Denpasar shows everyday Balinese Hindu life up close through temples, offerings and traditional dance performances. Besides its squares and museums, famous seaside temples can be visited on day trips.
Historic sites
Puputan Square – The historic ground of the 1906 Puputan resistance.
Museum Bali – The island's oldest museum, founded in 1932.
Bajra Sandhi Monument – A bell-shaped monument commemorating the Balinese people's struggle.
Traditions
Canang Sari Offerings – Small flower-and-incense baskets placed daily at doorways and streets.
Barong and Legong Dances – Classical Balinese dances that stage myths with music and costumes.
Gamelan Music – Traditional orchestral music from metal instruments, accompanying ceremonies and dance.
Festivals
Nyepi (Day of Silence) – In March the whole island goes silent for 24 hours, even the airport closes.
Ogoh-Ogoh Parade – A lively parade of giant monster effigies carried through streets before Nyepi.
Bali Arts Festival – For a month in June-July, Denpasar hosts dance, music and crafts.
Etiquette
Wear a sarong and sash and cover shoulders and knees when entering temples.
Do not step on or over offerings placed on the ground.
Avoid giving or eating with the left hand, and never touch someone's head, which is sacred.
Map
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Places
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Tanah Lot Temple
Outside the city – about 1 hours
A sea temple perched on an offshore rock, famed for its sunsets.
Category
Religious site
Duration
2 h
Price
$
Best time
An hour before sunset.
Tip: Only Hindus may enter the main shrine; avoid the rocks at high tide.