DPS arrival immigration service

[alect]

Going to DPS with the whole family. From previous visits I recall the chaos and time-sink that immigration at DPS is (2 lines, slow, ....)

I found discussion of a Concierge service who do all that stuff for you (at a pretty price) and also some hotels offering it. But recent posts seem to stat that the express/VIP immigration service is no longer as Indonesian immigration procedures no longer allow it.

1. Have there been any recent visitors to DPS who can attest to whether one can still get express/VIP immigration service through?
2. Any recommendations on this type of service other than Airport Lounge Service - The Bali Concierge
3. Has anyone had luck on getting the 30 day tourist visa here in Aus (MEL) prior to travelling to at least avoid the Visa-On-Arrival line at DPS? Or is the consulate here unhelpful (as I have read re other places)?
4. Any other suggestions? I have checked and it seems several planes arriving within an hour of each other when we are scheduled to arrive, plus we will have 3 kids with us and it will be 10pm and I don't fancy standing in line for 1-2 hours......

TIA

 

[yo yo ma]

I can't answer your questions but am interested in the responses as I am travelling in September. If you are travelling before then, please update us with your experience.

 

[alect]

I can't answer your questions but am interested in the responses as I am travelling in September. If you are travelling before then, please update us with your experience.

I contacted the Westin (where we're staying) and they responded quickly. Booked both transfer ($13) and VIP/Express immigration service for $25 (which is the cost of the visa - unless they mean $25 over and above the cost of the visa on arrival). Even if it is $25 plus cost of the visa, it is worth the money as I can't imagine anything worse than queueing for 1-2 hrs at 10pm at night with 3 kids......

 

[larry40]

This is from the Bali Travel Forum posted yesterday.

"FYI just heard from Hadi the service is going as usual for the moment."

Hadi is a local person offering the VIPVOA. The fee is less but it does not give you the lounge access while they collect luggage etc.

Last year we used the Bali Concierge which I booked through Netfare Travel, Kensington, Sydney.
Their charge was AU$38 on top of the US$25 visa fee. We also used their Mercedes transfer to our hotel at Uluwatu which was AU$49. Gee that was fun trying to get the surfboard IN the car, but mission accomplished and all done with a lovely smile.

Wouldn't do it any other way.