Have you noticed how Bali is not just about beaches and temples anymore?

Up north in Buleleng, something exciting is happening at Celukan Bawang Port. This April 2025, three magnificent luxury cruise ships made history by docking at this rising star of Bali’s maritime tourism.

Let us take a closer look at why Celukan Bawang is quickly becoming a favorite for international cruise operators and why Buleleng’s future looks brighter than ever.

A Historic Month for Celukan Bawang

April 2025 marked a major milestone for Celukan Bawang.

In just one month, the port successfully welcomed MS Seven Seas Mariner, MS Seven Seas Voyager, and MS Insignia, three of the world’s luxurious cruise liners.

MS Insignia was the latest to arrive, docking at Pier Two on Friday, April 25. It brought along 568 passengers and 402 crew members, making for a lively day at the port. The ship came from Tanjung Perak and set sail for Benoa later that evening, wrapping up an unforgettable month for Celukan Bawang.

General Manager of PT Pelindo Cabang Celukan Bawang, Mochammad Imron, shared that behind every smooth docking was meticulous technical and operational planning.

We are not aiming to be just a busy port once in a while. Our goal is consistent, internationally standardized service to make Celukan Bawang a reliable cruise hub for the Asia Pacific routes, he explained.

Setting a New Standard for Cruise Tourism in Bali

The arrival of MS Seven Seas Voyager earlier in April was another proud moment for the port.

This 204 meter long ship, registered under the Bahamas flag, docked safely although the port’s pier is only 160 meters long. It was not an easy task, but strong teamwork made it happen.

As Taufikur Rahman, Head of KSOP Class Four Celukan Bawang, pointed out, behind each docking there is a perfect orchestration. Pelindo, KSOP, Quarantine, Immigration, and other agencies moved in harmony. Without solid coordination, even one ship could cause issues, but we proved we could handle three major ships smoothly.

Passengers arriving on these cruises were greeted with colorful North Balinese cultural performances and exhibitions featuring local handicrafts and products. Their Bali itineraries included visits to iconic destinations such as Lovina Beach, Banjar Hot Springs, and Sumberkima Village.

It was not just about the ships. It was about connecting travelers with the heart and soul of Buleleng.

Buleleng’s Vision as a Gateway for Global Cruise Tourism

With every successful docking, Buleleng strengthens its position on the world cruise map.

Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, Head of Buleleng’s Tourism Office, highlighted how important these cruise visits are for promoting North Bali directly to foreign tourists.

Every cruise arrival is a direct opportunity to introduce Buleleng's beauty to international travelers. It helps us reach our tourism targets faster, he said.

This synergy between government, port operators, and local communities is key.

From seamless ship docking to warm welcomes and exciting local tours, everything works together to create unforgettable experiences for visitors.

The success of April 2025 is a clear signal that Celukan Bawang is ready for bigger opportunities ahead.

With North Bali offering calmer seas, untouched landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, it is only a matter of time before cruise tourism becomes one of Buleleng’s biggest attractions.

Final Thoughts: North Bali’s Cruise Era Has Just Begun

April 2025 showed the world that Celukan Bawang is more than ready to be a prime cruise port in the Asia Pacific region.

Three major ships, thousands of happy visitors, and flawless coordination behind the scenes prove that Buleleng has what it takes.

So if you ever dream of seeing a different side of Bali that is serene, welcoming, and rich in culture, keep your eyes on North Bali.

Whether you are arriving by air, land, or now by sea, Buleleng is waiting to greet you with open arms. 

And if you are inspired to stay longer in this beautiful part of Bali, you can explore charming villas available in Buleleng through Villa Sale in Buleleng, offering a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity near the heart of North Bali’s growing cruise destination.