Discover Top Must-Visit Places in Denpasar

Published On : 04 Sep 2024

Being called the island of Bali’s ‘front door’, it is sad to see that most tourists do not pay much attention to Denpasar as it is merely an entry point to the major attractions in the area. Nevertheless, there is much more to Indonesia’s second-largest city apart from having an international airport. Still retaining its Balinese cultural roots, Denpasar gives visitors a glimpse of the real Bali, free from tourism and commercialism.

Bali’s capital is rich in sightseeing opportunities and there are many wonderful places to visit here From grand temples to vibrant markets and from green parks to interesting museums. Here are the top must-visit destinations in Denpasar that you shouldn't miss on your next trip to Bali.
Pura Jagatnatha

Pura Jagatnatha is one of the most popular Balinese temples that is situated in the capital city of Bali, Denpasar. This site occupies a rather sacrosanct place in the religious context of Hindu Balinese as it is a local government administrative center where government officials as well as the honored guests give offerings to Sanghyang Widi. The temple building design is Chinese-Balinese and red brick buildings with long multi-tiered roofs are stunning and eye-catching. On the walls, there are stone carvings and impressive sculptures of different deities which are placed at the entrance and after passing through them one enters the inner building.

Bali Museum

Bali is a culturally rich island and history lovers can spend hours at the Bali Museum located near Puputan Square. Situated in a visual and architecturally stunning edifice that is a nod to Balinese design, this museum is made up of several buildings that provide a timeline of art, religion, and economics from prehistoric times through Indonesia’s fight for independence from the Dutch in the twentieth century. Stroll in traditional Balinese houses that mimic the Bali Aga house and museum collections displayed here are fabrics, instruments, paintings, sculptures, and others that speak of the island’s marvelous heritage.

Denpasar Night Market

Late at night, the Pasar Badung market complex transforms into a Night Market to explore the vibrant local food stalls. The stalls sell beach food which includes Bali satay, rice, curry, roasted pig, and other Balinese snacks and cakes. Open-air markets especially those selling freshly harvested fruits and spices are a delight and as you shop get to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Do not miss out on the opportunities to taste sate of pig’s blood and seafood barbecued on skewers!

Bajra Sandhi Monument

Visit the Bajra Sandhi Monument which is a war memorial dedicated to the freedom fighters of Bali nearby Renon Square. This landmark is built in the form of a Balinese pennant with 33 dioramas which represent the history of the island, and the gardens surrounding this huge structure become the favorite place for locals to jog in the morning. Head up to the 13th level to get a bird’s eye view of Denpasar city with the new world skyscrapers looming in the foreground and temple silhouettes in the distance.

Taman Werdi Budaya

Get away from the city bustle of Denpasar and enjoy an afternoon in lush greens at the Taman Werdi Budaya. Translated as Cultural Park, it occupies more than ten hectares of magnificent and well-arranged lawns and exotic plants and flowers accompanied by exquisite water fountains. Children would enjoy running around the concrete sculptures mimicking the kujang megaliths, and the wayang golem which is a giant statue of the puppets used in the Ramayana Hindu mythology. Many general-purpose open-air shelters frequently stage cultural shows of Balinese arts.

Pura Maospahit

Kesiman is a village that is located near Denpasar and Pura Maospahit is one of Bali’s significant Shivaist temples. Like any other building, it has an architectural design that resembles the architectural designs of the Hindu temples that existed during the 14th century in Majapahit in Java but this temple has been used by the Balinese Hindus as a temple since the 17th century. The outer central shrine of Padmasana in the middle of the courtyard enshrines a one and a half feet tall lingam of Lord Shiva with statues of Ganesha and Nandi. It will be great to identify with some of the advanced art of carving on the entrance gates and the walls of this ancient temple.

Sanur Beach

End a day trip from Denpasar to the neighboring resort town of Sanur for good beach relaxation. The coast at this place juts out toward Nusa Penida island, making for gentle ocean currents ideal for swimming and other water activities. Sunbatanze on the pristine white sand with a fresh coconut in hand or challenge yourself and fancy water activities such as sailing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. In the evening, take a stroll on the boardwalk along Sanur’s shoreline which is filled with cafes and shops, and then spend the evening’s end with a seafood barbecue on the beach at sundown.

Tegenungan Waterfall

About 45 minutes from Denpasar, the south part of the island holds one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the village of Tegenungan. Located within the green jungle of Bahia, the waterfall pours its waters directly into the inviting pool created by the natural rocky formation ideal for photography. That you can swim in the freshwater natural pool or relax as you sunbathe on the sun deck overlooking the waterfall. The hiking trail also goes upstream of the other minor waterfalls and rapids if you wish to go further into the tropical greenery.

Uluwatu Sea Temples

Take your family out to the beautiful sea temple of Uluwatu standing proud on towering seaside cliffs. If one has to take his car and drive in the southwest direction from the capital city of Bali that is Denpasar, it will take slightly over an hour to cover the distance that leads to the southernmost part of the Bali peninsula. The main attraction here is the ancient structure of Pura Luhur Uluwatu which is an 11th-century temple and is home to the spirits of the sea. Experience a Kecak fire dance show at dusk followed by a leisurely walk through the monkey-occupied cliff temple complex. Finally, after the Uluwatu temple tour, you can relax at the beaches where you can see surfers performing their stunts at Padang Padang and Suluban beach.

Therefore, next time you visit Bali via Denpasar, do not just hurry straight to the airport to reach the city, but explore the culture, nature, and food it has to offer! For getting to know Denpasar, it is quite a pity to leave Bali without visiting it as there are ancient sites, local markets, beautiful beaches, and even waterfalls just nearby.