Air
Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, more simply known as Denpasar Airport, is Indonesia’s third-busiest international airport, with direct flights from Australia and other parts Asia coming and going around the clock. Those coming from other parts of the globe need to connect through Jakarta or other Asian transport hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, Kualu Lumpur or Hong Kong.
Domestic flights connecting Bali with other Indonesian islands operate frequently every day of the week. Generally speaking, most domestic carriers don’t have online booking facilities, or if they do, they’re not particularly good or don’t accept foreign credit cards so it’s difficult to book domestic flgihts directly. We recommend using tiket.com or once in Bali, using a reputable travel agent.
Land/Sea
Yep, we know Bali is an island but you can book long distance bus or train travel from Denpasar to/from Java or by bus to/from Lombok. Buses arrive and depart terminals in Denpasar, Mengwi, 12km northwest of Denpasar (best option for Ubud based travellers) or Singaraja on the central north coast. Java bound services utilise the Gilimanuk – Banyuwangi ferry crossing with passengers transferring to the either the train or connecting bus on the Java side. Lombok bound bus services utilise the public ferry connection between Padang Bai- Lembar with passengers transferring to buses on the Lombok side.
There are a number of bus companies servicing the Java and Lombok routes. Tickets can be booked through travel agents in either Java, Bali or Lombok and should be arranged at least a day or two in advance. Train tickets can be purchased at the Indonesian Railways office in Denpasar or online through tiket.com.
Sea
Pelni (Indonesia’s national shipping company) operates numerous passenger services between Benoa Harbour, Bali and other Indonesian islands. Prices and schedules can be checked on the Pelni website using Google’s translate but keep in mind schedules are only released 4-6 weeks in advance so check as close to your planned departure date as possible. Reservations should only be made through an authorised Pelni office; in Bali its located in Tuban, Bali.
Local car and passenger ferries connecting Bali with neighbouring islands are far more frequent than the Pelni boats and and operate from a number of different ports. For the most direct route to Java, ferry’s operate between Gilimanuk on the northwest tip of Bali and Banyuwangi on Java’s east coast. Ferry’s make the 30-45min crossing all day long so you can book your ticket on arrival at either terminals.
Ferry’s to/from Lombok, Sumbawa, Sumba, Flores, West Timor and Surabaya, Java operate out of Benoa Harbour. Unlike the Pelni boat, there are no sleeping or restaurant facilities so take your own provisions and be prepared to curl up in your seat or on the deck somewhere. Tickets can be bought at the port terminus. Another slow boat connection operates between Padang Bai harbour on Bali’s central east coast and Lembar harbour, Lombok.
There are numerous fast boats connecting Bali with Lombok and the Gili Islands, with services running throughout the day, departing and arriving from several points in Bali. Some operators will provide pick-up and drop-off services to your accommodation at either end. The best place to check schedules and book tickets is www.gilibookings.com.