Denpasar

Denpasar is the largest city and capital of Bali, with 725,000 residents. It is a bustling, multi-cultural city bristling with temples, palaces, museums and outstandingly friendly locals. It is off the beaten tourist track, so bring time to chat with locals and a good map. You can see many main sights on foot.

Denpasar is the seat of government in Bali and home to the provincial governor's office and the administration of the Regency of Badung. The climate is tropical with a rainy season from October to April.

Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is 13 km away near Kuta. From there, taxis and bemos are available. Bus terminals at Ubung, Batubulan, and Tegal serve intercity routes.

Denpasar centre is best explored on foot despite the heat and traffic. Walking is recommended. Local bemos serve longer routes but are not necessary for central sights.

Key sights include Alun-Alun Puputan square with the Catur Mukha statue, Bali Museum (entry Rp 100,000 foreign adults), Lapangan Puputan Margarana with the Bajra Sandhi monument, Palace of Satria, Pura Agung Jagatnata (donation), Pura Maospahit, Sidik Jari Museum, Taman Wedhi Budaya Cultural Centre (Rp 3,000), and Bajra Sandhi Monument. Temples require sarong and sash, rarely available for hire.

Check the Tourist Information Office on Jalan Surapati for scheduled cultural events like dance, puppet theatre, and art exhibitions. Otherwise, main activities are sightseeing and shopping.

The best shopping in Bali is in Denpasar. Visit Badung Central Market early morning for fresh produce and handicrafts. Duta Silk offers fine silk. Gold jewellery is competitively priced on Jalan Hasanuddin and Jalan Sulawesi. Many small shops along Jalan Gajah Mada sell fabrics. Major malls include Ramayana (Jl Diponegoro), Matahari Duta Plaza (Jl Dewi Sartika), and Level 21 Mall (Jl Teuku Umar).

Denpasar is a melting pot of Indonesian cuisines. Must-try: Kereneng Night Market (sunset to dawn) for street food. Specific restaurants include Atoom Bara (Chinese seafood), Kak Man (Balinese), Warung Wardani (nasi campur), Bali Bakery (pastries), and Hanamasa (Japanese). For drinks, Kopi Bali offers excellent Indonesian coffee. Nightlife is better in Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta.

Many budget hotels within 500 m of Alun-Alun Puputan. Options: Nakula Familiar Inn (from Rp 130,000 single), Tirta Lestari Hotel (from Rp 120,000), Taman Suci Hotel (from Rp 325,000), Merta Sari Hotel. Mid-range: Inna Bali Inn (Rp 400,000), Aston Denpasar (from Rp 800,000), Genesis Hotel & Spa (from Rp 715,000).

Several countries have consulates in Denpasar: Australia, Austria, Japan, Switzerland, United States. See article for details.

Virtually all of Bali is accessible from Denpasar. Head 45 minutes north to Ubud for clean air and spiritual refreshment. The golden beaches of Sanur are 15 minutes east.