Budget airlines ensure abundance of cheap deals for travelling to Bali
It's never been easier to get to Bali, with an abundance of cheap deals on offer to the travelling public eager to get a taste of the legendary island's charms.
Airlines flying non-stop between Hong Kong International Airport and Denpasar include Garuda Indonesia, Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines. However, cheaper fares can be found aboard low-cost carriers Tigerair, Jetstar and AirAsia. While these airlines' flights might take longer - flying via hubs in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore - their prices are attractive.
A sample return flight scheduled for March in economy class on Jetstar costs just over HK$2,000 - one-fifth of a regular airline's fare - although this did not include checked luggage, only permitted a 7kg carry on, and came with a string of regulations. However, the airline did offer two more pricey options - a slightly more flexible one at approximately HK$3,000 with a 20kg luggage allowance and an in-flight meal, and a fully flexible HK$6,000 package that came with lounge access and frequent-flyer points. Most airlines operate package deals, bundling hotel accommodation and car hire with flights. As the carriers are able to guarantee significant volumes of passengers, they can negotiate the best possible price. For example, a four-night stay at Club Med in Nusa Dua in March, together with return economy flights aboard Cathay Pacific and airport transfers, is priced at just over HK$15,000. As Club Med is an all-inclusive resort, the package is extremely reasonable.
However, there are cheaper package vacations on offer. In a similar timeframe, AirAsia's offers include the Sun Island Hotel Legian for less than HK$4,000, or the InterContinental Bali Resort for slightly more than HK$8,000, though neither includes meals.
Travellers can upgrade accommodation to a suite for an extra HK$500 per night.
As low-cost carriers operate on especially tight margins, they are keen to fill every seat on every flight. Thrifty travellers with open calendars who are keen on getting to Bali should always check budget airline websites for last-minute deals.
