What to Do in Denpasar [Places to see and Everything you need to know about Denpasar City, Bali]
Denpasar is a vibrant city known as the gateway to Bali’s famous destinations. Even though it’s not as well-known as the other cities in Bali, it’s a destination in its own right with tourist attractions such as temples and museums, shopping, parks, and beautiful beaches. During my recent visit to Denpasar to process my visa extension, I had the chance to explore some of the city’s many attractions. In this article, I will share some information about this city and the best of what to do in Denpasar. So let’s dive in.
Where is Denpasar?
Denpasar is the administrative capital of the Indonesian province of Bali. It is located on the southern coast of the island, just a few miles west of Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Where is Denpasar Airport?
Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Bali International Airport, is located just a few miles south of Denpasar. It is the main gateway to Bali and Indonesia.
What is Denpasar Airport is called?
Ngurah Rai International Airport is named after I Gusti Ngurah Rai, a Balinese hero who fought for Indonesia’s independence.
What is Denpasar famous for?
Denpasar is famous for its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. It is also a popular destination for shopping and nightlife.
Is Denpasar worth visiting?
Yes, Denpasar is worth visiting, especially for those who are interested in exploring the culture and history of Bali. It’s a bustling, multi-cultural city with beautiful temples, parks, and museums. It is easy to navigate, even on foot. There’s a beautiful beach that is easily accessible, and there are many shops where you can buy the best items in Bali such as silks, jewelry, handicrafts, and batik cloth.
Is Denpasar safe?
Denpasar is generally considered a safe place for tourists, with a safety index of 60. It’s rare for tourists to report being the victim of a violent crime in Denpasar. However, you should take precautions to ensure your safety, especially against petty crimes.
I also recommended traveling with travel insurance to protect your health and belongings.
Denpasar what to do
Wondering what to do in Denpasar? Here are my six recommendations.
1. Take a stroll along Lapangan Puputan Renon
Lapangan Puputan Renon is a large, scenic park with grassy fields and a running track. and a kids’ play area. It covers an area of 7.6 acres and is located just north of the Bajra Sandhi Monument. The square was officially opened in 2003. It was named after the Puputan battle that took place in 1906 against the Dutch colonial forces. It’s a popular recreation spot for locals and tourists alike, and it’s also used to hold various events and ceremonies.
📍Address: 86HM+WHP, Renon, Denpasar Selatan, Panjer, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234, Indonesia
2. Process your Visitor Visa at Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I TPI Denpasar
If you want to extend your Bali visa, you may visit the immigration office in Denpasar. The office is open during regular business hours and visitors can visit the office to obtain information or services related to immigration.
I personally processed my visa extension when I was there. You may read this guide if you want to know how visa for Denpasar works.
📍Address: Jl. Panjaitan No.3, Sumerta Kelod, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234, Indonesia
3. Visit Bajra Sandhi Monument
📍Address: Jl. Raya Puputan No.142, Panjer, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234, Indonesia
The Barja Sandhi Monument is a towering historical monument that commemorates Indonesia’s independence. It’s located just beside Lapangan Puputan Renon.
The monument was built in 1987 and inaugurated by President Megawati Sukarnoputri on June 14, 2003. It follows the architectural principles of the “Tri Mandala,” which consists of Utama Mandala, Madya Mandala, and Nista Mandala.
The monument has administrative rooms, exhibition halls, and a library. You can learn about the history of Bali and the struggles of the Balinese people for independence by visiting the monument.
4. Visit the Pura Jagatnatha
Pura Jagatnatha, known as the “Temple of the God of the Universe,” is dedicated to Sanghyang Widi, the supreme deity in Balinese Hinduism. It’s the largest temple in Denpasar, with its towering gate intricately carved with traditional Balinese motifs.
The temple has a central shrine called the padmasana, said to symbolize the heavens and the omnipresence of the divine. Devotees gather at Pura Jagatnatha throughout the day, and during the full moon, the temple comes alive with religious ceremonies. There is no entrance fee to visit the temple.
📍Address: 86V9+9GG, Jl. Surapati, Dangin Puri, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80232, Indonesia
5. Go swimming at Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is a popular tourist destination with a shoreline of about 7 kilometers. The beach is frequented by locals and expats for swimming, morning strolls, jogging, bicycle riding, and water sports activities such as parasailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing.
📍Address: Jalan Cemara, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
6. Shop for souvenirs at Pasar Badung (Smart Heritage Market)
Pasar Badung, also known as Smart Heritage Market, is the oldest and largest traditional market in Bali. The market offers a variety of goods, including fresh produce, seafood, meat, spices, handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. It’s open daily from early morning until late afternoon.
📍Address: 86V7+M2M, Jalan Gajah Mada, Pemecutan, Dauh Puri Kangin, Denpasar Barat, Denpasar City, Bali 80111, Indonesia
7. Shop or check out jewelry at UC Silver Gold
Along Jl. WR Supratman you will see an eye-catching, large monument of Trimurti, the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This impressive installation sits in front of UC Silver Gold, a jewelry store and museum that has been in business since 1989. They have the largest silver and gold manufacturing in Bali, with an extensive collection of handcrafted jewelry. Likewise, you will find artifacts, sculptures, and other impressive art collections here.
📍Address: Jl. Raya Batubulan Gang Candrametu No.2, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
8. Try the Balinese dish Babi Guling
One of the best dishes to try in Bali is Babi Guling, a traditional Balinese dish made of slow-roasted suckling pig stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spices. There are many restaurants that offer this dish in Denpasar, including the following:
What is Denpasar like?
Denpasar is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich culture and history. It is also a popular destination for shopping, nightlife, and beach activities.
Denpasar nearest beach
The nearest beach to Denpasar is Sanur Beach. It is a popular beach with white sand, clear water, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
Denpasar vs Ubud
Denpasar and Ubud are both popular tourist destinations in Bali. However, they have different atmospheres and attractions. Denpasar is a more urban city, while Ubud is a more rural town. Denpasar is also a popular destination for beach activities, while Ubud is known for its yoga and wellness retreats.
How far Denpasar to Ubud?
According to Google Maps, Ubud is 24.9 km away from Denpasar. Travel time depends on the mode of transportation, the traffic situation, and the routes taken. The estimated time may go between 23 minutes, 1 hour, and 30 minutes.
Denpasar to Ubud
There are many ways to travel from Denpasar to Ubud. Here are some options:
- Bus: Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to get from Denpasar to Ubud, and it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. You may take Kura Kura Transfer, Perama Tour, and Bali Karang Tours. The cost of the bus ticket is around IDR 100,000 (approximately US$ 7).
- Taxi: You may also take a cab; travel takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic. You may take Bluebird Taxi, a reliable taxi company in Bali. The fare is around IDR 350,000 to IDR 400,000 (approximately US$ 25–28).
- Shuttle bus: Shuttle buses are a popular way to get from Denpasar to Ubud, and the trip takes about an hour. Perama Tour is a shuttle bus company that offers this service. The cost of the shuttle bus ticket is around IDR 60,000 (approximately US$ 4).
- Private transfer: Private transfers are a comfortable and convenient way to get from Denpasar to Ubud. You may book via Klook and pay between IDR 300,000 and IDR 400,000 (approximately US$ 21–28).
- Motorbike taxi: Motorbike taxis, such as GoJek and Grab bikes, are a popular and affordable way to get from Denpasar to Ubud. Fare costs range from IDR 100,000 to IDR 150,000 (approximately US$7–10).
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Whether you want to visit cultural sites or indulge in culinary delights, Denpasar has something to offer everyone. I hope that this guide can help you start planning your Denpasar visit.
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