Denpasar is the capital of Bali but more often than not it is well overlooked by tourists as a destination to go in Bali. This urbanized part of Bali, is home to most of the Balinese and it's the best place for you to uncover local food and culture. Food and shopping here are definitely much cheaper than touristy places like Kuta. In addition this city is a good base for public transport to attractions such as Tanah Lot, Mengwi, Sangeh Monkey Forest and Batubulan.
Must Visit & Dos
Bali Museum
Bali Museum
This museum will walk you through Bali temple architecture as well as showcasing artifacts.
Opening hours 8am - 12.30 pm (Weekdays) 8am - 3pm (Sun)
Price Adult:2000rp Child:1000rp
This state temple located next to the museum is dedicated to the supreme god,Sanghyang Widi. Admire the architecture, carvings and shrine which is made of white corals.
Pasar Badung & Pasar Kumbasari (Markets)
Pasar Badung is the largest market in Bali and the best place for you to browse and bargain for local produce and food. Pasar Kumbasari on the other hand is an art mar ket located across the badung river. Both located at Jln Gajah Madah.
Balinese Dance
Catch the famous balinese Barong and Kecak dance in Denpasar which will cost you around US$10-$15 per person which can be arranged by travel agents which include pick up and return transport. You can also purchase the tickets at the door for 50k rp if you decide to go there by yourself.
The Barong dance is performed at Catur Eka Budhi on Jln Waribang at 9.30am-10.30am.
The Kecak dance is performed nightly at Stage Umar Dewi 300metres away from the Barong Dance location.
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Stays
There are hotels in every corner of Kuta-Legian from 5 star to homestays (losmens). As for the normal hotels I recommend you to book in advance using hotel aggregator sites such as AsiaRooms, Zuji or Agoda. One alternative is to rent peoples home through AirBnB website.
Its easy to get "normal" hotel through these sites, however up till now, there are no sites to support booking of homestays in Bali. I guess those losmen owners wouldn't want an online booking system due to the fact that they play on supply and demand of their losmens to set the price.
Not to worry my hippies friends and back packers alike, here is some online information you can get about the losmens. I would say that the price is not really fixed as there is still room for bargaining especially during low season. Normally these losmens will charge around 100k-150k rp for a non-aircon room and 250k - 350k rp for an aircon room. Do bargain for a lower rate during low season.
During peak season, if you're flight comes at night don't bother to look for a homestay in this area because most of the time all losmens are fully booked (personally experience it and it sucks!!) Your best bet is to pre book a hotel for the night and do the searching the next morning. These homestays operate on a first come first serve basis so it's best to start looking around at about 11am - 2pm where most homestay customer check out.
Must Visit & Dos
Explore & Sunset Kuta Beach
Enjoy a stroll and sunset along the the Kuta beach. There are touts that might want to offer tattoo or massage service or selling some products. Just tell them that you are not interested nicely and most of these touts will go away.
Surfing
Kuta beach is ideal for beginner surfers or for those who wants to learn to surf. You can rent surfboards near the beach though much pricier than those from surf shops at poppies 1 & 2.
Board rental by the beach usually goes by the hour (30k-50k rp per hour). I would advise that you get your boards at the surf shops. Price will be around 30k- 100k rp per day depending on board condition. And again please bargain hard for a good price :) this is Bali remember.....
Restaurant Hopping
There's so many food available in this heart of Bali, from beachside bakso(beefball noodle) to international cuisine. You can refer to our Eats section of the Bali Survival Kit to get a list of possible places to eat in this area.
Of course.....Shopping!!!
You will be spoilt for choice from the markets, shopping centres and boutiques available in Kuta. Head to Kuta Square to get items from boutiques and also there is Matahari departmental store for your fixed price shopping. Also don't miss Discovery Mall, a shopping mall by the beach with nice view and ambience.
I would recommend that you explore markets at poppies 1 & 2, personally I feel that the price there are cheaper ( maybe due to the "backpacker" image of these streets). Also head to markets just before Discovery Mall to buy your printed shirts, buy in bulk and get a good price. REMEMBER TO BARGAIN! BARGAIN! BARGAIN!
In addition to these, those of you who are surf apparel addicts, head to SURF FACTORY OUTLET at Jln Bypass Ngurah Rai. There are also other factory outlet stores along this stretch of road, including Billabong Factory outlet and some local outlets carrying surf brands. Item prices are definitely on a bargain. Expect around 20% to 50% off original price.
Waterbom Park
This water amusement park is a must visit if you are travelling with children.
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Seminyak [ Map ]
Located further up of Legian, Seminyak can be considered a more upmarket area where Bali's poshest and creative shops can be found. You can expect high end bars,clubs and restaurant scattered around this area.
Must Visit & Dos
ShoppingAs mentioned this area is full of trendy fashionable boutiques for your shopping pleasure.
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Jimbaran [ Map ]
Famous for its seafood restaurants along the Jimbaran beach, this fishing village is a must visit for Bali virgins as in my opinion this is the best place to view sunset while having your dinner. The ambiance and atmosphere is breathtaking. At times you will be accompanied by "roaming" band playing soothing and fun music to make your night a memorable one.
The beach stretch can be categorized into 3 different areas namely Kedonganan(near fish market), Jimbaran(main stretch in centre) and Muaya(area near Bali Intercontinental). There are words going around that seafood at Muaya beach area are cheaper and food are well done compared to the other areas where they are more touristy area.
Bali regulars have mixed reviews on Jimbaran seafood restaurant, seafood here is quite pricey and sometimes food that are served are not up to expectations, however, the atmosphere is definitely worth every penny you've spent.
Must Visit & Dos
Fish Market
Head to the fish market early in the morning to see live catch from a night of fishing. Purchase your seafood here at a good price.
Morning MarketOne of the best markets in Bali where you find quality and fresh produce. The compactness of this market would not enable you to browse quickly without having to wander forever.
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Uluwatu & Around [ Map ]
Uluwatu attract experienced surfers from all around the world because of perfect breaks that can be found down the coastline of Padang Padang , Impossibles,Balangan, Dreamland, Suluban and Bingin.
Pasar Badung & Pasar Kumbasari (Markets)
Pasar Badung is the largest market in Bali and the best place for you to browse and bargain for local produce and food. Pasar Kumbasari on the other hand is an art mar ket located across the badung river. Both located at Jln Gajah Madah.
Balinese Dance
Catch the famous balinese Barong and Kecak dance in Denpasar which will cost you around US$10-$15 per person which can be arranged by travel agents which include pick up and return transport. You can also purchase the tickets at the door for 50k rp if you decide to go there by yourself.
The Barong dance is performed at Catur Eka Budhi on Jln Waribang at 9.30am-10.30am.
The Kecak dance is performed nightly at Stage Umar Dewi 300metres away from the Barong Dance location.
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Tuban - Kuta - Legian [ Map ]
I would definitely say that Kuta-Legian is the heart of Bali and a MUST visit for virgins or tourist for that matter. I would simply describe this area as a built up city by the beach. This is the epicenter of the hustle and bustle of Bali.
Packed with restaurants,hotels, losmen, clubs,markets, internet cafes, boutique shops and tour agencies, this place is loud, wild, crazy and definitely not for the faint hearted. The Legian stretch is where all the clubs are located and the main road is usually jammed packed with vehicles.
For those who prefers a "quiet" holiday this place is to be avoided at all cost. However, one thing to note is that this area have all the amenities that you are spoilt for back home. So if you can't live without your internet, "modern" toilet and such i guess you have to stick to this place
Packed with restaurants,hotels, losmen, clubs,markets, internet cafes, boutique shops and tour agencies, this place is loud, wild, crazy and definitely not for the faint hearted. The Legian stretch is where all the clubs are located and the main road is usually jammed packed with vehicles.
For those who prefers a "quiet" holiday this place is to be avoided at all cost. However, one thing to note is that this area have all the amenities that you are spoilt for back home. So if you can't live without your internet, "modern" toilet and such i guess you have to stick to this place
Stays
There are hotels in every corner of Kuta-Legian from 5 star to homestays (losmens). As for the normal hotels I recommend you to book in advance using hotel aggregator sites such as AsiaRooms, Zuji or Agoda. One alternative is to rent peoples home through AirBnB website.
Its easy to get "normal" hotel through these sites, however up till now, there are no sites to support booking of homestays in Bali. I guess those losmen owners wouldn't want an online booking system due to the fact that they play on supply and demand of their losmens to set the price.
Not to worry my hippies friends and back packers alike, here is some online information you can get about the losmens. I would say that the price is not really fixed as there is still room for bargaining especially during low season. Normally these losmens will charge around 100k-150k rp for a non-aircon room and 250k - 350k rp for an aircon room. Do bargain for a lower rate during low season.
During peak season, if you're flight comes at night don't bother to look for a homestay in this area because most of the time all losmens are fully booked (personally experience it and it sucks!!) Your best bet is to pre book a hotel for the night and do the searching the next morning. These homestays operate on a first come first serve basis so it's best to start looking around at about 11am - 2pm where most homestay customer check out.
Must Visit & Dos
Enjoy a stroll and sunset along the the Kuta beach. There are touts that might want to offer tattoo or massage service or selling some products. Just tell them that you are not interested nicely and most of these touts will go away.
Surfing
Kuta beach is ideal for beginner surfers or for those who wants to learn to surf. You can rent surfboards near the beach though much pricier than those from surf shops at poppies 1 & 2.
Board rental by the beach usually goes by the hour (30k-50k rp per hour). I would advise that you get your boards at the surf shops. Price will be around 30k- 100k rp per day depending on board condition. And again please bargain hard for a good price :) this is Bali remember.....
Restaurant Hopping
There's so many food available in this heart of Bali, from beachside bakso(beefball noodle) to international cuisine. You can refer to our Eats section of the Bali Survival Kit to get a list of possible places to eat in this area.
Of course.....Shopping!!!
You will be spoilt for choice from the markets, shopping centres and boutiques available in Kuta. Head to Kuta Square to get items from boutiques and also there is Matahari departmental store for your fixed price shopping. Also don't miss Discovery Mall, a shopping mall by the beach with nice view and ambience.
I would recommend that you explore markets at poppies 1 & 2, personally I feel that the price there are cheaper ( maybe due to the "backpacker" image of these streets). Also head to markets just before Discovery Mall to buy your printed shirts, buy in bulk and get a good price. REMEMBER TO BARGAIN! BARGAIN! BARGAIN!
In addition to these, those of you who are surf apparel addicts, head to SURF FACTORY OUTLET at Jln Bypass Ngurah Rai. There are also other factory outlet stores along this stretch of road, including Billabong Factory outlet and some local outlets carrying surf brands. Item prices are definitely on a bargain. Expect around 20% to 50% off original price.
Waterbom Park
This water amusement park is a must visit if you are travelling with children.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seminyak [ Map ]
Located further up of Legian, Seminyak can be considered a more upmarket area where Bali's poshest and creative shops can be found. You can expect high end bars,clubs and restaurant scattered around this area.
Must Visit & Dos
ShoppingAs mentioned this area is full of trendy fashionable boutiques for your shopping pleasure.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jimbaran [ Map ]
Famous for its seafood restaurants along the Jimbaran beach, this fishing village is a must visit for Bali virgins as in my opinion this is the best place to view sunset while having your dinner. The ambiance and atmosphere is breathtaking. At times you will be accompanied by "roaming" band playing soothing and fun music to make your night a memorable one.
The beach stretch can be categorized into 3 different areas namely Kedonganan(near fish market), Jimbaran(main stretch in centre) and Muaya(area near Bali Intercontinental). There are words going around that seafood at Muaya beach area are cheaper and food are well done compared to the other areas where they are more touristy area.
Bali regulars have mixed reviews on Jimbaran seafood restaurant, seafood here is quite pricey and sometimes food that are served are not up to expectations, however, the atmosphere is definitely worth every penny you've spent.
Must Visit & Dos
Fish Market
Head to the fish market early in the morning to see live catch from a night of fishing. Purchase your seafood here at a good price.
Morning MarketOne of the best markets in Bali where you find quality and fresh produce. The compactness of this market would not enable you to browse quickly without having to wander forever.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uluwatu & Around [ Map ]
Uluwatu attract experienced surfers from all around the world because of perfect breaks that can be found down the coastline of Padang Padang , Impossibles,Balangan, Dreamland, Suluban and Bingin.
Must Visit & Dos
Chilling by the Beach
For non-surfers, head to Balangan and Dreamland beach to laze and enjoy the tranquility by the beach. These beaches are definitely quieter than Kuta beach and worth the trip.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
This is one of the spectacular temples perched on top of a cliff and believed to be one of the "directional" sea temples in Bali to guard against evil spirit.
Beware of the monkeys in this compound as they are an aggressive bunch. Ensure that you do not have specs or earrings on and do not keep food in your bags . I personally have watched tourist getting harassed by these pesky monkeys where in one incident the monkey pulled an earing of a tourist leaving a bloody scene.
Do catch the Kecak dance here as I feel that it is the best place to watch one while you are mesmerized by the sunset across the temple. Get the tickets early which cost 70 000rp ( that was the price i paid in 2010 ) as there are limited seats.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
This cultural park boast a 66m statue of Garuda said to be the biggest and highest statue in the world. You can enjoy a fabulous view of volcanoes and landscaping of Bali here. It is open from 8am to 6pm with admission of 15 000rp.
Balangan Beach
Another beach in Bali worth checking out. Away from the hustle and bustle from tourist. Enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
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Watersports
There are in abundance of watersport operators around this area. Enjoy your day trying watersports activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides and para sailing. The prices for the rides are quite exorbitant ( about US$25 for 15 min ), however, its best to go there early (10am to 11am ) before busloads of tourist arrive to bargain for a better price. Also try introductory dive and snorkeling.
Cooking Lessons
Bumbu Bali Cooking school is located at Jln Pratama, Tanjong Benua. The cooking course starts from 6am where you will be visiting Jimbaran fish market followed by the cooking lesson and lunch.
Pasifika Museum
Must Visit & Dos
Watersports
Quite famous for its diving spots and a 4km beach, there are watersports operators throughout this area offering diving packages as well as parasailing( US$20 per ride) ,snorkeling(US$30 for 2 hours) ,windsurfing (US$30 for 1 hr) and 2-tank dive($50). Do note that you could try and haggle for a better price.
Museum Le Mayeur
More than 90 works by Le Mayeur are on display. Paintings depicting Balinese lifestyle can be found in this Museum. Opening hours are from 7.30am to 3.30am with entrance fee of just 2000rp.
Gudang Keramik
For those ceramics lovers,this is a place you want to checkout. An outlet store for high quality Jenggala ceramics with great deal prices.
Art Market
Located along Jln Pantai Sindhu to the Hyatt hotel, hunt for your favorite cheap clothes, beachwear, sarongs, souvenirs and art pieces.
Organic Market (Farmers Market)
Every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, visit this market at Gudang Keramik parking lot area. Expect artisans, organic local produce and also local delicacies in the market.
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In addition to the areas mentioned above, South Bali also offers nearby islands that is worth visiting such as Serangan Island (turtle Island), Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. These places are also known for breathtaking and world class diving spots and also haunts for surfers.
Chilling by the Beach
For non-surfers, head to Balangan and Dreamland beach to laze and enjoy the tranquility by the beach. These beaches are definitely quieter than Kuta beach and worth the trip.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
This is one of the spectacular temples perched on top of a cliff and believed to be one of the "directional" sea temples in Bali to guard against evil spirit.
Beware of the monkeys in this compound as they are an aggressive bunch. Ensure that you do not have specs or earrings on and do not keep food in your bags . I personally have watched tourist getting harassed by these pesky monkeys where in one incident the monkey pulled an earing of a tourist leaving a bloody scene.
Do catch the Kecak dance here as I feel that it is the best place to watch one while you are mesmerized by the sunset across the temple. Get the tickets early which cost 70 000rp ( that was the price i paid in 2010 ) as there are limited seats.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
This cultural park boast a 66m statue of Garuda said to be the biggest and highest statue in the world. You can enjoy a fabulous view of volcanoes and landscaping of Bali here. It is open from 8am to 6pm with admission of 15 000rp.
Balangan Beach
Another beach in Bali worth checking out. Away from the hustle and bustle from tourist. Enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
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Nusa Dua & Tanjong Benua [ Map ]
You would expect to see luxurious beach resort and beach side hotels stretched along the coastline. Built more for upmarket tourist , don't expect losmens and mid range hotels here.
Further up, Tanjong Benua is where you can find mid range hotels, restaurants, shops and water sports facilities. There are villages west of Jln Pratama surrounded by palm grove, a place you might want to explore by bicycle and experience the traditional way of life in Bali
Must Visit & Dos
Watersports
There are in abundance of watersport operators around this area. Enjoy your day trying watersports activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides and para sailing. The prices for the rides are quite exorbitant ( about US$25 for 15 min ), however, its best to go there early (10am to 11am ) before busloads of tourist arrive to bargain for a better price. Also try introductory dive and snorkeling.
Cooking Lessons
Bumbu Bali Cooking school is located at Jln Pratama, Tanjong Benua. The cooking course starts from 6am where you will be visiting Jimbaran fish market followed by the cooking lesson and lunch.
Pasifika Museum
Art from cultures from around Pacific Ocean are displayed. Located at Bali Collection Block P, Nusa Dua with entrance fee of 50 000 rp.
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Known as the "hidden paradise", relax & enjoy the peaceful scenic view at Geger beach.
Sanur [ Map ]
Sanur is definitely has a more peaceful beach ambiance compare to Kuta . It has a village atmosphere with no clubs around but restaurant will still keep you entertained.
Must Visit & Dos
Watersports
Quite famous for its diving spots and a 4km beach, there are watersports operators throughout this area offering diving packages as well as parasailing( US$20 per ride) ,snorkeling(US$30 for 2 hours) ,windsurfing (US$30 for 1 hr) and 2-tank dive($50). Do note that you could try and haggle for a better price.
Museum Le Mayeur
More than 90 works by Le Mayeur are on display. Paintings depicting Balinese lifestyle can be found in this Museum. Opening hours are from 7.30am to 3.30am with entrance fee of just 2000rp.
Gudang Keramik
For those ceramics lovers,this is a place you want to checkout. An outlet store for high quality Jenggala ceramics with great deal prices.
Art Market
Located along Jln Pantai Sindhu to the Hyatt hotel, hunt for your favorite cheap clothes, beachwear, sarongs, souvenirs and art pieces.
Organic Market (Farmers Market)
Every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, visit this market at Gudang Keramik parking lot area. Expect artisans, organic local produce and also local delicacies in the market.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to the areas mentioned above, South Bali also offers nearby islands that is worth visiting such as Serangan Island (turtle Island), Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. These places are also known for breathtaking and world class diving spots and also haunts for surfers.
