Bali and East Java than South Bali, but home to incredible culture and natural wonders, leaders want to make it easier for international and domestic tourists to explore these regions.

It has now been confirmed by the Buleleng Regency Tourism Department that a collaboration is being made with the Banyuwangi Tourism Department, East Java, to increase tourist visits.

The plan is to create a connection program between Buleleng-Banyuwangi’s harbors to create better fast boat services.

Similar to the way in which the increased fast boa series has completely changed the game for tourists traveling between mainland Bali, the Nusa Islands, the Gili Islands, and Lombok, leaders hope an efficient fast boat service between West Bali and East Java will encourage tourists to visit the region. 

@edniceandaliceharman Have you visted this island yet?🏝️ #wheretogoinbali #menjangan #menjanganisland #deerisland #northbaliexperience #balitraveltips #northbali #bali #travelwithus ♬ الصوت الأصلي – انمار جاكسون

Currently, ferry services are available at Gilimanuk Harbour in Buleleng Regency and Ketapang Harbour in Banyuwangi in East Java. However, a fast boat service will undoubtedly appeal to tourists more.

As part of the plan, tour packages from Watu Dodol in Banyuwangi to Menjangan Island and Lovina in Buleleng Regency will be developed and promoted to both domestic and international tourists.

According to the Buleleng Regency Tourism Department, this destination-to-destination connection via sea is intended to deliver tourists more quickly to more tourist destinations.

@greygriy place you should visit in west Bali🏝 📍Menjangan island, Buleleng, Bali #westbali #buleleng #giliputih #menjangan #menjanganisland #sumberkima #fyp ♬ son original – nathaellabat

Lovina is the top tourist resort in the north of Bali, and Menjangan Island is one of Bali’s best snorkeling destinations.

Both resorts are considered to be hidden gems in Bali as the vast majority of tourists continue to concentrate around the southern beaches of Badung Regency.

A direct boat service between Lovina, Menjangan, and Watu Dodol in Banyuwangi would make it even easier for tourists to explore some of Bali’s most authentic and untouched travel destinations and explore the wonders of East Java.

The province is best known for being home to the active volcano Mount Ijen, which is famous for its blue flames and turquoise caldera lake at the summit. 

@edniceandaliceharman Have you visted this island yet?🏝️ #wheretogoinbali #menjangan #menjanganisland #deerisland #northbaliexperience #balitraveltips #northbali #bali #travelwithus ♬ الصوت الأصلي – انمار جاكسون

Speaking to reporters, the Head of the Buleleng Tourism Service, I Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, explained that this collaboration plan is expected to bring in more domestic tourists, especially from Java, first and foremost, before international tourists catch on.

This is almost always the case with emerging travel destinations in Bali and Indonesia more broadly. First, domestic tourists seek out new and emerging destinations, and they often post about these destinations on social media.

This helps the attractions gain traction, and this is when international tourists and travel agencies begin to start paying attention. 

Askara explained, “We are looking at Java Island for the domestic tourist market share. The hope is that with this destination-to-destination connection, we can attract tourists visiting Baluran National Park, Ijen; they will cross from Watu Dodol to Buleleng.”

This fast-boat transport route is currently in the process of visibility testing by the Ministry of Transportation, which has authority over sea transportation.

If the results of the ministry’s analysis meet the technical requirements and other supporting infrastructure, then it will be followed up with the preparation of a new labor on Menjangan Island and Lovina Beach.

Askara added “In Lovina there is already a dock, you only need to connect [a further] 75 meters because the current dock is still short. Hopefully it can go smoothly and be approved by the center soon.” 

The most recent travel data shared by the Bulling Regency Tourism Office shows that in 2024, the regency had double the number of international tourists compared to the same time last year.

This proves that as an increasing number of tourists want to explore the region, infrastructure must level up to support sustainable growth.