15 Things to Do in Denpasar: Explore Denpasar in Bali

You may not get a chance for adventurous water sports things to do in Denpasar but here in this appealing city tourists can adore the valuable paintings, admire the ancient artifacts, discover the history of Bali’s Independence, buzz through the markets, taste the delectable cuisine and experience the serenity of temples. 

Bali Tour Packages have these destinations well included in the itinerary. So let’s get on an amazing journey and discover some of the most amazing things to do in Denpasar City Bali.

Things to Do in Denpasar

1. Bali Shark Eco Adventure

This unique Bali Shark Eco Adventure in Denpasar City, Bali, allows you to swim with sharks, making it the most exciting thing to do in Denpasar. This is also known as the Serangan Shark Project, and it brings you to an artificial shark nursery where you can get up close to over a dozen black reef sharks. This adventure activity in Bali is on a mission to raise awareness about shark protection and create a better understanding of this sometimes misunderstood creature.

The Bali Sharks excursion is suitable for all ages, as well as swimmers and non-swimmers. Non-swimmers might enjoy feeding and getting up close to reef predators. This is also a great area for young children to learn about sharks and their many species. The guided excursion lasts approximately three hours and involves snorkeling and deep diving into the sea with sharks.

2. Batik Shopping

This artwork is native to Indonesia and has been passed down through generations. Batik art dates back thousands of years and comprises the process of hand-stamped or hand-drawn wax-resist dyed fabric. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization recognizes this work of art as Indonesian cultural heritage. Batik artwork is an integral part of the daily lives of Indonesian artists. Shopping in Bali for one of the Batik work clothing for yourself is the best thing to do in Denpasar. 

 Several outlets proudly display these unique art clothing pieces. Batik dresses, beach dresses, party dresses, sarongs, and shirts are all available for purchase based on Batik handwork. Also, be aware that a few businesses may charge far more than the true price. There are a few government-authorized businesses, so do your research before going on a bakit buying spree. 

Suggested Read: Travel Tips for Bali

3. Upside down world Bali

There are seven specially created chambers in this unique thing to do in Denpasar that have furniture and decor arranged in an inverted manner. Get ready for unexpected scenes and a 180-degree global spin if you are entering an upside-down planet.

Expert advice: don’t forget to bring your cameras because that’s where they’re most needed. In the upside-down universe, everything is affixed to the ceiling and the ceiling doubles as the floor. Interesting? Everything in the house is upside down, including the dining area, kitchen, living room, master bedroom, kids’ room, bathroom, and garden.  

Even taking pictures seems to be an art form here. Bring a photo specialist with you to help you choose the ideal spot and angle for your shot. This unique area offers a fresh experience and infuses your trip with an imaginative and enjoyable aspect.

4. Badung Market

The current market is entirely digital. The market only accepts payments made online; cash payments are not accepted. Elevators and escalators connect the market’s floors. Numerous vendors offering both fresh and non-perishable goods are housed in the multi-story facility. In the market, Batik clothing and fabric are also available for purchase. There’s even a play area for kids with entertainment and educational options. This location has eighteen Wi-Fi spots for you to utilize while you shop, which is another awesome feature! Isn’t that wonderful? 

Wondering through the market and exploring the unique food items is an exciting thing to do in Denpasar.

5. Big Garden Corner

There are distinctive stone statues everywhere all around the garden. These sculptures depict humans, animals, birds, and dinosaurs. When you have kids on vacation and want to spend some time somewhere where they can run about in the park and in their own designated play areas, the garden is the ideal hangout. The kids’ favorite feature of the Big Garden Corner is the tree house. The main attraction of the garden is the miniature of Borobudur Temple which is 5 meters high. 

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

Entrance Fee: IDR 75,000 per person

6. Turtle Conservation and Education Center

This is one of the most engaging as well as educational things to do in Denpasar City. This is an NGO-run organization that works to rescue, rehabilitate, and conserve crucial and endangered marine animals and encourages tourists not to buy them and instead help preserve the tiny creatures. 

Especially for kids that have created specialized and tiny pools where they can play with the tiny turtles. The guided tour of the Turtle Conservation and Education Center at Denpasar City gives information regarding the hatching and reproduction and turtles and how they are working towards conserving the species. 

7. Kertalangu Cultural Village

This place also has a running track amidst the lush greenery, for those who wish to enjoy their running session with the clean air. Tourists can also purchase fresh and organic produce from the village. Other recreational things to do in Denpasar City are flying foxes, horse riding, and fishing. The place has musical instruments that are used during the cultural performances and tourists who wish to try their hands can learn from the artists. 

At last, do not leave the village without tasting the delectable authentic cuisine made with organic and homegrown spices. A visit to this cultural village is a rejuvenating and relaxing experience.

8. Werdhi Budaya Art Center

Situated on Nusa Indah Street, this art center in Denpasar City also features artifacts, cultural elements, and historical belongings. Here at this place, tourists can enjoy all the varieties of art forms of Bali at this single center. Various live dance performances are organized to attract tourists and educate them about the rich heritage of Bali. 

Just a pro trip prepare yourself in advance to completely explore the place as this architectural marvel is divided into several complexes along with the library. If you are in search of a place to capture the architecture of Balinese style is place has a lot to offer.

Timings: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

9. Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali 

The museum that was built in 1931 by P.J Moojen has the main purpose of exhibiting the Indonesian architectural style and Balinese royal palaces. Adorning the architecture of the museum is a popular thing to do in Denpasar for people who are fascinated by the culture, art, architecture, and history of various places. 

10. Taman Hutan Raya Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest

Mangroves play an important role in the ecological balance and grow in the saline coastline. There are more than 30 species of Mangroves growing in Bali and they are the source of traditional food, craft, and vital source of fuel in the country. The mangrove first is also home to hundreds of various species of animals and birds. 

This romantic getaway is a unique experience in Bali to be among the lush and beauty of Mangroves. The forest is spread over 1373 hectares and for the ease of visitors, a 1.8 km wooden path is provided to comfortably adventure through the vast mangrove forest. A Leisure stroll through the forest is the most relaxing thing to do in Denpasar City Bali.

11. Sari Wisata Budaya Barong Dance

In addition to the cultural performances the group also engages the tourists in various educational activities through workshops and dance learning sessions. They participate in Bali festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events both locally and internationally, representing the vibrant artistic traditions of Bali. Engaging in cultural activities and learning about the heritage and significance of each dance form is an enriching thing to do in Denpasar Bali.

12. Bajra Sandhi Monument

Constructed in 1987 and made public in 2003, the monument is well-situated in front of the Bali Governor’s office. The monument, which occupies 13.8 hectares and offers breathtaking views, symbolizes the agony and pain endured by the Bali people as they sought independence from the Dutch, a cause that claimed the lives of close to 1000 people. The monument is based on Hindu philosophy and independence symbols. Adorning the monument and the significance it holds is the ultimate thing to do in Denpasar Bali.

Entrance Fees Adults: IDR 30,000

Entrance Fees Children: IDR 15,000

Timings: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

13. Le Mayeur Museum

The museum, is situated directly next to Sanur Beach, houses about eighty of the painter’s pieces. The majority of the paintings on canvas, walls, hardboard, and plywood are of women from around the globe. After traveling to Indonesia in 1932, Le Meyeur married Ni Polok falling in love with her. 

Several paintings in the museum are of Ni Polak. The painter and his wife lived at the Sanaur, and when they passed away, the paintings were preserved, and the house was eventually turned into a museum that displays all of this priceless art.

Ni Polak is a gift shop next to the museum where you can purchase postcards and other decorative things imprinted with the paintings of Le Mayeur. 

Entrance Fees: IDR 2000

Timings: 8 AM to 2 PM

14. Sakenan Temple

During the temple’s annual Piodalan anniversary festival, grant processions are staged on the premises every year. Every 210 days, the celebrations take place, and the residents get together to show their respect and worship the temple’s deities. The festival creates a surreal environment and features religious rites, processions, dancing performances, and more.

15. Jagannath Temple

Puppet show performances are held at the temple premises every month during the full moon and new moon. 

Best Time to Visit Denpasar City

The best time to visit Bali Denpasar is from April to September. During these months it’s dry season with average temperatures from 20-25 degrees Celsius. The weather conditions are optimal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The humidity is low with some rain showers. 

The rainy season in Bali runs from October to March. Fewer visitors like to visit Denpasar Bali during these months, so you may have a more private experience with fewer crowds and lineups in the market. I’m sure a few raindrops during the day won’t dampen your enthusiasm for exploring the city’s culture. During the wet season, hotels and resorts are also less expensive, so voila! You profit from both the crowd and the money. 

Places to stay in Denpasar

It would be convenient to book hotels near the convention center and Badung Market as all the major attractions are nearby and it will ease your travel within the city.