Your guide to Denpasar

There’s a reason Bali is called the Island of the Gods. Part of the Indonesian archipelago, it’s blessed with unparalleled natural beauty and deep-rooted spiritualism. Sun-worshippers and surfers flock to its shimmering shores. Yogis and disciples of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ find higher meaning in the island’s clifftop temples. No matter what you go in search of, you’ll find paradise here. Our guide to Bali covers it all.
Ekaterina Abramova

Denpasar: Know before you go

LanguageIndonesian
CurrencyIndonesian rupiah (Rp)
Time zoneUTC+8 (WITA)
High seasonJune - August
Low seasonJanuary - March

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

Sascha Schorstaedt

FAQs about visiting Denpasar

Bali is generally a safe place to visit, especially within the main tourist areas. As with any destination, stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Check any travel alerts or safety tips to ensure your stay in Bali is enjoyable and stress-free.
The locals mostly speak in Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) and Balinese here. Every city has its own unique lingo, so consider picking up some common phrases to use during your visit in Bali.
The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and outings during your stay in Bali.
With maximum temperatures of 30ºC (86ºF), March is the warmest month in Bali.
August brings the coldest days of the year. Set off on your Bali trip then and you can anticipate lows of 21ºC (70ºF).
With an average rainfall of 310 millimetres, December is the wettest month to visit Bali. When the drizzle sets in, venture indoors and enjoy the city's shopping malls, art galleries, cafes and more.
Bali can suit all budgets, though prices are generally lower during the wet season (November to April). The biggest expense for trips to Bali will likely be the flights, but once on the island, there’s no need to break the bank. Opt for street food and local ‘warungs’ (restaurants) for affordable meals, and choose a hostel over a hotel to keep costs down.
You can get a taste of the island in just five days, though with so much to see and do, you’ll likely only scratch the island’s surface. To make the most of your Bali trip, we recommend spending 10 days to two weeks fully exploring its coast, inland and islands.
Pura Blanjong and Jagatnata Temple (Pura Jagatnatha) are just a glimpse of the adventures waiting for you here. Explore the list of things to do in Bali and find out why it's worth the trip.
April to October coincide with the island’s dry season, so you’ll have sunny days and great visibility for water sports. The high season peaks in June and July, so avoid these months for a budget trip to Bali. You'll find the best deals on Bali during the wet season (November to April), promising fewer crowds, but regular downpours.

Cheap holidays to dream destinations

Other travellers love these package holiday hotspots. Take your pick of what’s popular.
Costa del Sol
Rilassati su spiagge assolate, esplora città incantevoli e gusta i sapori dell'Andalusia.
Lanzarote
Fai un'escursione tra i paesaggi vulcanici, rilassati su spiagge dorate e goditi l'atmosfera tranquilla delle Canarie.
Faro
Goditi le spiagge assolate, i villaggi incantevoli e i campi da golf di prim'ordine in questo angolo di paradiso a sud del Portogallo.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Dal maestoso Monte Teide alle spiagge assolate, qui troverai avventura e relax in egual misura.
Costa Blanca
Approfitta del sole, del mare e della vivace cultura spagnola da Benidorm ad Alicante.
New York
Scopri l'energia della Grande Mela, tra monumenti iconici e quartieri vivaci.
Maiorca
Scopri il mix perfetto di spiagge mozzafiato, siti storici e una vivace vita notturna.
Malta
Fai un tuffo nel passato, goditi le acque cristalline e immergiti nella vivace atmosfera del Mediterraneo.
Marrakech
Lasciati conquistare dai colori vivaci, dai mercati animati e dalla ricca storia di questa antica città.
Adalia
Scopri antiche rovine, acque turchesi e la calda accoglienza di questa perla turca nel Mediterraneo.
Ibiza
Balla tutta la notte e goditi il sole su un'isola dove le feste non finiscono mai e le spiagge sono incontaminate.
Costa del Sol
Rilassati su spiagge assolate, esplora città incantevoli e gusta i sapori dell'Andalusia.
Lanzarote
Fai un'escursione tra i paesaggi vulcanici, rilassati su spiagge dorate e goditi l'atmosfera tranquilla delle Canarie.
Faro
Goditi le spiagge assolate, i villaggi incantevoli e i campi da golf di prim'ordine in questo angolo di paradiso a sud del Portogallo.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Dal maestoso Monte Teide alle spiagge assolate, qui troverai avventura e relax in egual misura.
Costa Blanca
Approfitta del sole, del mare e della vivace cultura spagnola da Benidorm ad Alicante.
New York
Scopri l'energia della Grande Mela, tra monumenti iconici e quartieri vivaci.
Maiorca
Scopri il mix perfetto di spiagge mozzafiato, siti storici e una vivace vita notturna.
Malta
Fai un tuffo nel passato, goditi le acque cristalline e immergiti nella vivace atmosfera del Mediterraneo.
Marrakech
Lasciati conquistare dai colori vivaci, dai mercati animati e dalla ricca storia di questa antica città.
Adalia
Scopri antiche rovine, acque turchesi e la calda accoglienza di questa perla turca nel Mediterraneo.
Ibiza
Balla tutta la notte e goditi il sole su un'isola dove le feste non finiscono mai e le spiagge sono incontaminate.