Ships dock at Benoa harbour on the southern Bali peninsula — the port is industrial, with no town on the doorstep, so you'll need a taxi, pre-arranged driver, or ship's excursion to reach any sights.
💡 Pro move: There is nothing walkable from the pier itself. Every Bali highlight requires transport. A private driver is the most efficient use of your shore day.
All cruise ships dock at Benoa harbour — there is no tendering, but the port area has no walkable attractions and all sights require a taxi or driver.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Port of Benoa (Pelabuhan Benoa)📍 | Docked |
| Expedition / small ships | Port of Benoa or Padang Bai (east Bali)📍 | Docked |
Bali rewards those who plan ahead: pair a clifftop temple at sunset with a cultural village or rice terrace visit, and you'll have a shore day that stays with you.
The crown jewel of a Bali port day. Uluwatu Temple clings to a 70-metre sea cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, about 45 minutes from the pier. The evening Kecak fire dance at sunset (starts ~18:00) is one of the most dramatic performances in Southeast Asia — time your visit to catch it if your ship stays late.
Find Uluwatu tours →Bali's cultural heart — the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the bustling Ubud Art Market, Tegallalang rice terraces, and craft villages producing silver, wood, and batik. Allow a full day; Ubud is 1.5–2 hrs from the pier each way.
Find Ubud day tours →One of Bali's most photographed sights — a Hindu sea temple perched on a rocky islet offshore, accessible on foot at low tide. About 1.5 hrs northwest of the pier; best at low tide or late afternoon light.
Find Tanah Lot tours →A vast hilltop cultural park on the Bukit Peninsula — home to a towering 121-metre statue of Vishnu astride Garuda, Balinese dance performances, and sweeping views over south Bali. Only 20 minutes from the port.
Find GWK tours →Nusa Dua's manicured resort beach is 15 minutes from the port — an easy half-day for sun and sand. Seminyak is livelier, with beach clubs and cafés, though traffic through Kuta can slow the drive.
Find Bali beach tours →A circuit through specialist craft villages: Celuk (gold and silver), Mas (wood carving), Batuan (traditional painting), and Ubud's market. A great half-day cultural loop with stops to watch artisans at work.
Find Bali craft village tours →The port area has nothing walkable — all of Bali's highlights are a drive away, but here are two options once you reach a destination.
From the Ubud Art Market, walk south through the village to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, then loop back through the Monkey Forest Road restaurants and craft shops. The whole route is flat and rewarding.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Walk the stepped paths through the iconic Tegallalang terraces north of Ubud — lush, photogenic, and a world away from the beach crowds. Entrance fee applies.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Benoa (Bali), Indonesia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 28 |
| Feb | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 26 |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 26 |
| Apr | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 23 |
| May | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 19 |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 17 |
| Jul | 80°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | 17 |
| Aug | 80°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 18 |
| Sep | 82°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 16 |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 17 |
| Nov | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 24 |
| Dec | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 28 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Benoa (Bali), Indonesia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.