Every now and then, something comes along that makes you rethink how you do things. Like, really rethink them. For anyone who’s ever sat in Bali traffic—staring at the back of a motorbike for two hours while trying to get from Canggu to Uluwatu—this might just be that thing. Enter Bali’s new ocean taxi service, a water-based transport option that promises to make getting around the island faster, smoother, and a whole lot more scenic. But is it a legit solution to Bali’s traffic woes, or just another Instagrammable novelty? Let’s dive in:
What is the Ocean Taxi?
Picture this: instead of sitting at a standstill in the car or dodging other motorbikes, rocks, and truck dust on your own motorbike in the blistering heat, you’re cruising across the ocean with the wind in your hair and not a single traffic jam in sight. That’s the dream Bali’s ocean taxi service is selling. It’s a boat-based transport network connecting key coastal destinations, and it’s already making waves (pun intended).
Currently, it operates on a few key routes, including:
- Canggu to Jimbaran: A quick hop between Nelayan Beach in Canggu and Kedonganan Beach in Jimbaran.
- Canggu to Uluwatu: A scenic ride from Nelayan Beach to Padang Padang Beach in Uluwatu.
The crossings take between 20-35 minutes, a stark contrast to the two-hour drive you’d endure on land. It’s a promising concept, especially for tourists and locals looking to bypass Bali’s infamous traffic.
There’s also talk of expanding the service to include more routes, potentially connecting areas like Nusa Dua and even I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. While these plans are still in the works, they hint at a future where ocean taxis could become a key part of Bali’s transport network.
Why It's a Big Deal (Or Not)
The Good Stuff
✅ Skips traffic – No more sitting in a car for hours.
✅ Scenic views – Swap honking horns for ocean breezes.
✅ Potentially faster – A 35-minute boat ride beats a 2-hour drive any day.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
❌ Limited routes – For now, the service only covers a few key areas.
❌ Pricey – At around IDR 215,000–255,000 per ride, it’s more expensive than land transport.
❌ Mixed reviews – Some users have reported kinks in the service, from scheduling hiccups to weather-related delays, essentially canceling out the time-saving factor a good portion of the time.
How to Use It
Where to Book
Tickets can be purchased online or at ticket kiosks located at departure points.
Schedule & Frequency
The service operates on a set schedule, but it’s always a good idea to check ahead—weather and demand can affect availability.
Insider Tips
- Go in the morning or late afternoon for the smoothest rides.
- Dress for the ocean—light spray is part of the experience.
- Pack light—space on the boat is limited.
Final Verdict: Should You Try It?
Is it practical or just a cool experience?
Right now, it feels more like a novelty than a daily transport solution. The concept is brilliant, but the execution still has some room for improvement.
Who’s it best for?
- Tourists looking for a unique way to explore.
- Anyone who hates traffic and loves the ocean.
- People willing to pay a premium for convenience and views.
The Bottom Line?
It’s worth trying at least once for the experience, but it’s not quite the traffic-busting solution Bali needs—yet. With some tweaks and expansions, though, it could be a game-changer.
Tried It Already? Let Us Know!
Have you hopped aboard Bali’s ocean taxi? Give us a shout at info@thebukitlist.com and share your experience! Know someone who’d love to skip Bali’s traffic? Share this post with them!