Denpasar Travel Guide
The compact capital city of the beautiful holiday island of Bali is the largest city on the island. Despite being second choice to Bali’s top resorts, Denpasar has plenty to offer in the way of things to see and do.
Denpasar is famous for its white sandy beach and there are all kinds of Balinese arts and crafts for sale in the many stalls that line the streets. Souvenir shopping in the city is easy and you will be spoiled for choice, with many shops and stores to choose from.
Overall, Denpasar is clean and modern and has a huge assortment of accommodation choices from budget backpacker hostels to top quality resorts. Local artwork, jewelry, pottery and textiles can be found in specialized shops and street stalls and gold is extremely cheap in the city.
Thanks to its high value and cheap price in Bali, gold can be found everywhere in Denpasar and batik cloths are also readily available. Batiks are made from pure cotton and have intricate details on them and can be made into sarongs and shirts.
The waves at the beach are large but the swells are not as dangerous as those found at Kuta Beach]]. There are temples, palaces and old mansions to explore and the airport is close by. There are restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines from all over the world in Denpasar and prices are reasonable.
The accommodation in Denpasar is varied, from plush hotels and resorts to backpacker style rooms and a lot of mid-range places to stay. The capital of the Indonesian island of Bali is overlooked by Mount Agung, which provides splendid views of the busy streets and pretty beach.
By far the most popular thing to do in Denpasar is to visit the stunning beach and either relax on the sands or enjoy surfing and swimming. Denpasar actually translates to ‘by the market’, which is why there are so many market stalls to explore. The Pasar Badung is a night market that is great fun to explore after dark, as are the many bars that line the beach and side streets throughout the city.
Things to Do
Denpasar Attractions
- Royal Temples
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If you are going to visit any temples during your stay, make these elaborate ones your first choice.
- Puputan Square
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Home to the famous catur mukha statue.
- Palace of Satria
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The royal palace of the king of denpasar is a popular tourist attraction.
- Pura Maospahit Temple
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A quiet oasis away from the crowds and noise.
- Pasar Badang
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A wide choice of foods and artwork all spread out over five floors.
- Pura Jagatnata Temple
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Famous for its steel structure.
Side trips from Denpasar
- Kuta
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A similar town to denpasar but with a little more to offer.
- Jimbaran
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A quaint fishing village that offers an insight into the quieter life on bali.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival
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From mid-june to mid-july you can enjoy local dance performances and art exhibitions that celebrate local cultures.