Information and Travel Guide for Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport
Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

The Ngurah Rain International Airport is Indonesia's second busiest airport after Jakarta. Each year, almost 5 million travellers walk through its doors. Named for I Gusti Ngurah Rai, a National Hero in Indonesia, the airport commemorates his services to the country and remarkable bravery. He is most renowned for leading a puputan or fight to the death against the Dutch in 1946 during the Indonesian Revolution. Rai and 95 other Indonesian citizens were killed during an air attack by the Dutch. Although the Dutch ultimately won that battle, the valor Rai displayed is a source of great pride for the Indonesian people.

History

The Tuban airfield was initially built in 1931 on the Bali coast. A single airstrip, built by the Dutch colonizers, it had only a short grass runway. When the airstrip was damaged by the Japanese bombers in 1942, it was repaired and fortified with pierced steel planking. Shortly afterward, the Balinese saw the airport controlled by the Japanese and occupy it for five years. During their control of the airway, they extended the runway by 500 meters.

After the Balinese regained Tuban Airfield, they constructed a terminal and a flight control tower, using Morse Code to communicate with aircraft. The airport was expanded again in 1959 by Balinese president Sukamo who initiated a 13 million renovation.

The following decades saw many expansion and improvement projects including land reclamation and an International Terminal. The addition of international capabilities was coupled with the renaming of the airport and Denpasar Ngurah Rai Airport was inaugurated on August 1, 1968.

Amenities and Services

Hotel accommodations are not available at the airport. There are several nearby that are easily reached by taxi. In general, the airport is low on amenities. You'll find a bookstore, some cafes and a snack bar, and a currency exchange facility within the airport.

Parking and Transportation

Bali does not offer public transit to the airport. You can, however, rent a car or visit the taxi stand at the airport. Taxis in Bali are not meter-driven but only charge flat fees.

Surrounding Area

Travellers arrive at Bali via this airport looking for a variety of things. Relaxation, natural beauty, and the exotic climes a country almost a world away can offer. Home to many luxurious resorts, the epitome of comfort and relaxation are combined for memorable holidays.

Located south of the equator, Denpasar sees travellers often for its beaches and ocean views. The white sand coasts are well-reputed for recreation and the calm waters make the city a perfect place for surfing and swimming. Kuta is another city that borders the airport. Here you'll find remarkable batik fabrics and crafts including pottery and silver-working at numerous local shops.

While this region of Bali is more removed from the hustle and bustle of more urban settings, the area surrounding Denpasar Ngurah Rai Airport is beautiful and a refreshing change of pace.

Contact Information

Address: Ngurah Rai Airport, Tuban, Denpasar 80361, Bali, Indonesia
Number of Terminals: 2
Telephone: +62 361 751011 Fax: (0)361 751 032
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.angkasapura1.co.id/eng/location/bali.htm
Time Zone: GMT + 8
Location: The airport is located in southern Bali, 15km (9 miles) from Denpasar
Airport Code: DPS