Want to experience the old city charm of Indonesian culture and architecture? Add Denpasar City, to your Bali Tour Packages — It is vibrant, and energetic and is the most admired city in Indonesia by tourists. The beautiful temples spread all around the city, centuries-old treasure-holding museums, rustic monuments, bustling markets, authentic Balinese cuisine, you name it, and get all here at Denpasar Bali Indonesia.
Denpasar City lies in southern Bali and is the administrative and economic hub of Indonesia. A brief history of Denpasar reveals that this city was a part of the Badung kingdom and had been a major market town during those times. Hence, Denpasar City has been the popular choice when it comes to shopping and markets.
Be a local by exploring the best places to visit, stay, and eat with the Denpasar travel guide, and make the most of your Bali Indonesia package!
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Best Places To Visit In Denpasar
1. Bali Shark Eco Adventure
Have you ever had an opportunity to swim along with sharks? Would you do it if given a chance to do so? You can swim with the sharks in this unique Bali Shark Eco Adventure, one of the most popular attractions in Denpasar city. It gets you up close with over a dozen blacktip reef sharks. This adventure centre spreads awareness of shark conservation and promotes a better understanding of the often misunderstood species.
The Bali Sharks tour is available for all ages as well as for swimmers and non-swimmers. Non-swimmers can enjoy feeding and getting an up-close encounter with the reef predators. This place is also perfect for young kids to learn about sharks and their varieties. The guided tour takes nearly 3 hours which includes snorkelling and deep diving into the sea with the sharks.
- Address: Jalan Tukad Panggawa, Serangan, Denpasar 80229, Indonesia
- Timings: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Entry Fee: ₹7,534/- per person
One of the best things to do in Denpasar is shopping! Yes, it would be unfair if you did not shop when in Denpasar Bali Indonesia! The Batik artwork, native to Indonesia and recognised by UNESCO as a cultural heritage, features traditional hand-drawn wax-resist dyeing techniques passed down through generations. You can find various stores selling Batik dresses, beach wear, sarongs, and shirts. While shopping, be mindful of pricing; look for government-authorised shops to ensure fair rates and authentic pieces.
- Few Best Places: Erlangga 2, Batik Popiler
3. Upside Down World Bali
Take a break from the beaches, temples, and markets and visit this fun place. Indeed you are going to enjoy a lot in the Upside Down World of Bali in Denpasar City. If you have kids with you this place is an educational cum fun trip for them.
This one-of-a-kind museum features 7 specifically designed rooms with furniture and decor the wrong way up.
Pro Tip: Remember to take your cameras.
- Address: Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai No.762, Pemogan, Denpasar, Bali 80221, Indonesia
- Timings: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Entry Fee: ₹536/- per person
Badung Market is one of the best places to visit in Denpasar if you wish to experience how the city runs daily. Badung Market, or ‘Pasar Badung’ in the local tongue, is the largest traditional market. This market is the main source of all and everything fresh for the residents of Denpasar City. The market opens well before dawn and here you can get fresh supplies of fruits, vegetables, and everything that is grown on the land of Bali.
There’s even a spot for children to play, complete with recreational and educational facilities. Another cool thing about this place is its 18 Wi-Fi spots you can use while you’re shopping! Isn’t it amazing?
- Address: Denpasar, Bali, Indoensia
- Timings: 4 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Best Things To Buy: handicrafts, spices, clothes, groceries, fruits, and vegetables
You didn’t explore Denpasar city if your Bali Trip Packages don’t include Bajra Sandhi Monument. It has a great history attached to it. This historical monument is dedicated to the struggles of the Bali people for freedom from the Dutch Colonial rule. This rectangular-shaped monument is a classic example of Indonesian architecture.
Built in 1987 and opened in 2003, this monument is located in front of the Bali Governor's office on 13.8 hectares of land. It honours the 1,000 Balinese people who lost their lives fighting for freedom from Dutch rule, featuring Hindu philosophy and independence in its design. In the basement, you'll find a modern Interactive Art Museum with 3D artwork and optical illusions. The monument is also home to beautiful gardens, and historical exhibits.
- Address: 142 Jalan Raya Puputan, Panjer, Denpasar, Bali 80234
- Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Entry Fee: Starts from ₹161/- per person
- Facilities: Parking, toilets, restaurants and cafes
This museum showcases the artwork and the history of the painter and artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres, a Brussels-born artist. He travelled all around the world before settling in Bali and all the experience gained during his voyage can be seen through his painting. The museum is located just right of Sanur Beach and features nearly eighty artworks by the painter.
Next to the museum is a souvenir shop called Ni Polak where you can buy postcards and other decorative items that have Le Mayeur’s paintings on them.
- Address: Jalan Hang Tuah, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
- Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Entry Fee: ₹267/- per person
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting Sakenan Temple (Pura Sakenan), one of the best temples in Bali. Built in the 10th century using limestone and coral, this Hindu temple showcases Bali's rich traditions. Every 210 days, the temple comes alive during Piodalan celebrations, where locals gather for rituals, processions, and traditional dance performances.
- Address: Jalan Pulau Serangan, Serangan, Denpasar, Bali 80229, Indonesia
- Timings: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Entry Fee: Free
8. Bali Provincial Public Museum
The Bali Provincial State Museum on the east side of Puputan Square is perfect for exploring Bali's rich history. Its exhibition halls showcase items from the Mesolithic Age to modern times, including ancient weapons, religious artefacts, and musical instruments. The museum features a beautiful garden for visitors to relax. Visitors can discover everything from ceramics to traditional household tools and more!
- Address: Jalan Mayor Wisnu No.1, Dangin Puri, Denpasar, Bali 80232, Indonesia
- Timings: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Entry Fee: ₹537/-
Jagannath temple located at the heart of the Denpasar city of Bali is the biggest Hindu temple and is located on the east side of the Puputan Badung field. It is the only temple that is dedicated to the God of Balinese Hinduism, Sanghyang Widi. A gold statue of the God sits atop a seven-tiered throne made of white coral with a central altar that is dedicated to Shiva and rests on the shell of the turtle Bedawang Nala and two dragons.
The walls of the temple are adorned with carvings that depict the various parts of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by a pond filled with giant Koi fish. Two major festivals are held here every month on the temple premises, during the full moon and new moon, and feature wayang kulit (leather shadow puppet) performances.
- Address: Jl. Nusa Dua, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia.
- Timings: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Entry Fee: ₹107/- per person
Just 15 minutes from Denpasar, Sanur Beach offers a peaceful escape from the city. Perfect for swimming, this beach is more affordable than popular spots like Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak, or Legian. While hotels and restaurants here are budget-friendly, the area is nicknamed "sleepy Sanur" because of its calm nightlife.
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Top Places To Eat In Denpasar
Denpasar offers the most authentic Balinese food at affordable prices.
Warung De Rujak: For the best and cheapest Tipat Cantok.
- Address: Jl. Pulau Misol No.4, Dauh Puri Kauh, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80113, Indonesia
Bali Bakery: Perfect spot if you’re craving fresh bread, cakes, pastries, and lunch.
- Address: Jl. Hayam Wuruk No.181 Tanjung Bungkak Denpasar-Bali
Cianjur: Famous for Sundanese dishes, especially their fish (Ikan Gurame).
- Address: Jl. Cok Agung Tresna, Sumerta Kelod, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234, Indonesia
Warung Wardani: Mid-range restaurant famous for Nasi Campur (mixed rice dish).
- Address: Jl. Yudistira No.2, Dangin Puri Kauh, Kec. Denpasar Utara, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80232, Indonesia
Atoom Bara: Renowned for delicious Chinese seafood.
- Address: Jl. Gajah Mada No.108, Pemecutan, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80231, Indonesia
Where To Stay In Denpasar, Bali
- Griya Tunjung Sari
- Nakula Familiar Inn
- Merta Sari Hotel
- Four Star by Trans Hotel
- Pop Hotel
Best Time To Visit Denpasar, Bali
Denpasar City, the capital of Bali can be visited throughout the year. However, it’s important to know the best time to visit.
The best time to visit Denpasar, Bali is during the dry season — April to October, as the average temperature throughout the day goes from 20 to 25 degrees Celcius. The humidity is low during these months and some rain showers can be expected. These months are ideal to go around the city and explore the hidden gems of the place.
November to March is the wet season in Bali. Fewer tourists prefer to visit Denpasar Bali during these months. That means you can have a place in solitary with fewer queues in the market. During the wet season, the hotels and resorts are also at low prices, so viola! You are on the benefitting side in terms of both the crowd and money.
How To Reach Denpasar Bali
If you’re wondering how to get around Denpasar, Bali below are the best travel options:
By Flight
- To reach Denpasar City the nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport which is 13 km from the city.
- All the major international cities of the world are also well-connected with the flight to Denpasar city.
- On reaching the airport tourists can hire a cab or taxi to reach the city.
By Bus
- If you want to be like a local, you can travel by bus. Ubang is the bus terminal of the city, this is also an open-air-minibus terminal.
- There are regular buses connecting Denpasar city with Java, Gilimanuk, Surabaya, Ubud, and Yogyakarta.
By Scooter
- You can also rent a scooter from the nearby cities to Denpasar however, you need to have an international driving license to drive a scooter in Bali.
- Seeing the crowd in the city it is best to sit relaxed at the back of the car and enjoy the beauty of the city.
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Tips For Visiting Denpasar Bali
- Documents: Keep your passport valid for 6+ months and ensure to get a Visa on Arrival.
- Transport: Book flights early and decide between renting vehicles or using local taxis/Grab for city travel.
- Weather: Visit during the dry season (April-October) for the best weather; pack rain gear if coming during the wet season (November-March).
- Health: Buy travel insurance, and pack basic medicines and mosquito spray.
- Money: Exchange money at reliable places and carry both cash (Rupiah) and cards.
- Language: Most tourist areas speak English, but learning basic Indonesian phrases helps.
- Food: Try local dishes at warungs (small restaurants) but stick to bottled water for drinking.
- Sightseeing: Book popular attractions in advance to avoid queues.
- Culture: Dress modestly at temples and respect local customs.
- Safety: Keep valuables in hotel safes and stay alert while traveling around the city.
- Beach Gear: Pack essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and reusable water bottles for outdoor activities.
