Independent, Denpasar hotels

The city of Denpasar is the capital and administrative centre of Bali. It is located in the southern reaches of the island, close to some of the more renowned tourist hotspots like the golden beach attractions of Sanur. Even though it is somewhat overshadowed by resort towns like Kuta and Seminyak, there are still plenty of interesting things to see and do while holidaying in the capital.

There are numerous beaches just a stone’s throw from the heart of Denpasar. Southern Bali is just a short drive from the city, making it easy to reach some fantastic beaches. Visitors can rent a surfboard and try their hand at riding the waves, or simply just laze upon the beach and enjoy the rays.

Denpasar has a range of beautiful temples that dot the city. One of the most historic temples in the city is Pura Maospahit, which was first built in the 14th century. The royal temples of Satria Palace are also worth experiencing. The intricate carvings and onsite relics are breath-taking.

Each year, Bali hosts some of Indonesia’s most famous festivals, and many are held within or near the capital city. The Sanur Village festival has grown in stature over the past few years, and the month-long Bali Art Festival cannot be missed either. At the end of each year, the DenFest is Denpasar’s major annual event.

There aren’t too many places in Indonesia that have a more diverse cuisine than Denpasar. Thanks to Bali’s trans-migration policies, plenty of different Indonesian cultures exist within Denpasar. Everything from cheap Chinese seafood through to traditional Gillmanuk village dishes can be found. Denpasar is a great place for a few beverages after dark too. Many different nightclubs and bars offer live music most nights of the week.

Denpasar has one of the best shopping cultures in Bali. There are several shopping malls, including the clothing complex Ramayana. The Bandung Central Market is the best place to find local spices and local handicrafts. Jalan Sulawesi is home to an excellent range of gold vendors who offer gold at very competitive prices.