The compact capital city of the beautiful holiday island of Bali is the largest city on the island. Despite being second choice to Bali’s top resorts, Denpasar has plenty to offer in the way of things to see and do.
Denpasar is famous for its white sandy beach and there are all kinds of Balinese arts and crafts for sale in the many stalls that line the streets. Souvenir shopping in the city is easy and you will be spoiled for choice, with many shops and stores to choose from.
Overall, Denpasar is clean and modern and has a huge assortment of accommodation choices from budget backpacker hostels to top quality resorts. Local artwork, jewelry, pottery and textiles can be found in specialized shops and street stalls and gold is extremely cheap in the city.
Thanks to its high value and cheap price in Bali, gold can be found everywhere in Denpasar and batik cloths are also readily available. Batiks are made from pure cotton and have intricate details on them and can be made into sarongs and shirts.
The waves at the beach are large but the swells are not as dangerous as those found at Kuta Beach. There are temples, palaces and old mansions to explore and the airport is close by. There are restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines from all over the world in Denpasar and prices are reasonable.
The accommodation in Denpasar is varied, from plush hotels and resorts to backpacker style rooms and a lot of mid-range places to stay. The capital of the Indonesian island of Bali is overlooked by Mount Agung, which provides splendid views of the busy streets and pretty beach.
By far the most popular thing to do in Denpasar is to visit the stunning beach and either relax on the sands or enjoy surfing and swimming. Denpasar actually translates to ‘by the market’, which is why there are so many market stalls to explore. The Pasar Badung is a night market that is great fun to explore after dark, as are the many bars that line the beach and side streets throughout the city.
Where to Go
- museum-negeri-propinsi-bali: A museum showcasing Bali’s history and culture, with collections of traditional artifacts, textiles, and ceremonial items.
- puru-jagatnatha: A prominent Hindu temple in Denpasar dedicated to the supreme god Sanghyang Widi, known for its intricate carvings and central location.
- bajra-sandhi-monument: An iconic monument honoring the struggles of the Balinese people, featuring a museum and panoramic views over the city.
- taman-wedhi-budaya: A cultural park and arts center hosting traditional Balinese performances, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals.
When to Go
- high season: December to mid-January
- low season: February to March
- shoulder season: mid to late January, April to November
Located close to the equator, Bali’s capital city has an equatorial tropical climate characterized by fairly high temperatures that vary only slightly throughout the year, plus a range of humidity levels. The range of weather in Denpasar breaks down clearly into two seasons.
Rainfall is generally not much of a problem in Denpasar. In the dry season, there is little or no precipitation. In the rainy season, the rainfall, though heavy, typically occurs at night time and does not last very long. Humidity levels are high in the wet season but considerably lower in the dry season.
Throughout the year, the average daytime temperature sits at around 85°F. With temperatures regularly dropping below 80°F in the coolest months, Denpasar can be very pleasant. The humidity is usually the biggest factor in comfort levels and in the dry season, it can drop to 60 percent.
When is the best time to visit Denpasar Almost any time of the year is a good time to visit Denpasar. The biggest consideration can be the risk of occasional violent thunderstorms during the wet season. December and January are the wettest months of the year in Denpasar.
Otherwise, travelers who struggle in high humidity might want to avoid the rainy months, when humidity levels are usually at their highest and range from 70 to 85 percent. Humidity peaks at 85 percent in December and January. October is the driest month of the year.
Denpasar enjoys little in the way of true seasons as many people from non-tropical climes will recognize. There is a rainy season, during which occasional heavy and violent rain blitzes Denpasar regularly, but usually at night. At other times of the year it’s dry in Denpasar, heat and humidity stay comfortable, and there is plenty of sunshine.
Wet season
Denpasar’s wet season starts in November and lasts through March. At this time of year, rainfall is frequent. Occasionally, violent storms can wreak havoc, but these are quite rare. Otherwise, the rain typically falls at night and does not last long. Though average temperatures sit at around 86°F, the humidity of 85 percent in December and January can be uncomfortable.
Dry season
The fabulous dry season of Denpasar runs from April to October. Throughout these months, the average temperature varies only slightly. The mercury can hit around 90°F during the daytime but drops to a nearly-balmy 75°F at night. Humidity, too, can drop to as low as 60 percent in the dry season, making Denpasar a pleasant and beautiful place to be at this time.
Things to Do
While the entire collection of city attractions could be covered in a day or two, their quality definitely outweighs their quantity. The nature of the city’s attractions will most definitely appeal to history and art buffs; however, they may also leave little ones pining for the beach.
Most attractions fall into the museum, palace or temple category, and chart the island’s history and cultural development. There is a distinct lack of entertainment or sporting activities available. The bulk of the city’s attractions can be accessed on foot; alternatively, if it is too hot, it is easy to flag down a bemo, and the trip will be calculated by meter.
Top sights
After locating and admiring the imposing Alun-alun Puputan square, the Bali Museum - which documents the island’s history and culture - is within a few minutes’ walk. The immaculately preserved temple and palace complex of the royal family is north of the square and well worth a visit. Other attractions include Pura Maospahit, an ancient temple to the west of the city center, and Sidik Jari Museum to the east of the city center, which houses an impressive collection of fine art.
Historical Attractions
Denpasar’s sights are all related to the local history and culture. Despite the distinct lack of tourists, the city’s museums and galleries are home to thoughtfully arranged and well-maintained collections. Many visitors pick up Balinese-style art and handicrafts while on holiday, so it is worth visiting the galleries to understand the roots of this unique and highly coveted style of art.
Museums
Bali Museum not only houses a fantastic collection of items, but it is housed in a set of four charming pavilions. Each pavilion showcases different goods, varying from ancient stone, wooden and bronze artifacts to textiles and art. The museum’s extensive collection offers invaluable insight into the island’s history and culture and is well worth a visit.
Art galleries & crafts
The intimate Sidik Jari Museum, owned by local artist I Gusti Ngurah Gede Pemecutan, houses a collection of the owner’s work as well as that of other renowned artists. The Taman Wedhi Budaya Cultural Center on the city center’s Jalan Nusa Indah offers visitors a chance to learn about Balinese art, and has a particularly good section displaying contemporary Balinese artworks. While art galleries are thin on the ground in Denpasar, the few existing centers house excellent collections and are worth a visit.
Performance & theater
Theater isn’t a major component of local culture; however, it is possible to catch a dance or orchestra performance. Sidik Jari Museum hosts one-off dance performances, while the Taman Wedhi Budaya Cultural Center is the best place to hear a local gamelan orchestral arrangement. There is no schedule or regularity to the events, so it is best to check with the venue on arrival in the city.
Markets & local life
Denpasar has a bustling market culture, mainly concentrated in the city’s three-story Central Market each morning. The market sells everything from live animals to quirky handicrafts and is well worth a rummage even you are not planning to spend a lot. The city’s night market on Gajah Mada Street provides a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide range of gastronomic delights while soaking up the atmosphere.
Zoos, parks & nature
Denpasar lacks green spaces so there are few escapes from the choking congestion. The centrally located Lapangan Puputan Margarana, or Puputan Park, is the only real retreat but it is much more notable for its architecture than landscaping. The park is home to a monument commemorating those who lost their lives in Indonesia’s struggle against the Dutch.
Entertainment & amusement
Denpasar is a city which sleeps after dark, leaving Kuta to do the entertaining. The city lacks any real entertainment venues and activities. An exception is during the annual Bali Arts Festival, which takes place in the city and involves a vibrant display of local culture, art and tradition. Painting, carvings and masks are just some of the art on display. Local families attend in droves and the atmosphere is vibrant.
Night attractions
Night life doesn’t extend further than a handful of hotel lounges with small stages and half-hearted musical performances. The only other alternative is slurping noodle soup street side, which is where you will find locals relaxing and socializing in the evenings. The city’s night market is also worth a wander and is a local source of night-time entertainment.
Scenic areas & walks
A city tour on foot is the ideal way to get to grips with Denpasar. The main attractions can be traced on a city walking tour, but while the sights offer beautiful architecture and ornate designs, the journey is much less kind on the eye. The streets are filled with fumes, shop boards and relentless traffic. However, a stroll around Lapangan Puputan Margarana park has scenic value and offers a grand escape from the city’s streets.
Unusual / offbeat attractions
While Pasar Burung may seem unusual to some travelers, it will equally be an unpleasant experience for others. All things aside, this market – specializing in live animals - is worth a visit just to experience the immense variety of livestock for sale. The tropical birds are particularly eye-catching; however, conditions are far off Western standards. Like in most Asian destinations, the markets and street side dining culture in Denpasar are often the most interesting experiences for tourists.
Popular tours
Touring Denpasar usually entails a tour of the historical and cultural attractions, or else a tour of the city’s markets and shopping districts. Both tours are worth the experience as the city is the commercial and cultural heart of the island. It is easy to take a walking tour of the monuments, temples and palaces, while touring the markets and shopping malls requires hailing a bemo. The city lacks any real organized tours, but with the help of a good map or driver travelers can improvise.
Daytrips
The most popular daytrip from Denpasar is the beach resort of Kuta; however, Denpasar is more often a daytrip destination for travelers staying in Kuta than vice versa. It’s a 20-minute journey to the resort, which is a bustling commercial hub packed with bars, restaurants, shops and tourists. Ubud is a much quieter and more conservative daytrip destination, and can be reached in one hour from Denpasar. This town is famous for its arts and architecture, and is home to many of the island’s craftspeople.
Getting There
The international airport on Bali has regular flights to the capital city of Jakarta that take 1 hour, 20 minutes. The airport in Bali is in Denpasar and there are many bemos, taxis and car hire companies to use to get into the city center.
Numerous international carriers operate services from Bali’s Ngurah International Airport and domestic airlines provide connections to Indonesian destinations. It is the only airport on the island, and the country’s second busiest. Flights to the capital city, Jakarta, take 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Despite its deceiving name, the airport is actually 20kms away from the city of Denpasar, but it is easy to catch a cab into the city center. Bali Taksi is the most reliable company, and their drivers always calculate fares on the meter.
A regular ferry service connects Bali with Java, and also with Lombok.
Getting Around
Denpasar is relatively small, so the best way to navigate the city’s heavily congested streets in on foot. Walking also allows you to browse shops, and observe the every day life of the city’s inhabitants.
Aside from the traffic, public transport is limited due to lack of demand. Only 2.5 per cent of the public use it, with most people owning their own car or motorcycle, or both. If your hotel has not arranged transfer from the airport, you can travel by taxi. Fares from the airport are listed by destination; however, taxis around Denpasar city center are metered.
If you plan to explore the rest of the island, car rental is the best option. Air conditioned vehicles of all sizes are available form the airport and it is also possible to hire a driver. Cruising by motorcycle is also a fun and carefree way to see the city and surrounding area.
Bemos (covered pick-ups and minivans) are inexpensive, although they are often overcrowded. Horse and cart is the cheapest option of all, costing next to nothing.
Taxis
Airport taxis can be arranged from the transport counter near Arrivals, and it is a set fee to Denpasar city center in. It is possible to flag down a taxi around Denpasar and most drivers calculate the fare by the meter. When traveling by metered taxi it is important to make sure the driver starts the meter at the beginning of the journey. Less comfortable, but more budget friendly, bemos are ideal for short distances around the city. Fares vary according to distance and bargaining is highly recommended.
Buses
Public buses depart from Denpasar’s Ubung terminal and cover a number of routes through the island. It is also possible to travel between islands by bus, using the public ferry. Smoking is allowed on buses, but visitors are advised to take air-conditioned buses in order to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes from the heavy traffic. Lorena buses provide the most comfortable vehicles, often with a toilet on board.
Tourist shuttle buses travel Bali’s main tourist routes several times each day. This is a faster and more comfortable ride than the public bus service, but is more expensive.
Motorbike Taxis
Motorcycle taxis, known as ojek are available around Denpasar. These provide a quick and convenient ride between city attractions and markets. They are easy to find on the road and fares should be arranged before setting off.
Bicycle
Cycling in Denpasar is not recommended as the pollution and heavy traffic is likely to spoil the fun. Driving is also undisciplined, putting cyclists at risk. Riding a motorcycle in Denpasar is a more enjoyable option, provided you drive cautiously and avoid driving in the wet season.
Walking
The best way to explore the city of Denpasar is on foot. The city’s modest scale means visitors can walk between attractions. A walking tour of the city visiting temples, markets, monuments and landmarks, takes around three hours. Walking allows visitors to absorb the sights, sounds and even smells of this city, and experience the true essence of Denpasar.
Car Hire
Many visitors find car hire is the most comfortable and convenient mode of transport in Denpasar. Suzuki jeeps are the most popular vehicle rented in Bali. Other vehicles available include family wagons and sedans. Local rentals include insurance but exclude fuel. An international driving license is required, and driving without one will incur a hefty fine.
Bali is a dangerous terrain for inexperienced drivers, and much caution is needed. Remember to drive on the left and keep a close eye on your side mirrors, as well as looking out for pedestrians, motorcycles, stray dogs and potholes.
If negotiating Denpasar’s hectic and harrowing roads doesn’t appeal to you, you can hire a driver with the car. This is an inexpensive addition and allows you a more relaxing trip.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Bali’s provincial capital mainly caters for domestic visitors, as most international guests choose to stay in beach resort areas such as Kuta, Sanur and Ubud.
There is a good range of accommodation in the city of Denpasar, with rooms to suit every type of visitor, whether you are a budget traveler or a business executive. However, rates are high, and standards are quite low compared to the rest of the island.
If you are visiting Bali during Indonesian holiday season (June to August, Christmas and New Year), you should arrange reservations in advance. There are two notable hotels in the city, Inna Bali and Pemecutan Palace Hotel. Both are located close to attractions and have an interesting history.
As Denpasar is a compact city, most hotels are close to amenities. If you are arriving late or departing early on a bus, hotels near the bus station will be most convenient and save you a taxi fare.
Hotels in the city center are very mediocre and most lack character and style. Rooms are generally clean and comfortable and have a good range of amenities at hand.
At the bottom end, Adi Yasa has been accommodating budget travelers since the seventies. Its nine rooms are very basic, but its central location and friendly atmosphere makes up for the lackluster rooms. Built in 1927 as a Dutch outpost, Inna Bali has distinct charm and is perfectly priced for a mid-range budget. The interior is unexciting, but some rooms boast beautiful verandas.
Hotel Taman Suci provides the ideal choice for business travelers, this fully air-conditioned modern hotel provides a welcome escape from the noise and heat of the city.
Pemecutan Palace Hotel, on Jalan Thamrin, enjoys a pleasant setting beside the Badung Palace grounds. Guests wake to the sound of the Palace’s songbirds. Jalan Suli is a more upmarket area of town, with hotels like Suli Inn providing comfortable rooms at an inflated price. Inna Bali is situated right in the heart of Denpasar, close to the town square.
Hotels in Denpasar offer a lot less quality for money than those concentrated around the beach resorts. These city based hotels are aimed at domestic visitors and designed with a no-frills approach. Rooms in all hotels are usually comfortable and clean, but provide for guest’s basic needs only.
Some mid-range hotels even have extras such as swimming pools or garden facing rooms. The more upmarket choices are often worth the extra expense, providing a peaceful sanctuary away from the smoke and sirens of the city.
Hotel rooms in Denpasar lack the sophistication and luxury of those in nearby Kuta or other beach resorts. Most rooms are air conditioned and the cheapest you can expect to pay in hotels such as Adi Yasa is Rp 35,000; here the rooms are basic but have a private bathroom.
At a higher rate, Inna Bali provides more frills and prices start around Rp 360,000. Hotel Taman Suci is top of the range, offering large suites complete with a mini living room area and bath tub for Rp 425,000.
Where to Eat
Denpasar is home to most of the Balinese workers on the island, making it the best place to sample truly authentic food.
Indonesian cuisine reflects the diverse blend of the cultures residing in the country. Dishes vary from region to region, but in large cities such as Denpasar it is possible to find dishes from all over the country.
Food is cheap in Denpasar, regardless of whether it is sold in a quality restaurant, a street market or a supermarket food center. Rice is at the center of every meal, accompanied by seafood, meat and vegetable dishes. A range of spices and herbs add distinct flavor, although Indonesian food is not unbearably hot.
In Denpasar meals are eaten with a spoon in the right hand, and a fork in the left. In some traditional restaurants or households, meals are eaten using the hands and a small bowl of water will be provided so diners can wash their hands before and after eating.
Satay is Indonesia’s most popular culinary export, consisting of grilled skewers of meat or minced seafood served with a peanut sauce. This cheap dish is readily available from stalls and warungs throughout the city.
In nasi padang restaurants you will be presented with an array of cooked dishes, and charged only for those you eat. This is a great way to try different flavors in one meal at a reasonable price.
Larger, more upmarket restaurants provide more comfortable surroundings and serve an array of fish and seafood dishes, often marinated in fragrant spices and served with yellow rice.
Where to eat
Like most Asian countries, food can be found on every street corner. Vendors, street stalls, and hawkers peddling small carts fill the city with aromas from their edible wares.
Bundo Kanduang Restaurant near Kerta Wjaya Shopping Centre is renowned for selling the best nasi padang and is open 24 hours. Jalan Sumatra, near the Corsica news stand, boasts three excellent restaurants. Betty serves cheap local favorites such as frogs legs for a couple of dollars, Mie 88 sells delicious meatballs and Depot Kikel specializes in tasty Javanese soto soup.
Night markets provide an atmospheric setting for dining, as well as an extensive range of food. The market near Kereneng Terminal is the city’s largest, or for the same range served in a more hygienic set-up, many of the city’s supermarkets have large food centers.
Local food
Street stalls and night markets are the best place to sample local favorites. Vendors sell a wide variety of dishes, barbequed meats, snacks and sweet desserts.
Nasi and mie goring (fried rice and fried noodles) are sold by hawkers all around the city, these are staple dishes in Indonesian diet. Roasted suckling pig is a delicious local specialty, and can be found in restaurants throughout the city, but locals recommend Warung Nasi Gemah Ripah.
Bebek betutu is a tasty duck specialty, infused with herbs and spices and baked slowly in a banana leaf.
Western food
Menus of expensive resorts outside of the city may feature western dishes; however, Denpasar lacks restaurants solely dedicated to western cuisine. All the usual suspects in the fast food industry are present, with McDonalds based at the NDA department store, Pizza Hut at Bali Mall and KFC at Matahari’s. A string of Dunkin’ Donuts are also dotted around the city.
Vegetarian
Vegetarians are well catered for in Denpasar, with an array of high quality restaurants creating an extensive range of local dishes and some international favorites, minus the meat. Veggie Corner, located at Jalan Imam Bonjol is particularly good and serves all the local dishes such as satay and fried rice, using soya and vegetables as a meat substitute.
Veggie House has more of an international flavor, serving vegetarian pizza and burgers, as well as a selection of Indonesian vegetarian soups. Bodhi Veg Restaurant has an equally good menu, and is set in a picturesque garden, and the De Ra Sa Restaurant in Kuta, specializes in Chinese vegetarian cuisine.
Street food
Hawkers can be found in every street in Denpasar, wafting aromas into the city air as meats sizzle on their mobile barbeques. From rice and noodles, to exotic fruits and sweet desserts, there is never any need to go hungry in Denpasar. Street food is cheap, and easy to eat on the go, using a bamboo skewer or plastic spoon.
Food courts
Most large supermarkets have a floor dedicated to dining, and are known as food courts. The food served in food courts is similar to that of street market fare, and is available at the same cheap price. Food courts provide visitors the opportunity to sample local food in a cleaner, more comfortable environment.
The range of food served is extensive, including soups, rice and noodle dishes, barbequed meats and sweet snacks. Bali Galeria Kuta Department Center has an excellent food court, and Discovery Mall, the island’s newest shopping centre, boasts a modern food court and Starbucks.
Where to Party
The inner city area of Denpasar has limited nocturnal offerings, with only hotel bars providing a low key setting for drinks and tame entertainment. However, outside of the city, the beach resort of Kuta makes up for Denpasar’s lack of vitality.
Kuta has a pulsating nightlife, which is concentrated around the many bamboo bars along the beach. A large ex-pat community keeps the bars in business all year round, and party seeking holiday makers fuel the atmosphere. The night scene in Kuta kicks off around 23:00 and peaks around 02:00, so most revelers spend the early part of the night sipping cocktails, dining in restaurants or shopping.
The 2002 Bali bombing put a horrific dampener on the Kuta party scene; however, the area has recently managed to resurrect its nightlife. Once again, Kuta is party central and attracts revelers from all over the island with its throbbing bar and club culture.
Nightlife areas
There are three main party areas in Kuta, each offering a slightly different scene. Jalan Legian is at the heart of Kuta, and is the tourist center of Bali. After dark, the atmosphere is electric with hordes of party goers filling the many bars and clubs. Double Six Beach is more club-orientated and often features some of Indonesia’s top DJs spinning the latest drum n’ bass, house and trance. Jalan Dhyana Pura caters for gay punters, and also has a number of lap dancing clubs.
Pubs bars and clubs
There is a wide variety of venues in Kuta, ranging from intimate beach bars to longer established themed bars. The Bounty is one of the island’s most popular clubs, designed in the shape of a ship, while MBarGo is regaining popularity after relocation due to the Bali Bombing.
At the opposite end of the main drag, Peanuts hosts lives bands on a nightly basis and is a popular haunt for rock fans. The club also organizes pub crawls around the Kuta area. Kudos is Bali’s largest gay night club, and Double Six Club is the island’s longest running club. Hard Rock Café is a more predictable set-up offering the usual formula of classic hits and array of memorabilia.
Jazz and live music
Bali’s annual jazz festival is held in the Hard Rock Café in Kuta, attracting mass attention each year. The Hard Rock Café is the best bet for live music; however, there are a handful of other venues staging bands of various genres. Peanuts caters for rock lovers, while Kama Sutra presents famous Indonesian singers and bands and local musicians take to the stage in Kori Restaurant.
Cultural experiences
The annual Bali Arts Festival takes place in Denpasar, in a large building known as Taman Wedhi Budaya. The festival is attended predominantly by locals, who bring their families to shop for toys and watch the various performances. Visitors can enjoy performances by regional artists and dancers. An interesting exhibition of Balinese paintings, wood carvings and Ramayana masks are also on display in the building. The festival is a vibrant display of Balinese culture and tradition, and a great chance for visitors to learn more about this intriguing nation.
Go-go bars
Strip bars are prohibited, due to the country’s strict Islamic faith, so lap dancing provides a tamer alternative. Most lap dancing clubs are found in the Jalan Dhyana Pura area.
Where to Shop
Shopping in Indonesia does not have the retail reputation of neighboring Singapore and Malaysia, but visitors willing to hunt for bargains, will not be disappointed.
Shoppers may enjoy trawling Denpasar’s markets, but the city’s malls are mediocre in terms of choice, with only the cheap price tags as an upside. Denpasar is a good place to shops for jewelry, Jalan Hasanudin is an entire street dedicated to gold and silver. In the same area, another street sells only fabric and household goods.
There are a number of markets worth visiting, in particular the three storey Central Market is a lively hub of activity every morning. There are specialist markets for goods such as art, handicrafts, and even animals.
Department stores stock some international brands of cosmetics, clothing and accessories, and goods are sold at a fixed price, so shoppers can browse products at their leisure without being harassed by over zealous sales staff.
Visitors to Denpasar generally (and surprisingly) pay the same as the locals, and prices don’t fluctuate during the seasons. International brand items are often produced under license in Indonesia so can be sold at a cheaper rate, add this onto savings from the exchange rate and Bali becomes bargain basement.
Department stores are recommended for higher quality goods, as cheaper gadgets and accessories found in markets are usually poor quality and not very durable. Shoes and children’s clothes are great buys in Bali’s department stores, as is sports goods, toys and luggage.
Most visitors hunt for local handicrafts, as Balinese goods have a distinct style which is highly fashionable in the West.
- Unless the product has a price tag, bargaining is acceptable. Vendors add on an extra 30 to 50 percent so if you take time and smile while bargaining you will get better value for money.
- Try not to buy any major purchase during your first shopping trip, shop around and bargain hard.
Markets
Central Market is worth a visit just to experience the electric atmosphere in this massive trade center. The first floor is dedicated to meat, fish and dairy, vendors on the second floor trade spices and the third floor is a great place to pick up local handicrafts. Kumbasari Market is also nearby and worth a peek.
The Bird Market sells an array of furry and feathered creatures, as well as snakes and fish. The Night Market sets up in the late afternoon, and is a great place to enjoy some local food and soak up the atmosphere.
Supermarkets and department stores
Matahari is a major department store chain in Indonesia, and the large unit based in Denpasar. It is renowned for selling quality goods. Robinsons (opposite Matahari) and Ramayana (nearby) also offer excellent shopping facilities. Supermarkets can be found within the department stores and also in the larger shopping malls.
Shopping malls
Denpasar has a number of average shopping malls, with Discovery Mall being the latest addition and most popular. This mall is home to a wide range of units selling electronics, clothing and accessories. Shoppers who have worked up an appetite can refuel in the mall’s large food court, and there is also a Starbucks onsite.
Arts and antiques
For a range of paintings, handicrafts, furniture and batik, visit the Indonesian Export Gallery on the third floor of Bali Mall Ramayana. Here you can browse a variety of arts under one roof. Also Kumbasari Market and Badung Market sell a wide range of crafts at a reasonable rate. Satria Art Market specializes in crafts and Jalan Sulawesi is lined with art shops. Antique collectors should visit Arts of Asia, situated behind Lokitasari Shopping Center.
Clothing
Denpasar is far from a fashion capital, but it is a good place to pick up international brands at a cheaper rate than home. Department stores and malls stock a limited range of international brands, although often carry a lot of known brand sportswear stock including footwear. Good quality cheap clothing can be found in Discovery Mall, but visitors may struggle to find sizes large enough. This is a common problem when clothes shopping in Asia.
Gems and jewelry
A lot of jewelry is produced in Bali, both silver and gold. The most popular pieces are 24 carat-gold featuring intricate designs. Gold is priced by weight, with a premium added if more work went into it production. Prices are similar to Hong Kong and Singapore’s rate. Jalan Hasanudin is the best area of Denpasar for jewelry; this street is lined with shops selling many different styles, gemstones and designs.
Handicrafts
Markets offer the best selection of arts and crafts, and at the most reasonable price. The third floor of the Central Market is devoted to handicrafts and vendors will often discount the original price, so it is worth haggling. Kumbasari Market and Badung Market are also worth a browse. Two streets, Jalan Sualwesi and Jalan Gaja Mada, are dedicated to handicrafts, providing a convenient one-stop shopping ground where you can view the entire range and compare prices.