Denpasar Unveiled: Various Cultural and Recreational Things to Do

Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, is the place where we can see evidence of tradition living alongside modernity. Aside from enjoying Bali’s island life, Denpasar is where you can dive deep into Bali’s beautiful culture and interesting history.

Despite being the largest city in Bali, Denpasar still manages to maintain its small-town atmosphere. Experience Denpasar to the fullest with this guide: the overview of the city, the reasons you you must stop by, and the best things to do in Denpasar!

Denpasar in a Nutshell

Denpasar is located approximately 15 km away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’ll usually take about 30 minutes to get there by taxi, but beware of taxi scams—turn down people offering to take you to the city without any transparent meter system.

Getting around Denpasar is fairly easy. If you’re well-versed in two-wheeled vehicles, you can rent out a motorbike. Other than that, you can also rent a car, with some even coming with a chauffeur (all you have to do is sit back and relax on your way to Denpasar’s best tourist destinations!)

Don’t worry if you can’t drive, you can also download ride-hailing apps such as Gojek or Grab to make getting around Denpasar easier.

Read Also: Do You Need to be Vaccinated to Go to Bali in 2023? 7 Things You Must Know

Why You Should Visit Denpasar

Denpasar is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. You’ll see well-preserved temples and traditional architecture on every corner of the road, but you’ll also see many modern vehicles and architectures. Even if you’re staying in a traditional accommodation, you will surely get modern amenities with it.

That said, Denpasar offers many cultural activities for you to partake in. On top of that, their temples also hold great historical value for you to explore. And for those who prefer outdoor activities, there are plenty you can do in this beautiful city.

If you’re more interested in having a laid-back vacation, Denpasar also offers some relaxing activities such as sunbathing on the beach or having a spa day.

15 Best Things to Do in Denpasar

Now that you get the gist of what Denpasar has to offer, here are 15 things to do in Denpasar that guarantee a fun holiday!

1. Go to The Bali Museum

Location: Jl. Mayor Wisnu No.1, Dangin Puri, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80232

The Bali Provincial Public Museum—better known as the Bali Museum—offers everything culture and history enthusiasts could ever hope for. You’ll get to see around 10,000 exhibits that explain the culture, daily lives, and traditions of Balinese extensively.

2. Learn History & Culture at Puri Agung Pemecutan Museum

Location: Pemecutan, Denpasar Barat, Denpasar City, Bali 80112

Step back in time and witness all the glam and splendor of the Hindu-Bali Kingdom reign at Puri Agung Pemecutan Museum!

Interestingly, even though it’s open to the public as a museum, the building still functions as a palace today. You’ll be able to learn Balinese culture and the Hindu religion through various ornamental elements and shrines you can find scattered around the museum.

3. Experience Bali Authentically at Bajra Sandhi Monument

Location: Jl. Raya Puputan No.142, Panjer, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234

The Bajra Sandhi Monument was built in 1987 as a commemoration of the locals’ fight for independence from the Dutch colony. The monument has a grand structure that resembles a bajra, a Balinese Hindu priest’s praying bell.

The monument hosts 33 dioramas that cover various historical moments, from the Balinese kingdom period, the Majapahit era, to the Balinese’s fight against colonialism. History geeks will get to explore everything to their heart’s content.

4. Visit Sakenan Temple

Location: Jl. Pulau Serangan, Sesetan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80229

This iconic spiritual site is a place of worship and pilgrimage for Hindus. Not limited to local Hindus only, Hindus from all over the world are willing to travel far away to visit Sakenan Temple, especially during celebrations of the temple’s anniversary.

5. Watch Balinese Traditional Dance at Werdhi Budaya Art Center

Location: Jl. Nusa Indah No.1, Panjer, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80236

This art and cultural center serves as a place for art, ranging from gallery exhibits, music shows to theaters. One of their most-anticipated shows is the traditional Balinese dance shows, such as the stunning ballets of Ramayana and Mahabharata, that give you a glimpse of local culture.

Read Also: Breakfast with Orangutans in Bali: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

6. Enjoy Unique Dance at Sari Wisata Budaya

Location: Jl. Griya Anyar No.25B, Pemogan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80221

Located in the village of Suwung Kauh, Sari Wisata Budaya has an amphitheater that holds the Barong dance show. It tells the story of the legendary Calonarang tale, following the war between good represented by the mythical lion Barong and evil Rangda.

7. Go Bird Watching at Bali Bird Park

Location: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir Singapadu, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582

Not only is it rich with beautiful flora, Bali is also home to various stunning native birds you can marvel at. Bali Bird Park hosts a wide range of bird species, reptiles, native plants, and a cafe with mouth-watering dishes and beverages.

8. Spend Time with Cute Turtles

Location: Jl. Tukad Punggawa, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80229

Who would’ve thought that going to Bali means that you’d be able to play around with turtles? Denpasar’s Turtle Conservation and Education Center was founded in 2006 for the purpose of any illegal activities involving turtles.

Aside from spending time with turtles, you’ll get to learn more about turtles’ life through a guided tour of the place.

9. Marvel in Bali’s Beautiful Marine Life by Diving

After marveling in Bali’s fauna on-land richness, it’s time to appreciate its beautiful marine life through diving! You can head over to Atlantis International for a personalized dive trip around the island.

10. Appreciate Contemporary Arts at Fingerprint Painting Museum

Location: Jl. Hayam Wuruk No.201, Sumerta Kelod, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80239

This unique museum showcases various paintings made by a modern painter named Gusti Ngurah Gede Pemecutan. He made all his paintings with the tips of his fingers, an uncommon technique in the art world.

11. Photo Hunting at Upside Down World Bali

Location: Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.762, Pemogan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80221

Want a quirky photo to remember your trip by? Be sure to visit Upside Down World Bali, where each scene makes us look like we are defying gravity thanks to how the furniture is arranged on the ceiling!

12. Plan a Nice Date Night at Sanur Beach

This long stretch of beach is lined with many great restaurants that offer a perfect view of the beach. Enjoy various delicious dishes and get some quality time with your partner at one of these intimate restaurants.

13. Try Out Local Cuisine

Be sure to stop by at one of the many warungs (or, locally-owned eateries at the side of the road) to try out Bali’s authentic cuisines.

Alternatively, if you want to try a lot of things at once, then you should visit Denpasar Food Market where you can find other cuisines from all around the world as well.

14. Have a Nice Spa Day

After a long day of venturing around Denpasar, treat yourself to a little spa day. You can easily find a nice spa at every side of the road, so be sure to keep your eyes out and find one that suits you best!

15. Shop til You Drop at Pasar Badung

If you want to get some souvenirs to bring home, then this is the place to go. Pasar Badung is the largest market in Denpasar where you can find a variety of fabrics, clothes, and accessories to choose from.

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Lay Back and Relax at Bobocabin Ubud

Aside from Denpasar, Ubud is another part of Bali that should make it to your must-visit list. Clear your mind by surrounding yourself with nature; Bobocabin Ubud is the perfect place to marvel in the soothing greenery of Ubud.

Powered by the Internet of Things, marvel at Bali’s landscape through the smart window, adjust the lighting for a more romantic mood, and put on some music for a great ambience—all within your fingertips.

For some quality time, make use of our BBQ grill facility to have a hearty dinner under the stars. To close the night off, cozy up with your very own campfire under the stars.

Download the Bobobox app on Play Store or App Store for booking and more information.