Denpasar

Ancient temples, modern chaos, and scooter symphonies.

The capital of Bali blends Hindu traditions with modern Indonesian life. Temples dot the cityscape, while Kuta Beach hosts lively nightlife amid chaotic traffic and busy streets.

3.9
out of 5

Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, offers a glimpse into everyday Indonesian life beyond the tourist hotspots. In the city center, you'll find the Bajra Sandhi Monument commemorating Balinese struggles and the Bali Museum with its extensive artifact collection. A short drive takes you to Sanur Beach where you can relax on golden sands. From the bustling Badung Market to the ornate Pura Jagatnatha temple, Denpasar has attractions for various interests.

Exploring Puputan Square

Puputan Square forms a large urban green space in central Denpasar, where locals often gather. The Catur Mukha statue stands at its center - a four-faced figure representing different aspects of divinity. Spend some time on the square to observe daily life in the Balinese capital.

Just east of the square, you'll find the Bali Museum. A series of traditional Balinese-style pavilions house the museum's extensive collection of the island's art, culture and history. You can view ancient stone and bronze artifacts, traditional textiles, and works by noted Balinese artists. Plan to spend at least 2 hours exploring the exhibits.

Visiting Denpasar's Temples

Denpasar has several significant Hindu temples. The largest, Pura Jagatnatha, sits adjacent to the Bali Museum. This state temple has ornate carvings and a towering white coral stone structure dedicated to Sanghyang Widi, the supreme god in Balinese Hinduism. Try to visit during one of the twice-monthly full moon or new moon ceremonies when worshippers fill the temple with colorful offerings and prayers.

For examples of royal Balinese architecture, visit Puri Pemecutan. This former palace compound now serves as both a residence for descendants of Denpasar's royal family and a site for cultural performances. You can examine the intricately carved wooden pavilions and gateways to appreciate traditional Balinese design.

Relaxing at Sanur Beach

When you need a break from city sightseeing, take the short trip east to Sanur Beach. This long stretch of golden sand has a calmer atmosphere compared to the beaches of Kuta or Seminyak. The gentle waters make swimming easy, while the offshore reef creates good conditions for snorkeling.

You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas from beachside vendors or eat at one of the casual restaurants along the shore. For scenic views, walk along the paved beachfront path at sunrise or sunset. Sanur Beach combines tourist amenities with a relaxed local atmosphere.

Shopping at Badung Market

To experience a traditional Balinese market, visit Pasar Badung in central Denpasar. This multi-story complex houses hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. The ground floor focuses on fruits, vegetables, and spices, while upper levels have clothing, housewares, and souvenirs.

Arrive early in the morning to see the market at its most active as locals shop for their daily needs. Even if you don't plan to buy anything, exploring the narrow aisles allows you to observe everyday Balinese life and culture.

Getting Around Denpasar

While you can walk around Denpasar's city center, you'll need transportation to reach outlying attractions. Taxis are common and relatively inexpensive - just ensure the driver uses the meter. For shorter trips, flag down a bemo (shared minivan) along main roads. These follow set routes and cost very little, though they often fill up quickly.

Renting a motorbike gives you the most flexibility for exploring, but only try this if you're a confident rider familiar with busy Indonesian traffic. When visiting temples or government buildings, dress modestly and bring a sarong to cover your legs.

Average temperatures during the day in Denpasar.
December
27°
Jan
27°
Feb
27°
Mar
27°
Apr
27°
May
26°
Jun
25°
Jul
25°
Aug
25°
Sep
26°
Oct
27°
Nov
27°

What people say about Denpasar

3.9
People
5
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
4
Safety
4

A map of your visited countries

Share where you have been with your own interactive map of the world.

Your travel bucket list

Keep track of where you want to go with an interactive travel bucket list.

Articles about Indonesia

Image of Top places for traveling on a budget in Asia
Image of Top places for traveling on a budget in Asia

Top places for traveling on a budget in Asia

August 2023,
Asia is often considered a budget-friendly travel destination due to its lower cost of living compared to Western countries. The affordability, diverse cultures, and unique experiences make it an attr
Image of The best places to visit in March
Image of The best places to visit in March

The best places to visit in March

April 2024,
Spring bells! March is here; open your doors to exciting travel experiences. The journey reveals five different cities: History in Art, Paris; Spirituality and Chemistry, Bali; the sandy beaches and v
Image of Top places for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia
Image of Top places for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia

Top places for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia

March 2023,
Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia consisting of 11 countries. The countries that are commonly considered to be part of Southeast Asia are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Phil
Popular on Humbo right now
Humboâ„¢AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms