There are many places to visit in Bali, making it one of the best tourist hubs in the world. Therefore, it is known worldwide as a major tourist destination, and the capital of Bali is no exception.
However, before getting started to talk about Bali’s capital, it is important to know is Bali Safe, where is Bali located, and the best time to visit Bali. We have two separate blogs to educate you about this amazing island.
You can also learn about the size of Bali, and the weather in Bali, so you can have an inside knowledge about the island and explore it with ease.
What Is The Capital Of Bali?
The capital of Bali is the city Denpasar, making it a major hub that connects the tourists destinations in Bali Island. It is the largest city on the island and serves as the administrative and economic center of Bali.
Denpasar is also the spot where the famous Bali Art Festival take place annually. It is the time of year when Balinese show their arts and cultures. It attends to motivate locals to embrace creativity and art.
What Is Denpasar Known For?
Denpasar is known as the culture hub for Balinese cultures and traditions. It holds many festivals and celebrations that embrace the Balinese rich cultural heritage.
It is also famous for its bustling markets, such as Badung Market, that visitors and locals can buy handcraft traditional items, fresh produce, and textiles.
Furthermore, it is recognized for its museums. The museums in Denpasar are something not to miss because they offer some art, history, and culture of Bali, allowing you to explore the featured exhibits, traditional artifacts, sculptures, and masks.
Not to forget, the culinary delight that its offer. As you can sample the Balinese cuisine, with numerous local eateries, serving traditional dishes, such as babi guling (suckling pig) and the traditional dish, known as lawar. We already covered a blog about what to eat in Bali, so check it out.
Denspasar is also a popular tourist destination in Bali, such as Ubud, Kuta, and Seminyak, making it an important transit point in Bali.
Finally, it also has some of the best beaches in Bali, making it a good tourist destination for surfing, horseback riding on the beach, scuba diving, snorkeling, and many other recreational activities.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Denpasar?
The capital of Bali is ample with activities and places to visit. In this section, we will cover the best things to do in Denpasar, allowing you to explore the city with ease.
Denpasar, Bali offers a variety of activities and attractions that showcase its rich culture and local lifestyle. Here are some things to do in and around the city:
1. Visit The Bali Museum:
Known as the Bali Provincial State Museum, it allows you to explore Balinese art, history, and culture through a diverse collection of artifacts, including traditional masks, sculptures, and textiles in Denpasar.
Located on the east part of Puputan Square Denpasar, the museum illustrates several exhibitions halls that showcase different historical data from the Mesolithic Age to the modern era.
There are many paintings, statues, and artifacts that dated back to thousands of years ago, such as weapons that used in the Bronze Age of Bali, musical instruments, and religious relics.
There is a reason why the Bali Museum is one of the best things to do in Denpasar because it shows you things that you won’t see any other places, so give it a try.
2. Explore Badung Market:
Badung Market is another place to experience the vibrant culture of Bali and do traditional shopping. There are 18 Wi-Fi spots, so you can browse the internet while shopping.
This traditional market offers wide range of times that are essential to everyday use and Balinese souvenirs. You can buy some local products, such as handicrafts, paintings, and Balinese hand weaving textile.
You can explore its 4 floors building, so you can buy some fabrics, food, and tasty treats. It is the best place to hang out and try some delicious and traditional Balinese food.
It is the largest traditional market in Denpasar, located in the eastern bank of the Badung River. The reason why you should shop there for fresh products, such as fruits and vegetable, is because it is the cheapest market in the city.
3. Visit Admire Pura Jagatnatha:
Built in 1953, this state temple is dedicated to the supreme god, known as Sanghyang Widi, making it one of the peaceful and soul finding destination.
The temple is colorful and consist of many buildings. For instance, the padmasans (temple shrine) consists of white coral and empty throne, which symbolic of heaven.
There are two main festivals that hold place every month in the temple during the full moon and new moon, featuring wayang kulit performances (leather shadow puppet).
It is one of the grandest and most popular temples in Denpasar that represents a seven tiered throne owning by the Hindu god.
It is surrounded by lotus pond, four specious bridges, and amazing huge statues that represent the Hindu religious figure, making it one of the most photographed spot in the capital city of Bali.
4. Explore Puputan Square:
This central square is surrounded by historical buildings and monuments, including the Puputan Badung Monument, which commemorates a historical battle.
It is an urban open space commemorates the heroic act of rajas of Badung against the invading Dutch in 1906. It also illustrates the heroic pose as she brandished her ineffective weapons against the Dutch guns, making it an important event in the history of Bali.
This popular park is a gathering spot for locals during lunchtime and with family during sunset. You can also spot some vendors selling chicken satay, snacks, and drinks.
The Puputan Square is busy during weekend and weekdays, as family gather on weekend and worker during weekdays. You can spot children fly traditional kites whiles. The best time to visit is during sunset on Saturday or Sunday.
5. Stroll Through the Bajra Sandhi Monument And Lapangan Puputan Margarana park:
This large monument, located in Lapangan Puputan Margarana park, is dedicated to the struggle of the Balinese people throughout history.
Located in the boarder of the suburb of Renon and Denpasar, it is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) away from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
This 1.5km park is a popular hand out for locals, where they jog, walk, play sports and enjoy the sunshine. The monument consists of three floor, where the upper level give you a panoramic view of Denpasar.
Therefore, the Bajra Sandhi Monument is an important historical landmark that you must visit at least once in a lifetime to understand the Balinese history and their struggle.
6. Enjoy Art At The Nyaman Gallery:
This contemporary art gallery showcases the works of local and international artists and offers a space for exhibitions and cultural events.
The Nyaman Gallery is named after the Balinese word Nyaman, which means cozy or comfortable. Therefore, they welcome you to explore the art galleries with ease and comfort.
The galleries illustrate arts from many different styles that can amaze you in so many levels. Therefore, you can explore them and get into the artist’s mind, how they think, and perceive the world around them.
It is an optimal escape for family, specially with kids, that allow them to have an educational yet fun tour around the museum.
7. Visit the Satria Gatotkaca Statue:
A large statue of a mythical hero from Javanese and Balinese folklore, offering a unique photo opportunity and a look into local legend.
The Satria Gatotkaca Statue is one of the most amazing sights that welcome guests to Ngurah Rai International Airpore.
It is also located close to Nuta Beach, where you can sunbathe and enjoy some beach activities, such as snorkeling, volleyball, or swimming.
8. Explore the Denpasar City Library:
Known as the Perpustakaan Kota Denpasar, the public library offers insights into Balinese literature and provides a calm space to relax.
It is an optimal place for kids where they can read some books, including literature, reference materials, academic texts, and local publications. It aims to provide resources for both research and leisure reading.
In addition, it offers a range of facilities including reading rooms, computer stations, and areas for study and research. The library is designed to support educational and recreational reading.
The library often hosts events, workshops, and educational programs aimed at promoting literacy and cultural engagement. These can include book launches, author talks, and cultural exhibitions.
Conclusion:
The capital of Bali is ample with activities allowing to explore some amazing places. Therefore, we made this blog about the best things to do in Denpasar, so you can explore what it has to offer.
It does not spot here, there are plenty of places to explore in Bali, such as waterfalls in Bali, and 2 weeks itinerary in Bali. On the island of gods, there is a taste for everyone.
You can also find out about where to stay in Bali in this blog. We would love to hear about your experience in Bali’s capital.
Please, share your thoughts and comment below how your visit went. Do not hesitate to ask any question, we are here to help and happy to answer any question you have.
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