Denpasar, Bali’s central city, is frequently disregarded by tourists in quest of the island’s famous beaches and breathtaking scenery. However, Denpasar provides a distinct and authentic experience of Balinese culture and history.
Did You Know?
Denpasar’s history is unique in that it was once a battleground between Dutch colonial forces and Balinese in the early 1900s. The Dutch eventually took control of the city in 1906, but not without suffering strong opposition from the Balinese, who conducted a series of guerrilla raids against the colonial army.
This struggle, known as the Puputan Badung or the Badung Massacre, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Balinese who decided to fight rather than submit to the Dutch. The site of the battle is now honoured with a monument in the heart of Denpasar, serving as a reminder of the city’s turbulent history.
Activities in Denpasar:
Explore Denpasar’s Local Markets
Traditional marketplaces in Denpasar, such as Pasar Badung and Pasar Kumbasari, offer visitors a unique shopping experience. These markets sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handicrafts and souvenirs. Visiting these markets is an excellent way to become acquainted with the local culture and engage with the friendly locals.
Taste the Local Cuisine
Denpasar boasts diverse street food vendors and restaurants serving delectable Balinese cuisine. Traditional Balinese foods such as nasi campur (mixed rice) and babi guling (suckling pig) can be sampled, as can some of the city’s fusion restaurants. In addition, the night market in Puputan Badung Plaza is an excellent place to sample local delicacies.
Visit the Beaches near Denpasar
While Denpasar is not well-known for its beaches, several lovely beaches are within a short drive of the city. Sanur Beach, only 20 minutes away, is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Serangan Island, commonly known as Turtle Island, is a small island off the coast of Sanur that provides excellent snorkelling and diving.
Summary
Denpasar, Bali’s central city, provides a one-of-a-kind and authentic glimpse into Balinese culture and history. There is lots to do, from visiting museums and temples to exploring local markets and sampling traditional cuisine. Don’t forget to stop and unwind at one of the neighbouring beaches!
Distance to Denpasar
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): 12.6km.
Nusa Dua: 19.8km.
Ubud: 28.2km.
Sanur: 8.5km.
Amed: 86.5km.
Legian: 6.4km.
Seminyak: 7.9km.
Canggu: 14km.
Kuta: 9.2km.
Uluwatu: 30.6km.
Jimbaran: 19.3km.