Indonesia has taken a step toward positioning itself on the global yachting map with the unveiling of Bali Gapura Marina, the country’s first international full-service marina. The marina, under construction in Benoa, Bali, will offer 180 berths by Q3 2026, including facilities for 50 superyachts up to 90 metres.
The project, which is being developed jointly by PT Marina Development Indonesia (MDI) and state-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), broke ground on 22 May 2025. Covering an area of 33,000 square metres, it is expected to serve as a catalyst for Indonesia’s maritime tourism industry, which has long been seen as an underdeveloped sector despite the country’s vast archipelago.
“Through strong collaboration between government and the private sector, Bali Gapura Marina is set to become Indonesia’s first international full-service marina,” said Arif Suhartono, President Director of Pelindo. “Pelindo remains open to developing other world-class marinas across the archipelago, in line with our long-term vision to strengthen Indonesia’s standing as a premier maritime hub.”
The name Gapura - which means “gateway” in Balinese - was chosen to highlight both cultural heritage and the marina’s role as a new entry point for international yachts.
“The name reflects how every vessel is welcomed into Bali Gapura Marina as part of a cultural journey,” said Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism. “It also reinforces our commitment to placing maritime tourism at the centre of national strategic projects.”
In July this year, BOATPro revealed that construction on the site had already begun. Since then, work has advanced on Dock B, the smallest of the marina’s five planned docks, with eleven concrete pontoons having already been installed, creating space for 48 berths. A pilot commercial opening is scheduled for early December 2025, when visiting boats will gain access to essential services such as water, electricity, and provisioning. A dedicated Welcome Station will handle quarantine, immigration, customs and port formalities.
“Dock B’s completion is more than an operational milestone - it represents the beginning of a new era for Indonesia,” said Ulf Backlund, President Director of MDI. “The next phases will include full technical service facilities by mid-2026, expansion to 180 berths including superyacht capacity by Q3 2026, and the development of a waterfront lifestyle hub by 2028.”
The Bali Gapura Marina project is being closely watched as a test case for Indonesia’s ambitions to tap into the fast-growing global superyacht and luxury marine tourism market. The country’s geography - comprising more than 17,000 islands - offers significant potential but has long faced challenges due to underdeveloped maritime infrastructure.