Melo Villareal
I recently returned from Bali, Indonesia, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my stay on this island. Bali is a vibrant destination with numerous attractions for tourists, and it is likely the busiest island I have visited to date. Before sharing my experiences at some of Bali’s most popular tourist spots, I’d like to explain why I was so impressed with Bali’s capital, Denpasar.
Ngurah Rai International Airport
Denpasar, Bali’s capital, is an impressive destination despite its busy traffic and the constant noise of motorbikes. Even as a city, it maintains a gentle and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular spot for visitors to explore. The city is centered around a charming grassy square with a few shopping streets that cross through its core. In the historic neighborhoods, you’ll find shopping malls, retail outlets, and department stores, but the traditional village districts, called banjar, continue to define the area’s character.
These traditional banjar remain popular among both tourists and locals. They continue to host dance rehearsals, gamelan performances, and other activities, just like in the rural villages of Bali.
Denpasar is a uniquely appealing place to visit, thanks in part to its blend of immigrant communities living peacefully together. Chinese-Indonesians, Javanese Muslims, and Sasaks from Lombok make up roughly 30% of the city’s population, giving the capital a rich and distinctive cultural character.
While the Bali Museum and traditional markets attract visitors like moths to a flame, the relatively limited tourist infrastructure means you can still experience a more authentic, less commercial side of Bali.
Alun-alun Puputan
Puputan Square, also known as Alun-alun Puputan or Taman Puputan, commemorates the tragic events of 20 September 1906. On that day, the Raja of Badung and hundreds of his followers confronted Dutch invaders rather than surrender. Dressed entirely in white and carrying golden kris daggers, men, women, and even children vowed to fight to the death instead of submitting to European rule.
According to local accounts, the raja and his people engaged in a mass suicide on this grassy square. The act was reportedly initiated by the chief priest, who stabbed the raja through the heart at the raja’s own command. Many followed his example, and those who did not take their own lives were subsequently shot by the Dutch.
Today, the square’s most striking feature is a massive bronze statue depicting figures holding kris daggers and bamboo staves. It honors those who died here more than a century ago. Situated in the northern section of the park, the monument’s imagery appears throughout the city, and every year on 20 September a commemorative festival is held at the site.
The Bali Museum
Overlooking Alun-alun Puputan, the Bali Museum is the city’s most popular tourist attraction and an essential stop if you want to learn about Bali’s history and distinctive cultural heritage. First constructed in 1910, the museum is divided into several sections, featuring a bell tower, shrines, candi bentar (split gates), and charming gardens to wander through. It was conceived by the Dutch Resident, who envisioned a fusion of traditional palace (puri) and temple (pura) architectural elements.
The highlight for many visitors is the Gedung Karangasem section, which introduces you to traditional Balinese spiritual and ceremonial life—the foundation of daily existence for the Balinese people. Here, you’ll find engaging displays on Balinese Hinduism and the five key religious rituals, known as panca yadnya, making Gedung Karangasem the most fascinating and memorable part of the museum.
Pura Agung Jagatnatha
Commissioned in 1953, Pura Agung Jagatnatha is a beautiful example of a modern temple. Dedicated to the high god Sanghyang Widi Wasa—known as Jagatnatha, or “Lord of the World”—it stands amid stunning gardens filled with frangipani, pomegranate, and hibiscus trees.
As you arrive, your attention is drawn to the intricate carvings of lotus flowers and frogs that decorate the small stone bridge leading to the central gallery, which is only accessible during festival times. On the outer walls, you’ll find vivid illustrations from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. On the east wall, look for scenes of Rama shooting the golden deer, an event that leads to the kidnapping of his wife, Sita, by Rawana.
At the heart of the temple stands the padmasana tower in the inner courtyard. This soaring five-storey structure, built on the back of the gigantic cosmic turtle, supports the traditional empty throne. Made from white coral, the tower is crowned with demon heads at the top and adorned at the base with the face and hands of Bhoma, whose role is to drive away any evil spirits that come to the temple.
On full and new moons, the temple hosts festivals for devotees. Wayang kulit (shadow-puppet) performances are also sometimes held here, usually between 9 pm and 11 pm.
Pasar Badung
The best market to visit in Denpasar is Pasar Badung, a bustling three-storey traditional pasar located in the heart of the city. As you explore, local women may offer to guide you through the maze of stalls.
They typically receive a commission on your purchases, so they may encourage you to visit particular vendors. On the lower levels, you’ll find an array of fresh fruit, spices, and other foodstuffs. Upstairs, hundreds of stalls showcase art, handicrafts, sarongs, clothing, parasols, and a wide variety of goods.
How to get to Bali from Manila
There are several direct flight options from Manila (MNL) to Denpasar, Bali (DPS):
Direct Flights
Airlines offering non-stop service:
- Cebu Pacific Air
- Philippine Airlines
Flight Details:
- Flight time: Approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Distance: About 1,665 miles
Tips
- Both airlines offer multiple flights per week
- Direct flights are the most convenient option, avoiding layovers
- Prices vary by season and booking time, so compare fares across platforms such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, and airline websites.
- Consider booking in advance for better deals.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of travel.
- Check visa requirements for Indonesia (many nationalities can get a visa-on-arrival)
The direct flight option makes traveling from Manila to Bali quite straightforward and relatively quick!
How to get around Bali
Bali offers various transportation options to suit different budgets and travel styles:
Scooter/Motorbike Rental
Most Popular Option:
- Very affordable and flexible
- Costs around $5-7 per day
- Requires an international driving permit
- Best for confident riders – traffic can be chaotic
- Watch out for steep hills and narrow roads in some areas
Ride-Hailing Apps
Grab and Gojek:
- Convenient and affordable
- Available for both motorbike (ojek) and car rides
- Transparent pricing
- Easy to use with an English interface
- Popular in the main tourist areas
Private Driver
Comfortable Full-Day Option:
- Costs around $40-60 for a full day (8-10 hours)
- The driver acts as a guide and can recommend spots
- Great for touring multiple locations
- No stress about parking or navigation
- Can be arranged through hotels or apps
Traditional Taxis
Bluebird Taxis:
- Most reputable metered taxi company
- Available at the airport and main areas
- More expensive than ride-hailing apps
- Always insist on using the meter
Car Rental
- Around $20-40 per day
- Requires an international driving permit
- Gives you flexibility, but traffic can be challenging
- Parking can be difficult in busy areas
Tips
- Bali is only 153km from east to west, but traffic can make journeys longer than expected.
- Download the Grab and Gojek apps before arriving
- Always negotiate prices beforehand if not using metered/app-based services
- A helmet is mandatory when riding scooters
Choose based on your comfort level, budget, and itinerary!
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