Bali is Indonesia’s top tourist destination, and it’s so popular that Bali Airport (also known as Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Denpasar Airport) is the second busiest international airport in the country (after Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport).
It is named after I Gusti Ngurah Rai, who is a hero of the Indonesian Independence movement and the airport opened in 1968.
The international terminal at Bali Airport opened in 2013, and the domestic terminal was refurbished and relaunched in 2014. The airport has a single runway, which is shared between international and domestic carriers.
International and domestic flights share 124 check-in counters, with 62 counters at each terminal. In addition to the counters, you’ll find self-service check-in kiosks for some airlines, ticketing counters and dedicated bag drop services.
One thing you should know is that there are different recommended airport arrival times for domestic and international terminals. If you are flying domestically, you should be at the airport two hours before you are due to take off, but for international flights, you need to be there three hours before.
If you need to change between the two terminals, the good news is that they are next door to each other, and it’s easy to walk between them.
Getting To/From The Airport In Bali
Nearly everyone in Bali uses the local ride share services Grab or Gojek, which are cheaper than using taxi drivers. Both services have installed waiting rooms at the airport near the convenience stores to ensure you can wait without being pestered.
However, you can also book an airport taxi with the desks at the arrival hall for a fixed price ride (never engage taxi drivers in Bali directly, you risk being ripped off if you do).
Your hotel may also offer airport transfer services. An airport transfer can be a great option if it’s included free of charge; however, an airport transfer is usually the most expensive way to get to your hotel if you have to pay for it.
Ngurah Rai Airport is connected (via a toll road) to many of the best-known tourist destinations such as Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua. Your driver may require you to pay the toll in cash.
Facilities At Bali Airport
There are plenty of facilities for travellers at the airport, including:
- Money changers offering currency exchange in each terminal building and ATM machines
- Restaurants, bars, cafes and convenience stores in each terminal and outside of each terminal. Dining options include Revolver, Wolfgang Puck, Hard Rock Cafe, Made’s Warung and more.
- Shopping, including duty-free, designer outlets, bookstores, gift shops and even WH Smith and other international brands
- Left luggage offices, which also serve as the airport’s lost and found service (call: +62 361 935 1011) at the entrance of the International Terminal only
Hotel reservation desks, pharmacy, airport lounges, and even spa and massage facilities
In addition, you can find:
- Business and conference services – including faxing, photocopying, Internet and secretarial services in the executive lounge in the international terminal. You can also find similar services in the Novotel just outside the airport.
- Communication services – free Wi-Fi access is available inside the airport (though speeds may vary, particularly if there is high user traffic), and you can easily purchase a local SIM card within the airport shops.
- Disabled services – the terminals offer ramps and lifts for wheelchair users, and wheelchairs can be supplied on request. It’s best to contact your airline before you travel if you need any assistance in this regard.
- Car parking – there are three car parks and one motorbike parking area on site.
- Car rental – Thrifty, Hertz and more are all available as you enter Bali for stress-free car rental.
Visa Services In Bali Airport
Nearly all tourists require a Visa On Arrival (VoA) to enter Indonesia; this can be purchased online as an e-visa or purchased when you arrive. If you book an e-visa, make sure to use the official government website, or you risk overpaying.
The Visa on Arrival allows travellers from over 90+ countries to stay in Bali for 30 days on a single-entry visit. It can be extended at immigration offices for another 30 days for an additional fee.
It’s worth noting that ASEAN citizens qualify for visa-free stays, though often of a shorter, more limited duration than 30 days, and these stays cannot be extended.
If you opt not to book an e-visa, you can obtain a Visa on Arrival at the check-in desk before immigration, customs and the security checkpoint. It costs 500,000 IDR (around $30 USD or $50 AUD).
This process can be very quick if you arrive at the right time, but sometimes there are long queues, which can substantially delay your progress getting to your destination on the island.
We would also note that you cannot use the e-gate service if you opt for a visa on arrival at the airport, and this can mean big queues for immigration services even after you have your visa. We strongly recommend booking online.
Other Important Information For Arriving Passengers
After you pass through immigration in the arrival hall, you must collect your bags and then pass through customs inspection.
In order to do this without any delay, you must complete a digital arrival card for Indonesia in the 72 hours prior to your flight. This contains a combined health and customs declaration and generates a QR code that can be shown to customs.
If you haven’t done this, don’t panic; you can fill in the form at the airport (and free WiFi is provided for this) on your smartphone. You only need to complete one declaration per group of travellers, so parents can complete a form that includes their spouse and children.
You then show the QR code that is generated by this form to a customs officer, you may then be asked to have your bags X-rayed, and in some cases, be subject to a manual search of your baggage.
We must stress that it’s important to complete the declarations honestly, and under no circumstances should you attempt to bring illegal drugs into Indonesia. Indonesian law carries the death penalty for many drug-related crimes.
Finally, it’s important to note that Bali has a mandatory tourist tax in addition to the visa fee. This is 150,000 IDR per person (roughly $10 USD or $15 AUD), and it is meant to be paid before you arrive in Indonesia. However, it is mandatory that it is paid before your departure.
You can pay this tax online at the Bali Love Portal or at the counter at the airport following customs clearance near the end of the row of shops leading out to the taxi ranks.
The local government carries out spot checks at tourist attractions to see if this tax has been paid.
FAQs
What Is The Main Airport In Bali?
Bali Airport, which is known as Denpasar or Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Does Bali Have Two Airports?
Not at the moment, there’s only one airport on the island. There are plans for a second airport in West Bali, but to date, there’s been no implementation of these plans.
What Airport Do You Fly Into For Bali?
You fly into Denpasar Airport (DPS) or Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on your booking channel.
Are Denpasar And Ngurah Rai The Same?
If you are referring to airports, yes, Denpasar and Ngurah Rai are the same. If you’re talking more generally, Denpasar is the name of Bali’s biggest city, and I Gusti Ngurah Rai is the name of Bali’s most famous hero.
Which Airport To Choose For Bali?
You can only choose Denpasar Airport (DPS). Any other Indonesian airport is on another island.
Are there any hotels near Bali Airport?
Yes, there are numerous hotels close to Bali Airport, ranging from budget accommodations to luxurious resorts. Some hotels offer complimentary airport transfers for their guests.
Can I store my luggage at Bali Airport?
Yes, a luggage storage service is available at Bali Airport for a fee. It is ideal if you are doing a layover in Bali before travelling domestically around Indonesia.
Are there duty-free shops at Bali Airport?
Yes, Bali Airport has several duty-free shops where you can purchase cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and more, with attractive tax-free prices.
Is there free WiFi available at Bali Airport?
Yes, Bali Airport provides free WiFi throughout the terminals. Connect to the “Free Bali Airport WiFi” network and follow the prompts to access the internet.
Final Thoughts On Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport
The Bali International Airport (DPS) welcomes millions of travellers annually to the Island of the Gods. The airport has all the services you need for visas, SIM cards, money exchanges and transportation to ensure a seamless welcome and get you on your way to enjoying your Bali holiday.
And then, once you are here, see us at FINNS! No Bali holiday is complete without a visit to the World’s Best Beach Club; we’ll be here to give you the best Bali experience, with poolside cocktails, oceanfront views, and dancing from day to night.
