The unending stretches of stunning beaches are probably the Numero Uno reason why several hundred travelers throng the shores of Indonesia. And, while Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, Denpasar deserves a special mention. The idyllic beaches at the fringes of the city, captivating cultural scene, and never-ending adventure in Denpasar, makes it an ideal vacation retreat for all age groups.
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
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.
Location: Jalan Raya Puputan, Niti Mandala Renon, Denpasar Timur, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234, Indonesia
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: IDR 50,000 for adults; IDR 25,000 for children under 17
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2. Bali Provincial Public State Museum
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.
Location: Jl. Mayor Wisnu No.1, Bali 80232, Indonesia
Timings: 8.00 am to 3 pm Fridays: 8 am to 3.30 pm
Entry Fee: IDR 20,000 for adults; IDR 10,000 for children
Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Denpasar For A Soul-Stirring Experience
3. Shark Island
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!
Location: Agus Bar & Restaurant, Jl. Tukad Punggawa, Serangan, Bali
Timings: 7 am to 3 pm
Entry Fee: IDR 1,327,250 for adults (USD 100); free for children
Suggested Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Indonesia For An Unforgettable Holiday Experience!
4. Diving
Image Credit: anthonychong for Pixabay
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.
Location: Jl.By Pass Ngurah Rai, #96E Sanur Bali Indonesia
Timings: 7.30 am to 6.30 pm
Fee: Packages starting at 1,767,600 (USD 120)
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5. Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest
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.
Location: Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai Km. 21, Suwung Kauh, Pemogan, Kuta, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Fee: IDR 15,000
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6. Bali Arts Festival
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
Suggested Read: 3 Most Amazing Museums In Denpasar Bali With Most Unique Collections
7. Neka Art Museum
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.
Location: Jalan Raya Sanggingan Campuhan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: IDR 50,000 per person
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8. Spa Therapy
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.
Location: By Pass Ngurah Rai Suwung Kauh No.108, Pemogan, Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 40115, Indonesia
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
Entry Fee: NA
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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.
Location: Jl. Sulawesi No. 1,, Dangin Puri Kangin, Denpasar Utara, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80233, Indonesia
Timings: Open 24 hours a day
Entry Fee: NA
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10. Sanur Beach
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.
Location: Sanur, Denpasar, Indonesia
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: Free
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11. Turtle Conservation and Education Center
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.
Location: Jalan Tukad Punggawa Lingkungan Ponjok, Serangan 80229, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
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12. Jagatnatha Temple
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.
Location: Jl. Surapati, Dangin Puri, Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80232, Indonesia
Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Shopping In Denpasar: 6 Best Places To Shop Till Your Drop On Your Bali Vacation
13. Soap Carving Workshop
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.
Location: NA
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Entry Fee: 2, 84, 760 IDR per person
Further Read: Top 10 Indonesian Food Delights That Must Be On Every Foodie’s List
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!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Denpasar
What is Denpasar known for?
Denpasar is the city that connects tourists to the different cities in Bali as it has the international airport of Bali. It is also the site that plays host to the famous Bali Arts Festival annually. How many days is enough for Denpasar?
One or two days are enough to see that Denpasar offers from sightseeing, beaches, museums, to shopping. Can you drink the tap water in Bali?
Tap water is considered safe to drink in Bali. However, it is still recommended that you avoid drinking out of the tap. You can carry around a bottle and refill it in the restaurants you visit or your hotel whenever possible. Are taxis cheap in Bali?
Taxis are generally cheap in Bali. You can hail a metered taxi in Bali and travel around cheap. Or you can also book a Blue Bird taxi via the app on your phone and travel around conveniently in AC cabs at a reasonable price. What should I avoid in Bali?
Here are a few things you should avoid when you’re in Bali: -Over-bargaining in local markets -Drinking tap water -Wearing short, exposing clothes in temples -Taking a guided tour in Goa Gajah What should I wear in Bali?
You should wear light cotton or linen clothes in Bali. Shorts, sundresses, light-colored shirts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimwear are some of the common things to pack for a Bali vacation. Don’t forget to pack some full-length clothes and scarves for temple visits.
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