Cheap Melbourne to Bali flights (MEL to DPS)

Getting to Melbourne Airport

Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport is about 23 kilometres away from Melbourne’s city centre, with a few transport options depending on your budget and time constraints. For the most cost-effective option, head to Southern Cross Station to catch the SkyBus City Express. Adult fares are $22, and the journey takes (on average) 30 minutes to Terminals 1, 3 and 4 – with a short walk from Terminal 1 to 2 to check in for your flight to Bali. Those looking for comfort and convenience can catch a taxi or ride-share, with the travel time from the CBD between 20 – 45 minutes depending on the route and traffic. You can also drive and park your car at the airport, with rates starting at just $12 a day.

Departing from Melbourne airport

What time do you need to arrive?

No one likes a stressful start to their holiday, so Virgin Australia recommends that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for your flight from Melbourne to Bali. Those travelling in large groups or in need of additional assistance may need a bit of extra time, so aim to arrive about two-to-three hours before your departure. This will give you enough time to check in at the airport counter, go through the security line, navigate Customs and Immigration, and be at your boarding gate without having to rush. You may even have some time for a quick coffee and snack before your flight!

If you're an early bird and prefer to have everything in place well ahead of time, it's worth noting that the check-in counters for international flights open three hours before departure, so there's no need to arrive earlier than that.

Which terminal do Melbourne flights to Bali depart from?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport has four terminals. If you're scheduled to fly with Virgin Australia to Denpasar, Bali, your departure will likely be from Terminal 2 - the designated international terminal.

Baggage allowances

Virgin Australia has a varied baggage allowance policy that depends on the type of fare you have purchased. In general, Lite fare passengers are permitted to carry a maximum of 7kg as carry-on baggage and can purchase extra checked-in baggage if required. For Choice or Flex fare holders, a single carry-on baggage of up to 7kg and one checked bag of 23kg are allowed. Business-class travellers are permitted a carry-on baggage of 7kg and two checked bags, with a maximum weight allowance of 32kg each. Please note that any baggage exceeding the fare's included or pre-purchased allowance may incur additional fees.

Check-in for Bali flights

To ensure a smooth check-in experience for your flight from Melbourne to Bali, please note that the international check-in counters usually open three hours before your scheduled departure time (so no need to show up any earlier!). You’ll need your passport and necessary travel documents to check in, so have them ready to go when you’re called up to the check-in desk. Please be informed that Virgin Australia currently does not offer online check-in services for international travel.

Flying with Virgin Australia from Melbourne

Virgin Australia offers convenient twice-daily non-stop flights from Melbourne to Bali, with an average flight duration of six to seven hours. For your inflight entertainment on the way to Bali, you'll have access to a curated selection of popular and recent blockbuster movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and more. The upgraded entertainment system can be enjoyed on any handheld device, tablet, or laptop. Economy and Economy X passengers are entitled to complimentary water, tea, and coffee, with the option to purchase food and beverages from the onboard menu. Business Class flyers can indulge in a complimentary plated meal and a variety of hot and cold beverages, including beer and wine. Passengers travelling in Economy X and Business Class also enjoy additional benefits such as priority boarding and extra legroom.

Bali entry requirements

There are 4 main documents currently required for Australians flying to Bali. These are a valid passport, a visa (Visa on Arrival), proof of onward travel, and a customs declaration. It is imperative for Australian travellers to provide these documents in order to fulfill Bali’s entry requirements. See more information on each document below.

*Please note Covid-19 Vaccination Certificates are no longer required.

1. Valid passport

Australian citizens travelling to Indonesia require a passport with at least 6 months' validity from the day of arrival in Bali.

2. Visa (Visa on Arrival)

All international travellers require a visa to enter Bali. Australian citizens are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which can be purchased at the airport for roughly AUD$50 (IDR 500,000). You can either use cash (AUD and IDR are accepted) or credit card. Alternatively, you can now organise an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) online up to 14 days before your trip to save time when you land – just make sure it’s completed within 48 hours of your departure.

Visas are valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days (for a maximum total of 60 days). All Australians will need a visa for Bali, including children and infants.

3. Proof of onward travel

Australian citizens need proof of a return flight home or an onward ticket out of Indonesia to be able to enter Bali on the VoA. It is advisable to bring both a digital and printed copy.

4. Customs declaration

All passengers must provide a customs declaration form on arrival (or one form per family) as a declaration to customs officers if you are bringing in personal or excess goods into Bali for tax reasons. This must be filled in even if you are not bringing in goods.

This can be done online up to 2 days before landing to save time as an Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) at https://ecd.beacukai.go.id. If you forget to do this before you leave, you can fill in the form online at the airport on your smartphone with the airport’s free Wifi or you can ask a customs officer for a paper version (just a warning that this may be trickier to find in a post-COVID world!).

Arriving at Bali airport

Bali’s one and only airport is Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport – located in the south of Bali. Because you’ve taken an international flight, you have a bit of admin to complete before your holiday can begin.

First, make your way to the Visa on Arrival (VoA) desk if you haven’t already purchased an e-VoA, and then proceed to immigration to get your passport stamped. Once you’ve cleared immigration, you can collect your baggage and head to customs to hand in your Electronic Customs Declaration form.

Bali Airport has a range of facilities and services for international arrivals, including cafés, restaurants, bathrooms, showers, prayer rooms, currency exchange, ATMs, local SIM cards and many options for onward transfers.

Airport transfers

There are four main options for transport from Bali airport to your accommodation. These are hotel transfers, pre-booked transfers, taxis, and ride share.

1. Hotel transfer

Many of Bali’s main hotels offer airport pick-ups for guests arriving at Bali airport. You typically pay an additional fee for this service, however some hotels offer it as part of your room package, so make sure to check when you’re booking.

2. Pre-booked airport transfers

For added ease and convenience on arrival in Bali, pre-book a private driver or shuttle service to take you to your accommodation. A private driver is usually more expensive but will drive you directly to your accommodation. Shuttles are a more low-cost option, but keep in mind there may be a few stops before you get to your accommodation.

3. Taxi

Head to the official taxi counter as you exit the terminal. All rates are a fixed fare depending on your destination.

4. Ride-share (Grab and Gojek)

Uber isn’t available in Bali, so download the ride-sharing app Grab to order a pickup from the airport. You’ll find the Grab lounge and pick-up area in arrivals – take advantage of the aircon and WiFi while you wait for your ride. The other ride-sharing app option is Gojek, however you will have to exit the airport for pick-up.

Getting around Bali

There are seven main ways to get around Bali, including scooter, taxi, motorbike taxi, private car, ride-share, walking and cycling. The most popular way to get around Bali is on a scooter or motorbike. If you’re not experienced or comfortable riding a scooter yourself, you can choose to be driven as a passenger instead via one of the ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek – both scooter and car options are available.

Alternatively, you can easily get around each town on a bicycle or on foot – though this is not advised for longer distances. You can also organise a private driver through a reputable tour company or arrange transport through your hotel.

There is also a public bus, however it can be difficult for tourists to navigate and is often more time-consuming.

Bali money

Bali’s official local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 10,000 IDR is equivalent to roughly AUD$1. Bank notes are available in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,0000, 50,000 and 100,000.

While Australian credit cards and bank cards are accepted in Bali, you need the local currency in most situations so make sure to have cash on you.

Bali currency exchange

You’re likely to get the best conversion rate by exchanging cash before you arrive in Bali, but you can also find ATMs and money changers at the international terminal of Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport. ATMs charge currency conversion fees, and you may not get the best exchange rates at the airport, but it's a safe option for withdrawing large amounts of money.

You can also find local currency exchanges and ATMs when you reach your destination.

On a budget

On an average day in Bali, expect to spend roughly AUD$35 – AUD$250, depending on where you decide to eat, your choice of transport, and activities for the day. Accommodation can range between AUD$10 a night at a hostel to AUD$300+ at a private villa.

Experience Bali on a budget by visiting in the off-season months of February and October to take advantage of low-cost, affordable accommodation and cheap flights to Bali. You can also keep costs down and save money by keeping an eye on sale fares or looking for last-minute deals for flights and hotels.

Bali weather & climate

Bali is famous for its tropical climate and year-round heat and humidity, so it’s always a good time to visit.

While there’s always a chance of rain any day of the year, it’s worth knowing that Bali has two seasons to help you figure out what you can expect weather wise. Bali’s dry season runs from May to October, and the wet season is from November to April.

Bali's dry season months tend to be the clearest and sunniest, with slightly cooler temperatures, whereas wet season is often rainier, hotter and muggier.

Pack your bags for the dry season if you’re after the ultimate beach holiday and book your trip in the wet season to dodge the crowds and for good deals on flights and accommodation.

For more information consult our Bali weather and climate guide.

What to pack

Bali has year-round heat and humidity, so your packing list won’t vary too much month-to-month.

Pack casual summer clothes in light, breathable material like cotton or linen, swimwear and sandals. Take durable walking shoes for hikes and nature walks, and it’s always a good idea to have a poncho or raincoat – particularly If you’re travelling in the wet season. If you’re planning on visiting temples and other cultural sites, it’s important to dress modestly, so bring clothes that will cover your shoulders and knees.

It’s also a good idea to have sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and insect repellent. 

For more handy info, consult our guide on What to Pack for Bali.

Bali SIM card

Purchasing a local SIM card will make your holiday in Bali a whole lot easier and less stressful. Although WiFi is available at hotels and cafés throughout Bali, the connections are often poor and unstable. You’ll also likely need to access data to contact drivers and make your way around. International roaming can get very expensive very quickly, so organise a SIM card when you arrive at the airport. You’ll need your passport and a few of your phone details to register the SIM card.

For more information consult our guide to Bali SIM Cards.

Want to know the best time to go to Bali and the top things to do? Here’s a quick rundown.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bali depends on your preferences, but the most important factors tend to be weather, prices and crowds.

For the ideal combination of great weather, lower prices and fewer crowds, the best time to visit Bali is during the shoulder seasons: April - June and September - October. These months are warm and sunny with less rainfall, and are less busy than the peak holiday months.

For more, consult our guide on the best time to visit Bali.

Things to do

There is truly no shortage of things to do in Bali. Famous for its pristine beaches, bustling cities and lush green rainforests, Bali is the perfect place to relax, explore, indulge and seek adventure. Take a break from lounging in the sun with some of Bali’s most popular activities, like snorkelling, diving, swimming, surfing and hiking. For those with a thirst for culture, visit Bali’s incredible temples, museums and rice fields, and book a cooking class to truly experience its culinary scene. Bali is also the home of wellness – yoga and wellness retreats are abound – so even solo-travellers looking to take a journey within are well advised to come to Bali.

Beyond sightseeing, Bali has a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene, and is known for its all-hours nightlife.

For more inspiration consult our list of best things to do in Bali.

Where to stay

Bali's most popular areas include Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian, Canngu and Uluwatu. Each town has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences, from hotels and resorts to villas, guesthouses and homestays.

Each area in Bali offers family-friendly accommodation, secluded options for couples or honeymooners, and luxury, all-inclusive resorts. Solo travellers and first-timers are well catered to as well.

There are also a host of incredible destinations to visit around Bali - including the Gili Islands, the Nusa Islands, Komodo and Lombok.

For more help, check out our guide on Where to Stay in Bali.

Bali travel insurance

Indonesia is a developing country, and though many Aussie tourists travel to Bali, accidents, injuries and medical issues are not uncommon. Whilst it is not technically mandatory for Australians to get comprehensive travel insurance, it is highly advised by the Australian Government. According to the Smartraveller website, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”

Purchasing an appropriate travel insurance policy can offer protection for a range of issues you might run into in Bali: from inconveniences such as lost luggage and trip cancellations, to serious accidents. By having travel insurance, you can have access to assistance and support in the case of an emergency overseas.

Our partner Cover-More offers two levels of insurance coverage for travel to Bali through Virgin, Comprehensive and Essentials. Get a quote for Bali travel insurance today.