If you’ve ever been to Asia, you might know what big Asian cities are like: Loud, chaotic, hectic and rather dirty. But at the same time also lively, exciting, exotic and thrilling. And Denpasar, the capital of the Indonesian island of Bali, is no exception.
Some people claim that Denpasar does not have much to offer, but this is not entirely true. The bustling, multicultural city is bursting with temples, palaces and museums. Off the beaten tourist path, there is still plenty to discover here.
Denpasar is not only the largest city on the island and the administrative center of the province of Bali, but is also growing rapidly. And that both economically and in terms of population. In the meantime, more than 900,000 people live here. In 2000 there were only 387,477 inhabitants and in 2010 already 637,701.
But where is Denpasar actually located, what exactly does the city have to offer travelers and for whom is a trip there worthwhile?
Where is Denpasar?
Although the international airport of Bali is called “Denpasar Airport”, it is not located directly in the city, but in Kuta, half an hour away from the capital. Both the airport and the city of Denpasar are located in the south of the island of Bali. From Denpasar you can reach the tourist centers of Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu within 20-50 minutes. The beaches of Sanur and the adjacent turtle island Serengan even officially belong to the city district. If you are on vacation here and long for a little change from the relaxed beach life, you can simply drive 20 minutes and you are already in the middle of the vibrant city.
The city of markets
Denpasar is a typical big city with all the trimmings. Here you will find universities, schools (including art and dance colleges), shopping centers and numerous markets. The city has always been a center of trade, which is where the name comes from, because “pasar” means market. Here you will find, among other things, the largest market in Bali, the Pasar Badung: it is open 24 hours a day and offers almost everything you can imagine in two buildings facing each other, each with 4 floors. Balinese buy their daily needs of fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, fish and meat here. Handicrafts and fabric goods are also offered.
In addition to the many markets, there are entire streets, each of which specializes in one product. For example, a fabric street, a jewelry street, a street where mainly stone dealers are located or one where many mandarin sellers have settled, invite you to targeted shopping. There are also numerous shopping centers in Denpasar.
If you are looking for traditional handicrafts, you should stop by the Kumbasari Market. Here you can find the typical Bali wood carvings, paintings, silver jewelry, traditionally woven batik fabrics and much more. In the morning you can buy fresh food, at noon the art dealers open their stalls and in the evening the market turns into a night market with food stalls where you can taste the Balinese cuisine.
So shopping is quite good in the capital of Bali, but there are of course many other things to do – for example, discover the many sights.
Sights in Denpasar
Taman Puputan
The square, leafy square called Taman Puputan is considered the center of Denpasar. This is one of the most popular sights of the city. It commemorates the struggle of the Balinese against the Dutch in 1906, when they tried to annex the island again. At this place the ritual suicide (“Puputan”) was performed as a sign of honorable surrender of the rulers of that time. The bronze monument with three Balinese warriors on Taman Puputan commemorates the brave freedom fighters who tried to defend Bali at the risk of their lives.
The Catur Mukha statue in Denpasar
On Taman Puputan stands a huge statue with four faces and eight arms. It represents Brahma, one of the main gods in Hinduism and serves as a guardian of the cardinal points. It is also a good landmark, as it stands right in the center of the city.
The museum “Negeri Propinsi Bali” in Denpasar
At the square Taman Puputan you can also find the most important museum of Bali. The “Negeri Propinsi Bali” was built in 1910 in typical Balinese style. In 1917 it was destroyed by an earthquake and has been used as a museum again since 1932. The so-called Bali Museum is housed in four traditional pavilions in the heart of the city and offers an informative all-round introduction to the history and culture of Bali through a large selection of cultural and historical artifacts from all over the island. Weapons, utensils, valuable jewelry, Balinese textiles, religious artifacts, traditional costumes and masks, and various works of art are among the collections on display at the museum.
The temple “Pura Jagatnatha” in Denpasar
Adjacent to the museum is the most important temple in Denpasar: Pura Jagatnatha. It was built in 1953 and dedicated to the supreme Hindu god Sanghyang Widi. Its shrine is made of white coral and stands on a pedestal shaped like a turtle and two creepers that resemble dragons or snakes.
The St. Joseph Church “Gereja Sang Yoseph” in Denpasar
Nearby you can find the only Roman Catholic church in the city. In 1963 it was built in Balinese style and only the white cross on the spire indicates that it is a church. Here, two religions are united, giving a somewhat whimsical but harmonious image. For example, angels wear traditional Balinese sarongs there.
The palace “Puri Pemecutan” in Denpasar
The former royal palace “Puri Pemecutan” burned down in 1906 during the capture of Denpasar by the Dutch and was then rebuilt relatively simple. However, this does not detract from the historical significance of the building and is definitely worth a visit.
The museum „Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Bali“
Another monument to the independence struggle of the Balinese against the Dutch is the “Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Bali”. The multi-story museum, also known as “Bajra Sandhi Monument”, offers an impressive panoramic view over part of Denpasar. It was built to commemorate the Balinese heroes who died during the war for Indonesia’s independence. Here you can find paintings depicting the history of Balinese life since prehistoric times, as well as several paintings of the national hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai with his troops.
The temple complex “Pura Maospahit” in Denpasar
The temple complex “Pura Maospahit” was built in the 14th century and heavily damaged during the earthquake in 1917. Even today, traces of the damage can be seen in the rebuilt parts of the building. However, some original parts are still standing, including, for example, the guardian statues in the courtyard. This temple is typical of the heyday of the Majapahit period and was built mostly of red bricks.
The “Taman Werdhi Budaya” Cultural Center in Denpasar
The “Taman Werdhi Budaya”, also called “Bali Arts Center”, is Bali’s leading cultural center. It includes a large exhibition hall, an art museum, a concert hall and an amphitheater, as well as an adjacent performing arts school. The museum covers the history and essence of Balinese art, with paintings and sculptures representing Bali’s classical and contemporary art. Here you can also find Bali’s typical wood carvings and traditional costumes.
Denpasar’s cultural event of the year is also held here: The month-long “Bali Arts Festival,” a month of daily performances and arts and crafts exhibitions. On display are dances of all kinds, food and offering competitions, whimsical musical performances, new creations from Denpasar’s dance schools, and contemporary choreography from other islands and abroad. Every year the focus of the festival changes, but it is always mainly about dance and music.
„Desa Budaya Kertalangu“ (Kertalangu Cultural Village)
The locally run “Kertalangu Cultural Village” is a community on the outskirts of Denpasar that has made it its mission to preserve and pass on Balinese culture so that it does not die out.
The area is located in the middle of 80 hectares of sustainable rice cultivation and is used for landscape conservation, education, research, recreation and community empowerment. As a vacationer, you can immerse yourself in Balinese culture and learn their traditional crafts. For example, one can take wood carving, traditional Balinese dance lessons, horseback riding and painting here.
Animal parks
Just outside the city, on the northern edge of Denpasar, are several animal parks. On the one hand, you will find the Bali Zoo, where animals from all over the world live. On the other hand, there are two other animal attractions in the immediate vicinity of the zoo, the Bali Bird Park and the Bali Reptile Park.
Culinary in Denpasar
In Denpasar there is a wide range of authentic Balinese cuisine. Numerous warungs and small cookshops offer their dishes at very low, local prices. Since Denpasar is a melting pot of Indonesia’s different cultures, you can taste your way through the Indonesian culinary worlds. On the other hand, those who prefer more Western dishes will find what they are looking for in the food courts of the shopping malls.
Conclusion: For whom is a trip to Denpasar worthwhile?
If you are looking for a vibrant city and want to learn more about the culture and history of Bali, Denpasar is the place to be. Several monuments, historical buildings and museums offer an insight into the past of the island. But not only the past, but also the present can be experienced here very closely by plunging into the urban jungle. Here you get a good impression of Balinese life and the typical everyday life of the inhabitants of Denpasar.
Denpasar offers itself very well as a day trip for travelers who are in the south of Bali. However, if you are looking for rest, relaxation and recreation, you are better off in neighboring Sanur. But for those who want to experience a bit of variety, culture, history and authenticity, Denpasar is a good place to go.
