NusaBali says the timeline for building a water taxi pier at Perancak Beach, North Kuta, remains uncertain. The project, designed to provide an alternative maritime transport route from Bali’s Airport to the Canggu area, is currently awaiting the completion of at least 14 separate studies.
This was revealed during a public consultation regarding the proposed water taxi pier held at the Tibubeneng Village Head’s Office on Friday, 02 October 2026. Attendees included Made Agus Aryawan, Assistant II to the Badung Regent; representatives from various Badung regional government agencies; Tibubeneng community leaders; and representatives from the Perancak Beach Fishermen’s Group. Community feedback gathered during the public session will inform further analysis before the final decision on the pier’s construction.
The 14 required feasibility studies cover socio-cultural and environmental aspects, technical specifications, and the project’s potential impact on community activities and nearby sacred sites. The findings will determine whether and how the project proceeds, including the pier’s final design and location.
Residents raised several important points during the meeting. One community concern involved the proposed pier location, which infringes on areas used for traditional and religious activities. Participants urged officials to consider access to local temples, existing community activities, and the potential for creating additional traffic congestion.
Dr. Liz Zeny Merry, M.H., M.M., Assistant for Connectivity Support Facilities and Infrastructure at the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, stated that planning for the water taxi project is still in its early stages. The consultation aimed to gather public input while presenting plans for alternative transport connecting Ngurah Rai Airport to major tourist areas.
According to Liz Merry, rising tourist arrivals in Bali threaten to place an increased burden on the road network, particularly in Canggu and its surrounding area. Consequently, a water taxi service is being evaluated as an alternative connectivity option for tourism. However, she emphasized that the project plans are not yet finalized. At least 14 studies remain incomplete before any final decision on construction can be made.
“We are still in the early stages. 14 studies remain to be conducted, covering socio-cultural, environmental, and technical aspects. These will form the basis for determining the pier’s design and location,” said Liz.
The Berawa Beach area was considered in the preliminary study because its ocean wave characteristics are milder than at other points along the coast. This condition was a key technical factor in selecting the site.
However, technical aspects are not the only consideration. The presence of sacred areas and local customary activities around Perancak Beach necessitates a comprehensive review of the development plan.
Liz emphasized that the project should not be viewed solely in terms of physical infrastructure and transportation needs; the impact on the local community and the environment must also be carefully weighed.
“We want to improve the tourism experience and find solutions to traffic congestion. However, the development’s benefits must outweigh its impacts. Therefore, all community feedback will be included in the study,” she asserted.
The development’s impact on coastal conditions is also a concern. One specific issue is the breakwater’s potential to alter sedimentation patterns, which the preliminary study includes.
Regarding the planning phase, Udayana University has been conducting a feasibility study for over six months, starting last year. After the feasibility studies are completed, the process will then move to preparing the Detailed Engineering Design (DED). However, completing the studies and DED does not automatically mean construction can begin immediately.
“Several follow-up studies still need to be finalized, including socio-cultural and environmental assessments,” she said.
Budgeting is another factor; Liz noted that the funding source for the construction has not yet been finally confirmed. The project may require collaboration between the central government, the Badung Regency administration, the community, and the private sector. As a result, she could not yet confirm when pier construction would begin. “This is still the initial stage of communicating with the public. We do not want this plan to remain merely a concept. However, if the study results indicate it is not feasible, we must accept that. We must ensure the development does not cause more harm than good,” Liz emphasized.
Related Links
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