I've had similar bad experiences with DHL.
Recently had a very important package sent all round the UK for a week before is was eventually sent to Asia on a 3-day delivery "promise". When I complained I was told that I wouldn't get a reply because it was coming to a bank holiday week-end! Eventually got free voucher worth about £50 after much argument.
Another recent shipment to Jakarta arrived on friday morning at Jakarta airport was moved around various departments and eventually delivered on the following monday evening! When I complained DHL said that they have no control over local delivery drivers and the driver must have run out of time on the friday! So 2-days to reach the airport from the UK and 4 days to go the five miles to the addresee in Jakarta.
A document to Singapore however took one day to arrive from the UK.