It has been a good week for travel news for Australian-based Bali-lovers.
Not one but two major airlines have confirmed that new flight services will be operating from the Land Down Under to the Island of the Gods.
Flights from Canberra to Bali are set to resume in June 2024. Batik Air, which is part of the Lion Air travel group, will be launching a new flight service from the Australian capital to Denpasar on 14th June, just in time for the school holidays.
Many international flight services out of Canberra were scrapped during the pandemic and have been slow to return to the schedule.
The Chief Minister for ACT, Andrew Barr, told reporters that he was happy to see more investment in Canberra by Batik Air.
Minster Barr said, “A direct flight between Bali and Canberra will greatly benefit holiday-seekers from Canberra and the region.”
He added, “The route also presents a great opportunity to connect the Canberra region to South East Asia for leisure, trade and education…The ACT government welcomes Canberra Airport’s efforts to make it easier and cheaper to visit Canberra.”
Minster Barr is also on a mission to boost tourism connections between Canberra, Singapore, and India.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of Aviation at Canberra Airport said, “Bali is an amazing destination that blends culture, nature, and adventure and appeals to all types of travelers.”
He noted, “We are also excited about the opportunity to connect Canberra to Asia through Batik’s extensive network.”
This is a good point; Batik Air is one of the best-connected airlines in Australia. There are now six destinations in Australia served by Batik Air, including Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne.
@nickandhelmi Honest review of Sydney to Bali flight experience with Batik Air✈️ Tbh, it’s pretty ok budget airlines option other than Australian ones for short haul flight😊 Have you flown with Batik Air before? 🎥Follow us for more travel & food videos✨ #batikair #balitravel #travelbali #cheapflights #flightreview #economyclass #budgetairlines #budgettravel #budgetfriendly #travelvlogger #travelvideos #travelvlogs #visitbali #baliholiday #balitrip #balivacation #flightdeals #budgettips #travelplanning #honestreview #cheaptravel #traveltips #balitravelguide #aussieblogger #sydneyblogger #airplanefood ♬ vlog, chill out, calm daily life(1370843) – SUNNY HOOD STUDIO
It is not only Batik Air that will be increasing flight services to Bali in the coming months. Indonesia’s national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, will be ramping up its flight services come June, too.
As of 17th June, flight service between Melbourne, Sydney, and Denpasar will operate five times weekly, increasing to a daily service come 6th July 2024.
Travelers departing from Sydney International Airport for Bali will jump aboard the GA 715, which will set off from Sydney at 10 am and will arrive in Denpasar at 2:35 pm.
The return flight, GA 714, departs from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International at 11:25 pm and will land in Sydney at 7:10 am the following day.
Tourists departing from Melbourne to Bali will travel on the GA 719 service that will take off from Tullamarine at 7 am and is set to land in Bali at 11:05 am.
The inbound journey aboard the GA 718 departs Denpasar at 10:05 pm and will land in Melbourne at 5:30 am the next morning.
The experience for tourists at Bali Airport is about to change for the better. Not only are many of the retail outlets up for tender, but the installation of new automation will help speed up the immigration process.
In total, 90 new auto-gates will be installed in the arrivals and departures areas of the international terminals.
The addition of the auto-gates is part of a wider mission to elevate the immigration process for tourists to Indonesia’s biggest tourist destinations.
With the Island of the Gods set to welcome over 7 million tourists in 2024, the new auto-gates will mean both the arrival and departure processes will be even simpler.
Tourists with digital visas will be able to use the auto-gates. However, the traditional immigration counters will be staffed at all times.
Tourist will still be able to buy their visa on arrival at the airport if they do not apply for the 30-day eVOA before they land.
