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Leaving Bali's coast for the cool colonial streets of Malang means crossing the Bali Strait, from the Hindu island of the gods to the busy, misty city of East Java. Malang is known for its Javanese markets and Dutch architecture, and it is a gateway to Mount Bromo.
Mount Bromo lies about 2.5 hours from Malang.[1] The crossing between Gilimanuk and Ketapang is run by the ferry operator ASDP, and most travellers do the whole route on a through bus.[2]
Bali to Malang by Bus
Through buses leave from Denpasar, with extra boarding points in Mengwi and Tabanan, which helps if you are staying further up the west coast. The trip takes from about 10 hours and up to 17 hours, depending on traffic and the ferry queue. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $12 (October 2026).[3]
Executive, Luxury and VIP classes
Executive, Luxury and VIP are the most popular classes. Most evening departures leave Denpasar between 16:00 and 19:00 and reach Malang the next morning, while Executive and Luxury services also leave in the morning. Prices for Denpasar departures range from about $12 to $25, and the Royal class from Bali costs up to about $32 (October 2026).[3]
Economy and Comfort classes
Economy and Comfort buses are the cheapest, with one Economy departure from Denpasar at 17:00 and a Comfort departure at 19:00.[3] They are plainer than Executive, so over a long ride many travellers find the step up worth it.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy bus | From about $12[3] | From about 10 hours[3] | Basic |
| Executive bus | About $12 to $25[3] | From about 10 hours[3] | High |
| VIP, Luxury and Royal bus | Up to about $32[3] | From about 10 hours[3] | Excellent |
Tips for Traveling from Bali to Malang
- Book in advance: This is a major transport artery between Bali and Java. On public holidays and long weekends, buses sell out days ahead.
- Prepare for the ferry: Ferry tickets between Ketapang and Gilimanuk are sold digitally only, via Ferizy.[2] When the bus drives onto the ferry, you are usually asked to wait in the passenger lounge. Keep your valuables in a small daypack.
- Pack layers: Indonesian buses are famous for strong air conditioning, so bring a light jacket or a sarong.
- Choose your departure point: From Canggu or Pererenan, departures from Mengwi or Tabanan can spare you the trip back into Denpasar.
- Snacks and water: Bring your own, because the dinner stop depends on traffic.
Timetable
| Bus Denpasar - Malang $ 12.40–24.67 10h 10m – 17h | |
|
| Bus Mengwi - Malang $ 12.27–15.33 11h 30m – 12h 30m | |
|
| Bus Tabanan - Malang $ 12.40–23.74 11h – 12h 30m | |
|
| Bus Bali - Malang $ 23.18–32.02 12h 55m – 14h 25m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Bali to Malang, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets from about $12 from Denpasar on booking platforms (October 2026).
The fastest bus services leave from Denpasar and take from about 10 hours, though traffic and the ferry queue can stretch the trip to 17 hours.
The journey takes from about 10 hours and up to 17 hours, including the ferry crossing between Gilimanuk and Ketapang.
The bus crosses the Bali Strait between Gilimanuk and Ketapang on an ASDP ferry. ASDP sells its tickets only digitally, via Ferizy.
Denpasar has the most departures and classes. From Canggu or Pererenan, departures from Mengwi or Tabanan can be more convenient.
Yes. Many buses leave Bali in the late afternoon or evening and arrive in Malang the next morning.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Indonesia Travel: Malang. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- [2] ASDP Indonesia Ferry: Libur Panjang Mei-Juni, ASDP Wajibkan Pengguna Jasa Beli Tiket Ferry Secara Online via Ferizy. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: Bali - Malang timetable. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.