Denpasar Bali travel attractions provide many options that combine cultural and historic elements of this city.
Begin your tour at Renon Square (or Puputan Renon). Here you will find the Bajra Sandhi Monument – situated at its core – which hosts numerous historical dioramas illustrating India’s fight for independence. Cathay Pacific flights are now available on the London to Denpasar Bali route.
Bajra Sandhi Monument
Bajra Sandhi Monument is one of Denpasar Bali’s must-see travel attractions and must-sees, situated at 13.8 ha land at its center and featuring Balinese architectural design. Boasting breathtaking views over Denpasar city and surroundings from its top tower, its unique shape is linked with Hindu philosophy as well as independence symbols; additionally its basement has been turned into the popular museum known for 3D arts and optical illusions: I AM BALI.
This iconic landmark offers many exciting experiences and is an excellent place to discover Bali’s vibrant culture. Visitors will appreciate dioramas and diagrams displaying its longstanding history – plus, it is conveniently situated next to Denpasar City Governor’s Office so is easily reachable!
Visitors to the monument are free to visit any time during the day, making it an excellent place for photos and selfies. Before visiting, however, visitors are strongly encouraged to confirm its schedule – some holidays it may be closed!
The Bajra Sandhi Monument takes its name from its unique bell-like shape, which symbolizes the struggle of Balinese people against Dutch colonials. Constructed in 1987 and inaugurated by Megawati Sukarno Putri on 14 June 2003.
This monument consists of three sections, the Nistaning Utama Mandala, Madya Mandala and Utama Mandala; its unique structure was designed by Ida Gede Yadnya as part of his legacy as an architect. As its structure draws visitors both locally and from other nations worldwide to witness this national landmark and major tourist attraction, including local tourists as well as international guests alike – particularly Asian tourists from South Korea, Japan Taiwan China. Furthermore, many Asian tourists frequent it as the location for engagement photoshoots or pre-wedding photoshoots prior to wedding events or pre-wedding photoshoots!
Pasar Badung Market
Denpasar wouldn’t be complete without visiting this vibrant market! Denpasar’s largest traditional market boasts everything from authentic batik clothing, wooden carvings and Ikat weaves, delicious local foods and exotic fruits at this bustling marketplace.
Denpasar market is located right in the center of Denpasar and easily accessible from most hotels. Take time to enjoy browsing local vendors’ offerings or finding that special pair of jeans in one of Denpasar’s many boutiques.
Badung Temple, situated within the market, is one of its main landmarks. Dating back more than one hundred years, this large and ancient temple dedicated to water god is revered and honored throughout Indonesian society and beyond. Unfortunately, its history includes being the scene of an horrific mass suicide ritual over 100 years ago which still haunts city residents today.
Bali Provincial Public State Museum, situated at the heart of the city, is another must-visit attraction. As one of its renowned landmarks and housing over 10,000 rare exhibits, this is an excellent way to gain more insight into Bali’s rich culture and traditions.
Are You Traveling to Bali? Explore its art centers like Werdhi Budaya to experience traditional Balinese architecture and contemporary galleries featuring various forms of artworks. Even better is visiting an outdoor theater for performances of Balinese dance!
Shark Island
Denpasar is the ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure. Offering shopping and dining opportunities galore as well as providing an engaging look into Indonesian culture and history, Denpasar provides something for every traveler to see here – including one of Indonesia’s most stunning structures: Bajra Sandhi Monument is an extraordinary landmark located right in Denpasar’s center that symbolizes their struggle and serves as an iconic icon that all must see when visiting Bali.
Shark Island tours are another favorite activity in Denpasar Bali, providing visitors with an incredible opportunity to feed sharks and swim alongside them in a safe environment. These three-hour eco tours are suitable for people of all ages and will surely leave an impressionable memory!
For those eager to learn about the history of Bali, the Bali Museum (also known as the Bali Provincial State Museum) offers an ideal solution. As one of the country’s premier museums, it features an eye-catching design similar to a Balinese palace with three pavilions housing various objects such as farming tools, inscriptions and puppets.
The Bali Museum offers visitors a beautiful spot to stroll, relax, or read a book. Its exterior architecture recalls traditional Balinese culture; plus, you’re likely to capture some Instagram-worthy shots there too!
Werdhi Budaya, commonly referred to as the Bali Art Centre, offers visitors an engaging insight into Balinese culture and tradition. With galleries featuring Balinese dance and music performances from across time periods as well as a theater that hosts performances, visitors will gain an appreciation of this amazing region’s cultural diversity. You can even watch ballet performances of Ramayana here which any art enthusiast must see!
Bali Museum
Bali museums and galleries preserve its rich cultural and historical aspects through wooden sculptures, paintings and textiles, giving visitors a window into its distinct culture and heritage. Some Bali Museums can even make for fun family outings; lighthearted galleries provide plenty of entertainment that children will surely love!
One of the top attractions in Denpasar is the Bali Museum or Museum Negeri Propinsi as it’s more commonly known. One of Indonesia’s oldest museums, this collection houses thousands of artifacts from all corners of Bali’s past and culture that will offer tourists a greater insight into local life and heritage. Don’t miss this gem in Denpasar!
Museum visitors will find many pavilions showcasing various categories of artifacts at this museum, with Badung Pavilion, Karangasem Pavilion and Buleleng Pavilion serving as prime sections. Each section has multiple exhibitions to experience as part of their distinct themes – prehistoric objects, ancient texts and bronze statues are just some examples.
Notable attractions at the museum include the Bali Yadnya (Ritual of Human) exhibit. This showcases all of the rituals observed by Balinese from birth through burial and includes all tools and materials necessary for these ceremonies, giving visitors a complete perspective into Balinean life.
This museum is an absolute must for art and history enthusiasts as well as younger visitors eager to gain more knowledge about Bali. Constructed over three years by one of the country’s renowned architects, Ida Bagus Tugur, its enormous space can hold around 6,000 visitors at one time making it perfect for cultural programs featuring Balinese culture and tradition.
Upside Down World Bali provides another fantastic option for families. Featuring seven rooms full of furniture and decor designed to appear upside-down, this museum provides plenty of opportunity for entertainment and photo opps featuring gravity-defying poses!
