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Most cruise ships anchor offshore at Padang Bai or Benoa Harbour (Bali's main cruise terminal in Denpasar) and tender passengers ashore, though larger vessels using Benoa Harbour may dock directly at the pier.
Bali is one of those rare places that lives up to every expectation and then quietly exceeds it. From the moment you step off the tender boat, the air carries the scent of frangipani and incense, and the landscape shifts between terraced rice fields, volcanic peaks, and temple-topped cliffsides. For cruise passengers, a day here demands good planning — there is simply too much beauty to stumble through unprepared.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships calling at Bali dock at the Benoa Harbour in the south of the island, near the Nusa Dua resort area. It is a functional, well-organised port, and you will find taxis, official transport desks, and tour operators waiting just outside the terminal gates. Note that Bali is a large island — the famous rice terraces of Tegallalang and the clifftop temple of Tanah Lot are both 60 to 90 minutes away in traffic. Getting a pre-arranged private driver is genuinely the smartest move you can make. A knowledgeable local driver can stitch together an itinerary that accounts for temple opening hours, traffic patterns, and the best roadside warung for lunch. 🎟 Book: Experts Bali Driver : Best Bali Private Driver for Tour in Bali If you prefer to have a flexible, personalised route mapped out with a local guide, a full-day private tour lets you tick off highlights at your own pace without the chaos of haggling at the port gate. 🎟 Book: Bali Full Day Tour | Individual Route in Bali | Bali Guide | Free Wi-Fi
Things to Do
The iconic Tanah Lot sea temple, perched dramatically on a rock formation offshore, is arguably Bali’s most photographed landmark and well worth the journey. Arrive before midday to avoid the thickest tour crowds. For something more spiritual, consider participating in a traditional Melukat purification ceremony at a water temple — an experience that is open to respectful visitors and genuinely moving in its simplicity. 🎟 Book: Sacred Places of Bali. Purification Ceremony in Indonesia Ubud, the cultural heartland of the island, rewards anyone willing to make the drive: wander the Monkey Forest, browse the art market, or pause at a roadside rice terrace and simply breathe. If you prefer activity on the water rather than on land, a deep-sea fishing trip off Bali’s north coast offers a completely different perspective of the island, with the volcanic silhouette of Gunung Agung visible on the horizon. 🎟 Book: Mahi – Mahi Fishing Tour at North Bali Indonesia For families or wildlife enthusiasts, the Bali Bird Park houses over a thousand species including rare Bali Starlings and Komodo dragons. 🎟 Book: Indonesia: Bali Bird Park Entry Ticket
Local Food
Balinese cuisine is distinct from mainstream Indonesian food — it is richer, more aromatic, and built around ceremonial flavour profiles. Look for babi guling (slow-roasted suckling pig seasoned with turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass), which is served at dedicated warungs in Ubud and around Denpasar. Ayam betutu, a whole chicken slow-cooked in a deeply spiced paste wrapped in banana leaves, is another signature dish worth hunting down. For something lighter, lawar — a fresh salad of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat — is a staple at local family restaurants. Wash everything down with fresh coconut water or jamu, a traditional herbal tonic made from turmeric and ginger that Balinese people have consumed for centuries as a health drink.
Shopping
Bali is a shopper’s paradise, particularly if you appreciate handmade goods. Ubud’s art market is the place for batik fabrics, hand-carved wooden figures, silver jewellery, and woven baskets at negotiable prices — always haggle gently and with a smile. The Seminyak area offers a more upscale retail experience, with boutiques selling resort wear, homeware, and leather goods. If you are after quality silver work at its source, head to the village of Celuk, which has been the centre of Balinese silver and goldsmithing for generations. Vanilla pods, locally grown coffee, Luwak coffee sachets, and hand-rolled incense sticks all make excellent, lightweight souvenirs that pack easily into a carry-on.
Practical Tips
- Currency: The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. ATMs are available near the port and throughout Denpasar and Ubud, but having some cash on hand before you venture out is wise.
- Dress code: Balinese temples require a sarong and sash to enter — most sites provide rental ones for a small fee, but bringing your own is respectful.
- Traffic: Bali’s roads can be genuinely congested, especially around midday and on weekends. Build buffer time into your return schedule so you are never racing back to the ship.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, but warmly appreciated. Small amounts in local currency go a long way for drivers and restaurant staff.
A single day in Bali will leave you wishing your ship had scheduled two. Even so, with the right driver, a flexible mindset, and an appetite for both culture and cuisine, you can return to the gangway at sunset with a full memory card, a bag of coffee, and the distinct feeling that this island has claimed a quiet piece of you.
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Getting Around from the Port
Taxi (Metered/Blue Bird)
Blue Bird Group taxis are the most reputable metered option; avoid unmarked taxis and always insist on the meter or agree a fare upfront
Private Driver (Hired for the Day)
Hiring a private car and driver for the full port day is the most practical and popular option for cruise passengers wanting to visit multiple sites; easily arranged at the port gate or pre-booked
Grab (Ride-hailing App)
Grab operates in Bali and is a reliable, price-transparent alternative to street taxis; download the app before arriving and ensure you have a local or roaming data connection
Shore Excursion (Cruise Line Bus)
Cruise lines typically offer organised coach excursions departing directly from the terminal; the most stress-free option as the ship will wait for delayed excursion groups
Walk
The immediate area around Benoa Harbour offers very little of tourist interest; walking to attractions is not practical and not recommended in the heat and traffic
Top Things To Do
1
Tanah Lot Temple
One of Bali's most iconic sea temples, Tanah Lot sits on a rocky outcrop just offshore and is particularly photogenic. The surrounding clifftop complex includes smaller shrines, souvenir markets, and viewpoints. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main sea temple itself but the grounds and views are well worth the visit.
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Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in the heart of Ubud, home to over 700 long-tailed macaques roaming freely among ancient temples and giant fig trees. Keep bags zipped and avoid bringing food, as the monkeys are bold. This is one of Bali's most visited attractions and pairs well with a visit to Ubud town.
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Tegallalang Rice Terraces (Ubud)
These UNESCO-recognised cascading rice terraces north of Ubud are among the most photographed landscapes in Southeast Asia, shaped by the traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system known as subak. A short walking trail takes you down into the terraces. Small entry/photo fees of a dollar or two may be requested by local landowners at various access points.
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Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance
Perched dramatically on a clifftop 70 metres above the Indian Ocean on Bali's Bukit Peninsula, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's six key temples. The sunset Kecak fire dance performed in the temple's open-air amphitheatre is a highlight, though performances typically begin around 6 PM u2014 best suited to ships with late departures.
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Kuta Beach
Bali's most famous beach is a broad, lively stretch of golden sand with consistent surf, beach bars, and easy access to Kuta's shops and restaurants. It is the closest major beach to Benoa Harbour and a good option if you simply want a few hours of sun and swimming. The surf can be strong, so exercise caution and swim between the flags.
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Seminyak and Legian (Shopping and Beach)
Immediately north of Kuta, Seminyak and Legian offer a more upscale beach experience alongside boutique shopping, beachfront restaurants, and spa treatments. This area is popular with cruise passengers who want a relaxed, self-directed day combining a beach visit with Balinese cuisine and local shopping.
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Snorkeling at Padang Bai or Nusa Lembongan
Bali's best snorkeling is found away from the main beach areas. Padang Bai (also a tender point for some ships) has accessible reef sites with turtles and reef fish, while Nusa Lembongan, a short boat ride away, offers excellent coral gardens and a relaxed island atmosphere. Organised snorkeling tours with equipment are widely available.
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Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) and Ubud Palace
The covered art market in the centre of Ubud sells handcrafted textiles, wooden carvings, silver jewellery, paintings, and batik at negotiable prices u2014 bargaining is expected and part of the culture. Directly opposite is Puri Saren Ubud (Ubud Royal Palace), a beautifully decorated compound open to visitors. Together these make an efficient and rewarding cultural stop.
Find shore excursions on ViatorPractical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Hiring a private driver for the full day (USD 50u201380) is the single best value decision for cruise passengers in Bali u2014 it gives you flexibility, a local guide, and eliminates the stress of finding transport between sites.
- Bali's traffic can be severe, especially on the road to Ubud. Build extra time into any itinerary and aim to be back at the terminal at least 45 minutes before all-aboard time.
- A sarong and sash are required to enter all Hindu temples; these are usually available to borrow or buy at temple entrances for USD 1u20133. Shoulders and knees should also be covered.
- The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Many tourist-facing businesses accept USD, but you'll get better value paying in Rupiah. Avoid money changers on the street and use ATMs or reputable exchange booths.
- Stay well hydrated u2014 Bali is hot and humid year-round. Drink only bottled or filtered water and apply high-SPF sunscreen before leaving the ship. Mosquito repellent is advisable if visiting rice terraces or forested areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Benoa Harbour is an industrial port area with no walkable tourist attractions nearby. All passengers need transport to reach beaches, temples, or Ubud. Taxis, Grab, and private drivers are available at the port gate.
Most ships spend a full day in Bali, typically arriving around 7u20138 AM and departing at 6u201310 PM, giving passengers 8u201312 hours ashore. Check your ship's itinerary carefully as times vary by cruise line and season.
Yes, Bali is generally very safe for independent tourists and is one of the most visitor-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Use reputable metered taxis or Grab rather than unmarked vehicles, and keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets and at the Monkey Forest.
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. ATMs dispensing Rupiah are widely available in tourist areas. Many restaurants, shops, and tour operators in tourist areas accept USD, but having Rupiah gives you better rates and more flexibility at local markets.
For a cruise passenger with 6u20138 hours, a combined Tanah Lot Temple and Ubud itinerary (rice terraces, Monkey Forest, art market) offers the best balance of culture, scenery, and Balinese atmosphere. This can be done independently with a private driver for USD 50u201380 total or booked as a ship excursion. Those prioritising beach and snorkeling should consider a tour to Nusa Lembongan.
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