Denpasar Bali Airport

Arrived 17th July absolute chaos. We waited 3 hours in the stuffy immigration hall. At one point an immigration officer waved goodbye to us and left his post - he was not replaced. It appears the whole system is totally overwhelmed - what a welcome to Bali.

On arrival horrifying lines at immigration. More than one hour we stood in line and hall was totally overloaded. Baggage was already taken off the carousel and you have to search very good to find your baggage. Outside the airport some money-hunters take your luggage to carry out for a lot of money. Beware! On departure again paying tax. No lines at customs. Inside a lot of shops but expensive if you compare it with Bali itself. This airport needs a huge facelift and some new ways to manage the incoming passengers.

The Airport in peak season is a shocker. We had a 2 hour wait to get through immigration and only half of the counters were manned. Being pinged USD$25 on arrival and with two small children who were tired and extremely hot - it was an appalling start to the holiday. Due to the massive delay our bags were left unattended on the floor - lucky they were locked. Departure was even worse with some people being charged USD$20 departure tax and one family got ripped for USD$25 per person. For such an established tourism destination I give it a score of 1 out of 10 for the airport. I recommend Phuket anyday - far cheaper on all accounts. Bali Airport Management need to stop lining their pockets.

Not very impressed at all. Expensive entry visa USD25 then a 45 minute queue to move 10 metres. Non airconditioned immigration hall so everyone standing there in queues sweating. Fingerprint machine not going nor was the screening camera so no security scanning of incoming passengers. Hassled by porters trying to grab my case from me to wheel it all of 30 metres to the exit. On leaving exit tax of 150000 rupiah would be better if it were included in the ticket price. Another 45 minute queue this time to pass immigration. Only saving grace is the lounge upstairs which has nice friendly staff and a good range of refreshments. Overall not a great welcoming image for a tourist Island.

Arriving at 1:15pm it took us 2 hours and 5 minutes to move about 25 metres in the Immigration queue. Each person was being photographed and fingerprinted and it was taking 3-5 minutes per person so if there were 30 people in front of you. By the time we got to the baggage it was all there and had been sitting around waiting for us! At customs we tried to declare some dog food we were bringing in (for donation to BAWA) but he wasn't interested and waved us through. We spoke later with some other people who said the fingerprinting had only just been introduced. Not sure if this is correct or not but they clearly didn't have the hang of it. On departure go through security and give up your water bottle. Checkin was quick as there was no queue (Jetstar to Perth). Then another security check. Then we thought we'd buy a bottle of water for the flight (USD1) - figured as we had already given up our water and been through 2 security checks this would be OK. Another security check to get to the gate and they made us give up our newly purchased water. Lots of people in the queue had the same problem. What a waste of money and plastic bottles!

The Prada Lounge was the best way to enjoy the horrible waiting time at the airport. The staff were friendly courteous and the food and drinks were very enjoyable. I would recommend this lounge as an alternative to sitting in the main area although you will pay for it. Depending on how much you eat and drink as to whether you get your money's worth.

Arrival very frustrating long queues very slow through immigration. Over 3 hours just waiting and wasting valuable holiday time. Hope they can improve service soon. Cannot see why they are understaffed and so slow. Departure from this airport slow so many people at the top of the escalator no room to go. Not as bad as the arrivals though.

Denpasar - seemed like a brand new terminal (international) - sailed through check in - no longer than 5 mins straight to passport control - no queue paid my 15000 departure tax then into a superbly clean departure area. Many shops and eateries (bit pricey though) - although all outlets charged different amounts for same things. Went to one outlet that wanted 40000 rupiah for a bintang beer another on same aisle with better seating only charged 25000 - it pays to compare). Amusing to see in the gents toilets above urinals a fish tank with tropical fish - novel idea !

Checking in at Denpasar was chaotic. There seem to be all sorts of so called security checks without sufficient staff and proper facilities. We were travelling Business Class and had access to the Prada Lounge - a joke. The seats are falling apart and dirty there was very little food which was cold and unappetising. There were no clean cups and saucers for about 20 minutes. Outside on the lead up causeway was a man carrying a sign advertising access to the lounge for 100000 Rupiah. Where is the advantage in paying extra for so called business class comfort. If we didn't like Bali so much it would be off my travel agenda just because of Denpasar Airport.

Arrivals are a nightmare with long lines and the requirement to purchase a visapresent passport and have visa checked. Once through this are pick up baggage (slow) and then walk into a sea of signs and drivers. Not the best experience but through in around an hour at 10.30 on a Sunday night. Departure was much smoother although multiple security checks and searches were interesting. Check in (star class jetstar) was quick as was customs. JAS Business lounge was excellent but boarding aircraft required another two security checks (one x-ray and one by "Qantas" security doing bag searches and pat downs. Overall the airport has improved considerably (5 years since my last visit) and in comparison to some other airports I would rate it fair. Note: duty free and shops remain expensive.