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Getting There & Away from Denpasar

Getting There & Away from Denpasar

Bali, Indonesia

Air Travel to Bali

Airport & Airlines

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar International Airport, is Bali's sole international airport. It sits just south of Denpasar city, near popular tourist areas.

Air Carriers

  • International: Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Emirates, Qatar Airways, AirAsia, Jetstar, and others connect Bali globally.
  • Domestic: Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, Super Air Jet link Bali to Indonesian cities like Jakarta and Surabaya.
  • Typical Routes: Direct flights from Southeast Asia, Australia, East Asia, and some Middle Eastern cities. Europe/North America generally require a connection.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices vary significantly throughout the year, contingent on travel demand.

Price Fluctuations

  • High Season (July-August, December-January): Flights are most expensive and book out well in advance due to peak demand.
  • Shoulder Season (April-June, September-October): Prices are generally more competitive. Booking a few months ahead brings good deals.
  • Low Season (February-March, November): This period sees the cheapest flight prices due to lower demand and increased rainfall.

Airport Facilities

DPS features duty-free shops, restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and free Wi-Fi.

Airport Transfers

Options include prepaid airport taxis, ride-hailing apps (GoJek/Grab), or pre-arranged hotel transfers.

Transfer Costs

Expect to pay Rp 100,000 - Rp 150,000 (USD 6.50 - 10) from DPS to central Denpasar by ride-hailing or taxi.

Domestic & International Flights

Connecting from Major Hubs

  • Asia: Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Bangkok (BKK), Jakarta (CGK), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG), Shanghai (PVG), Taipei (TPE).
  • Australia: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Perth (PER), Brisbane (BNE), Darwin (DRW).
  • Middle East: Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH).
  • Europe/North America: No direct flights to Denpasar. Connections via Asian or Middle Eastern hubs.

Flight Booking Tips

  • Use flight comparison sites like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for best prices.
  • Book in advance, especially for high season travel, to secure preferred dates and fares.
  • Set price alerts to monitor changes and grab deals.
  • Consider flexible dates for better pricing, notably during shoulder or low seasons.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

Airport departure tax for international flights from DPS is typically included in your airline ticket price. No separate fee at the airport upon departure.

Departure Timing

For international flights, arrive at DPS at least 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.

Departure Procedures

Check-in, security screening, and immigration (for international flights). Complete your electronic customs declaration before exiting.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving & Requirements

Renting a vehicle gives flexibility. Scooters are very popular. An International Driving Permit (IDP) and your national license are legally needed for non-Indonesian citizens.

Rentals & Permits

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legal requirement to drive a car or ride a scooter. Obtain it before departure.
  • Car Rental: Available from international (Avis, Hertz) and local agencies. Cost: Rp 250,000 - Rp 500,000 (USD 16 - 33) per day for a basic car.
  • Scooter/Motorbike Rental: Very popular. Cost: Rp 60,000 - Rp 100,000 (USD 4 - 6.50) per day. Helmets are legally mandated.

Bus & Train Travel

While Bali does not have trains, long-distance buses connect to other islands. Perama Tour & Travel buses serve major tourist towns.

Inter-Island Connections

  • Long-Distance Buses: Connect Bali to Java and Lombok from Ubung Bus Terminal or Mengwi Bus Terminal (north of Denpasar). Often overnight journeys.
  • Perama Tour & Travel: Popular tourist-oriented bus company for fixed-route shuttles across Bali (Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud, etc.).
  • Train Services: None on Bali. The closest train network is on Java island, requiring a ferry from Bali first.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads in Bali vary. Main roads can be congested. Rural roads are narrow, winding, and sometimes poorly maintained.

Driving Safely

  • Driving Style: Traffic flow is often chaotic. Drivers may not strictly adhere to lane markings or signals. Horns signal presence.
  • Motorbike Accidents: High incidence with foreign tourists. Drive with extreme caution, only if confident and experienced. Always wear a DOT-certified helmet.
  • Pedestrians: Sidewalks are often uneven or blocked, forcing walking on roads. Be aware of traffic.

Sea Travel & Ferries

Sea travel mainly links Bali with neighboring islands, offering another transport option.

Ports & Connections

  • Gilimanuk (West Bali): Main port for frequent 24/7 ferries to Ketapang, Java (45-60 min travel).
  • Padang Bai (East Bali): Hub for ferries and fast boats to Lombok and the Gili Islands. Public ferries take 4-5 hours to Lombok.
  • Sanur (South Bali): Main departure point for fast boats to the Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan).

Traffic & Driving Warnings

  • Many tourists ride scooters without proper experience or license, leading to risks.
  • Your travel insurance may be invalid if you drive without an IDP.
  • Be very aware of traffic when walking, as sidewalks are often poor or absent.
  • Laws against drink driving are strict; never drink and drive.
  • Stray dogs and chickens are common on roads, especially in rural areas.
  • Congestion is severe in Denpasar and popular southern Bali areas.

Departure Information & Customs

Airport Departure Procedures

Departure Checklist

  • Timing: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • Check-in: Proceed to your airline's counter or use online check-in.
  • Immigration: For international flights, clear immigration after security.

Airport Facilities for Departures

DPS caters to departing travelers with a variety of conveniences to make waiting comfortable.

Amenities at DPS

  • Shopping: Duty-free shops and last-minute souvenir options.
  • Food & Drink: Wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
  • Comfort: Comfortable waiting areas and lounges (some accessible via Priority Pass).

Customs Declaration

Ensure your electronic customs declaration is completed, mandatory for both entry and exit.

Baggage Limits

Confirm luggage weight limits with your airline before arrival at the airport to avoid excess fees.

Terminal Facilities

Inter-island ferry/bus terminals have more basic facilities; buy food/drinks before arriving.

Affiliate Resources for Travel

Essential Planning Tools

Travel Planning Links

Health & Transport Resources

Helpful resources for health supplies and getting around Bali.

On-the-Go Needs

Shopping & Security

Online Retail

Amazon for a wide range of travel products before your trip.

Travel Bags

Nordace for modern travel bags and accessories.

Anti-Theft Gear

Pacsafe for anti-theft bags and travel security products.

Affiliate Note

When you click on certain links and make a purchase, we may receive a commission. This supports our efforts in sharing useful travel information.
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