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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Indonesia

Air Travel Overview

Arrival Airport

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali, is the sole international airport.

Location & Transfers

  • Nusa Dua is 12-15 km south of DPS, a 30-45 min drive.
  • Official airport taxis operate on fixed prices.
  • Ride-sharing apps (Grab/Gojek) are cost-effective.

Airlines & Routes

Numerous international airlines serve DPS with diverse connections.

Global Connections

  • Airlines include Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates.
  • Major routes from Australia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Middle East.
  • Direct flights from Europe or Americas often involve layovers.

Flight Pricing

Prices are highest during peak season (July-Aug, Dec-Jan); book months ahead.

Shoulder Season Value

More reasonable prices and good availability in shoulder seasons (April-June, Sep-Oct).

Airport Services

DPS is well-equipped: ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, restaurants, lounges.

Transfer Options

Convenient Choices

  • Official airport taxis: fixed-price service immediately outside arrivals.
  • Ride-sharing apps (Grab/Gojek): cost-effective, look for designated pick-up zones.
  • Pre-booked hotel transfers: driver meets you directly.
  • Private driver: Pre-arrange for flexibility and comfort.

Air Travel Advice

  • Arrive 2-3 hours before international departure for check-in, security, immigration.
  • For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Passenger service charge (airport tax) typically included in airfare.
  • Complete electronic customs declaration (e-CD) online before arrival.

Departure Facilities

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops, retail stores, local crafts. Restaurants, cafes, fast-food.

Passenger Comfort

Airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges are available.

Practicalities

SIM card vendors, tourist information desks, designated pick-up points.

Land Travel within Bali

Self-Driving Overview

Consider self-driving with caution, especially for inexperienced drivers.

Requirements & Risks

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) and national driver's license are mandatory.
  • Daily rental rates vary from IDR 250,000 to 500,000+ (approx. $16-32 USD+).
  • Traffic is dense, driving styles aggressive. Accidents are common.

Public Transit & Shuttles

Bali's public bus system is limited and generally not tourist-friendly.

Alternatives

  • Trans Sarbagita public bus system is not comprehensive for tourists.
  • Private shuttle services (e.g., Perama Tour & Travel) operate between major hubs.
  • No train services exist on Bali. Land travel relies entirely on roads.

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals

Scooter rental is common, but carries high risks.

Usage & Safety

  • IDP with motorcycle endorsement and national license are legally required.
  • Helmets are mandatory and typically provided with the rental.
  • Daily rates range from IDR 60,000 - 100,000 (approx. $4-7 USD).

Driving & Parking

Driving on the left side of the road.

Local Driving Notes

  • Traffic congestion is a significant issue in Southern Bali.
  • Main roads are paved but can be narrow and heavily trafficked.
  • Parking is often available at attractions, resorts, and shopping centers, often for a small fee.

Important Safety Note

  • Self-driving is not advised for inexperienced drivers due to dense traffic.
  • Motorcycle accidents are common among tourists; exercise extreme caution.
  • Drivers often disregard lane markings, and horns are used frequently to signal presence.
  • Consider hiring a driver or using ride-sharing apps for safety.
  • Secondary roads may be poorly maintained.

Sea & River Travel

Cruise & Ferry Ports

Sea travel mainly links Bali to nearby islands.

Connections

  • Benoa Cruise Port near Denpasar is Bali's main cruise ship terminal, close to Nusa Dua.
  • Fast boat services connect Bali to Nusa Islands and Gili Islands/Lombok.
  • Departure points: Sanur, Padang Bai, or Serangan (20-30 mins from Nusa Dua).

Arrival Procedures

Immigration and customs are handled at Benoa Port for cruise arrivals.

Port Specifics

  • Fast boat services involve more relaxed domestic travel checks.
  • Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are available at ports.
  • No significant river transportation for tourists in Nusa Dua or Bali.

Tour & Shuttle Buses

Kura-Kura Bus functions as a hop-on-hop-off option, connecting southern Bali.

Water Transportation

Glass-bottom boats from Tanjung Benoa to Turtle Island.

Private Drivers

Highly recommended for day trips outside Nusa Dua, offering safety and comfort.

Departure Information

Departure Guidance

Prepare for your departure to ensure a stress-free end to your trip.

Airport Timing

  • Arrive 2-3 hours before international departure for ample time.
  • For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Passenger service charge (airport tax) typically included in airfare.

Airport Services

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) offers a range of facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities Available

  • Duty-free shopping, retail stores, local craft shops.
  • Restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets for dining options.
  • Airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges.

Check-in & Security

Check-in

Proceed to your airline's check-in counter or use self-check kiosks if available.

Immigration

After security, international passengers proceed to immigration counters. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.

Security

Standard airport security checks apply. Be prepared to remove electronics and liquids from your carry-on luggage.

Smooth Exit

Monitor any emergency alerts, and confirm itinerary with family or friends.

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