Question:
How to travel from Bali to Java?
Answer:
Bali and Java are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. Traveling from Bali to Java is a common journey for tourists who want to explore more of Indonesia. There are several ways to travel from Bali to Java, including by plane, ferry, or bus.
Geographically, Java lies between Sumatra to the west and Bali to the east. It’s divided into four provinces and two special regions. The closest area to Bali is East Java with Surabaya as the capital city, then there’s Central Java with Semarang as the capital city, Special Region of Yogyakarta, West Java with Bandung as the capital city, Banten with Serang as the capital city, and last and the most important one, Jakarta the capital of Republic of Indonesia. You can choose your transportation option based on the distance of these areas from Bali. If it’s close to Bali, like East Java, you can always take the bus or ferry boat. But if you choose the farther areas, we recommend you take the plane. Now, let’s elaborate more about it!
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bali to Java is by plane. Several airlines offer daily flights between Bali and Java’s major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. The flight takes around one hour and is relatively affordable. The cost of a one-way ticket from Bali to big cities in Java starts from IDR 700 K to IDR 1.200 K (USD 48 – 81). It can be lower or higher depending on the holiday season in Indonesia, so you might want to check Indonesia’s national calendar before booking your trip for the best price.
Another option is taking a ferry from Gilimanuk to the port of Ketapang in East Java. You need approximately 3 hours to reach Gilimanuk harbor in the west part of the island. We suggest you rent a private car to reach Gilimanuk Harbor. The ferry ride itself takes around 45 minutes, with a regular schedule of every 20 to 30 minutes for 24 hours per day. But it can take a longer period of time since the ferry needs to load and unload cars, trucks, and other vehicles before departing to Ketapang in Banyuwangi, East Java. It can be an enjoyable experience with stunning ocean views and is also affordable. The price for an adult ticket is under IDR 10 K (less than a dollar!).
Lastly, you can take a bus from Bali’s capital, Denpasar, to various cities in Java such as Surabaya or Yogyakarta. However, this option can take up to 12 hours depending on traffic conditions and your destination. You can get the bus to Ubung Bus Station in Denpasar with prices starting from IDR 200 K (USD 14). By taking the bus, you still going to spend some time on the ferry boat. But you don’t have to bother to buy the ticket yourself, since it’s already included in your bus fare.
In conclusion, traveling from Bali to Java offers different options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Regardless of your transportation choice, both islands offer unique experiences that will leave you wanting more!
Once you’ve arrived in Java, you might want to check The Most Recommended transportation Options in Java, find it in this article!