Flights from Darwin to Bali

The best time to visit Bali

There are two seasons in Bali: wet and dry. Bali’s wet season lasts from November to March, and it rains almost every day during this time. The rain isn’t quite so frequent or heavy at the bookends of the wet season, however this is counteracted by the extreme humidity.

Bali’s most pleasant weather is between May and September. This is also the island’s high season. Major towns of Kuta and Seminyak swell with a large influx visitors, however it still possible to find a quiet corner of the island if you veer off the well-trod tourist path. During this season, the temperature of Bali stays pretty stable at a comfortable average of 25°C

Since the Australian dollar goes far in Bali, the island is affordable for travellers from Australia. Even in the high season, you’ll have no trouble finding cheap flights from Darwin to Bali and great deals on hotels. For good rates, smaller crowds, and nice weather, plan your return flights from Darwin to Bali during the shoulder seasons in April or October.

Departing From Darwin

Darwin Airport (DRW) is the main airport serving the Northern Territory. It is located 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the CBD. The airport is made up of two terminals: one international and one domestic.

There are between 15 and 20 return flights from Darwin to Bali every day. The airlines that offer cheap airfares from Darwin to Bali include Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines. While several of the flights include a stopover, Jetstar offers a direct flight that sees you touching down in Bali in less than three hours.

Getting to Darwin Airport

No matter what your budget, there are a variety of ways to reach Darwin Airport from the city. The Airport Shuttle Bus is a convenient option as it runs 24 hours a day. The shuttle must be pre-booked, and it picks up passengers from a variety of hotels and apartment buildings throughout the city. The shuttle costs $18 AUD for the one-way trip to the airport.

For the most affordable option, you can catch a public bus from the CBD. Bus 25 starts at Darwin Interchange, then makes several stops along Mitchell Street in the CBD and Stuart Highway on the way towards the airport. Get off the bus at the stop across the street from the airport Quality Inn. From there, you are a 15-minute walk to the airport terminal along Henry Wrigley Drive. Bus 25 is the standard public bus fare of $3 AUD.

If you would like to take a taxi or an Uber to the airport, you’ll arrive in about 15 minutes from the CBD. Taxis calculate fare using meters, and you can expect to pay about $25 to $30 AUD for a ride to the airport.

Parking at Darwin Airport

Darwin Airport offers several different car parks to meet your budget and parking preferences. You can park without reserving a spot in advance, but to secure the best rates, be sure to pre-book your parking space.

Where to Park at Darwin Airport

• The Long Stay Saver car park is located across from the airport. From there, you can walk to the terminal in 6 minutes or catch a free shuttle bus. Weeklong parking rates start at $89 AUD.

• The Long Stay Plus car park is located directly next to the terminal building. You can walk from your car into the airport in just a couple minutes. Rates for a weeklong park start at $124 AUD.

Arriving in Bali

There is one airport on Bali, which receives all incoming flights to the island. Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) is located in Denpasar, the island’s capital and largest city. The airport is located in the south of Bali and offers easy access to various beach towns, including Uluwatu, Kuta, and Seminyak. The airport is connected with several transportation links.

How to Get from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) to Your Bali Hotel or Accommodation

Many hotels and resorts across Bali offer free airport transfers. It is worth checking to see if this service is offered by your hotel before looking into other transport options.

If your hotel is in the southwest of Bali, catch a Blue Bird taxi from the airport. A taxi from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) costs about 80,000 rupiah ($7 AUD) to Seminyak; 165,000 rupiah ($15 AUD) to Uluwatu; 55,000 rupiah ($5 AUD) to Kuta. You could also catch an Uber from the airport. There has been some controversy with Uber in Bali over recent years and many locals are against it. However, it does offer the cheapest rates.

If you are staying in Ubud or the northern side of the island, you can arrange for a private driver to pick you up from the airport. Private drivers offer a fixed rate which you can agree on in advance, and they have great recommendations on local activities and restaurants. A ride with a private driver from the airport to central Ubud costs about 200,000 rupiah ($18 AUD).

Things to do in Bali

Go to the Beach

Since Bali is an island, one of the most popular activities are the many beaches to explore. Some of the top beaches for visitors are along the island’s southwest coast. Kuta Beach has been a favourite among travellers for years and is surrounded by lots of bars and nightclubs. However, it does get busy during the peak season. Seminyak Beach is the place to go for beach clubs. Potato Head Beach Club and Ku De Ta Beach Club are perfect for relaxing by the beach with a drink. The clubs are located right on the beach and have an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. For a more secluded and authentic beach experience, head to Canggu for its beaches and rice fields.

Explore Ubud

While Bali is most well-known for its beaches, there is so much to explore inland as well. For an authentic Balinese town that is much different than the coastal towns, visit Ubud. Ubud is known as one of the most artistic places in all of Bali and has plenty to explore. The town centre is full of history and culture, between its temples and palace. Just outside the town centre, pay a visit to the Ubud Monkey Sanctuary where you can interact with some of the local population. There are hundreds of monkeys, and many will eat fruit right from your hand. Ubud is also well-known for its rice fields. The most famous are the Tegallalang Rice Terraces where you can hike though the tiered terraces and get some pretty spectacular views.

Island Hop to the Gili Islands

Not too far from the mainland of Bali are the three Gili Islands, which are technically part of Lombok. Each of the islands offers a completely different experience. Gili Trawangan is a lively island with lots of nightlife, Gili Meno has the feel of being quiet and secluded, and Gili Air is a hybrid of the other two. Each of the Gili Islands has great snorkelling, and since there are no motorised vehicles, they offer a much different experience than Bali. You can visit the Gili Islands as a day trip from Bali, but to truly appreciate them, plan to visit for at least a few days of your holiday.

Visit Local Temples

Bali is a spiritual place, and the island is full of temples to explore. Some of the most popular are Tanah Lot and Uluwatu. Tanah Lot is located right in the ocean, while Uluwatu is on a cliff and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Head to the northern side of the island to visit Pura Tirta Empul. It is a sacred water temple where Balinese people go to meditate and wash away bad energy. Within Ubud, pay a visit to both the Pura Dalem Agung Temple and the Saraswati Temple.