How to Travel from Bali to Karimunjawa by Train: The Ultimate Overland & Island Guide

If you are looking for an authentic, scenic, and budget-friendly way to travel from Bali to the paradise islands of Karimunjawa, taking a combined overland train and ferry journey across Java is one of the most rewarding routes available.

This step-by-step travel guide covers everything you need to know—from navigating transit options in Bali, booking direct trains across Java, choosing between flights or ferries in Semarang, to arriving smoothly at Bunga Jabe in Kemujan, Karimunjawa.

Step 1: Bali to Banyuwangi (Gilimanuk Ferry to Ketapang Station)

Your journey begins by traveling from your accommodation in Bali to the westernmost tip of the island at Pelabuhan Gilimanuk (Gilimanuk Port).

Transport Options from Bali to Gilimanuk Port

• Ride-Hailing & Private Drivers: Book a car or motorcycle taxi via Grab or Gojek, or hire a private driver from major tourist hubs like Kuta, Canggu, Ubud, or Denpasar directly to Gilimanuk Port.

• Local Travel Shuttles & Minibuses (Elf): Hop on a shared shuttle or local minibus departing from Terminal Ubung or Terminal Mengwi in Denpasar.

• Intercity (AKAP) Buses: Board an intercity bus heading toward Java from Terminal Mengwi. You can ride the bus to Gilimanuk Port or stay on as it boards the ferry to Ketapang.

Crossing the Bali Strait to Java

At Gilimanuk Port, board the ASDP passenger ferry across the Bali Strait to Pelabuhan Ketapang (Ketapang Port) in Banyuwangi, East Java. The ferry operates 24/7 and takes roughly 1 hour. Upon arriving at Ketapang Port, Stasiun Ketapang (Ketapang Train Station) is located just 200 meters away—an easy 3-minute walk from the port exit.

How to Book Transport & Ferry Tickets

• Ferry Tickets (Mandatory Advance Booking): ASDP ferry tickets must be purchased online at least 60 minutes prior to arrival using the official Ferizy app or website (ferizy.com).

• Ride-Hailing & Shuttles: Book directly through the Grab, Gojek, Traveloka, or RedBus mobile apps.

Step 2: Banyuwangi to Semarang via Direct Train

Once at Ketapang Station in Banyuwangi, board the direct intercity train heading to Central Java.

The Direct Train Route: KA Blambangan Ekspres

• Train Name: KA Blambangan Ekspres.

• Route: Stasiun Ketapang (Banyuwangi) direct to Stasiun Semarang Tawang (Semarang).

• Schedule & Duration: Departs Ketapang in the afternoon (~14:50 WIB) and arrives at Semarang Tawang in the early morning (~01:00–02:00 WIB), taking roughly 11 hours.

• Why Choose This Train: It is the only direct train connecting Banyuwangi to Semarang without requiring a train transfer in Surabaya. Sleeping on the train saves you the cost of a hotel night.

How to Book Train Tickets

• Booking Channels: Book your tickets in advance using the official Access by KAI app, Traveloka, or Tiket.com. Seat reservation opens up to 45 days prior to departure.

Step 3: Semarang to Karimunjawa (Flight vs. Ferry Options)

From Semarang Tawang Station, you have two main routes to reach the Karimunjawa archipelago: flying directly or taking a shuttle to the ferry port in Jepara.

Option A: Direct Pioneer Flight via Susi Air (Semarang to Karimunjawa)

• Route: Fly from Ahmad Yani International Airport (SRG) in Semarang to Dewadaru Airport (KWB) in Karimunjawa.

• Flight Time: Approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

• CRITICAL NOTE ON FLIGHT SCHEDULES: Pioneer flights operated by Susi Air do not run daily. Schedules typically operate 2 to 4 days per week depending on season and government subsidies. Always verify and lock in Susi Air’s operating days before finalizing your main travel dates.

• How to Book: Book through the Susi Air mobile app, official Susi Air WhatsApp/Call Center, or local travel agencies in Karimunjawa.

Option B: Overland Shuttle + Fast Ferry via Jepara

• Route: Take a shared shuttle or taxi from Stasiun Semarang Tawang to Pelabuhan Kartini (Kartini Port) in Jepara (~2 hours drive). From Jepara, board the Express Bahari fast ferry directly to Karimunjawa Main Port (~2 hours sea crossing).

• How to Book: Book your shuttle via Traveloka or RedBus (operators like DayTrans or Kencana). Book ferry tickets via the Express Bahari Mobile app.

Step 4: Arriving in Karimunjawa & Reaching Bunga Jabe

Your final destination is Bunga Jabe, an eco-friendly beachfront retreat located in Kemujan, the northern area of Karimunjawa island.

If Arriving by Air (Dewadaru Airport - KWB)

• Distance: Extremely close! Bunga Jabe is located in Kemujan, right in the same area as Dewadaru Airport.

• Travel Time: Just a 5 to 10-minute drive from the runway to your beachfront room.

• Transport Options: Local motorcycle taxi (ojek), private car rental, or direct pickup arranged with Bunga Jabe.

If Arriving by Sea (Karimunjawa Main Port)

• Distance: Karimunjawa Main Port is located in the southern town center, approximately 20–25 km away from Bunga Jabe in Kemujan (~40 to 45 minutes drive).

• Transport Options:

  1. DAMRI Island Bus: The government-subsidized DAMRI perintis bus runs between Karimunjawa Port and Kemujan/Dewadaru Airport. You can conveniently book your seat via the DAMRI Apps or pay on the spot.

  2. Local Ojek & Scooter/Car Rentals: Hire a local driver or rent a scooter at the port.

  3. Bunga Jabe Resort Transfer: Pre-arrange a hassle-free private driver pickup through Bunga Jabe's reservation team prior to your arrival.

Summary of Essential Travel Apps to Download

Before starting your journey from Bali to Karimunjawa, download these mobile apps to keep your bookings organized:

• Ferizy: Mandatory for ASDP ferry tickets between Bali (Gilimanuk) and Java (Ketapang).

• Access by KAI: Official app for booking your KA Blambangan Ekspres train ticket.

• DAMRI Apps: For booking DAMRI bus routes, including the local port-to-Kemujan transfer in Karimunjawa.

• Susi Air App: For checking and booking flight routes from Semarang to Dewadaru Airport.

• Express Bahari Mobile: For booking fast ferry tickets from Jepara to Karimunjawa.

• Grab / Gojek / Traveloka: For local rides in Bali and shuttle transfers between Semarang and Jepara.

Ready for Your Beachfront Escape? Stay at Bunga Jabe

After your journey across land and sea, step onto the tranquil shores of Kemujan. Bunga Jabe offers an authentic, eco-conscious beachfront stay nestled right by calm ocean waters. Located just minutes from Dewadaru Airport, it is the perfect sanctuary to relax, explore pristine marine life, and experience genuine local island hospitality.

• Location: Kemujan, Karimunjawa (5–10 minutes from Dewadaru Airport).

• Highlights: Traditional beachfront bungalows, eco-friendly environment, quiet white sand shores, and personalized island tours.

• Book Your Stay: Visit bungajabe.id to check availability and reserve your tropical getaway today.

• Need Personal Assistance? The Bunga Jabe team is always ready to assist you with local travel logistics, ferry updates, or trip planning. Simply visit bungajabe.id and click the floating WhatsApp icon to chat directly with the team in real-time!

Get in touch

info@bungajabe.id