Tabanan Travel Guide

Known as the 'rice bowl' of Bali, Tabanan is a regency of paddy fields stretching from mountain to coast. Tabanan town is the capital of this regency, a bustling little town 20kms from Denpasar.

Worth It?: Yes but more for the regency at large than solely for the town.
What to Do: buy some woodwork handicrafts, visit nearby Pura Tanah Lot temple.
Best Time to Go: May through to September or October for the dry season.
How Long?: A couple of hours in Tabanan town are ample time.
Trivia: the now departed I Ketut Marya, Bali's most famous dancer, was born here in the 19th century.

There isn't much to see in Tabanan but it's pretty lively and makes a nice day trip from the beaches. It is known somewhat as an artisan's town, being home to myriad skilled woodcarvers and poets at one time or another. Several shops sell carved wood items in town and festivals go on throughout the year. Tabanan's Subak Museum showcases the agriculture of the regency.

The main draw to Tabanan is its surroundings. There are enticing villages all around the regency, including that of Krambitan, known for its traditional tektekan performances.

The 700-meter Mount Batukaru has some good trekking, while to the southwest is the regency's main attraction, the Pura Tanah Lot temple. It is Bali's most visited temple and has a lovely coastal setting. Tabanan also boasts 30kms of black sand beaches.

Travel to Tabanan - Getting There

Tabanan is about 20kms northwest of Denpasar on highway 2, which leads onto the main coastal highway. Buses run here regularly from Kuta and Denpasar. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 30kms to the southwest of Tabanan, or an hour away by road. The airport is served from all over Southeast Asia, including from Jakarta in around 2 hours.

Tabanan Things to Do

Tabanan Attractions

Downtown Tabanan

the main attraction in Tabanan is wandering around town checking out handicrafts stores and visiting Subak Museum.

Side trips from Tabanan

Pura Tanah Lot: one of Bali's main attractions is south of town on the coast. It is an ancient temple complex on a small island that has amazing sunsets.
Mount Batukaru: this 700-meter peak is not far from Tabanan and has decent trekking.

Events

Krambitan tektekan performances: these traditional performances happen year round and feature giant wooden cow bells, clappers and drums.