This Is All About Bringing and Flying Drones In Bali! Yup.
[Updated on January 19th, 2021] ???????????? Planning on making amazing videos with your drone in Bali?
Do you want to know how to bring or fly your drone in Indonesia?
Can you actually bring a drone to Bali? What are the drone permits in Indonesia? What are the other droner laws?
Well, this guide is about one thing and one thing only – Drones in Bali (and Indonesia).
We wrote it a few months ago and just updated it with a bunch of new information for 2019.
These mesmerizing 4-legged flying robots have been taking the world by storm throughout the last few years!
So we thought it’s about time to give you the full rundown on everything you need to know about flying drones in Bali or anywhere in Indonesia.
At Baliprod, drone videography is definitely part of our everyday business but although we are the pros, there is always more to learn about rules and regulations for our airborne friends. So don’t think we did all this research JUST for you :-)
Bali is overflowing with incredible locations to shoot incredible videos with your drone. There is no shortage of jaw-dropping footage you’ll have for your post-vacation video.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about laws and regulations affecting drone use in Indonesia.
Ready? Ok, let’s dive in!
Before we start, we’d love to share with you all the photo and video campaigns Baliprod did with DJI.
Or if you want to see what’s happening behind the scene, check out this video on our youtube channel.
Also, if you need some inspiration for crazy places to drone, check out those 57 Incredible Locations in Indonesia that Just Look Like Other Countries
It’s important for you to know what type (category) of drone you are using and what limitations it has.
There are two types of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV):
- CATEGORY 1: Used for hobby or other recreational use such as entertainment or sport.
- CATEGORY 2: Used for TV news, movie making etc.
Good thing first: You don’t need permission from the Ministry of Transport if you have a category 1 drone that weights less than 2 kilos and you are 18 years or older! That’s most of us.
If you’re category 1 but your drone weights between 2 – 25 kilos, you have to be at least 20 years old, not a threat to national security (haha!) and never been imprisoned (Hope so…)
Flying a drone over 2kg also requires a permit from the General Director of the Department of Civil Aviation. You have to carry emergency equipment such as a fire extinguisher with you.
You are also in charge of reporting accidents, not going closer than 50 meters of third parties and have valid insurance.
Drones in category 2 do need permission to operate in Indonesia. To put it in simple terms, you have to follow the same rules as a category 1 drone which weighs more than 2 kilos plus carry a license and insurance papers with you.
Coming to Bali for holidays with a drone in your luggage? Indonesia, as any other country, has its own specific rules about how to properly travel with your drone. These rules may also become more strict based on the airline you are flying with.
Now grab out a pen and paper and take some notes!
How do I bring my drone on a plane to Bali?
When it comes to traveling by plane, the problem with taking your drone on a plane is actually not the drone itself but the batteries. After several issues with lithium batteries on planes and the danger of causing a fire on board, airlines came up with specific regulations.
1. How to carry lithium batteries by plane to Indonesia?
While flying through the sky in a big, metal bird, you should carry rechargeable lithium-ion batteries IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE ONLY.
If you decide to check in your drone, make sure to REMOVE THE BATTERIES and TAKE THEM WITH YOU.
Why?
Because lithium batteries are known to explode or catch fire by themselves.
How do I bring my drone on a plane to Bali?
When it comes to traveling by plane, the problem with taking your drone on a plane is actually not the drone itself but <u>the batteries</u>. After several issues with lithium batteries on planes and the danger of causing a fire on board, airlines came up with specific regulations.
1. How to carry lithium batteries by plane to Indonesia?
While flying through the sky in a big, metal bird, you should carry rechargeable lithium-ion batteries IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE ONLY.
If you decide to check in your drone, make sure to REMOVE THE BATTERIES and TAKE THEM WITH YOU.
Why?
Because lithium batteries are known to explode or catch fire by themselves.
2. What are the regulations of my airline when flying to Indonesia? (with some specific examples)
As every airline has different policies regarding batteries, it’s important to check with your airline for their specific rules.
Below are some examples – but keep in mind that they can be updated so better do your homework:
Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways regulations depends on the watt-Hour rating for rechargeable batteries or the lithium content (LC) for non-rechargeable batteries. You can find clear rulings on their website.
Air France-KLM: Air France-KLM doesn’t allow more than 2 spare batteries per person. Watch out for this strict rule when carrying your batteries in your carry-on luggage. The airline advises not to carry damaged batteries with you, as in this case, the danger of fire is even higher.
Check the specific regulations here.
AirAsia: AirAsia released a statement saying that you’re not allowed to carry lithium powered transportation services in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, please get in contact with the airline to discuss your personal case or check their website.
Garuda Indonesia: Garuda Indonesia has declared lithium powered transportation devices such as mini segways, etc.. prohibited on planes. Please get in touch with the airline for further information. Info here.
Emirates: Emirates is more specific about their rules for carrying your drone batteries. Check out their dangerous goods and restricted items list first. You’ll see what battery sizes are allowed in your carry-on luggage.
Can I fly a drone in Bali?
So, you made it to Bali with your drone and batteries? Time to celebrate!
Before we get too excited, let’s brush up on the laws and rules to flying your drone in the wonderful country of Indonesia.
First and foremost:
Indonesia has gained its fame in part by the wonderful culture and sights that comes from its multiple religions across the country. Mosques and Temples are holy places that everyone needs to respect. So please don’t fly your drone over or too close to a temple or mosque and don’t disturb local ceremonies unless you have official approval.
Now on the more formal side of things, the goverment of Indonesia released new regulations for flying drones as they noticed the increase in usage.
The Ministry of Transportation Regulation No.180 / 2015 (in Bahasa) goes over in detail regarding the control operation regulations of unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) in Indonesian air space“.
Forbidden Areas:
There are certain areas where you can’t operate your drone without permission from the Director General of Air Transportation (DGTA).
• Prohibited Areas – Areas that are entirely closed for aviation activities of any kind (usually government offices, police stations or military bases)
• Restricted Areas – Areas that may be open for civil aviation but restricted for government use
• Areas close to airports in order to secure flight safety.
• Controlled airspace where control services for air traffic is provided
• Airspace 150 meter above ground level that is not controlled
If you want to use your drone closer than 500 meters from restricted or forbidden areas, you need to apply for a permit from the DGTA.
We also recommend NOT to do the following (ready for a laugh?):
• Do not operate your drone under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Do not operate more than one drone at a time (love that one)
• Do not fly the drone close to an aircraft (see below!)
• Do not fly your drone directly above a person who’s not related to the operation
• Do not exceed 87 knots or 161km/h airspeed
• Do not fly over temples without proper permit
What we DO recommend you to do before the flight:
• Check your drone and remote control for any damage and make sure it’s in a good condition
• Check the area you’re planning to fly in (are you allowed to fly your drone, find suitable place for take-off and landing, observe your surrounding for any air traffic or hazards)
• Have an emergency plan in case of an accident
• Make sure just to fly your drone between sunrise and sunset when you have good visibility
What we DO recommend during your flight:
• Avoid flying into or near clouds
• Don’t operate your drone higher than 150 meters from the ground
• Make sure you are able to see your drone at all times, do not rely on your monitor or other devices
• Respect the privacy of others
• Keep a distance of at least 30 meters from people, buildings, vehicles, etc…
Drone communities, drone rental and drone shops in Bali
Bali drone community
Yes you can find other drone lovers in Bali! Get together, fly your drone, talk about new techniques and best spots to go. Share your love for everything around you hobby and have a few Bintangs! (after flying that is)
Check Bali Drone Club (our group, in english) on Facebook as well as the new Drone Bali Club (in bahasa – very similar name to our group, good people too) and of course Bali Drone Community (in bahasa) to connect to other creative people on the island, ask questions, share your best footage and meet.
You’ll find a lot of information about drone shops and repair places in Bali as well. Engage with the community. Great people out there ❤️
Where to rent a drone in Bali
Bali Film Gear Rental is Baliprod’s sister company and specialised in renting film gear for any kind of shoots. We have a few drones for rent also.
As we love DJI drones, we only have those. From DJI Mavic 1 to DJI Inspire 2 x7
Feel free to check out our drones for rent drones for rent
We also offer amazing drone pilots for hire.
Let us know how we can help!
Baliprod’s favourite drone (and Apple gear) supplier
At Baliprod, we buy all our Apple stuff & DJI drones from our good friend and long time supplier Ibham Brahmantyo (here are his facebook and his whatsapp for direct contact).
Very serious, great prices, delivers anything anywhere within a few hours which is a huge plus. If you contact him, tell him you come from Baliprod, you might get a discount ;-)
Disclaimer: we don’t profit from sending you guys to Ibham (=referral), we just like the guy and use him all the time.
Other drone shops in Bali
Ok so here is a list of drone shops. We haven’t tested them all so it’s really up to you to pick one.
DJI Online Store
The most obvious one. There are no official DJI stores in Bali however purchasing your drone or accessories online works absolutely fine like in any country.
Note that:
– Below USD1500, piece of cake, nothing to do. Shipment fees (DHL) and local taxes are included.
– Above USD1500, still no taxes or shipment fee however there are a bunch of paperwork to take care of.
DJI website says: “As per Indonesian customs regulations, shipments with a customs value greater than $1500 will be processed under formal clearance. The customer will be required to provide a Tax ID No., Import ID No., Customs Registration No., and Power of Attorney information. Failure to provide these documents after 30 days will result in the shipment returning to its origin (RTO) or being abandoned.”
Jagojet
Jalan Patih Jelantik Blok PM 1 no.9, Kuta
+62 (0361) 472 7000
Wellcome Shop
Transmart Carrefour Lt. 2 Unit 19, Jalan Sunset Road, Denpasar
+62 (0361) 8477398
There might be more drone shops out there. Again, at Baliprod, we only use our long time supplier Ibham for anything drone related (see previous paragraph)
Drone repair shops in Bali
Balicopter
Jalan Padang Tawang No.40 Canggu
+62 819 1657 8918
DJI Repair Bali (Home Solutions Bld.)
Jalan Sunset Road no. 12, Legian, Kuta
+62 818 880 361
Whooop the end!
We hope we were able to help you see clearer in the jungle of laws and regulations so you don’t get lost on your journey.
Now that you are the master of drone operating 101 in Indonesia, enjoy the beautiful nature and culture of Bali and take as many shots as you can! Use common sense, have fun and fly safe through paradise.
Share your experience in the comments below and feel free to ask if you have any questions!
Hey, by the way, DJI is also a regular client of Baliprod. Amongst other video and photo campaigns, here is a commercial we shot in Bali in 2017 for the Mavic Pro.
For sure you will recognise some familiar places :-)
If you’re looking for professional drone operators (we know our stuff!) feel free to contact us for a chat!
Great article,
Thanks,
John
Thanks John. Happy that you liked it.
Very interesting! every drone owner should read this!
Thanks Georges :-)
Very interesting article, fully documented, and nice to read. Showing the airline regulations is super useful.
Is there a specific place to buy drone on Bali Island, or better to buy it in my home country?
Thanks for the info!
Thanks Elsa. There are some drone dealers in Bali of course however better you ask in Bali Drone Club on FB as they tend to open and close every so often :-)
We bought a mavic pro from this guy recently, you can say you come from Baliprod:
Finally! I was so curious about the rules regarding drones when I travel to Bali. This helps and I have had many friends ask me about this while there. Thanks again I’ll share this!
Glad it helped Julia. We get a lot of questions about drones in Bali all the time hence the idea of writing this guide.
If you have a category 1 drone (GoPro Karma drone), do you need to have insurance? I have no idea where to get it. I’m leaving for Bali in less than 24 hours! Anyone who can help?
Hey Koko,
I doubt any insurance company will insure your drone…
If you are worried about crashing it, just fly low till you get the hang of it.
I crashed mine a fair bit in the early days ?
*My drone weighs 1.009 kg.
and don’t forget to remove the batteries and keep them with you on the plane…
I’m not worried about crashing it. I’m sure that will happen a few times. :D I’m just wondering if customs in Bali will seize my drone if I cannot show any insurance or permit for my drone. I just bought it and it cost me a great deal of money and so I can’t afford it being seized. I’m just worried. :s
Nah, don’t worry about it. To be honest customs couldn’t care less about some tourists bringing a drone for recreational purposes in Bali. Never heard about anyone having a problem.
Ok! I’m definitely reassured now! Leaving in a few hours! I’m so excited. Thanks so much!
Glad we could help. Enjoy the holiday in Bali and fly safe!
koko… do let me know if u had any probs with customs at bali. As i am going to bali this month end and would like to take my dji spark with me. i have corresponded with the customs through mail and they tell me you have to pay a ” temporary import fee” for drones. which is returned on departure!
Do keep me posted.
Rgds,
Alberts
Any country in the world has import fees for any kind of items you may bring in. Even coming back to your home country, you should be able to provide receipts for anything you have in your suitcase, your watch, your phone, etc…
Dura lex sed lex.
Thankfully between the law and its enforcement there is a gap.
Believe me you won’t have any problem bringing your drone in Bali :-)
leaving in a week – thanks for the great info!
know of any must shoot spots around seminyak?
Hey Richard,
in and around Seminyak there is only the beach to shoot with your drone as the area is extremely urban and dense.
If you drive for 20 minutes towards Canggu and beyond, there are plenty of great locations to shoot.
This is access to one of my favourite rice fields in the Canggu area: https://goo.gl/maps/4gNhjPjNWc92
Must be on a bike/scooter as the road is too narrow for cars.
Also, you can go to Pantai Seseh, you’ll have amazing rice fields on the way (the last 3 kilometers basically)
Pantai Seseh is a beautiful black sand beach. Pantai Nyanyi too, slightly further. No tourists around too!
*Pantai means beach
Hi, I am going to Bali in September and I will take my Dji MAvic air on a flight from Qatar Airways (I hope they will won’t make any problems because I have the fly more package. What should I take with me to not get in trouble and what are must do drone flying points for great footage?
Thanks
Kind regards Jonas
Hi Jonas,
you can find all info about Qatar Airways on this link:
https://www.qatarairways.com/en/baggage/restricted.html
Cheers,
Omri
Any concerns flying around Ubud?
Hi Dean, in Ubud like anywhere else:
– no flying above temples unless with a permit
– flying above private properties such as villas and hotels is not only unrespectful for people’s privacy but also not safe.
Monkey Forest: impossible! And to get a permit, you’d have to ask the Ministry of Tourism in Jakarta. Local Monkey Forest office won’t authorise it (I know we tried)
Apart from that there are a million amazing rice fields you can fly your drone above (although not too close to farmers).
North of Ubud, Tegalalang has breathtaking rice terraces. If you want to take it one step further, I recommend you to go to Jatiluwih. You can ask for a permit at the ticket office. Amazing.
I plan to travel in Sept 2018. Do you think your information is still up to date or have the rules changed? What are the rules about flying over rice terraces? Or around the outside of Tanah Lot or along the beaches? Thank you in advance for the information. Also I have a layover in Taipei, should I be worried about customs and my drone being taken?
Hi Juliet,
yes it is all up to date. Unless they vote new laws from now till September that is :)
The research we did dates from a few months ago only.
There are no rules about flying your drone over rice fields as far as we know. In some places like Jatiluwih, you might have to pay a small fee.
Tanah Lot is a bit more tricky, you must register at the office after you enter the gates and they have a fixed rate for filming, Ground shots or aerial.
On beaches no fee.
About your layover in Taipei, if you don’t get out of the airport, no problem.
If you do, you’d have to refer to Taiwanese regulations (which we don’t know about)
Is DJI spark (weighing around 300g) considered as category 1 or category 2 drone?
Less than 2kgs is generally Cat 1
Hi guys, has anybody had problems
Flying with Garuda Airlines from Jakarta to Bali? Can I bring my mavic air or there is the risk to lost it at the custom?! :(
Hi Francesco,
actually there is no customs between Jakarta and Bali because it’s a domestic route so no problem :)
Excellent article – very important information (especially with respect to carrying batteries on aeroplanes) and a whole lot more besides. It is essential information, especially for newbies to flying a drone (like me) so thank you very much for taking the time and effort to publish such a genuinely useful article. Regards, Tim
Hi Tim, thanks for the nice comment and glad you liked the article.
One of the best articles I have read so far. Thank you for the info. I will be in bali only for 3 days.. Is there anywhere i can get a list of the best places to fly my drone in Bali? Thank you once again…
Thanks Madhusudhan,
ok so there is no list that I know of. Now this is a brilliant idea and I think we’ll publish one ourselves as many people ask us all the time :)
Thanks mr. Omri to show my team where we are get good and realible drone in bali
You can contact Ibham for drones: https://www.facebook.com/ibham.brahmantyo
Tell him you are coming from me, you’ll get a good price/service
Hey, I’m curious where can I get to a a fence for category 2? Thanks in advance! Best, Daniel
a fence? What do you mean exactly?
Anyone diş flight with air asia ı will flight on february with my mavic air
Is there any problem with this company can i carry my drone with air asia
Hey Hakan,
ok so AirAsia doesn’t mention any drone policy on their website and also doesn’t have a clear policy regarding lithium batteries.
The only related topic is concerning transportation devices such as hoverboards, which are totally forbidden:
https://www.airasia.com/my/en/press-releases/lithium-battery-powered-transportation-devices-are-prohibited.page
My experience: I use AirAsia often and took my drone a few times with me. I always kept it with me as carry-on and never ran into issues.
Let us know how that goes!
Thanx mate we will see on february :)
I will inform you asap thank u again for reply
cool. Enjoy your trip!
Hey. Wey helpful article
Im leaving to Dubai where is difficult to fly a drone need a permit even for holidays. But i stay there just 8 days then heading to Philippines and Bali. See the problem is with batteries at the airports.i fly with airasia.
My question is if i fly without battery at all and i purchases in Philippines i might get away with any problems at customs? As i cannot fly the drone even if i wanted in dubai?
Cheers
Hey Botond,
to be honest I am unsure as Airasia isn’t very clear about that. I never flew to or in Dubai either.
Now if it were me, I’d just take a shot at it but that’s me :)
I think perhaps you should ask the community in our FB group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bali.drone.club/
Let us know how you sort it out.
Maybe some entrepreneur could rent batteries to tourists whose airline doesn’t allow batteries on the plane. Could save a lot of hassle. Hell maybe rent the drone as well. Just a thought.
ah! Of course. Not a bad idea for the batteries actually.
Renting drones however is a bit tricky. We did it twice at Baliprod and both times they came back with scratches or broken :)
How about a DJI Mavic Air that is still in the box and sealed. Is it possible to put that in the check-in luggage? Or do I need to take everything out of the box and put it in my carry-on luggage?
I would say it’s the same thing. Moreover batteries are always a little bit charged when you purchase the drone. Gotta open it!
Thanks for the quick reply!
My pleasure Donny. Enjoy your trip!
Great article; quick question though, I will be travelling with my mavic to use for fun so I am category 1 but do I still need insurance? Many thanks Gareth
He Gareth,
ok so true wisdom would advise to get insurance for your drone… now it’s really up to you.
Actually, I don’t think I ever met anyone who has one in Bali
Fly safe, away from any crowds and your worst case scenario is just losing the drone :)
Cheers,
Omri
Thank you for this. Really helpful. Will travel to Indonesia (Jakarta-Yogyakarta-Bali) this July and I’m planning to bring my Spark.
Have a great trip Mariane!
Post your films on our FB group too: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bali.drone.club/
I flew mine from the beach at the Westin Nusa Dua early in the morning over the water and still got told it was a private beach and not allowed to fly.
Yes Westin Nusa Dua is in an area called BTDC Nusa Dua. Drones are strictly prohibited there.
At Baliprod, we shot a few of these large hotels and the staff told us to strictly stay above the hotel and not the neighbouring one.
I’m sitting on the beach at Nusa Dua at the resort next door, The Laguna, and was told the entire resort area of Nusa Dua is off limits for drones unfortunately. You
Hey Mike, sorry for the super late response. Yes Nusa Dua is a no go. Can’t fly your drone there. Zero tolerance too so don’t even try :)
Hey! Great article!
I’m going this may to jakarta-Bali and want to take my spark with me.
I’m just curious about 1 thing:
Is it alowed to film with your drone? Cause in the drone license permit I read at No.1 Camera that:
“For purposes of photography, film, or mapping,the drone operator has to enclose the permit letter from the authorized institution based on the applied regulation.”
And:
The permit application for operating the camera and the operator certificate should be addressed to the Directorate of Airworthiness
in the Ministry of Transport.
Or is this for the “pro’s”? I was a little bit scary when i read it and not sure to take my drone with me and film with te build in camera. So is it allowed to just film with you cat 1 drone without licens permit? So i don’t get any trouble? And also in Jakarta? I go there first :)
Thanks already!
HeyJonathan,
don’t worry, you can absolutely use your Spark. In Jakarta, I am not 100% familiar with how laws are enforced in the city. I imagine you should not try to pull stunts that can potentially endanger other people’s life. Common sense.
In Bali, you can fly it almost everywhere without permit so you’ll be fine.
Thanks for taking the time to put this article together.. Perfect!……
Thanks Shaun!
Wow what a good article. I am from South Africa and wish to film with an inspire 2 whilst on a private boat trip around Bali with a group of friends.. I am a licenced pilot with our civil aviation authority. My drone weighs a bit more than 2 kg so I was wondering if you could advise me as to how exactly I go about getting a permit.
Any issues in flying personal drone in Seminyak or Nusa Dua beaches?
These are heavily populated areas. I’d advise not to for obvious safety reasons. Moreover, Nusa Dua has a very large no fly zone where all the big hotels are. Zero tolerance so don’t even try.
Bali is big, better you go fly elsewhere maybe?
Your information not correct, 70% of Bali sirspace is controlled airspace and you should get permision from ATC after completed the commercial permit or recreational permit process. And all drones over 250 grams weight should get permit before fly in Bali Controlled Airspace, please check at Permenhub no.180 year 2015 (Pengendalian Pesawat Tanpa Awak di Ruang Udara Nasional) and check at Permenhub 163 year 2015 (Small UnmannedAircraft Systems) before you fly, and sanction for violation of Avistion Law related to drone will be more than 5 years and more than 3 Billion Rupiah. (No licence is 1 year and 200 million, No registration is 5 years and 1 billion, flying in Airport Operational Area (15 km radius) is 3 years and 1 billion, and endangered public and property is 2 years and 500 million, fly over prohibited area is 8 years and 500 million over restricted area is 3 years and 500 million).
Hey Sharky, thanks for the info. Will do a big update to the post soon. I’ll make sure to check for any new law, changed law, etc…
#flysafe
Concise and recent information, thanks.
Emirates also has a policy of NO DRONES IN CABIN, since some youtube numpty recently decided to fly their Spark in a moving Emirates aircraft cabin at 10,000m.
It also states, as most airlines do, you can have a checked bag in hold with drone and one battery fitted properly, but personally, I’d rather see all lipo in cabin for safety.
Here’s Emirates policy on cabin and drone itself . . . https://www.emirates.com/english/help/faq/239030/what-is-the-policy-for-transporting-dangerous-goods
Thanks again for the info.
Hey Les, sorry I didn’t reply to your comment before.
Wow, that’s crazy, wasn’t aware that some guy flew a drone inside a plane. Totally idiotic.
Thanks for sharing the link, will do a big update to the post soon and I’ll most definitely add it.
Fly safe!
Wow, such a great article good job. Thanks for sharing knowledge with us and it’s very interesting and knowledgable. really I this page have all those information which is required for Drone lover.
Thanks for your comment Ajay. And happy you enjoyed reading our drone post.
Thanks for sharing this detailed article, it’s to the point and is exactly what I needed to know before before deciding to fly with drone to Bali
Thanks Mohamed, glad it was useful to you.
Wow nice guide about flying drone. I don’t know many thing about drone but by reading your article i get a clear version. Thanks man.
Hey Alfredo, happy it helped.
thanks for sharing
You’re welcome John! Hope it is useful to you.