our Garuda A330-200 from Sydney to Denpasar, Bali
Date: August 2014
Destination: Sydney to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia return
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Flying time: Sydney-Denpasar 6hrs | Denpasar-Sydney 5hrs 30 mins
Catching a Murrays bus from Canberra to Sydney, we stayed at Rydges Airport Hotel and caught our flight with Garuda (Indonesia’s own airline) the next morning at 9am. Garuda have lifted their game significantly in the past few years and were awarded SkyTrax’s 5 star rating in 2014, an honour bestowing to only six other airlines in the world. Garuda were also awarded World’s Best Economy Class in 2013.
Economy class cabin on board Garuda A330-200
This was the first time we had travelled with this airline and we found them to be great. Being able to purchase our VISA’s at the Sydney Airport was convenient too and saved us a lot of time at the other end. Australia is one of just a few countries that require a Visa to travel to Bali and this is due to the Australian Government requiring Indonesians to have a travel Visa to visit Australia. There have been attempts in the past to change this but they have so far been unsuccessful.
Western lunch on board Garuda flight to Bali
Indonesian lunch on board Garuda flight to Bali
After boarding our A330-200 we were offered a sealed cup of orange juice and a packet of mixed nuts. Menus were then handed out and lunch was a choice between an Indonesian or Western meal. This time I chose the western meal and was pleased I did as it was delicious. William who had the Indonesian meal enjoyed his too although he thought it tasted a bit western (probably a result of being prepared in Sydney). Later into the flight Mango ice-cream Weiss Bars were handed out. The flight had left on time and turned up about half an hour ahead of schedule due most likely to a good tail wind. The nine inch touch screen Entertainment system worked well and there was plenty there to keep you occupied for the six hours on board.
Sunrise on board Garuda flight from Bali
Our flight back ended up being delayed and it was well after midnight when we started to board. We were served an orange juice and after take-off staff came around with tea and coffee and a bun. The flight was not very full and I watched “The Girl” which was about the making of Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds”. I found it quite interesting. Breakfast was again a choice of Western or Indonesian so I had the opportunity of photographing both. Going through customs at the Airport was quick and our Murrays Bus was waiting outside for us to take us home.
Western breakfast on board Garuda from Bali
Indonesian breakfast on board Garuda from Bali
Pros
Flight left on time and turned up ahead of schedule
Service was friendly and efficient
Food was delicious
Blanket was soft and warm
Refresher towelettes handed out just prior to lunch
Cons
Flight back was delayed
There was not a lot of leg room on this flight which could be a problem for very tall people
The monitors didn’t display where the plane was at any given time
In Summary: Flying Garuda was overall a pleasant experience and I would not hesitate in choosing this airline next time I flew to Indonesia.