New Fast Boat Services Launch to Connect Bali Tourists with Nusa Penida
Bali, February 6, 2026 – Tourists traveling between Bali and Nusa Penida will soon benefit from improved transportation options as local authorities initiate a limited trial reopening of Mertasari Pier in Sanur. This move aims to ease congestion at Sanur Port by allowing a select group of fast boat operators additional access, thereby enhancing travel efficiency and supporting local tourism businesses.
Transportation Upgrade and Trial Operation
Sanur’s Mertasari Pier, managed by PT Pengelola Mertasari Bersama and overseen in coordination with the Intaran Traditional Village, will reopen starting mid-February for a trial period. The reopening targets better distribution of fast boat passengers, particularly those heading to Nusa Penida. Local leaders emphasized that the initial phase includes fast boat operators affiliated with the Intaran Fast Boat Entrepreneurs Association, which consists of about 60 members.
Nyoman Putrawan, a local official involved in the project, explained that the trial is presently focused on local businesses but will gradually expand to include operators outside Sanur as regulatory frameworks are finalized.
Addressing Congestion and Enhancing Mobility
The reopening of Mertasari Pier is expected to alleviate passenger traffic and reduce road congestion around Sanur Port and nearby areas such as Jalan Danau Tamblingan. By redirecting boat traffic to this additional pier, local residents will experience improved mobility in their communities, while tourists gain easier access to the transport hub.
Ketut Sriawan, Head of the Denpasar City Transportation Agency, underscored the importance of such initiatives in response to growing travel demand to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. He also noted that Sanur and nearby Serangan have been designated National Strategic Tourism Areas, necessitating sustainable, long-term infrastructure solutions.
Positive Economic Prospects for Local Tourism
Local business stakeholders welcome the development. Yudy Suardana, Resort Manager at Sumitra Luxury Villas and Resort by Pramana, situated near Mertasari Pier, highlighted the potential for increased tourist stays in Sanur following visits to the neighboring islands.
Suardana noted that approximately 15 percent of their guests spend the night in Sanur after touring Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. The resort’s clientele is diverse, with Australian tourists representing nearly half of guests, followed by Europeans from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, as well as visitors from the United States. Growing numbers of tourists from the Middle East, Korea (notably honeymooners), and China have also been reported.
This transportation upgrade represents a significant step forward in accommodating Bali’s thriving tourism sector while supporting the welfare of local communities in Sanur. The trial phase will help shape future expansions as Bali continues to develop its reputation as a premier travel destination.
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