Arrival & Transport
Flights to Bali (DPS Ngurah Rai)
Bali has exactly one airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), located on a runway in the sea between Kuta and Jimbaran. Coordinates: [-8.7482, 115.1672]. Modern terminal with separate domestic and international areas.
Direct Flights from Germany?
There are no nonstop flights from Germany to Bali. The flight time is 14–16 hours with one stopover. The best connections:
- Singapore Airlines: Via Singapore (SIN). Excellent service, modern terminal in Changi for transfers. Frankfurt → Singapore (12h) + Singapore → Bali (2.5h). From 550 € round trip.
- Qatar Airways: Via Doha (DOH). Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin → Doha (6h) + Doha → Bali (9h). Often the cheapest premium option, from 480 €.
- Emirates: Via Dubai (DXB). Many German departure airports. Dubai → Bali (9h). From 500 €.
- Turkish Airlines: Via Istanbul (IST). Many German departure airports, large network. From 450 €.
- Cathay Pacific: Via Hong Kong (HKG). From Frankfurt. Good value for money, from 480 €.
- Garuda Indonesia: Indonesia's national airline. Via Jakarta (CGK) or directly from Amsterdam (codeshare with KLM). From 520 €.
- KLM: Via Amsterdam to Jakarta, connecting flight with Garuda to Bali. From 500 €.
Flight Prices (Reference Values Round Trip from Germany)
| Period | Economy | Premium Eco | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Nov–Mar, except Christmas) | 430–600 € | 900–1,300 € | 2,500–4,000 € |
| Shoulder (Apr–Jun, Oct) | 500–700 € | 1,000–1,400 € | 2,800–4,500 € |
| High Season (Jul–Sep) | 650–1,000 € | 1,200–1,800 € | 3,500–5,500 € |
| Christmas/New Year | 900–1,500 € | 1,600–2,200 € | 4,500–7,000 € |
Visa on Arrival
German citizens receive a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for 30 days upon entry. Cost: 500,000 IDR (~29 €), payable in IDR, USD, or by credit card. The visa can be extended once for another 30 days (at the immigration office in Bali, fee: 500,000 IDR). Passport must be valid for at least 6 more months.
From the Airport to Accommodation
- Grab/GoJek: Cheapest option. Go to the pickup zone in the parking garage (signposted). To Kuta: ~30,000 IDR (1.70 €), to Seminyak: ~50,000 IDR (2.85 €), to Ubud: ~180,000 IDR (10.30 €), to Uluwatu: ~100,000 IDR (5.70 €).
- Official Airport Taxi: Fixed prices at the counter in the arrival hall. Much more expensive than Grab, but convenient. Kuta: 80,000 IDR, Seminyak: 150,000 IDR, Ubud: 350,000 IDR.
- Hotel Transfer: Most hotels arrange pickup. 150,000–400,000 IDR depending on distance.
Tipp
Book 10–14 weeks in advance for the best prices. Singapore Airlines via Changi is the most pleasant connection — Singapore Airport is an experience in itself (pool, butterfly garden, cinema). Qatar Airways via Doha is often the cheapest.
Achtung
The Visa on Arrival is only available at certain border crossings, the DPS airport is one of them. The VoA is NOT free — some websites falsely claim this. It costs 500,000 IDR. Credit card payment at the VoA counter is possible, but keep the amount in cash ready just in case.
Renting a Scooter — Bali's Most Important Means of Transport
The scooter is by far the most popular means of transport in Bali — for locals and tourists alike. Without a scooter, you rely on expensive taxis or a private driver. With a scooter, you are free.
Prices
| Scooter Type | Price/Day | Price/Week | Price/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Vario 125 (Standard) | 60,000–80,000 IDR (3.43–4.57 €) | 350,000–500,000 IDR (20–29 €) | 1,000,000–1,500,000 IDR (57–86 €) |
| Honda PCX 150 (Comfort) | 100,000–130,000 IDR (5.71–7.43 €) | 600,000–800,000 IDR (34–46 €) | 1,800,000–2,500,000 IDR (103–143 €) |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 (Premium) | 100,000–150,000 IDR (5.71–8.57 €) | 650,000–900,000 IDR (37–51 €) | 2,000,000–2,800,000 IDR (114–160 €) |
| Honda Scoopy (small, light) | 50,000–70,000 IDR (2.86–4.00 €) | 300,000–400,000 IDR (17–23 €) | 800,000–1,200,000 IDR (46–69 €) |
What You MUST Know
- International Driver's License: You need an international driver's license (IDP) with motorcycle class A/A1. Apply at the road traffic office in Germany for ~15 €. Without an IDP: police fines of 500,000 IDR (~29 €) during checks — and they are frequent, especially on the main roads in Canggu, Ubud, and Kuta.
- Insurance — the Most Important Thing: Without a valid international driver's license with motorcycle class, no German travel insurance will pay in the event of a scooter accident. Medical costs for a serious accident in Bali can easily amount to 50,000–100,000 €. This is not a theoretical risk — scooter accidents are the most common cause of injury among tourists in Bali.
- Helmet: Helmet requirement! Police fine without a helmet: 250,000 IDR. But more importantly: your head. Rental helmets are often inferior — those staying longer buy their own at a helmet shop (from 200,000 IDR / ~11 €).
- Do NOT Hand Over Your Passport: Many renters require the passport as collateral. Never hand over your passport! Instead, offer a copy and a cash deposit (500,000–1,000,000 IDR). Serious renters accept this.
- Take Photos: Photograph every scratch and dent before taking over. Otherwise, "old damage" is often charged upon return.
- Refueling: At gas stations (Pertamina, 10,000 IDR/liter) or from Absolut Vodka bottles on the roadside (12,000–15,000 IDR/liter). Fuel type: Pertalite (green) is standard.
- Left-Hand Traffic: Indonesia drives on the left! Be especially careful at intersections and roundabouts. Drive very slowly for the first few kilometers.
Traffic Situation
Traffic in South Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Denpasar) is chaotic and often unbearable. Hours-long traffic jams on the main roads are normal, especially during rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM). Ubud is becoming increasingly congested. East Bali and North Bali, on the other hand, are relaxed and free. On Nusa Penida, the roads are narrow, steep, and often unpaved — only for experienced drivers!
The Best Scooter Routes
- Sidemen Valley: Through country roads amidst rice terraces with views of Mount Agung. Bali's most beautiful ride.
- Munduk → Lovina (Coastal Road): Serpentines through coffee plantations and cloud forest with views of the north coast.
- Uluwatu Cliff Road: Along the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula to hidden beaches.
- East Coast Amed → Tulamben: Coastal road with volcano views and stops at deserted beaches.
Tipp
The Honda Vario 125 is Bali's standard scooter: light, automatic, economical, available everywhere. For the steep roads on Nusa Penida or the mountain routes in the north, take the more powerful NMAX 155.
Achtung
Bali has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in Southeast Asia — most victims are scooter riders. ALWAYS wear a helmet, ride sober and defensively. On Nusa Penida, the roads are particularly dangerous: steep, narrow, and often unpaved. Without experience, it's better to hire a driver there.
Grab & GoJek
The two ride-hailing apps Grab and GoJek are Bali's cheapest and most convenient transport option if you don't ride a scooter. They work like Uber: open the app, enter your destination, see the fixed price, book.
Price Comparison (Typical Routes)
| Route | Grab/GoJek Car | Grab/GoJek Motorcycle | Official Taxi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminyak → Airport | 50,000 IDR (2.86 €) | 20,000 IDR (1.14 €) | 150,000 IDR (8.57 €) |
| Kuta → Seminyak | 25,000 IDR (1.43 €) | 10,000 IDR (0.57 €) | 60,000 IDR (3.43 €) |
| Seminyak → Ubud | 120,000 IDR (6.86 €) | 50,000 IDR (2.86 €) | 250,000 IDR (14.29 €) |
| Ubud → Uluwatu | 200,000 IDR (11.43 €) | 80,000 IDR (4.57 €) | 400,000 IDR (22.86 €) |
| Kuta → Uluwatu | 100,000 IDR (5.71 €) | 40,000 IDR (2.29 €) | 200,000 IDR (11.43 €) |
Important to Know
- Grab vs. GoJek: Both work identically. GoJek is the Indonesian service (often slightly cheaper), Grab is Southeast Asian. Install both apps and compare prices.
- Taxi Mafia: In certain areas — especially in Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur, and Nusa Dua — local taxi driver associations actively block Grab/GoJek drivers. App drivers are not allowed to drive there or pick up passengers. You must walk to a designated pickup point outside the zone. Ask your accommodation for the nearest Grab pickup point.
- GrabBike / GoRide: Motorcycle ride — half the price of a car, twice as fast in traffic. The best option for solo travelers without large luggage.
- GrabFood / GoFood: Food delivery. Almost everyone in Bali uses these services — the entire restaurant offering directly to your hotel room or villa.
- Payment: Cash or credit card in the app. Top up GoPay (GoJek wallet) for discounts and promotions.
Tipp
In the Grab/GoJek restricted zones (Ubud center, Uluwatu temple area), ask your accommodation for the nearest allowed pickup point. Often it's only 200–500 meters on foot. The savings compared to a local taxi are worth it.
Private Driver
A private driver with a car is surprisingly affordable in Bali and the most relaxed way to explore the island — especially for day trips, families, and anyone who doesn't want to ride a scooter.
Prices
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Half Day (5 hrs) | 350,000–450,000 IDR (20–26 €) | For afternoon trips, e.g., Ubud → Tegallalang → Tirta Empul |
| Full Day (10 hrs) | 600,000–800,000 IDR (34–46 €) | Ideal for day tours, e.g., Ubud → Kintamani → Munduk |
| Transfer Airport → Ubud | 350,000–400,000 IDR (20–23 €) | Fixed price, includes waiting at the airport |
| Transfer Ubud → Amed | 500,000–600,000 IDR (29–34 €) | ~3 hours drive |
| Multi-Day Tour (per day) | 500,000–700,000 IDR (29–40 €) | Driver organizes everything, route flexible |
Why a Private Driver Makes Sense
- No Stress with Traffic: Bali's traffic is chaotic. An experienced driver knows the shortcuts and peak times.
- Flexibility: You determine the route and stops. Spontaneously stop if you see something interesting? No problem.
- Local Knowledge: Good drivers are also guides — they know the best warungs, the most beautiful viewpoints, and the history of the temples.
- Cheaper Than You Think: For 2–4 people, a private driver per person is often cheaper than Grab rides to each individual point.
How to Find?
- Through Accommodation: Almost every hotel and guesthouse arranges drivers. Prices are fair and the drivers reliable.
- Klook or GetYourGuide: Pre-bookable day tours with a driver. Convenient if you already know the route.
- Approach Directly: Drivers wait in front of every temple and attraction. Negotiate the price! Benchmark: 600,000 IDR for 10 hours.
Tipp
A good driver makes the difference. If you have a great driver, ask for his phone number and book him directly for the next few days — it saves both sides money and you get personal service.
Boats to the Nusa Islands
The three Nusa Islands (Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan) are accessible by speedboat from Bali's southeast coast. The crossing is short but can be rough in choppy seas.
Departure Ports on Bali
- Sanur: The main port for boats to all three Nusa Islands. Coordinates: [-8.6905, 115.2627]. Numerous providers, departures from 7:30 AM to afternoon.
- Padang Bai: Alternative port in eastern Bali. Less frequent but convenient if coming from East Bali. Coordinates: [-8.5291, 115.5071].
Ferry Connections
| Route | Duration | Price (one way) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanur → Nusa Lembongan | 30 Min. | 150,000–200,000 IDR (8.57–11.43 €) | Hourly, 7:30–16:30 |
| Sanur → Nusa Penida | 45 Min. | 150,000–250,000 IDR (8.57–14.29 €) | Several times daily |
| Nusa Lembongan → Nusa Penida | 15–20 Min. | 75,000–100,000 IDR (4.29–5.71 €) | Several times daily |
| Padang Bai → Nusa Penida | 45–60 Min. | 100,000–150,000 IDR (5.71–8.57 €) | 2–3x daily |
Providers (Speedboats)
- Maruti Express: Reliable, modern boats. From 200,000 IDR.
- D'Camel Fast Ferry: Good reputation, punctual. From 175,000 IDR.
- Angel's Billabong Fast Cruise: Affordable, solid. From 150,000 IDR.
- Crown Fast Cruise: Premium option, larger boats. From 250,000 IDR.
Booking
Online via 12go.asia or Bookaway (small surcharge but guaranteed seat) or directly at the ticket counters at Sanur harbor (often cheaper but risky during high season). Hotels and tour agencies in Ubud/Seminyak sell combo tickets (transport to the harbor + boat) for ~50,000 IDR surcharge.
Nusa Lembongan ↔ Nusa Ceningan
The two islands are connected by the famous Yellow Bridge — crossable on foot or by scooter. No ferry needed!
Tipp
Book round trips with the same provider — this usually saves 10–15%. Those prone to seasickness should choose a seat in the middle of the boat and take travel sickness tablets. The crossing can be very rough in choppy seas (especially during the rainy season).
Achtung
The speedboats have no fixed landing spots — upon arrival at Nusa Penida, you often wade through knee-deep water. Pack valuables waterproof and take off shoes that can get wet.
Domestic Flights to Bali
Many travelers combine Bali with other Indonesian islands — or use Jakarta as a transit airport. Indonesia's domestic flights are cheap and connect Bali with the entire archipelago.
The Most Important Connections
| Route | Duration | Price from | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta (CGK) → Bali (DPS) | 1h 50 | 500,000 IDR (29 €) | Garuda, Lion Air, Batik Air, AirAsia |
| Yogyakarta (JOG) → Bali (DPS) | 1h 10 | 400,000 IDR (23 €) | Garuda, Lion Air, AirAsia |
| Lombok (LOP) → Bali (DPS) | 25 Min. | 300,000 IDR (17 €) | Wings Air, Garuda |
| Surabaya (SUB) → Bali (DPS) | 45 Min. | 350,000 IDR (20 €) | Garuda, Lion Air, Citilink |
| Labuan Bajo / Komodo (LBJ) → Bali (DPS) | 1h 20 | 600,000 IDR (34 €) | Garuda, Batik Air |
| Flores (Ende, ENE) → Bali (DPS) | 1h 30 | 700,000 IDR (40 €) | Wings Air, Batik Air |
Indonesian Airlines
| Airline | Type | Baggage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garuda Indonesia | Full Service | 20 kg incl. | Most reliable option, good service |
| Batik Air | Full Service | 20 kg incl. | Lion Air subsidiary, solid |
| Lion Air | Low Cost | Hand luggage only (7 kg) | Cheapest provider, often delays |
| Citilink | Low Cost | Hand luggage only (7 kg) | Garuda subsidiary, more reliable than Lion |
| AirAsia Indonesia | Low Cost | Hand luggage only (7 kg) | Good value for money |
| Wings Air | Regional | 10 kg incl. | Smaller propeller planes, short distances |
Bali + Komodo/Flores
The most popular combination: Bali + Labuan Bajo (gateway to Komodo National Park). Flight takes only 1h 20 min. Three days are enough for a Komodo boat tour with dragons, snorkeling, and Pink Beach. Flights from 600,000 IDR (34 €) per route.
Bali → Lombok (Alternative to Flight)
Lombok is right next to Bali and is also accessible by speedboat:
- Speedboat Padang Bai → Gili Islands: 1.5–2h, from 450,000 IDR (26 €)
- Public Ferry Padang Bai → Lembar (Lombok): 4–5h, 46,000 IDR (2.63 €) — slow but cheap
- Speedboat Serangan/Sanur → Gili Islands: 2–2.5h, from 550,000 IDR (31 €)
Tipp
For the combination Bali + Komodo/Labuan Bajo, book early — the route is popular and the cheapest fares sell out quickly. Garuda Indonesia is significantly more reliable on this route than Lion Air.
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