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Bajra Sandhi monument in Puputan Park, Denpasar

Denpasar is the largest city and capital of Bali, with more than 725,000 residents in 2020. Denpasar is a bustling, multi-cultural city and although it can seem a little intimidating the first time you visit, just do not believe those travel guides which say it has nothing to offer.

Denpasar is bristling with temples, palaces and museums and its occupants are outstandingly friendly. You will be off the beaten tourist track here, so bring lots of time for a chat with the locals and a decent map of town. You can see many of the main sights comfortably on foot.

This is also a notable shopping city with options to please even the most jaded of world shoppers.

Understand

Where's the airport?

Bali's airport may be coded (DPS IATA) for Denpasar, but it's actually 13 km away near Kuta and covered in Bali § By plane.

Denpasar is the seat of government in Bali and is, therefore, home to the provincial governor's office as well as the administration of the Regency of Badung.

Denpasar
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  • Tourist Information Office, Jalan Surapati 6, ☏ +62 361 234569. Daily 08:00-16:00. A source of information for current events in the city and for picking up a free map. 

Get in

By road

Denpasar is easily reached by car or taxi from the main tourist regions of south Bali. A trip from Kuta, Legian and Seminyak will take 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Sanur is 15 minutes to the east and Ubud about 30 minutes to the north. Tabanan is about 40 minutes to the northwest.

A non-metered taxi from the airport will cost Rp 180,000.

By bus

The main bus terminal of Denpasar is 1 Mengwi. The former bus terminal at Ubung is now only a bemo terminal.

Most buses from Java arrive at Mengwi. You should only turn up without a ticket in the morning, as early as possible, when departures are frequent. At other times, check schedules and reserve online.

  • From Surabaya, Java: expect to pay Rp175,000 - 200,000 by eksekutif night bus depend on the bus operator (famous: restu, wisata Komodo), including the ferry trip between Banyuwangi and Gilimanuk, mineral water and a meal. Buses leaves from the Bungurasih bus terminal in Surabaya. Duration 10 hr.
  • Other services operate from most big cities in Java, including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung and Semarang.
  • For high season eid fitri and new year allowing extra Rp50,000 - 100,000 per ride per person.

Local minibuses depart regularly in the direction of Gilimanuk, the ferry terminal to Java, from opposite the bus terminal entrance.

By bemo

The bemo centre of Bali is 2 Ubung. Inconveniently, bemo terminals are scattered all around town, and transfers between them can be time and money consuming. The major ones are:

Always ask a local for the normal price before getting in or expect to be charged a price up to ten times what it should be.

Don't forget that a bemo departs when it wants (usually when it is "full enough"), which can sometimes require a lengthy wait, except in the early morning, where they are rather frequent. In any case, you won't find any bemo after 16:00.

By train

There is no train station in Denpasar because there are no trains in Bali.

At Mengwi bus terminal you can buy so-called "train tickets" to Surabaya, including a bus (air-conditioned) to Banyuwangi, and the ferry between Gilimanuk and Ketapang, and then a train from Banyuwangi to Surabaya.

Price (including a commission to the travel agency):

  • Low season: Business Rp190,000 - 235,000, Executive: Rp240,000 - 290,000
  • High season (eid fitri and new year): Business Rp255,000 - 300,000, Executive Rp310,000 - Rp360,000

Business: air conditioning, the seat can not be reclined, less leg space. Executive: air conditioning​, the seat can be reclined, more leg space, have leg rest.

Online main site: Kereta Api Indonesia[dead link]

Online travel agency: Tiket.com, traveloka, pegipegi. Usually online travel agency give promotion.

Offline travel agency: ticket booth on train station, Indomaret minimarket , Alfamart minimarket

There are two services in each direction, each day:

  • 22:00 from Surabaya arrival 04:15 in Banyuwangi, arrival approx 11:30 in Denpasar.
  • 14:45 from Denpasar, train departing 22:00 from Banyuwangi, arrival 04:17 in Surabaya.

Get around

Denpasar can be a bit steamy and the traffic pollution a worry, but the centre of this city does lend itself to getting around on foot and walking is recommended.

By bus

Buses connect various places around the city and surrounding called Trans Metro Dewata. An electronic money card is required to take this public transport such as Brizzi, E-money, Flazz, and TapCash. The routes and bus stops can be looked at from Moovit app.

By taxi

Taxis are widely available for hailing. If you have a group of people, you may want to negotiate a bemo (small van) for a set rate to your destination. Remember that pricing is negotiable. Indonesians are great people, however, they won't think twice about overcharging you if they can.

By bemo

Bemo routes in Denpasar are extremely complicated. In addition to the three terminals described in the section above which operate longer distance bemos, there are three more which handle the local routes (as do the long distance terminals!) - Gunung Agung, Sanglah and Kereneng. Unless you are very patient and somewhat adventurous, bemo transport within Denpasar is best left to the locals to figure out. As a rule of thumb though most routes in the city seem to come through Kereneng Terminal on Jalan Kamboja at some stage.

To go from one bemo terminal to another within the city, the fixed price is Rp7,000 although non-Indonesians may be asked to pay much more. A taxi can work out cheaper, is certainly faster and is indescribably more comfortable.

By motorbike

As elsewhere in Bali, motorbikes can be rented, although it is more normal for a visitor to arrive with a bike rather than rent one here.

See

When visiting any of the temples in Denpasar, remember to bring a sarong and sash with you. These temples receive relatively few foreign visitors and are unlikely to have temple dress available for hire or loan.

  • 1 Alun-Alun Puputan (Puputan Square), Jl Gajah Mada/Jl Suprati. The huge four-faced, eight-armed Catur Mukha statue is situated here at the centre point of the city. Representing the Lord Brahma and it serves as a guardian of each cardinal point. The square is a key point of orientation for the whole city. If you get lost, find your way back here and all will be clear. 
  • 2 Bali Museum (Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali), Jl Mayor Wisnu (eastern side of the Alun-Alun Puputan), ☏ +62 361 222680. Sa-Th 08:00-15:30, F 08:00-11:00. A much under-patronised place by visitors which offers an informative introduction to all things Balinese, both historical and modern-day. It was opened in 1910, but the building was brought down in the 1917 earthquake and languished until 1932 when resident German artist Walter Spies sparked a major revival. The grounds and architecture are quite charming, and the museum is housed in four separate pavilions. The main pavilion has a great collection including ancient stone, bronze and wooden artifact. The southern pavilion houses many textiles, the northern pavilion concentrates on the history of Balinese performance art, and the central pavilion is devoted to Balinese Hinduism and ritual. If this place was in Kuta or Nusa Dua it would be swamped with tourists. Rp 11,000. Bali Museum (Q1992789) on Wikidata Bali Museum on Wikipedia 
Pura Maospahit
  • 3 Lapangan Puputan Margarana (Puputan Park), Jl Raya Puputan. This rather grandiose park is home to the huge Bajra Sandhi monument (literally Balinese People's Struggle). The design of the grey stone monument symbolises the date of Indonesian independence, August 17th 1945. There are eight entrances, 17 corners and the height is 45 m. The monument is most significant though for its commemoration of the various puputans (suicidal fight to the death) of the Balinese in the struggle against the Dutch in the early 20th century. At the northern edge of the park you will find the governor's office and other government buildings. 
  • Palace of Satria and the Royal Temples, Jl Veteren (about 300 metres north of Alun-Alun Puputan). 08:00-16:00 daily. The palace and temple of the royal family of Denpasar which is beautifully kept. It is open to all residents of Denpasar for worship. Some wonderfully ornate carvings, even by Balinese standards. Donation. 
  • 4 Pura Agung Jagatnata (Jagatnata Temple) (Adjacent to the northern boundary of the Bali Museum). A state temple which was built in 1953. Dedicated to the supreme being Sanghyang Widi Wasa, this temple is open to all worshipers without any restriction as it is a government building and not a village temple. There are large ceremonies here twice a month at full moon and dark moon. Ask at the tourist office for a detailed schedule. 
Taman Budaya Cultural Centre
  • 5 Pura Maospahit (Maospahit Temple), Jl Sutomo. An ancient temple with a long and glorious history thought to originate in the 14th century. This is a temple typical of the peak of the Majapahit period being constructed largely from red brick. Sadly, much of it was destroyed in the early 20th century earthquake but there are some original remnants including the guardian statues in the inner courtyard. This is a charming temple and one which is seldom visited by tourists, and so there's every chance you will have it to yourself. Pura Maospahit (Q48730124) on Wikidata Pura Maospahit on Wikipedia 
  • 6 Sidik Jari Museum (Finger Painting Museum), Jl Hayam Wuruk 175, ☏ +62 361 23511. 09:00-17:00 daily. Small, private fine art museum established and owned by I Gusti Ngurah Gede Pemecutan and which exhibits his own work as well as that of other artists. Also has facilities for public dance and other performances. 
  • 7 Taman Wedhi Budaya Cultural Centre, Jl Nusa Indah, ☏ +62 361 227176. 08:00-15:30 daily. A museum that covers the history and essence of Balinese art. The classical schools are well represented by both paintings and sculpture and there is a large section featuring contemporary Balinese art. Gamelan orchestra performances are also held. Rp 3,000. 
  • 8 Bajra Sandhi Monument (Bajra Sandhi), Jl. Raya Puputan No.142, Panjer, Kec. Denpasar Sel (in front of the Bali Governor's Office). A monument to the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history. The monument was built in 1987, inaugurated by President Megawati Sukarnoputri on June 14, 2003. (updated Oct 2022)

Do

It is very much worth finding information from the official tourism office about scheduled cultural events in Denpasar. These are many and varied and include, dance, puppet theatre and art exhibitions.

Otherwise, apart from the numerous sights and excellent shopping, there are not really any specific activities to recommend in Denpasar.

Buy

Contrary to what you might read in many guide books, the best shopping in Bali is in Denpasar.

Jalan Gajah Mada, Denpasar
  • Badung Central Market, Jl Gajah Mada is best visited in the early morning. The ground level is devoted to fresh foodstuffs, dried food and spices are on the second level and handicrafts can be found on the top level.
  • Duta Silk, fabulous silk emporium located at Block 1, Komplex Duta Permai (next to Matahari Department store) on Jalan Dewi Sartika.
  • Gold, competitive jewellery prices abound in Jl Hasanuddin and Jl Sulawesi.
  • The myriad of small stores selling fabrics and local works in Jl Gajah Mada and Jl Thamrin will keep happy even the most jaded of world shoppers.
  • There are several shopping malls in Denpasar, the most notable being Ramayana on Jl Diponegoro, Matahari Duta Plaza on Jl Dewi Sartika, and Level 21 Mall on Jl Teuku Umar. These malls have a huge range of stores selling everything from clothing to arts and crafts as well as more everyday shops such as pharmacies.

Eat

Denpasar is a melting pot of different cultures from all over Indonesia. There are few places where the results of the government trans-migration policy are more evident than here. For that reason it is a wonderful place to eat with restaurants specialising in different regional and ethnic Indonesian cuisines. Sometimes this can all seem a bit inaccessible and hard to find for visitors, so do not be shy to ask your driver or at your hotel.

Food markets

  • 1 Kereneng Night Market (Pasar Malam Kereneng), Jl Hayam Wuruk/Jl Kamboja. This market starts up at sunset every day and is open until dawn. All manner of Indonesian food served from dozens of stalls. It is rough and ready, but the food is excellent and 100% authentic. (updated Sep 2022)

Budget

  • 2 Atoom Bara, Jl Gajah Mada 106-108, ☏ +62 361 222788. Chinese restaurant specialising in seafood. It appears unimpressive but the food is fantastic. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 3 Warung Ayam Betutu Bu Ferdi, Jl. Gn. Cemara Raya No.16, Tegal Harum, West Denpasar, ☏ +62 813 380 70288. 07:00-17:00. A halal Balinese cuisine such as Ayam Betutu, Nasi campur and Tum ayam. From Rp15,000. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 4 Warung De Rujak, Jl. Pulau Misol No.4, Dauh Puri Kauh, West Denpasar, ☏ +62 859 370 09333. 07:00-17:00. Serves Balinese dish, Rujak kuah pindang and Tipat cantok. From Rp10,000. (updated Sep 2022)
  • Kak Man, Jl Teuku Umar 135, ☏ +62 361 227188. This place is an absolute institution. Truly excellent Balinese food including bebek betutu (smoked duck). (updated Sep 2019)

The foodcourts on the upper levels of Denpasar's department stores all serve surprisingly good food at excellent value prices. Try Ramayana on Jalan Diponegoro, Matahari Duta Plaza on Jalan Dewi Sartika, Tiara Dewata and Robinsons opposite Matahari.

Mid-range

  • 5 Ayam Goreng Nyonya Suharti, Jl Gatot Subroto 109, Ubung, ☏ +62 361 234815. Famous fried chicken cooked with an old family recipe from Java. A bit out of the way but definitely worth the effort in getting there. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 6 Ayam Taliwang, Jl Teuku Umar, ☏ +62 361 228789. A restaurant noted for the Lombok speciality of Ayam Taliwang (grilled or fried young chicken). Spicy and delicious. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 7 Bali Bakery, Jl Hayam Wuruk 181, Tanjung Bungkak, ☏ +62 361 243147, . 08:00 to 21:30. Long established bakery and bistro/cafe. Very good quality bread, pastries and cakes produced fresh every day. Large lunch and dinner menu which includes local favourites and some well chosen international dishes. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 8 Cianjur, Jl Cok Agung Tresna, Renon, ☏ +62 361 230015. Named after a town in West Java, its dishes are influenced by Sundanese cuisine. A little out of the city centre in the suburb of Renon. The grilled and sour-sweet Ikan Gurame is especially recommended. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 9 Warung Wardani, Jl Yudistira 2, ☏ +62 361 224398. Excellent Indonesian cuisine. Look no further than the Nasi Campur (rice with various spicy side dishes) which is what everyone comes here to eat. (updated Sep 2022)

Splurge

  • 10 Hanamasa, Jl. Drupadi No.44, ☏ +62 361 264960. Daily 11:00-22:00. Serves Japanese food like yakiniku, shabu-shabu, and robatayaki. From Rp208,500. (updated Oct 2022)

Drink

There are bars and nightlife in Denpasar but these are best left alone by visitors who will feel much more at home in Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta.

  • Kereneng Night Market (Pasar Malam Kereneng), Jl Hayam Wuruk/Jl Kamboja. This market starts up at sunset every day and is open until dawn. All manner of Indonesian food is served from dozens of stalls. It is rough and ready, but the food is excellent and authentic. 
  • Kopi Bali, Jl Gajah Madah 80, ☏ +62 361 720589. An absolute must for coffee lovers. Indonesia produces some of the best coffee in the world and here you can order your favourite brew as well as buy the beans. Products include coffee from Central Java, Toraja from Sulawesi, Mandailing from Sumatra, and of course the very best of Bali coffee. The outlet of the famous Butterfly Globe brand. 

Sleep

There are many small budget hotels in Denpasar which are primarily aimed at domestic business travellers as few foreign tourists stay in the city here. These are reasonably priced and comfortable enough. Within a 500 m walk of the Alul-Alun Puputan there are many options which will nearly always have availability. Shop around.

  • Aston Denpasar Hotel and Conference Centre, Jl Gatot Subroto Barat No 283, ☏ +62 361 225681. 3/4 star hotel from the Aston chain. Probably the best standard hotel in Denpasar but very much aimed at the conference and business travel market. from about Rp 800,000. 
  • Genesis Hotel and Spa, Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai 888, ☏ +62 361 722071. 4-star hotel & spa with 5 suites and 71 rooms, including 9 sets of interconnecting rooms for families. Easy access to the main Jl Ngurah Rai bypass. Rates start at Rp715,000. 
  • Inna Bali Inn (Natour Bali Hotel), Jl Veteren, ☏ +62 361 225681. Mid-market hotel owned by the government and designed principally for hosting conferences. Good city location though. Has an interesting colonial past and a few nice historical touches remain. Rp 400,000. 
  • Merta Sari Hotel, Jl Hasanudin 24 (2 minutes walk south from the Alun-Alun Puputan), ☏ +62 361 222428. Simple clean hotel. 
  • Nakula Familiar Inn, Jl Nakula 4, ☏ +62 361 226446. Huge, modern rooms, WiFi, each with a balcony and choice of fan or A/C, and a welcoming family-style. From Rp 130,000 single, Rp 150,000 double. 
  • Taman Suci Hotel, Jl Imam Bonjol 45, ☏ +62 361 485254, . 45 room hotel in a strategic city position. Popular with domestic travellers. From Rp 325,000. 
  • Tirta Lestari Hotel, Jl Nangka 62 (1 km north of the city centre), ☏ +62 361 229882. Simple clean hotel which will appeal to travellers on a budget. From Rp 120,000. 

Cope

Several nations have a consulate in Denpasar:

If you don't see the consulate you're looking for in this section, check to see if it's in Sanur, Kuta, Jimbaran or Legian, or see the "Cope" section of the Bali article for reference.

Go next

Virtually all of Bali can be accessed easily from Denpasar.

  • After spending time in the crowded city, head 45 minutes north to Ubud for clean air and spiritual refreshment.
  • The golden beaches of Sanur are 15 minutes drive east.
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