Many opine that Denpasar is just a frenetic city known for the trade. But, ask an avid traveler, and he will tell you that there is more to Denpasar than just buildings and temples. This capital city is an eclectic mix of traditional beauty and modern architecture and amenities. Today, we list a few of the top things to do in Denpasar, you can do when holidaying in Indonesia's capital city.
From the minute you board your flight at Denpasar, there are loads of things that will keep you on your toes. If you have a late check-in and know not what to do in Denpasar airport, be sure to check out the many duty-free outlets at the airport. Have a quick bite in Coco express that sells the best of drinks, and yummy takeaways, and is open 24 hours! You may also dart to one of the 5 currency exchange outlets, that will allow you to get some quick cash to spend in Denpasar.
13 Best Things To Do In Denpasar
Once you have settled down in your hotel in Denpasar and are ready to head out for some sightseeing, be sure to add these experiences to your itinerary!
- Bajra Sandhi Monument - A Delight For History Geeks
- Bali Provincial Public State Museum - Bali's Rich Heritage
- Shark Island - Interact With Sharks
- Diving - Unveil Bali's Marine World
- Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest - Mystery And Adventure!
- Bali Arts Festival - Watch Traditional Dance And Music
- Neka Art Museum - Witness Balinese Art
- Spa Therapy - Rejuvenate Yourself
- Pasar Badung Market - A Shopping Spree Awaits!
- Sanur Beach - Take A Stroll On The Sands
- Turtle Conservation And Education Center - Meet Baby Turtles
- Jagatnatha Temple - Seek Blessings
- Soap Carving Workshop - Test Your Skills
1. Bajra Sandhi Monument
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Looking for things to do in Denpasar- Kick start your sightseeing in Denpasar with a visit to Bajra Sandhi Monument. This historical monument is built in commemoration of the struggles faced by the Balinese. The monument was erected in the year 1987, this monument comprises of 33 dioramas that portray stories from the history and preserve the many cultural facets of Bali. The monument is named Bajra after the large bell used in the religious ceremonies. Public toilets, food stalls, shuttle busses, and a large parking area among other facilities are available at the site.
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2. Bali Provincial Public State Museum
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If you are wondering what to do in Denpasar city- Slip on your walking shoes and set out to the museum. Also, known as the Negeri Propinsi, this museum is a great place to cover a few hours if you are traveling with young kids. The museum gives a great insight into Bali - its history, culture, and varied traditions. Bali Provincial Public State Museum, is located in the heart of the provincial capital. This is one of the islands main museums and also one of the oldest landmarks in the city. It houses over 10,000 rare exhibits. The museum itself is complete with stone carvings and a sight to behold. Adjoining the museum, visitors can stroll through tropical gardens strewn with several statues that represent the rich heritage and culture of the island.
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3. Shark Island
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There are numerous things to do in Denpasar city, such as museum hopping. But, if museums and temples do not do the trick for you, head out on a marine adventure. This island is filled with you guessed it right sharks, and plenty of them. Shark Island is a fun place to head out to with young kids, where visitors are allowed to interact with sharks. The conservatory offers 3-hour eco tours that allow visitors to not just swim with sharks, but also feed them in a guarded environment. Be sure to pay a visit to the adjoining turtle conservatory and education center, which is both informative and fun. This is one of the best Denpasar activities, that allows you to get up close and personal with a shark!
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4. Diving
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On the lookout for thrilling adventure sports- Make your way to Atlantis International a five-star PADI certified center that is also registered with FFESSM and offers personalized dive trips around the island. Expert divers pick the best dive sites depending on the skill level of the diver and lead the entire session. This diving center is like no other, and strives to provide special attention to not just customer satisfaction but also ensures safety and sensitivity to the marine world. A dive into the depths of Bali's seas will tell you why it's considered to be one of the most exciting things to do in Denpasar, Bali.
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5. Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest
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Wild life enthusiasts, this one's for you. The Ngurah Rai Mangrove forest spans over a whopping 1,373 hectares of land and also includes over 7,500 sq.m of nursery plots that are dedicated to conservation and educational endeavours. This mangrove is home to the rarest varieties of mangroves. Over 62 types of birds and 10 kinds of reptiles can be sighted in the thick mangroves of this sanctuary.
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6. Bali Arts Festival
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One of the best things to do in Denpasar if you are visiting during the months of June and July is to partake in the Art Festival a fun event for the entire family. This is a festival hosted annually at the Taman Wedhi Budaya Arts Center. It is a much-awaited event where scores of village musical and dance groups compete with each other, while showcasing spectacular performances. Some of the events are held in a large 6,000-seater amphitheatre. This event is a great way to get a glimpse of the traditional Balinese culture. Ballets of Ramayana and Mahabharata in specific are quite mesmerizing and stunning. Tickets are sold before the performances and the schedules are available online on the art centers official website as well as the Denpasar Tourism Office. Be prepared to get awed at this cultural parade that is colorful, fun, and entertaining!
Location: Werdhi Budaya Art Center, Jl. Nusa Indah No.1, Panjer, Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80236, Indonesia
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
Held During: Mid-June to Mid-July
Fee: No entry fee
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7. Neka Art Museum
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History geeks not not worry about what to do in Denpasar. Amongst all the things to do in Denpasar, Bali, visiting the Neka Art Museum is one that ought to be on every travelers bucket list. The rich Balinese art and culture can be well witnessed here through foreign artworks by various artists. A tour of this place is truly an inspirational and enchanting thing to do.
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8. Spa Therapy
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Irrespective of whether you fancy it or not, a Balinese spa therapy will surely leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. There are innumerable places in Denpasar too where you can get rid of all those pains and just pamper yourself after a tiring sightseeing out. The skills of the experts are commendable and the organic products used are sheerly soothing. If you're wondering what to do in Denpasar for something relaxing as well as spiritual, then this is the perfect thing for you to try.
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9. Pasar Badung Market
Being one of the largest markets in Denpasar, this place is perfect for buying the best groceries and goods. In fact, shopping is considered to be on of the best things to do in Denpasar, Bali, since this place offers unique handmade goods and natural produce not found anywhere else. Located only a kilometer away from the city centre, you can shop fabrics, handicrafts, accessories, and more and take back home as sweet souvenirs. You can spend a good one hour or more here and see an unseen side of Denpasar through this market.
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10. Sanur Beach
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This was the first ever beach in Bali that brought the beach resort luxury to the island. Its close proximity to the bars and restaurants yet a solitude environment makes it a perfect place for enjoying a laid-back day in Bali. If you just wish to get away from the crowd and spend some quality time with your loved ones or your own self, this is where you must be hopping.
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11. Turtle Conservation and Education Center
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Opened back in 2006, this place has been working dedicatedly towards the eradicating illegal activities associated with turtles. Since then, visiting this place has become one of the major things to do for travelers who wish to play and spend some time with the turtles. You can see different turtle tanks here and even take a guided tour of the whole place.
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12. Jagatnatha Temple
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Another top thing to do in Denpasar is to visit the famous Jagatnatha Temple, located near the Bali Provincial Museum and the city square. After going through a series of renovations, this temple now stands tall and outshines most of the attractions in the city. The tone motifs and carvings inside the temple however offer an insightful glimpse into the past.
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13. Soap Carving Workshop
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One of the most unique things to do in Denpasar is to attend the soap carving workshop. The two-hour workshop will help you learn the art of carving from a local expert and let you take back home some really luscious smelling soaps home for your loved ones. And while it may sound tiring, it is actually the most relaxing experience to have in Bali.
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Excited much? Being a beautiful escape where there is no dearth of culture and nature, prepare to be spellbound with myriad of options that await you in the modern yet rustic capital city of Indonesia, and explore Denpasar at its best on your next vacation in Bali!Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Denpasar
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