Kalianget Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Kalianget is most easily reached via Surabaya, East Java's capital city. From Surabaya, take the Suramadu Bridge to Madura Island, then continue east by car or public bus for approximately 2 hours to reach Kalianget. Alternatively, traditional ferry services connect Surabaya's Tanjung Perak port to Kamal on western Madura, adding about 30 minutes to your journey but offering scenic views. Once on Madura, regular buses and angkot (shared minivans) serve routes to Kalianget. If driving, ample parking is available near the ferry terminal, though spaces fill quickly during peak travel times.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Madura Island, Kalianget offers visitors a glimpse into Indonesia's rich maritime heritage. This modest port town combines the authentic charm of local fishing communities with historical significance as a former salt production center. The gentle sea breeze, traditional wooden vessels bobbing in the harbor, and friendly locals create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from Indonesia's more touristed destinations.

Kalianget experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from May through September, when clear skies and calm seas create perfect conditions for ferry travel and outdoor exploration. October to April brings the rainy season, with February typically seeing the heaviest rainfall that occasionally affects ferry schedules. Consider planning your visit around the Karapan Sapi (bull racing) events held across Madura between August and October, a thrilling cultural spectacle unique to the island. Ferry services maintain regular schedules year-round but operate with greater frequency during summer months when tourism peaks.

Kalianget serves as a gateway to several captivating nearby destinations accessible by ferry. The Kangean Islands lie approximately 3-4 hours east by ferry, offering pristine beaches and traditional fishing villages largely untouched by mass tourism. Sapudi Island, reachable in about 2 hours, presents a glimpse into traditional Madurese culture with its renowned traditional knife-making workshops. For nature enthusiasts, Raas Island (2.5 hours by ferry) features stunning coral reefs and marine biodiversity perfect for snorkeling adventures. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, as these ferry routes pass through the picturesque waters of the Java Sea dotted with smaller uninhabited islands.

Kalianget offers visitors a chance to explore Indonesia's historic salt production at the former Dutch colonial salt warehouses, which once served as the center of the region's salt industry. The bustling fish market near the port provides an authentic glimpse into local life, especially in early mornings when fishing boats return with their fresh catches. Don't miss sampling Madura's distinctive cuisine, particularly the savory sate Madura (spiced beef satay) and hearty soto Madura (aromatic beef soup) at waterfront warungs (food stalls). The old town area features colonial-era architecture worth exploring, with buildings dating back to when Kalianget served as an important Dutch East Indies trading post.

Kalianget once ranked among the largest salt producers in Southeast Asia, with its salt works established by the Dutch East India Company in the early 1800s. The town's name itself derives from local words meaning 'salty water,' referencing the natural salt deposits that brought prosperity to the region. Maritime folklore claims that local sailors from Kalianget could navigate purely by reading wave patterns and star positions, a skill passed down through generations. The traditional wooden vessels built in Kalianget's small shipyards follow designs that have remained largely unchanged for centuries, using techniques predating modern naval architecture.