Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali

Note: Early in 2009 the Bali governor gave the go-ahead for a long-awaited expansion of Ngurah Rai airport. The plans call for the domestic terminal to be expanded and upgraded, after which it will be used as the international terminal, while the current international building will be converted to domestic. During the construction, there may be some changes to the arrival and departure processes described here.

 
Bali's main (and for now only) airport is Ngurah Rai International. The airport code is 'DPS' for Denpasar, the island's capital city. The airport is rather low-rise compared to most international airports. This is because the design has arrivals and departure check-in on the same ground level, rather than stacked on top of each other as they are at most airports.

There are essentially two terminals, one for international and one for domestic flights, connected by a short walkway. See our Bali airport map for more information. Although the two terminals are right next to each other, the airport's 'flat' layout means that domestic arrivals and international check-in counters are at opposite ends of the airport, making it a rather long walk (or run) if you're trying to make a tight connection. There is no shuttle bus.

The airport is relatively easy to use and hassle free, at least compared to many other Indonesian airports. However, those traveling into or out of Bali are strongly encouraged to lock their luggage. Pilferage from checked bags has been a problem at this airport. Also note that the ICAO liquids, aerosols and gels rule applies to all carry-on bags for all departures from this airport.

For ideas about what to see and do around the island, see the Asia for Visitors guide to Bali.
 

Note: Visitors should be aware of the Balinese New Year (Nyepi), which occurs sometime between mid-March and late April. Nyepi is a day of silence, when restaurants are closed, taxis are off the streets, and people are supposed to remain indoors. Note especially that the airport is closed on Nyepi. There are no scheduled arrivals or departures on the day.