Your guide to Denpasar
Denpasar highlights
Natural wonderland
Bali is a natural playground of beaches, volcanoes, rice terraces, waterfalls and mountains. Gaze in awe at the Tegenungan Waterfall, meet macaques at Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud Sanctuary, and chase the sunrise at Mount Batur Viewpoint. With visits to West Bali National Park and the Gili Islands too, one trip to Bali is never enough.
Sacred beauty
Bali is home to stunning temples that reflect the island’s rich Hindu heritage. Watch the panoramas unfold as you ascend the 1,700 steps to Lempuyang Temple, admire fiery sunsets from clifftop Pura Tanah Lot and take a trip into the jungle to find Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). Whether you’re spiritual or not, a visit in Bali can’t help but stir the soul.
Balinese bliss
With traditions rooted in ancient rituals and wellness, it’s no surprise Bali is packed with yoga retreats and health resorts. Practice your sun salutations at the Yoga Barn in Ubud. Or treat yourself to a traditional ‘mandi lulur’ (exfoliation rub) at Seminyak’s upscale spas. Relaxation is a way of life here.
Denpasar: Know before you go
| Language | Indonesian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Indonesian rupiah (Rp) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (WITA) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | January - March |
Find the best time to go to Denpasar
Weather in Denpasar
April – October: Many travellers plan their trip to Bali to coincide with the dry season. During these months, the rain and humidity let up and are replaced with warm, sunny days that are perfect for hitting the beach and touring the temples. But it can also mean larger crowds and higher prices.
November – March: Bali’s wet season is typically hot and humid, with frequent downpours. But if you didn’t come here solely to lounge on the beach or surf, there’s still plenty to enjoy, not to mention lighter crowds. Explore cultural museums, try the local cuisine or enjoy a relaxing yoga class.
Events in Denpasar
Chinese New Year (January to February): Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is a big deal in Bali thanks to its large Chinese community. The island comes alive with traditional lanterns, lion dances and parades celebrating the start of the Lunar New Year.
Bali Arts Festival (June to July): This month-long festival in Denpasar celebrates Balinese culture with performances, parades and markets. See shadow puppet displays, attend singing competitions and feast at food stalls.
Ubud Readers and Writers Festival (October to November): Literary types come together for a programme of panels and workshops covering everything from romance writing to the history of colonialism. You’ll also find fun activities like yoga and hiking.
The best neighbourhoods in Denpasar
Seminyak
Glamour meets boho chic in southern Seminyak, one of the best areas to stay in Bali if you’re looking for a calmer alternative to tourist-heavy Kuta. Expect white-sand beaches, lavish hotels, designer boutiques, and yoga studios. Its trendy beachfront cafes stay open late, so you can keep the good times rolling after dark.
Good for: Luxury hotels, popular beaches, nightlife
Canggu
Looking to surf? Then Canggu, on the island’s south coast, is where to stay in Bali to be close to a consistent break. You’ll find steady swells at Echo Beach, Berawa Beach and Old Man’s Beach. Stick around after sunset when the party scene comes alive at oceanfront clubs like Finns and Cafe Del Mar.
Good for: Surfing, laid-back vibe, nightlife
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is your spot for a luxury experience. High-end resorts, calm beaches and excellent water sports have made it a popular destination with tourists since the 1970s. Stake out a day bed on Samuh Beach and drive along the coast to Uluwatu Temple, where fire dances are performed at sunset.
Good for: Luxury resorts, calm beaches, temples
Things to do in Denpasar
Family friendly things to do
You’ll find plenty of things to do with family in Bali. Sanur’s uncrowded beaches are perfect for families looking for downtime. Or ramp up the excitement at Waterbom Bali theme park in Kuta. With snorkelling, surfing and beach spots like Sunday Beach Club and Atlas Beach Club catering to kids, the whole gang is guaranteed fun.
Shopping
The Island of the Gods is a shopper’s paradise, with markets, boutiques and malls galore. Head to Ubud Art Market for Balinese souvenirs. Celuk Village specialises in handcrafted jewellery, and Kopi Luwak serves some of the island’s best coffee. Shopping in Bali for your favourite brand names? Malls like Mal Bali Galeria and Seminyak Village have got you covered.
Take in the culture
When you’re not busy beach-hopping, take time to explore the museums in Bali. Learn about the island’s history at the Bali Museum in Denpasar. Or head to the Neka Art Museum in Ubud for a primer in Balinese art. Looking for something a little different? The collection of ceremonial monster and demon figures at Mengwi’s Ogoh-Ogoh museum is just the ticket.
Nightlife
The best nightlife in Bali happens in the south of the island. Catch international DJ sets at Seminyak's high-end clubs or dance till dawn at one of Uluwatu's clifftop party spots. Travelling to Bali on a budget? Make a beeline for Kutu's main road, Jalan Legian, where you'll find some of the area's most popular (and affordable) clubs.
Places to eat
Balinese food is an explosion of Indonesian, Indian, Chinese and European flavours. Tuck into ‘nasi goreng’ (fried rice) in the ‘warungs’ (local restaurants) along Canggu’s Batu Bolong Street. Or sample delicious street food at the Sindhu Night Market after a day at the beach. Looking for something upscale? Merah Putih in Seminyak is one of the best restaurants in Bali.
Beaches
The beaches in Bali are some of the best in the world. Steal a quiet morning on Ungasan’s Green Bowl Beach or party the night away on Seminyak Beach. Kelingking Beach earns the nickname ‘T-Rex Beach’ for its unique rock formations. And if you’re a thrill-seeking surfer, don’t miss the gnarly waves at Nusa Dua Beach.
Get ready for Denpasar
Budget
You can enjoy a budget trip in Bali without skimping on comfort. Affordable food and activities are everywhere you look. An inexpensive meal will cost you about 45,000 Indonesian rupiahs (Rp). If you’re thirsty, a local beer will set you back about Rp40,000 and a cappuccino Rp38,000. A short taxi ride starts at just around Rp36,000.
Day trips from Denpasar
Watch the sunset from the Devil’s Tears cliff on the tiny island of Nusa Lembongan, just off Bali’s southeast coast. From there, you can walk over a suspension bridge to Ceningan Island. Or go to Penida Island, a tropical paradise known for its rocky cliffs and white beaches. You might even see manta rays if you go snorkelling there.
Getting around Denpasar
‘Bemos’ (minibuses) are a budget-friendly way to get around, but be aware that schedules and itineraries are rarely fixed. For more regular routes, buy a seven-day Kura-Kura tourist bus pass or download the app and pay as you go. You can also hire cars and motorbikes to explore on your visit to Bali. Or book taxis and rideshares with apps like MyBluebird Taxi, Grab and Maxim.
FAQs about visiting Denpasar
More travel inspiration
Plan your holiday to Denpasar
Cheap holidays to dream destinations
Other travellers love these package holiday hotspots. Take your pick of what’s popular.
