Bali Airport Terminals
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar International Airport, is Bali’s primary gateway, located just 13 km from Denpasar and close to popular tourist areas like Kuta and Seminyak. The airport is managed by PT Angkasa Pura I and serves as a vital hub for both international and domestic travelers.
Historical Background and Origins
The airport’s origins date back to 1931, when it was established as a modest airstrip in the village of Tuban by the Dutch colonial administration. During World War II, it was occupied and expanded by Japanese forces. The airport was named after I Gusti Ngurah Rai, a Balinese national hero who died in 1946 during Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Major expansions in the 1960s and 1970s transformed it into an international airport, with continual upgrades to accommodate Bali’s booming tourism industry.
Terminal Description and Layout
Ngurah Rai Airport features two main terminals: the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. The international terminal, opened in 2013, showcases Balinese architectural elements and offers separate departure and arrival halls. It has 62 check-in counters, 10 jet bridges, and a spacious departure lounge that can accommodate over 3,000 passengers. The domestic terminal, renovated in 2014, is similarly modern, with 62 check-in counters, eight boarding gates, and five aviobridges. Both terminals are connected by a central Festival Plaza, making transfers between them easy and walkable—ideal for travelers with connecting flights.
Festival Plaza
The Festival Plaza at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali is a central open-air area that connects the airport’s two main terminals—the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. Located between these terminals, Festival Plaza serves as a pedestrian walkway lined with a variety of souvenir shops, retail stores, cafes, and eateries. It provides travelers a convenient and pleasant space to shop, dine, or relax while moving between terminals.
Festival Plaza is designed to showcase Balinese culture through its architecture and ambiance, making it not just a transit area but also a welcoming introduction to Bali’s artistic heritage. Its location allows passengers transferring between domestic and international flights to easily walk through this plaza without needing shuttle services, making terminal transfers straightforward and enjoyable.
Festival Plaza is an excellent spot for last-minute souvenir shopping or grabbing a quick meal before your flight, offering a wide selection of local crafts and snacks in a comfortable setting.
Shops, Restaurants, and VIP Areas
The airport is well-equipped with a wide range of shops, including duty-free outlets, souvenir stores, and boutiques offering local handicrafts and international brands. Numerous restaurants and cafes serve Indonesian, Asian, and Western cuisine, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. For added comfort, several VIP lounges are available, offering quiet spaces, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities—perfect for relaxing during layovers or before long flights.
The international terminal’s Festival Plaza is a great spot for last-minute shopping or grabbing a meal before your flight.
Popular Flights and Airlines
Ngurah Rai Airport is a major hub for flights across Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond. Popular international routes include flights to Singapore (approx. 2.5 hours), Kuala Lumpur (3 hours), Sydney (6 hours), and Perth (3.5 hours), operated by airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas. Domestic routes connect Bali to Jakarta (1.5 hours), Surabaya, and other Indonesian cities, mainly via Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air.
Early morning and late-night flights are often less crowded, making for a smoother airport experience.
Transfer Between Terminals
Transferring between the international and domestic terminals is straightforward, as they are located within walking distance of each other and connected by Festival Plaza. This design makes it easy for passengers with connecting flights to navigate the airport without the need for shuttle buses or long walks.
Allow at least 90 minutes for international-to-domestic transfers, especially during peak travel periods.
Services
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali offers a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for travelers.
Wi-Fi and Internet Access
The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout both the international and domestic terminals. While the connection is generally available for basic browsing and messaging, it can become congested during peak hours, especially in the arrivals area. For more reliable internet access, many travelers purchase local prepaid SIM cards upon arrival.
Luggage Storage
A 24-hour luggage storage service is available outside the international terminal. Located about 100 meters to the right after exiting the arrivals hall, the facility offers secure lockers where passengers can store bags for a few hours or several days. A valid passport and boarding pass are required, and fees start around 50,000 IDR.
Shopping and Duty-Free
Both terminals are well-equipped with shops. The international terminal features duty-free stores offering luxury brands, perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs, while the domestic terminal focuses more on local fashion and handicrafts. Convenience stores such as Circle K, WHSmith, PapiMart, and Indomarket are scattered throughout the terminals, providing snacks, beverages, and travel essentials.
Dining Options
The airport hosts a variety of restaurants and cafes serving Indonesian cuisine like Nasi Goreng and Satay, as well as international dishes. Travelers can enjoy local coffee, fresh coconut water, or quick meals before their flights.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available in both terminals, facilitating easy access to Indonesian Rupiah upon arrival or before departure.
VIP and Meet & Greet Services
For travelers seeking extra comfort, VIP services include personalized meet-and-greet assistance, customs and baggage support, and escort to transportation. These services can be booked in advance and are ideal for individuals or groups wanting a seamless arrival or departure experience.
Transportation and Transfers
The airport offers multiple transport options including official taxis, pre-booked private transfers, shuttle buses, and ride-hailing services like Grab. Transfers between the international and domestic terminals are convenient, as both are connected by the Festival Plaza within walking distance, eliminating the need for shuttle buses.
Additional Facilities
Other amenities include clean restrooms, prayer rooms, pharmacies, and drinking water stations. The airport is also equipped with medical services and information counters to assist passengers.