It is about to get even easier for tourists to travel between Bali and East Java.
Leaders in both regions are on a mission to attract more tourists to explore everything that these diverse landscapes and communities have to offer, and a new seaplane service will make things even simpler for explorers.
The new seaplane service will not only make travel between Bali Province and East Java Province easier, but far more scenic, quicker, and potentially more affordable in the grand scheme of things, too.
Typically, for tourists wishing to travel between Bali and East Java, the best route is to travel by ferry between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi, after getting a private driver or taxi all the way out west from central Bali. There are limited public transport options to travel from central Bali out to the west and the northwest of the region.
At present, the best way for tourists to reach these areas of the island is to self-drive or hire a local driver. Self-driving is a good option for those returning to the central south, but for those who are set to travel onwards to East Java, self-driving isn’t such an easy option, as driving across two provinces on a rental moped is not generally permitted.
Travel between Bali and East Java is about to change dramatically for tourists as Aman Air will soon launch a route between Bali and Banyuwangi on a seaplane.
This is a real seaplane service, in that the plane will take off and land on water. Speaking to reporters about the new initiative, Aman Air President Director Michael Nicholas explained, “Banyuwangi is a complete [destination]. Besides its beautiful natural surroundings, it also has adequate amenities, and there are attractions held throughout the year. This could be an attraction.”
Nicholas’ vision was echoed by Aman Air Deputy Director, Daniel Dwi Ananta, who shared more details about the new flight service. He confirmed that the route will be served by a Twin Otter aircraft that is capable of carrying 16-18 passengers.
The route won’t, in fact, depart from Gilimanuk, which dramatically cuts down travel time and travel costs for tourists wishing to explore East Java from Bali. The service will depart from Benoa Harbour and land in Pang Pang Bay in Banyuwangi, East Java.
Ananta told reporters, “Our target is to start operations early this year, around the first or second quarter of 2026. We are optimistic that this flight will further boost tourism in Banyuwangi.”
He added that the service is an opportunity for expansion and collaboration between tourism businesses in both Bali and East Java.
Ananta explained, “We will also design several tour packages to offer to tourists. Perhaps we will create a one-day trip. Tourists will depart in the morning from Benoa, travel 25 minutes to Pang Pang Bay, then explore Banyuwangi’s destinations, and return to Benoa in the afternoon.”
The Regent of Banyuwangi, Ipuk Fiestiandani, shared his enthusiasm for the new initiative. He told reporters, “This will make it easier for tourists to visit Banyuwangi and provide a unique experience.”
This new service will be one of Aman Air’s first commercial flight services. At present, the airline focuses on bringing cargo to remote areas of Indonesia. The airline explains, “We deliver expert and reliable air cargo services, including bulk fuel delivery to remote destinations across Indonesia.”
The airline is established within its niche, adding “From the mountainous regions of Papua to the isolated border communities of North Kalimantan, for over five years we have been providing customers throughout Indonesia with safe, reliable and cost-effective air charter services, including bulk fuel delivery.”
Tourists traveling to Bali in the coming months and years will see more promotion of both lesser-visited areas of Bali Province and emerging tourism destinations nationwide. Wonderful Indonesia and the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism are on a mission to develop Bali as a kind of launchpad for vacations and travel adventures across the country.
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