20 Epic Things to Do in Denpasar, Indonesia

Published On : 03 Sep 2024

Denpasar is the capital and the most populous city on the south-east Asian island of Bali which is part of Indonesia. As a city where Hinduism blended with the Balinese culture and the hustle of the people can be seen, Denpasar attracts tourists seeking to discover the Balinese way of life. Apart from enchanting temples and shrines that hold religious significance, rich markets, a remarkable art district, and beautiful beaches nearby, the area has many epic attractions and activities to offer. Below, we provide 20 of the best epic things that you should not miss to try every time you find yourself in Denpasar, the cultural city of Bali.

1. Visit the Bali’s State Temple of Pura Jagatnatha

Pura Jagatnatha is one of the oldest and the most relevant Hindu temples situated in Denpasar which also serves as a great example of Balinese architecture. Three main structures comprising shrines and open-fronted corridors are decorated with detailed stone molding and brightly painted paras on stone walls. Do not forget to take a look at the decorative gates present at the four cardinal directions surrounding the temple.

2. This interesting place to shop and eat at the Denpasar night markets.

Trading takes place at night in Denpasar as many night markets are operating during this time. Pasar Badung or Kereneng Street markets offer many souvenir items, Sundanese handicrafts, and temple offerings together with clothes and other necessities to purchase as well as various Indonesian food specialties such as sate, nasi goreng, and fried bananas.

3. Relax at Sanur Beach

It is only 15 15-minute drive away from the capital city of Bali – Denpasar, offering tourists a perfect escape from the heat of the city with its white sand and clear waters of Sanur beaches. Swim in the sea from a beach cottage or take a walk with other people to exercise doing yoga in the morning and then get to shop in the resort town’s shops or cafes.

4. Visit the Bali Museum

If you want to know something about Balinese history, traditions, and customs, then you should visit the Bali Museum. Some of the most important sections of the museum are those devoted to the use of cultural items in rituals and traditional means of music production. Just as with the indoor area displays, don’t overlook the wonderful mock Balinese home compound in the outdoors as well.

5. Explore Denpasar’s “Chicken Church”

This church has a funny name ‘Chicken Church’ because it has a statue of a rooster which is situated just at the entrance of the church proper is called Gereja Ayam. The Catholic church has a rather peculiar and specific architecture of the roof that resembles a hen’s wings.

6. Visit the Werdhi Budaya Art Centre

Built in 1973, the structures that make up a large cultural area include a fine art museum, historic buildings that exemplify Balinese architectural style, and an amphitheater for performances. When visiting the area, make sure you catch a show as there are always opportunities to view Balinese traditional dances or gamelan music performances during the day.

7. Street Performance – Batur Sari Street as a People Watch.

If one wants to get a feel of the lifestyle of a Denpasar Indonesian, then one can visit Batur Sari Street in the central business district of the city. The bustling street is packed with people going about their daily business; people in traditional attire buying goods at the market, school children in their uniforms, and families going around the numerous temples.

8. Explore Taman Werdi Budaya

Adjoining the Werdhi Budaya Art Center, this park provides a much-needed dose of greenery amid Denpasar’s agitation. Take a look at the gigantic sculpture of the Garuda bird and then sit down at the promenades to watch people or give the children space in the playground area.

9. Visit the Puputan Badung Monument on the island of Bali, Indonesia.

Offer your respects to this marker that marks the Puputan Badung “fight to the death” against the Dutch colonizers in 1906 when fighting to save the kingdom’s capital, Denpasar. A statue that shows the fight that led to the death of the main character is a significant work of Balinese heritage.

10. TIP This is a good place for admiring the architecture of Pura Maospahit.

In particular, Denpasar is replete with indigenous Hindu Temples and some of them are among the finest examples of the 16th century Majapahit era architecture and red brick structures most notably Pura Maospahit. The 18-meter-high, divided gateway with the statues of protectors is quite stunning.

11. visit the Pasar Kumbasari Marketplace

Shopping for cheap souvenirs, art, jewelry, homeware, and so on at this large multi-story market selling items for cheap opposite the Badung River. This gives it a cheerful atmosphere and is ideal for local shopping, especially in this business city of Denpasar. You should not leave this place without visiting the food court on the next floor!

12. This is why visiting the Bali Provincial Office is so important.

The working office of Bali’s provincial governor is located in an impressive colonial architecture palace built in 1936. The structure and environment can be viewed only during the weekdays and all efforts are made to maintain the historical look. Don’t forget to take a snap in front of the elevation plaque placed by Former US President Barack Obama!

13. Stroll through the Street Art of Denpasar

Denpasar has some emerging graffiti art, although the most extensive one is found in the Nyuh Kuning area. Pay attention to painted art that can be seen on the walls and other architectural structures that give some kind of an urban feel to the city.

14. Tourists should plan for a day trip to the famous Uluwatu temple.

Organize a one-hour drive south of Denpasar to this cliff-hugging sea temple that is one of the nine directional temples in Bali designed to protect the island from evil. The Kecak dance performances at the temple are also majestic and it presents a wonderful sunset performance by the resident Kecak dance troupe.

15. Surfing among the best attractions that a traveler can participate in while in Bali is surfing at Kuta Beach.

And if the pulse of Denpasar becomes too much, then it is suggested to litter from the busy city and spend a day at the Kuta beach, which is just a 15-minute drive southward. Hire a surfboard and try out the swell, or just chill out on the sand and people-watch for the up-and-coming surfers.

16. Explore Denpasar’s Café Scene

Denpasar has recently become a coffee lover’s paradise, and the café culture is thriving now more than ever. Visit trendy locations like The Batu Jimbar Café & Resto that are famous for its stunning industrial interiors or beautifully designed cafes such as Republik 45 offering Bali’s finest coffee and tea selection paired with scrumptious snacks.

17. Go to Bali Art Centre to watch a Show

The main concert venue for Balinese performance arts is the massive complex located in downtown Denpasar. Walk around and take a look at the traditional Balinese buildings and gardens between the structures and see what cultural activities are planned during your visit such as music, dance, and shadow manipulation.

18. Indulge in Babi Guling with Warung Wardani

Just make a question to any Balinese and they will suggest you try the babi guling in Wardani because according to them, Denpasar has the tastiest babi guling here. If you want to get a table at this lovely open-air restaurant, you must get there early as it quickly turns crowded – and for good reason: suckling pig roasted slowly on an open spit served with rice, fresh vegetables, and fiery Balinese sauces.

19. Explore Denpasar’s Rural Surroundings

Located only several kilometers from Bali’s capital, Denpasar is embraced by beautiful rice paddies, picturesque countryside villages, and stunning temples perched on the green slopes of the island’s hills. The lush rice terrace at Tegalalang or Penglipuran Village is perfect for an exciting day trip just outside the city limit of Denpasar.

20. Discover the traditions of Nyepi, which is known as the “Day of Silence” in Bali.

In Nyepi, the Balinese-Hindu New Year Saka, the whole town of Denpasar literally can freeze to a standstill: no one moves, and no sounds are heard all day. Celebrate this special festival of lights showing the city turning into a commercial city with no people and vehicles on the streets for the day and night and ogoh-ogoh statues in the sky on the eve of.

Conclusion

As it can be noted, there are almost no limits on what cultural explorers can do in Denpasar, as each new experience gives one the touch of true Bali’s spirit, Hindu roots, and local vibrant traditions. From getting lost in the beautiful temples that are as old as the island itself to going on a food crawl at street-side food stalls and observing the vibrant Balinese culture up close in local markets, here’s a list of top things to do that will help you make the most of your urban escapade, the city of Denpasar, the entry point to the enchanting island of Bali.