Sanur Harbor represents a significant advancement in Denpasar's tourism infrastructure, with a design heavily influenced by Balinese culture, including the "Perahu Bercadik" boat and the "Gajah Mina" pattern. Besides being a transportation hub, Sanur Harbor has become a new icon, providing hope for Bali's economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. The harbor is attracting tourists, particularly middle to upper-class visitors, and is expected to stimulate the expansion of tourist segmentation to Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan.
Both Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan are well-known tourist destinations, famous for their natural charms, and the new harbor has made it easier for tourists to access them. Before the harbor's construction, tourists had to board boats, often getting wet in the process, but now they can board the ship via a floating bridge.
The harbor serves not only tourists but also Balinese people who wish to worship at the temples on Nusa Penida. Nevertheless, tourism remains the main source of income for Balinese people, and the pandemic's impact on Bali's economy was severe. With no foreign tourists, the island's economic growth plummeted, and unemployment increased. However, the government took advantage of the pandemic to improve infrastructure by constructing Sanur Harbor, which previously had inadequate supporting facilities, cramped space, and no place for cargo. Ships crossed from Sanur without complying with safety and security standards.
