I was flying on an affordable KLM ticket from Bali to Singapore. Somehow, I realised that I have a Delta status to use from Hilton which will allow me lounge access. This makes even more sense since the KLM tickets were even cheaper than some budget airlines out there. I could then check out yet another lounge over here in Bali. It’s on the rare side, as I usually take budget or SQ flights from Bali. Let’s see how the flagship lounge in Bali would be by the flagship airline over here. I am expecting quite a fair bit, since this is, after all, Garuda’s secondary hub. 

Access Requirements

The Garuda Indonesia Lounge is open daily from 5am till the last flight. Currently, all SkyTeam premium cabin customers and SkyTeam Elite Status holders are allowed access to the lounge. Typical access rules for guests follows. I was flying on a KLM flight to Singapore and holding Delta Gold status which accorded me access. They also provided a lounge pass during check-in. 

Arrival & Location

The lounge is located one level above the main terminal floor. It is easy to spot it. You can then access it via the stairs or the elevators. I was warmly welcomed after showing the invitation card and my boarding pass. They have both a first-class and a business class section. It appears as if the first class section is closed. We headed right towards the business class section. 

Garuda Indonesia International Lounge Bali

The lounge consists of both first-class and business-class sections. The business class section is found towards the right. Right as you enter the area, you can find the toilets and showers to the left before you enter the main space of the lounge. Here you can find some proper dining tables. 

There are also some couches and high-top seating in this area. Power outlets are within reach and there is also wifi available here. 

There is also an outdoor patio area with more seating that opens up to the terminal. 

Heading on to the inner parts of the lounge, you can find more seating areas. It is quieter and exclusive over here. The staff are pretty prompt in going around to clear the tables and tidy things up. They also serve guests with made-to-order items.

 

Toilets and Showers

Toilets are badly maintained and disgusting. Things should be better in an airline-operated lounge. They also have showers inside the bathroom for guests to use. They also look very simple and badly maintained. Garuda should be better than this. 

Food and Drinks

The food is decent. There are some hot items and snacks available on the buffet line which looks stale. There is also an à la carte station where a chef is on hand to whip up some pasta or indomie if you prefer. I love the concept and appreciate it but instant noodles in a business lounge? I will let the pictures do the rest of the speaking. 

Drinks-wise, it is much better with a nice collection of soft drinks and even premium ginger ale. Bottled drinking water is also available. 

For alcoholic drinks, you will have to head to the bar. They are not self-served. You have a choice of Bintang Beer, Heineken Beer, Red wine and white wine. This is as good as how things go. 

Conclusion

I am unsure if there are any Garuda flights departing at this hour and if they only put out the good stuff then. This is technically the best lounge in the airport operated by the main airline in their secondary hub. It is quite a nice place to relax and wait for your flight as compared to the terminal. I won’t recommend coming early just for it but good to have if you get the access. I was expecting more from an airline-operated lounge. Are Skyteam lounges always so lacklustre?