With Bali’s popularity continuing to surge, so too has the congestion in the southern part of the island.
Areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu are particularly affected, where even a minor holiday can lead to significant traffic jams. One route especially notorious for its gridlock is the drive from Canggu to Uluwatu, which can take up to two hours by car.
In an effort to avoid the Bali traffic, some tourists have turned to alternative transport options, one of which is a 30-minute boat ride from Canggu to Uluwatu. However, as one recent experience shows, this unconventional route doesn’t always go smoothly.
A video uploaded by the Instagram account @ellenoreau has gone viral for showing a group of tourists aboard a boat en route from Canggu to Uluwatu. What was intended to be a quick and scenic sea journey turned into a more dramatic experience when the boat began taking on water.
@ellenoreau thought we were geniuses for choosing to take the 30 minute boat versus the 2 hour drive from canggu to uluwatu #canggu #canggubali #uluwatu #uluwatubali #bali #balitravel #indonesia #indonesiatravel #speedboatbali #boatbali #nelayanbeach #padangpadangbeach ♬ Jet2 Advert – ✈️A7-BBH | MAN 🇬🇧
“You take the boat from Canggu to Uluwatu,” Ellen captioned the video. The footage shows her and her friends frantically trying to scoop out the water that had entered the boat during the crossing.
She later wrote in the caption:
“Thought we were geniuses for choosing to take the 30-minute boat versus the two-hour drive from Canggu to Uluwatu.”
The post quickly drew responses from others who had encountered similar issues. One user commented, “Every time I’ve booked this transfer, they always cancel due to some sort of weather issue… makes sense why 😂”. Another remarked, “Nope, I’m good with a two-hour ride,” expressing a preference for road travel over an unpredictable sea journey.
Jukung Boat Ride Gains Popularity Amid Bali Traffic Woes
Despite the challenges, the Canggu–Uluwatu boat route remains an intriguing alternative for those hoping to save time while enjoying a coastal view. The service typically uses a traditional fishing boat known as a jukung, which can accommodate up to 12 passengers.
Departure and Arrival Points
- Departure: Nelayan Beach, Canggu
- Arrival: Padang-Padang Beach, Uluwatu
- Before boarding, passengers must place their bags and shoes in waterproof boxes to protect them from sea spray.
Weather-Dependent Journey
- The ride can be rough and adrenaline-filled, especially during poor weather conditions.
- As seen in Ellen’s viral video, the experience may not suit those sensitive to choppy seas.
Ticket Prices and Booking Info
- Canggu–Uluwatu: IDR 255,000 (one-way)
- Jimbaran–Uluwatu: IDR 215,000 (one-way)
- Tickets can be reserved online via the official GoBoat.id website.
Additional Routes Offered by GoBoat
GoBoat also operates several other inter-island and coastal services:
- Sanur – Nusa Lembongan
- Sanur – Nusa Penida
- Sanur – Lombok
Traffic congestion in Bali is expected to persist as the number of visitors continues to rise. Without substantial improvements in road infrastructure, more tourists may look to sea transport as a viable option, despite the potential for bumpy rides.
Whether you choose to brave Bali’s roads or explore its coastline by boat, one thing is certain: both routes offer their own set of challenges and rewards.
How to Get from Canggu to Uluwatu: Transportation Options
To reach Uluwatu from Canggu, besides taking a boat, you can also travel by land using vehicles such as cars or motorbikes. The journey by land typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, a water taxi service is available, connecting Ngurah Rai Airport with popular tourist areas such as Seminyak and Uluwatu.
1. Private Vehicle (Car or Motorbike)
Using a private vehicle is the most common and flexible way to reach Uluwatu from Canggu.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- Options: You can rent a motorbike or car in Canggu, or use your own private vehicle if available.
2. Water Taxi Service
For a unique and scenic route, consider using the water taxi service.
- Route: Connects Ngurah Rai Airport with destinations such as Seminyak and Uluwatu.
- Availability: While not as common as land travel, it’s an alternative worth exploring for a different experience.
