Arriving in Sanur via Bali Airport: Your Essential Guide

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could board a plane and fly to Bali, Indonesia, hop off and travel to our hotel in Sanur? Yes, it would be, but it’s not that simple.

Anyone who has ever travelled through Bali Airport at Denpasar knows it can be a fine line between a good and a bad experience.

Indonesia imposes a few requirements for visitors to Sanur. You must get a visa, complete a customs declaration, and pay a tourist tax, which can increase your time at the airport.

What can I do before I arrive in Bali?

Considering what I mentioned above, you can easily do the following well before leaving for your holiday in Sanur. Doing these things before you go will make your transit from the plane through immigration to customs and out of the airport, heading towards your hotel easier.

Organise your Visa – Top time-saving tip

Most of us are heading to Sanur, Bali, on a holiday to enjoy the weather, beaches, and cheap prices. However, people on holiday to Bali will require a VOA (visa on arrival). I know this can sound confusing because it does say Visa on arrival, but you can get your visa well before arrival.

If you’re from an eligible country and staying in Bali on vacation for less than 60 days, you should apply for the Electronic Visa-on-Arrival (e-VOA) before you arrive.

• Eligible countries include, but are not limited to, Germany, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and more (full list here).

• Initially, you will be granted a 30-day visa that can be extended once for another 30 days.

• The VOA will cost 500,000 Rupiah (around $50 Australian, $33 USD, or €30 Euros).

Where can I get my Visa for Bali?

There are two ways to get your visa: you can fill out the forms online or line up at Bali International Airport (Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport).

• The online application requires you to upload copies of your passport, a photo, and return or onward plane tickets. You must also list where you are staying when arriving in Sanur. You can pay via credit card.

• Getting your visa at the airport requires you to line up and show your passport. The time this takes depends on the number of people in line. We highly suggest you get your visa online, as the lines can be long depending on the number of other planes landing simultaneously.

The Bali Tourist Tax

Early in 2024, the Indonesian Government introduced a tourist tax for Bali. This tax is intended to improve the island by funding infrastructure upgrades.

When we recently entered Bali, we were not asked if we had paid it, but there are rumours that if you get caught not paying, you can be fined or banned from Bali.

• You must include your entry date and passport number when entering your details. In all accounts, your tax payment details are attached to your passport and can be seen by immigration officials when entering the country.

Filling in your Customs Declaration for Bali

Like all countries, you must complete a customs declaration declaring what you bring to Sanur.

• Bali has an electronic customs declaration form that you can complete within 72 hours of arriving. At the end of the declaration process, you are given a QR code, which you then present to the customs officials after collecting your luggage on your way out of the airport.

Arriving at Bali Airport

After your plane lands, make your way to the huge arrivals hall as quickly as possible. Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is known for its long lines and longer waits to pass immigration and get your bags.

Late-night arrivals are typically one of the busiest times at the airport and can produce the longest wait to clear immigration, customs, and baggage. You should expect to take at least two hours from leaving the plane to leaving Bali Airport.

Getting to Sanur from Bali Airport

• The distance from Denpasar Airport to Sanur is 15.5 Kilometers

You have a few choices here, and we highly suggest that if you’re unfamiliar with Bali, you pre-organise an airport transfer to your Sanur Hotel.

Walking out of Bali Airport can be overwhelming as you are greeted with a wall of taxi drivers and private transport operators all jostling to take you from the airport to Sanur.

• There are a few options if you are determined to organise this on arrival. If you are considering taking a taxi from Bali Airport to Sanur, you should negotiate a price upfront, or even better, download the Bluebird Taxi app and book it there.
• After you exit, if you keep walking towards the car park, you will find transport lounges for ride services Grab and Gojek. You can go in and organise a transfer with either of these companies.
• You can pre-organise a private driver to wait for you with a sign bearing your name. This is our preferred method of transport from Denpasar airport to the Sanur Beach area. You can book private drivers through the Klook website.

We hope this article explains the requirements for arriving in Bali smoothly and getting to Sanur.

Best time to go to Bali

The best time to visit Sanur and other spots in Bali, Indonesia, is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather in Bali is generally sunny with low humidity. It is perfect for outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, snorkelling, and reading a book while lying by the pool.

The shoulder seasons of April and October can also be good times to visit Sanur, as the weather in Sanur is still pleasant but with fewer crowds. Pack your suitcase and book your flights for one of the best periods to visit attractions such as Bali Zoo, Waterbom, and the Monkey Forest.

However, if you don’t mind the occasional rain shower, visiting Sanur during the wet season from October to March can also have advantages. The lush greenery and cooler temperatures can be refreshing, but ensure you have a waterproof bag and umbrella for your outings in case of a downpour.

It’s worth noting that Sanur in Bali is a popular tourist destination, and the peak season for tourism is from June to August. Planning your visit outside these months is best if you prefer to avoid crowds and higher prices.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post about Sanur Bali! We hope you found it informative and helpful when planning your trip to this beautiful region. If you’re looking for more information about things to do in Sanur, recommendations for places to eat, or where to go from Sanur, be sure to check out our website.

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and accurate information to make your holiday planning as smooth as possible, from finding supermarkets to choosing accommodation and renting a scooter. Once again, thank you for reading, and we hope our articles continue to be a valuable resource for your travel plans.