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Denpasar offers many activities for family holidays that make the city an engaging travel experience. A must-see is the Bajra Sandhi Monument, constructed in 1987 to look like an enormous Balinese bell and showcase Bali’s history through dioramas.
Notable attractions in Badung City include Badung Traditional Market and Jagatnatha Temple, while Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre serves as a cultural gem, hosting dance performances and art exhibits. Cathay Pacific’s London to Denpasar route is perfect for those interested.
Shark Island
Denpasar is a city full of surprises, from ancient temples and bustling markets to vibrant art galleries and welcoming spas. This captivating destination has something to offer everyone – history buffs to adrenaline junkies will all find something interesting here. Immerse yourself in Bali’s rich cultural and traditional offerings at Bajra Sandhi Monument or shop up a storm at Badung Market before visiting a spa to ease the stresses of travel.
Shark Island lies off of Denpasar’s coast and boasts one of the highest populations of various rescued shark breeds. Scuba diving activities here are suitable for all ages at competitive prices; additionally, an eco tour will give visitors a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating marine predators in their natural environment.
Taman Werdhi Budaya is an art enthusiast’s must-see cultural hub. Here, Balinese performing arts such as dance and music come alive – don’t miss the annual Bali Arts Festival to witness some stunning performances!
Denpasar offers plenty of shopping malls with Balinese trinkets and souvenirs; Erlanga 2 is an ideal place for bargain hunting and finding unique finds. There are also upmarket malls with international brand labels as well as departmental stores selling international labels – perfect for browsing during an afternoon stroll through Denpasar! Afterward, stop at one of its bars, pubs or discotheques for an entertaining night-out!
Serangan Island
Serangan Island offers a welcome respite from the overcrowded beaches of Tanjung Benoa and Sanur. Situated off south Denpasar, Serangan’s small island features include turtle conservation efforts and Sakenan Temple – two unique features worth noting. Plus its close proximity to both Tanjung Benoa watersport enthusiasts as well as boat passengers departing Benoa Harbour allows them to easily see or pass Serangan.
Visitors to Serangan Reef Island can swim safely off its coastline at Serangan Reef dive site and explore its rugged coast by diving. Additionally, its sandy beach provides perfect conditions for snorkeling and sunbathing activities. There’s also a turtle breeding pen and educational centre on site where they can learn more about sea turtle lives as well as adopt one or two rescued Hawksbill or Green turtles to release back into the ocean.
Simple cafes or warungs on the island serve delicious nasi goreng and bakso meatballs on rice dishes, among other traditional meals. Ornate statues dot the grounds of centuries-old Sakenan Temple – an integral part of Hindo-Balinese culture which draws pilgrims from throughout Southeast Asia annually for its 210-day piodalan anniversary celebrations.
Other highlights include the Bajra Sandhi Monument, situated within Lapangan Niti Mandala Renon civic square and dedicated to commemorating people’s fight against colonial rule. A diorama gallery on top of this monument showcases key events from its history.
Pasar Badung Market
Badung Market stands out among Bali’s bustling traditional markets as an unforgettable shopping experience. Boasting one of the largest selections of fresh food, clothing, and handicrafts imaginable, Badung Market creates an aromatically vibrant ambience that showcases Bali’s vibrant culture.
Gajah Mada Street Market in Denpasar serves as an essential center of commerce and offers visitors a window into daily life and local culture in Denpasar. A major retail and wholesale center, this market also draws shoppers from throughout Indonesia as well as tourists looking for local crafts or souvenirs.
Badung Market boasts four stories overflowing with goods and products for sale, especially its produce section which draws both visitors and locals alike. Locals and visitors can purchase fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and other seafood at affordable prices while the upper floors provide fabrics, clothes and household goods suitable for men, women, and children alike.
Visitors to Badung Market and other top Denpasar attractions can experience cultural street performances while browsing its markets. Streets are lined with stalls selling Balinese snacks, drinks, and handicrafts; and it is advised to wear comfortable shoes and wear light clothing when visiting as it can become very hot and crowded quickly. You can use GPSmyCity’s self-guided tour of Badung Market and other top Denpasar attractions.
Jagatnatha Temple
Denpasar offers an abundance of activities for both families and solo travellers, making it an ideal vacation spot. Notable highlights in Denpasar include its beaches as well as Bali Sharks Eco Adventures; an innovative conservation project which allows participants to swim alongside blacktip and whitetip reef sharks in a protected marine area off Serangan Island. Also noteworthy is Jagatnatha Temple; built in 1953 as a state temple dedicated to Sanghyang Widi Wasa it boasts intricate carvings as well as sprawling courtyard which serves as the focal point during religious ceremonies.
Jagatnatha Temple derives its name from the Sanskrit word jagat, or world. As Denpasar’s largest temple, with Padmasana featuring well-preserved carvings and stone motifs from Ramayana stories depicted, it attracts crowds during cultural festivals like Galungan and Nyepi which draw in large numbers of visitors.
Denpasar Mangrove Forest provides an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kuta and Seminyak tourist resorts, and is one of Denpasar’s premier attractions. Offering tranquil coastal scenery and lush tropical forest strolls while taking in nature’s sights and sounds. Home to an abundance of birds, butterflies, reptiles and more; making this mangrove forest perfect for families or solo travellers alike!
Sakenan Temple
Denpasar would not be complete without visiting Sakenan Temple on Serangan Island in South Denpasar. Built during the 10th-century, this 10th-century Hindu temple serves as an important pilgrimage site. People journey here by foot or traditional wooden boats – often on foot for its 210-day piodalan festival celebrations where it features both Hindu and Islamic architecture – Galungan and Kuningan festivals are also held here!
Badung Market in Denpasar offers an unforgettable shopping experience, from its iconic towers and roof to intricately carved walls and ceilings – it truly offers something for everyone at Badung Market! Experience bargaining for fresh produce and textiles while marveling at its breathtaking sights like towers, roof, walls and ceilings – and bargain your way for great deals at this traditional market.
The Bajra Sandhi Monument stands tall in Denpasar as a reminder of Balinese people’s fight for independence. The first-floor features dioramas which bring history alive while its rooftop offers unparalleled views of cityscape.
Kertalangu Cultural Village on the eastern outskirts of the city provides an ideal recreational site for locals and visitors. This unique destination features green paddies tended by village farmers, outdoor activities such as spa treatments and various restaurants; also included is a world peace monument and beautiful gardens as well as many shops and a convenience store.
Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre
On Jalan Nusa Indah is Taman Werdhi Budaya (Bali Arts Centre). Boasting several theatres and exhibition spaces adorned with classic Balinese architecture and beautiful garden spaces, the center celebrates Bali’s rich artistic legacy by providing a venue for both traditional and contemporary expressions of art – best visited during June-July for the annual Bali Arts Festival.
Ida Bagus Mantra, as 5th Governor of Bali, created this complex to preserve and promote Bali’s distinctive culture. Additionally, it serves as the main venue of the annual Pesta Kesenian Bali Arts Festival with outdoor stages like Panggung Terbuka Ardha Candra, Ayodhya, Angsoka and Ratna Kanda – while Gedung Ksirarnawa hosts indoor performances.
No matter your tastes in arts, music or dance, the Bali Arts Centre offers something for everyone. A fantastic place to gain an in-depth view of Denpasar culture, this festival adds another layer to Denpasar trips. Check their schedule of events on their website; for those unable to make it there are other ways of engaging with local culture such as witnessing Kecak fire dances in Uluwatu and nightly cultural dance performances in Ubud.
