Why Do a Bali Visa Run?

For many travelers, including myself, a Bali visa run is the most convenient and exciting way to extend a trip to Bali. Instead of spending countless hours completing forms and running between immigration offices to extend a visa on arrival, a visa run allows you to explore a new country for a few days before returning to Bali for another thirty days of bliss.

When you arrive in Indonesia, travelers from most countries are offered the option of entering for thirty days without a visa for free or purchasing a visa on arrival (VOA) for $35 USD (cash only).

Visa-free entry is undoubtedly the more straightforward option, but it cannot be extended. If you opt for visa-free entry, a visa run becomes your sole means of prolonging your stay in the country.

Even if you purchase the VOA, you’re still granted only thirty days of travel in Indonesia, and any intention to stay longer requires navigating a complex visa extension process. This involves multiple trips to the immigration office, completing forms, securing a sponsor, and various fees.

During my time in Ubud, I met someone who spent an entire day at the Denpasar visa office. After seven hours of waiting, she learned that their system was down and would have to come back the next day; they didn’t even save her spot in line!

So, which option seems more enjoyable to you: a weekend escape to another Southeast Asian city or battling through the labyrinth of Indonesian bureaucracy?

Personally, I chose the Bali visa run and found it to be a fantastic decision. Keep reading to discover three quick and affordable locations for a Bali visa run, including the destination I selected for my recent adventure.

Bali Visa Run to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the hub of AirAsia, emerges as one of the cheapest destinations to visit directly from Bali. Beyond affordability, there’s a plethora of delights waiting for you in the city.

The iconic Petronas Towers dominate the skyline, while the Batu Caves offer brightly-colored stairways, massive Hindu statues, and playful monkeys. Kuala Lumpur is also a paradise for street food lovers and luxury shoppers.

Although I didn’t select Kuala Lumpur for my most recent visa run, I spent five days exploring the Malaysian capital, having previously passed through for just two days on my way to Singapore. This time, I was determined to soak in all that the city has to offer.

Flights from Bali to Kuala Lumpur

There are typically around fifteen direct flights daily between Bali and Kuala Lumpur. The flight duration is approximately three hours, with AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Malindo Air being the primary carriers.

Flight Cost – Bali to Kuala Lumpur

As of mid-June, here are some pricing examples for flights from Bali to Kuala Lumpur:

• August 1st to August 5th – $165 USD on AirAsia
• September 26th to September 30th – $120 USD on AirAsia
• October 18th to October 23rd – $110 USD on AirAsia. This was the best rate I found.

Airport Transportation in Kuala Lumpur

Flights from Bali generally land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Fortunately, the KLIA Ekspres train links the airport to Kuala Lumpur Sentral station in approximately thirty minutes.

The trains operate from 5:00 am to 00:55 am, and tickets cost 55 RM one-way. Discount options are available if you purchase tickets through the KLIA Ekspres website.

Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic place for travelers seeking luxury without breaking the bank. For the price of a budget motel in the West, you can enjoy five-star services here.

My top recommendation is the DoubleTree Kuala Lumpur. The hospitality is exceptional, and it features a rooftop pool, a fantastic buffet breakfast, and easy access to the LRT system. It’s definitely worth checking out!

Bali Visa Run to Singapore

Singapore stands out as an incredibly quick and efficient visa run destination. With a budget in mind, it’s manageable and filled with organized attractions.

Although I didn’t choose Singapore for my latest Bali visa run, it’s a go-to favorite of mine for its seamless public transport and abundance of free attractions.

Due to its proximity to Bali, Singapore is a popular choice for visa runs. Note that customs are becoming stricter about same-day visa runs, so aim for at least a two-night stay and have hotel reservations ready.

Flights from Bali to Singapore

Around eighteen daily direct flights connect Bali to Singapore, with a flight duration of about two hours and forty-five minutes. Carriers like Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, and Jetstar commonly service this route.

Flight Cost – Bali to Singapore

Here’s a snapshot of flight prices from Bali to Singapore in mid-June:

• August 1st to August 5th – $162 USD on Jetstar
• September 26th to September 30th – $112 USD on Jetstar
• November 8th to November 12th – $106 USD on Jetstar. This was the best price I found.

Airport Transportation in Singapore

Arriving at Singapore’s Changi Airport, you can utilize the efficient MRT rail service to reach the city. A comprehensive guide to transportation options is available on the Changi Airport website.

Accommodation in Singapore

Accommodation in Singapore can be pricey. For budget travelers, I’d recommend using Booking’s Singapore hotel map to explore budget-friendly options in areas like Clarke Quay, Little India, or Chinatown, all of which boast excellent transport links.

Bali Visa Run to Bangkok

This summer, I opted for a Bali visa run to Bangkok, a city that had been on my mind for a return visit.

I set aside four full days for this adventure, with intentions to explore and take a day trip beyond the city. This timeframe proved to be perfect, so I suggest that travelers budget at least three to four full days when visiting Thailand’s capital.

Flights from Bali to Bangkok

While not as frequent as other routes, there are typically around five daily direct flights between Bali and Bangkok, taking approximately four and a half hours primarily serviced by AirAsia.

Flight Cost – Bali to Bangkok

Here’s what flights from Bali to Bangkok looked like in mid-June:

• August 1st to August 5th – $209 USD on AirAsia.
• September 26th to September 30th – $143 USD on AirAsia. This was the cheapest option I encountered.

Airport Transportation in Bangkok

Arriving at Don Mueang International Airport, the easiest route to the city center is to take Bus #A1 to connect with the BTS or MRT system.

If you’re unsure about navigating the metro system, consider hiring an airport taxi for around 500 baht, with the driver using the meter for your convenience.

Accommodation in Bangkok

For budget travelers, I recommend the lovely The Yard Hostel located in the trendy Ari neighborhood, which is perfect for a more independent experience.

Departing from Denpasar (Bali Airport Tips)

If you’re flying out on a visa run, you’ll likely be using Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Proximity to Denpasar means that planning for traffic is crucial when heading to the airport.

With my flight set for 11:45 am, my driver scheduled a pick-up at 7:45 am from Canggu to account for delays. After clearing customs and immigration, I found there were ample dining options in the airport, making it a nice spot to spend a few hours pre-flight.

Returning to Bali After a Visa Run

I felt anxious about returning to Bali following my visa run, given some reports about stricter immigration checks. A suggestion is to have an onward ticket and plan a longer visa run, which can boost your chances of re-entry.

It’s also wise to take all your belongings with you while on the run. Leaving luggage behind could lead to complications if you’re denied re-entry.