- Bali’s Benoa Harbour is undergoing a major transformation into a luxury marina, set to be completed by 2025.
- New development will accommodate more than 50 superyachts of up to 90 meters in length with 180 dedicated docks.
- The project aims to position Indonesia as key player in global maritime luxury tourism.
In the ever-changing face of global tourism, where Bali has constantly modified itself—from its ambitious bid to become Asia’s Las Vegas to its hipster Canggu district finding itself being called “New Moscow” because of its booming Russian expatriate population—the Island of the Gods is embarking on what must be the most ambitious transformation yet: the reconstruction of Benoa Harbour into a world-class luxury marina that promises to attract the globe’s most discerning maritime travellers and their spectacular superyachts.
A Vision of Maritime Luxury
The audacious Bali Maritime Tourism Hub (BMTH) project, driven by the state-owned port operator Pelindo and first announced in 2022, has been forging ahead for the last three years. Due to completion in the second half of 2025, this spectacular development will turn one of the most affordable resort destinations in Bali into a hub of luxury maritime tourism.
The Blueprint For BMTH
The spectacular specifications of the new marina include:
- 180 state-of-the-art docks
- Capacity for 50+ superyachts up to 90 meters
- Yacht clubs and international standard service stations
- High-end restaurants and entertainment facilities
Arif Suhartono, CEO of Pelindo, underlined the wider vision of the project:
“The new marina in Bali embodies our ambition to position Indonesia as a key player in the global maritime industry, combining luxurious experiences with world-class infrastructure.”
Strategic Partnerships for BMTH
While the development of the marina is led by Pelindo, the on-water service facilities and land entertainment venues will be managed by PT Marina Development Indonesia. The collaboration extends to PT Kharisma Anugrah Jawara Abadi (KAJA), ensuring the smooth execution of the ambitious project.
Ulf Backlund, President Director of Marina Development Indonesia, noted, “Indonesia deserves a first-class marina that reflects its status as the world’s new yachting paradise.”
Transforming Paradise Good Or Bad?
Turning Bali into a luxury maritime destination will add to its already impressive credentials. From January to July 2024, this island welcomed 7.75 million tourists, a 20.75% increase in international visitors compared to the same period last year.
The island’s charm spans from idyllic beaches like Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua to the lush landscapes of Tegallalang’s rice terraces and the volcanic majesty of Mount Batur. Its cultural heritage shines through historic temples, such as Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, while the artistic vibrancy of Ubud and the immense, flourishing wellness scene assures holistic rejuvenation. The nightlife is abuzz in Seminyak and Legian, with an eclectic food scene to tempt all palates.
But even as tourism is indispensable within Bali’s economy, it has created a series of concerns that include environmental strain, increasing traffic congestion, and the commercialization of cultural heritage. Nonetheless, these aspects are now covered under the fixing process of sustainable tourism practices so as not to dent Bali’s allure.
Setting Sail for the Future of Superyachts
Could Bali become the next Ibiza? Makes sense for those chilly European winters.
The BMTH project connects key Indonesian ports in a “butterfly route.” Labuan Bajo, Tanjung Perak, and Raja Ampat are some of these vital points. Events such as “Sail to Indonesia Goes to BMTH,” held in October 2024, have shown the country’s increasingly vast maritime tourism potential.
As Bali charts its course toward becoming Asia’s premier luxury maritime destination, this ambitious harbour transformation represents more than just a new marina—it’s a strategic move to attract ultra-high-net-worth travellers while diversifying the island’s tourism offerings beyond its traditional cultural and natural attractions.
To an island that has had to balance mass tourism with cultural preservation, this might be one of the most transformative new chapters yet.