Port information & tips for Celukan Bawang (Bali)
Celukan Bawang is the authentic gateway to the untouched north of Bali and offers travelers a fascinating insight into the original side of the Indonesian Island of the Gods. The port impresses with its quiet location far from the busy tourist centers and welcomes guests with a relaxed atmosphere and a backdrop of lush palm groves. Among the impressive highlights in the surrounding area are Lovina Beach, famous for its dolphins, the healing Banjar Hot Springs, and the magnificent Buddhist monastery Brahma Vihara Arama. Cruise ships dock directly at the Celukan Bawang Pier, from where the city of Singaraja as well as the natural treasures of the region can be reached comfortably in a short time by shuttle or taxi thanks to the good connections.
Celukan Bawang in northern Bali serves as a special cruise port and is your gateway to the authentic and less crowded regions of the island. Arrival is primarily by plane, followed by a comfortable transfer to the pier.
Airplane
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) near Denpasar is Bali's international airport and is located approximately 114 to 119 kilometers south of the port of Celukan Bawang. Thanks to direct flight connections from major airlines, such as Lufthansa, from Europe, your journey to Bali will be convenient. For a relaxed start to your cruise, arriving the day before embarkation is advisable to adjust to the time difference.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Denpasar Airport (DPS), you can reach the port of Celukan Bawang via private transfer in approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. It is recommended to book this service in advance, as ride-hailing services like Grab or Gojek are only limitedly available at the port. Numerous local providers offer professional drivers and comfortable vehicles, guaranteeing a smooth transition to your ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel allows you to begin your cruise peacefully. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere in southern Bali near the airport or appreciate the tranquility of northern Bali near the port – many accommodations offer flexible transfer options. This way, you start your island adventure well-rested and on time, thanks to the direct connection to the pier.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Celukan Bawang in northern Bali serves as a special cruise port and is your gateway to the authentic and less crowded regions of the island. Arrival is primarily by plane, followed by a comfortable transfer to the pier.
Airplane
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) near Denpasar is Bali's international airport and is located approximately 114 to 119 kilometers south of the port of Celukan Bawang. Thanks to direct flight connections from major airlines, such as Lufthansa, from Europe, your journey to Bali will be convenient. For a relaxed start to your cruise, arriving the day before embarkation is advisable to adjust to the time difference.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Denpasar Airport (DPS), you can reach the port of Celukan Bawang via private transfer in approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. It is recommended to book this service in advance, as ride-hailing services like Grab or Gojek are only limitedly available at the port. Numerous local providers offer professional drivers and comfortable vehicles, guaranteeing a smooth transition to your ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel allows you to begin your cruise peacefully. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere in southern Bali near the airport or appreciate the tranquility of northern Bali near the port – many accommodations offer flexible transfer options. This way, you start your island adventure well-rested and on time, thanks to the direct connection to the pier.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The port of Celukan Bawang in northern Bali is a peaceful arrival point and, thanks to well-organized local logistics, offers convenient onward travel to the island's cultural treasures.
Private Driver & Taxi
Numerous drivers wait for passengers directly at the port exit, offering fixed rates for excursions to Lovina or the surrounding waterfalls. Booking a private car allows for a flexible daily schedule and ensures a comfortable journey through the picturesque landscape.
Bemos (Local Minibuses)
Traditional Bemos are small minibuses that operate on the roads near the port, providing an affordable and authentic way to get around. These vehicles connect the surrounding villages and offer the opportunity to experience the daily life of the locals up close.
On Foot
The adjacent fishing village can be reached comfortably in about a 10-minute walk from the pier. The path leads directly to local stalls and offers first impressions of North Balinese hospitality far away from the major tourist crowds.
To best experience the untouched north of Bali during your stay, a combination of relaxed coastal towns and the spiritual treasures of the surrounding mountains is ideal.
Lovina Beach
This tranquil stretch of coast is world-famous for its characteristic black volcanic sand and, thanks to its gentle waves, is the perfect place for relaxing hours by the sea or a boat trip to the local dolphins.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
This significant water temple seems to almost float on the surface of Lake Bratan and provides an incomparable photo opportunity; furthermore, the complex delights with its artistic pagodas and lush gardens in the cooler highlands.
Banjar Hot Springs & Brahmavihara-Arama
The sacred thermal springs, set amidst a dense jungle garden, offer soothing relaxation in artistically decorated stone pools and can be ideally combined with a visit to the magnificent Buddhist monastery Brahmavihara-Arama for deep cultural insights.
Sacred Hot Springs of Banjar
The sacred hot springs of Air Panas Banjar are located about fifty minutes' drive from the port of Celukan Bawang and offer a unique experience of tropical relaxation and Balinese spirituality. In the midst of a lush jungle garden, the sulfurous water bubbles from artfully carved dragon heads into terraced pools, and the peaceful atmosphere is perfect for regeneration. The facility has a good infrastructure with changing rooms, lockers, and a restaurant that offers a wonderful view of the bathers. Ideally, start your excursion directly after docking in the early morning to enjoy the peace of the facility to the full, and plan your return trip so that you reach the port comfortably about two hours before departure.
The return journey to the port of Celukan Bawang in the quiet north of Bali can be planned very safely thanks to well-organized transfer offers and the clear layout of the port.
Private Drivers and Taxis
In tourist centers such as Lovina Beach, numerous licensed drivers are available for the return journey at central parking lots and in front of larger hotels. Thanks to the direct connection via the coastal road, you can reach the port grounds comfortably and on time in about 30 to 45 minutes and enjoy the drive through the coastal landscape.
Cruise Line Shuttle Buses
At official meeting points in the surrounding area, you will find your cruise line's shuttle buses, which will take you directly back to the ship. Departure times are precisely coordinated with the docking time, and the staff at the stops ensures a smooth process so that you reach the port terminal punctually and relaxed before departure.
On Foot in the Port Area
The path from the guarded port gate to the ship's berth is short and easy to find thanks to the clear signage on the terminal grounds. Security personnel at the main entrance regulate controlled access and point you to the direct path back to the gangway, providing additional orientation and a high level of safety.
