Bali has long been known as one of the best tourist destinations in Indonesia, even in the world. This island of gods not only offers amazing natural beauty, but also cultural richness, strong traditions, and various interesting activities suitable for all groups.

Whether you’re a new visitor or experienced traveler, arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport can be an exciting but tiring experience. To make your arrival smooth and hassle-free, we have prepared an easy-to-understand guide that covers every step you need to follow after landing.

Understanding Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Layout

Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) has a single, modern terminal for all international arrivals, which is separate from the domestic terminal. The layout is designed to guide you along a clear, straightforward path.

After getting off the plane, you’ll walk through corridors leading directly to the large immigration hall. From there, you will proceed to baggage claim, which has seven carousels for international flights. Finally, you’ll pass through customs before entering the main arrival hall. Although it’s a large airport, it is well-signposted in English, making it easy to navigate from your gate to the exit

Step 1: Getting Off the Plane

After landing, just follow the clearly marked signs to Immigration. This airport has clear signs in English, making it easy for tourists to navigate.

Step 2: Immigration Process

Your experience at immigration will depend on whether you have an e-visa or need to get a Visa on Arrival (VOA):

For E-Visa Holders (Online Visa)

If you already applied for Visa on Arrival (VOA) online, you can skip the regular VOA counter and go straight to the automatic immigration gates. These gates, meant for e-visa holders, ensure a faster entry process.

• Where to Go: Go straight to the automatic immigration gates, usually located near immigration counters.
• How to Use: Scan your passport and QR code linked to your e-visa (received after applying online).
• Processing Speed: Generally, e-visa holders experience the fastest processing time because they skip manual checks.

Pro Tip: Keep your passport and QR code easily accessible on your phone (or printed copy) for a smooth experience.

For Non-E-Visa Holders

If you haven’t applied for an e-visa, you need to apply for Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport. After you exit the jet bridge and enter the main arrival hall, go to the VOA counter.

• Queue Time: Be ready for long lines, especially during busy hours (evenings or weekends).
• Payment: VOA fee is 500,000 IDR (about $30 USD), paid by credit card or cash.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling during busy hours and want to avoid long waiting times, consider applying for e-visa before your trip.

See also : How to Choose the Right Bali Airport Transfer

Step 3: Baggage Claim

After passing immigration, follow directions to Baggage Claim. Here’s how to make the process smoother:

• Baggage Claim Ticket: Keep your baggage claim ticket close to quickly identify your luggage.
• Check Screens: Your baggage carousel number will be displayed based on your flight number.
• Waiting Time: Bali airport can be very busy, and luggage might take time to arrive—patience is key!

Step 4: Customs Declaration

This is a mandatory step for ALL travelers, and the process is now fully digital. Before you can exit the airport, you must complete an Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD).

You can (and should) complete the online form up to 3 days before your flight via the official Indonesian customs website. Once submitted, you will receive a QR code. Keep this QR code handy on your phone.

After collecting your luggage, you will proceed to the customs checkpoint. Here, you will scan your QR code at one of the automated gates. Based on your declaration, you will then proceed through the appropriate lane:

Green Lane (Nothing to Declare)

If you are not carrying prohibited items or goods exceeding the duty-free limit, you will walk through the green lane after scanning your code. This is a quick and seamless exit.

Red Lane (Items to Declare)

If you are carrying items that must be declared (such as large amounts of cash, commercial goods, or luxury items over the limit), you must proceed to the red lane for inspection by a customs officer.

Pro Tip: Fill out your e-CD form from your home or hotel before you fly to Bali. This will save you a lot of time and potential stress trying to connect to airport Wi-Fi after a long flight. Every traveler needs this QR code to exit the airport.

See also : Guide: Get to Know Bali’s Local Transportation

Final Step: Exiting The Airport

After passing customs, you’ll enter the arrival hall where you’ll find various transportation options, SIM cards, and money exchange.

For the most comfortable option, it’s best to choose private pick-up service. For this option you must book it before coming to Bali, or in other words book in advance so when you arrive, there’s already a driver waiting at the arrival gate.

Pro Tip: Arrange transportation in advance to avoid long lines and ensure a hassle-free trip to your accommodation.

Bali Province has roads that are already quite good for people who drive motorcycles or cars. Bali also already has a toll road that connects Denpasar City/Benoa Harbor, Ngurah Rai International Airport, and Nusa Dua (12.7 km long). Because of this, it’s not surprising that local transportation is still a popular choice for tourists to explore Bali island.

For those who are still new, or maybe visiting Bali for the first time, you might need some tips or a guide for using local transportation. There are many local transportation options you can use, so let’s try to get to know them one by one.

Bali Local Transportation

Here are some local transportation options you can use when on holiday in Bali.

Trans Metro Dewata Bus

Just like Trans buses for public transportation in other areas, this bus covers many routes that are quite complete. The price is also quite cheap.

The good thing about using Trans Metro Dewata is that now you can go around Denpasar, Tabanan, Ubud, Gianyar, Sukawati, Banjar Tegal Jaya and Sanur with this Trans Metro Dewata Bus! Just like the Trans Jakarta bus, Trans Metro Dewata is a public transportation Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) that runs through 5 corridors or routes.

How to ride Trans Metro Dewata

Riding this bus is also very easy. Follow these steps below to enjoy a trip with Trans Metro Dewata:

• Before getting on the bus, you need to download the Teman Bus app on your phone and also prepare an electronic money card.
• After that, you can go straight to the bus stop or bus stopping place that has a Trans Metro Dewata Shelter sign or Bus Stop sign.
• Wait for the bus that comes every 10 to 15 minutes.
• When your bus comes, you can tap your electronic money card to pay for the bus.
• Then, get on right away and sit until you reach the place you want to go.

Trans Metro Dewata Routes

Now, there are about 128 Trans Metro Dewata buses that serve 5 corridors with different routes.

The routes taken by Trans Metro Dewata include:

• Corridor 1: Central Parking Kuta to Pesiapan Terminal
• Corridor 2: GOR Ngurah Rai to Ngurah Rai Airport
• Corridor 3: Matahari Terbit Beach to Ubung Terminal
• Corridor 4: Central Parking Monkey Forest to Ubung Terminal
• Corridor 5: Central Parking Kuta to Politeknik Negeri Bali (Jimbaran)

The first Trans Metro Dewata bus starts at 04:30 and the last bus leaves at 20:30 from Matahari Terbit Beach.

See also : Bali’s Beauty with Its Hidden Cultural Gems

Trans Metro Dewata Prices

Before, this bus was still 100% paid for by the government so you could ride around with Trans Metro Dewata for free. But now there are prices for different groups of people. The prices are quite cheap, here are the details:

• Toddlers (0-5 years): Free.
• Students from elementary to university: Rp 2,000.
• People with disabilities: Rp 2,000.
• Regular price: Rp 4,400.

Tips before Riding Trans Metro Dewata

Before riding this bus, make sure you have downloaded the Teman Bus app to know the corridors and bus schedules for your destination. Also, when you get on the Trans Metro Dewata bus, you must use the front door, while when getting off, use the side door. Don’t forget to tap your electronic money card before getting off at the scanning machine!

The wait time between buses can be 30 to 60 minutes. So, if you want to feel the experience of going around Bali cheaply, and don’t mind long travel times, Metro Dewata is the right transportation for you.

Regular Taxi

Many taxi fleets are available in Bali island. This type of transportation is quite popular because it can take you anywhere in the Island of Gods.

Types of regular taxi fleets in Bali are Blue Bird, Komotra Bali Taxi, Lovina Taxi, Yuli Trans, Wahana Dharma Taxi, and many more.

See also : The Best Time to Visit Bali

Grab and Gojek

Online transportation in Bali has quite many users. Big names like Go-Jek or Grab in Bali are also usually easy to find here.

Online transportation has 2 types: motorcycle taxi and online taxi. For those traveling alone, and want practical riding, taking online motorcycle taxi is a smart decision. The prices offered for the first few kilometers are quite cheap, starting from Rp 10,000.

While for those on holiday with friends or family, then you need online taxi. The price offered might be different from online motorcycle taxi prices because motorcycle taxis use motorcycles and taxis use cars.

The special thing about using online transportation is how easy it is to order from finger touches on your phone screen. Also, you don’t need to worry anymore about meter costs growing during the trip. That’s because the total trip cost is already shown from the beginning of ordering.

But online transportation now still has some problems because of its history that caused fights with regular taxis and motorcycle taxis.

One effect is, drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers at certain places like terminals or other famous central areas.

Usually the solution used is for the driver and passenger to agree to meet at a point a bit far from the forbidden area. So you need extra effort if you want to use online transportation at important places in a city.

If you happen to choose to order online, just try asking the driver, whether they can pick you up at your point or if you must be at a certain location to avoid problems that might happen.

Bali, an island famous for its natural beauty and culture, offers many amazing destinations that are often targeted by tourists from all over the world.

However, besides the famous iconic places like Ubud, Kuta, and Seminyak, Bali also keeps many local cultural treasures that are quite popular.

In Bali, many villages show off their cultural richness and traditions. Far from the crowds of big cities, villages in Bali proudly preserve their cultural heritage.

Many villages in Bali are intended to opens doors for global traveler to deep and real cultural experiences. Various religious ceremonies, traditional customs, and local art performances become an important part of daily life in these villages, giving visitors unique insights about Balinese people’s life that is closely connected to their cultural roots.

Bali, a paradise island in Indonesia, is famous not only for its amazing beaches and unmatched natural beauty, but also for its unique culture and rich history.

For those who want to know about local culture in this hidden paradise, keep reading this article.

Exploring Bali’s Local Culture and Hidden Gems

People in areas like Ubud, Gianyar, and Tenganan keep traditions completely, making these areas centers of Bali destinations rich in culture.

In these villages, tourists can directly interact with local people, see the process of making handicrafts, or watch traditional ceremonies. This makes Bali tourism more than just recreation; it becomes a spiritual and educational experience that inspires. Here are some hidden gem villages in Bali that are rich in culture.

Tenganan Village: Original Bali Aga Culture

Tenganan Village, located in the Karangasem area, Bali, is one of the villages that still maintains Bali Aga tradition, which is the original Balinese people who have a different culture from Bali in general. This village is very quiet and far from tourist crowds, so it’s suitable for those who want to feel more authentic traditional Balinese life.

See also : The Most Convenient Bali Airport Transfer

Attractions and Uniqueness of Tenganan Village

Besides its natural beauty, Tenganan Village also offers various very interesting cultural attractions. One of the most famous is “Geringsing” weaving that is only made in this village. You can also enjoy various traditional rituals that are still done today, like the traditional ceremony “Perang Pandan” (Pandan War), which becomes a special attraction for tourists who want to experience Bali’s very rich culture.

Luhur Uluwatu Temple

Luhur Uluwatu Temple is one of the temples that is also quite famous and visited by many tourists. Just like Tanah Lot, this temple is also on a cliff that borders directly with the sea.

Its location is at the southwest end of Bali Island. This temple is a type of Sad Kayangan Temple that is believed to be a support from 9 wind directions by Hindu people.

The temple location is in Pecatu Village, Kuta District, Badung, Bali. Besides the temple, this location became popular because below it there is Pecatu Beach which is often used as a world-class surfing location.

See also : The Best Time to Visit Bali

Penglipuran Village

Penglipuran Village is a traditional village that has unique structure and architecture. This village is also named as one of the cleanest villages.

When entering Penglipuran village, tourists feel like they’re taken into a foreign area with groups of traditional Balinese houses lined up neatly. Its location is in Bangli district in East Bali.

Penglipuran Village was originally lived in by artist residents who entertained the king. According to its name “Penglipur” which means Entertainer. Until now, the cultural heritage of Penglipuran people remains preserved.

Trunyan Village

Trunyan Village is located in Kintamani, Bangli, and is known for its unique burial tradition. In this village, dead bodies are not buried or burned, but placed under a big Trunyan tree. This village offers a very different cultural experience and gives insight about Bali’s unique spirituality and customs. Also, the amazing view of Lake Batur adds to the beauty of this village.

Bali, people say it is the Island of God, who isn’t attracted by the charm of this island? With its amazing natural beauty, fascinating culture, and unforgettable friendly people, Bali always manages to steal the heart of anyone who visits.

For all travelers who are planning your dream holiday to Bali, choosing the right time to visit is of course very important.

Here I will share the information of when is the best time to visit Bali, while considering various aspects like weather, tourist seasons, and interesting local events.

When is the Right Time to Go to Bali?

Before discussing the right time to go to Bali, let’s first learn about the climate in Bali.

Bali has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry season (April to October) and rainy season (November to March). The temperature is quite stable, average around 27°C all year. Now, for a general picture, here are the tourist seasons in Bali:

Peak Season (Busy Season):

July – August

Third week of December – First week of January

Shoulder Season (Transition Season):

April – June

September – Early December

Low Season (Quiet Season):

Mid-January – March

October – November

In short, the climate in Bali determines whether it’s busy or quiet in Bali at that time. Therefore, if you want to find the right time to go to Bali, it also depends on what you want. Do you want it busy? Or quiet? Or do you want dry weather with gentle breeze? and so on.

Now read the following explanation.

Want to Go to Bali to See Culture?

In general, the best time to enjoy Balinese culture is during the shoulder season, which is around April-May and September-October.

During this period, the weather is very sunny and ideal for exploring traditional villages and temples in open spaces. The biggest advantage is that tourists are not as crowded as during peak holidays, so you can enjoy cultural sites more peacefully and respectfully, and see the authentic life of Balinese people in a comfortable atmosphere.

However, if you want to see the most iconic and grand cultural festivals, the best time becomes very specific.

You can plan your trip to coincide with Galungan and Kuningan holidays to see streets decorated with magical penjor, or come the night before Nyepi Day to see the spectacular Ogoh-ogoh parade. For this, you need to check the Balinese Saka calendar first because the celebration dates change every year.

As an alternative, if your priority is peace and deeper interaction with local people, you can consider the low season between January to March.

Although you can get more personal experiences and more affordable prices, remember that this period is the peak of rainy season which might limit your movement.

See also : The Most Convenient Bali Airport Transfer

Want to Go to Bali When It’s Not Too Crowded?

The quiet season in Bali runs from January to March. Weather can be humid and rainy, so you won’t find many people looking for sunny weather for sunbathing or diving. Because you’re also avoiding big holiday seasons (like November and December), the island atmosphere becomes calmer and is more filled with locals and expats.

Although rainy season can be challenging for activities like diving or surfing, it’s still okay for visiting temples, yoga, or just relaxing. Even the sound of rain in Ubud forest can make your experience more peaceful. Nature is also at its most lush—rice fields are bright green and tropical forests look amazingly fresh.

Want Cheap Tickets When Going to Bali?

No surprise, dry season is also the busiest and most expensive season in Bali. Hotels tend to raise prices from June to September. November and December also become expensive periods because of holidays.

If you want to save money, come between October to March (outside holiday moments). This is rainy season, so demand drops and hotel prices are much friendlier. You might get an ocean view villa or luxury room at a more reasonable price. Transition months sometimes also have interesting promotions!

See also : Arrival Tips for Bali Firtstimers

If You Want Sunny and Dry Weather

For sun seekers, the best time to go to Bali is during dry season, from April to October. This is the perfect time to go to the beach, surfing, snorkeling, or diving because rain decreases and humidity drops.

Although April, May, and October sometimes still have rain, it’s usually just for a short time then the sky becomes clear again. May is one of the hottest months, but the peak of dry season is in July and August, with average temperature around 27°C and cooler air, perfect for outdoor activities. Oh yes, if you want to surf, big waves usually appear between June to August on the southwest side of the island.

Bali has indeed grown to become one of the most popular tourist centers in Indonesia. Bali itself has various interesting natural tourist spots, recreation places, cultural and art attractions, shopping tourist spots and food centers that will complete various holiday needs of tourists.

To enjoy these various interesting things, tourists certainly need transportation which is widely available on the Island of Gods Bali, which you can use together with friends, colleagues, partners, family and also children.

That’s why this page will provide information about transportation guide and transfer from the airport in Bali, starting from private transfer either with driver or without driver, motorcycle rental, online transport and regular taxi, as well as information about the advantages and disadvantages of these transportation types.

The transportation guide in Bali is hoped to help you choose suitable transport when planning to schedule tours to various interesting tourist destinations on the Island of Gods Bali.

Airport Transfer Transportation Methods

Airport Transfer Transportation methods in Bali are quite unique and comfortable. There are many transportation options you can use from the airport to your hotel or tourist destination and also to explore the island. Here are various transportation modes you can choose.

Bali Airport Transfer Services

Private transfer with private pick-up service from Bali Airport to hotel is the most comfortable choice especially if you get off from a long-distance flight. You don’t need to worry about arranging anything when you arrive, because someone holding a sign with your name will meet you when you arrive.

If you’re traveling with family or in a group, renting this private pick-up service can be a very good choice. Private drivers understand routes and tourist spots well. This allows you to focus on enjoying the trip without having to worry about directions or parking spots.

However, to use this service, you must book and arrange your private transfer before arrival.

Official Airport Taxi

Taxi is a common choice for tourists in Bali. Companies like Blue Bird are famous for reliability and clear prices. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s suggested to make sure the driver uses the meter.

Regular meter taxis are one of the most popular private transportation choices in Indonesia. They have been operating for decades and are spread in big cities. Among all taxi brands, they are known for fair costs and driving safety.

See also : Arrival Tips for Bali Firtstimers

Ordering Online Transportation

Apps like Grab and Gojek also offer practical alternatives, allowing you to order vehicles with prices that are often competitive. This transportation guide in Bali for tourists recommends these apps because of their ease and flexibility.

Thing to remember, for ordering online transportation you need to check information first. Because when online motorcycle taxis were developing before, there were clashes with regular taxis that made online motorcycle taxis have to pick up in certain areas like now is named “Grab Lounge” or other areas for picking up passenger using the ride hailing apps.

Arrange Airport Transportation With Your Hotel

This is a common problem in Bali when you book a hotel in an exotic place, hard to find on maps, location or Airbnb because local drivers sometimes get lost when dropping you at the hotel.

Especially if you come late at night or early morning and experience jet lag, getting lost in the middle of nowhere is really frustrating.

The solution is simple, just ask your hotel to arrange pick-up service. Often, transportation service will be more expensive. However, at least you won’t worry anymore! The cost depends on your hotel’s policy.

See also : How to Choose the Right Bali Airport Transfer

Motorcycle Or Car Rental

Next, this is an option if you’re already out of the airport and at a Hotel in Bali and want to explore Bali, renting a car or motorcycle is the easiest way. Motorcycle rental price per day is around Rp50,000. While car rental is around Rp600,000 (price depends on car type, service, etc.).

With this transportation mode, you’re free to go anywhere and anytime. The convenience will make you feel comfortable when traveling exploring Bali, but you need to make sure to check your vehicle before making a deposit.

The last thing to remember if you want to drive in Bali is to have a driving license (SIM) for Indonesian citizens and international driving license for foreign citizens.

Conclusion

The most convenient way for Bali airport transfer is with the private booking. It eliminates all the hassle, comfortable, and it transfer you directly to your desired wish, be it your hotel, or straight to the tourist destination.