The Badung Regency authorities have announced plans to build a new marine terminal in Canggu, aiming to provide direct sea transport between Bali’s popular western coastal areas and Ngurah Rai International Airport. Construction is set to begin in 2026.

On paper, this sounds like a smart move. Reducing travel time from the airport to tourist hotspots like Seminyak, Berawa, and Canggu could significantly improve the visitor experience — and potentially boost the value of properties in those areas. As someone who already owns real estate in Canggu, I welcome any investment in infrastructure that makes the area more accessible and appealing to high-end travelers.

That said, the devil is in the details.

First, the airport itself isn’t currently set up for seamless transfers to a marine terminal. Anyone who’s tried to walk from the arrival gates to the motorcycle parking area knows the distances involved. Unless there’s an efficient, well-designed shuttle or transport hub connecting travelers straight from the terminal to the boats, the benefit of bypassing road traffic could be lost.

Second, there’s the issue of building the actual terminals along the coast. The western shorelines from Kuta to Canggu are known for their powerful waves — part of what makes Bali a global surf destination. Constructing breakwaters and artificial landforms to support marine infrastructure risks altering local wave patterns, damaging marine ecosystems, and potentially harming the very appeal that brings people here in the first place.

We’ve seen this movie before. When a similar structure was built near the Kempinski hotel in Nusa Dua — minus the terminal — public backlash was fierce. Local surfers claimed it ruined one of Bali’s best right-hand waves. The environmental and cultural costs of such projects can be high, and that kind of negative press sticks.

So, while I appreciate the vision and long-term value this project could unlock, I’d advise patience and prudence. Infrastructure is only as good as its planning and stakeholder alignment. Unless the location is chosen carefully — and both environmental and community concerns are addressed — this may become another drawn-out, controversial development.

As an investor, I remain cautiously optimistic. Improved access is good for tourism and property values, but only if it’s done with foresight. Let’s hope this time, the execution matches the ambition.