Denpasar (Bali)

Good to know

1. 1Denpasar is the provincial capital of Bali and the largest city on the island, and it sits in the south not far from the coast.
2. 2The name is usually understood to mean 'east of the market', pointing to its origins as a trading place. Markets are still central to the city today.
3. 3The Bali Museum, in the middle of the city, has collections on the island's history, art and ceremonies, and its buildings follow traditional Balinese temple and palace design.
4. 4Most people on Bali follow Balinese Hinduism, and you will see small woven offerings of flowers and rice set out on pavements, doorways and shrines every day.
5. 5The national language is Indonesian, which nearly everyone speaks. Balinese is also widely spoken at home, and in tourist areas English is common.
6. 6The local food is a good reason to stay a while: babi guling (spit-roast pork), nasi campur and sate lilit, which is minced meat or fish wrapped around a lemongrass stick, are all Balinese favourites.

Tips for a first visit

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around, since public transport is limited and the traffic is heavy. Agree on a price or insist on the meter if you take a regular taxi.
• Carry some cash in Indonesian rupiah. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but small eateries, markets and parking attendants usually want cash.
• Try the night markets and small local warungs for a meal. Choose busy places with food cooked fresh in front of you.
• Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting a temple, and wear a sash if one is asked of you. Step around offerings on the ground rather than over them.
• Use your right hand to give and receive things and to eat, and keep your voice calm in disagreements, as a quiet, polite manner goes a long way.
• Allow extra time for any journey by road. Distances look short on a map, but congestion can double the travel time.

When to go

The dry season, roughly from April to October, brings sunny days and lower humidity, and it is the most comfortable time to walk around. The wet season, roughly from November to March, is hotter and more humid with heavy afternoon showers, though mornings are often clear and the island is greener and a little quieter.

From the airport

Ngurah Rai International Airport is a short distance south of Denpasar, and the centre is usually reachable by taxi or ride-hailing car in around 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. There is no train, so the road is the way in. Many visitors arrange a hotel pickup in advance, and the airport has official taxi counters.