Denpasar

About Denpasar

Denpasar is Bali's capital and its biggest city, the seat of the provincial government since 1958. The name comes from the Balinese 'dén' (north) and 'pasar' (market), after a market town that stood where Kumbasari Market is today.

In 1906 the king of Badung and his court walked out to face invading Dutch troops in a ritual puputan; the square where it happened is now Puputan Badung park. Away from the beach towns, this is where Balinese life happens at full speed: traditional markets, temples, government offices and the Bajra Sandhi monument in Renon.

The city is divided into four districts, Denpasar Barat, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar Timur and Denpasar Utara, which together hold 43 villages. The Bali Museum, established in 1931, stands on the eastern side of Taman Puputan and displays masks, musical instruments, textiles and archaeological finds such as Bronze Age drums. Other landmarks include Pura Agung Jagatnatha, the old royal palace of Puri Pemecutan and the busy Kreneng Market. Denpasar Selatan also takes in Serangan Island and Sanur, the city's beach neighbourhood, about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It suits travellers curious about everyday Balinese life and history.