Denpasar, Indonesia-5-day-itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Capital City
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start your day at the Bajra Shakti Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Take some photos and learn about the temple’s significance.
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Museum Ritz Carlton (free admission), which showcases the history of Bali, including its pre-Hindu era.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Grab lunch at Warung Kopi, a local café serving traditional Indonesian dishes. Try their nasi goreng and fresh coconut water!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore the Denpasar City Market ( Pasar Badung), where you can find souvenirs, try some local street food, and mingle with locals.
- Evening: Head to Jl. Gajah Mada, a lively night market offering various food stalls and shopping.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Balian Resort (starts from IDR 200,000 / ~ USD 14)
- Mid-range: Ibis Denpasar (starts from IDR 500,000 / ~ USD 35)
- Luxury: The St. Regis Bali Resort (starts from IDR 2,500,000 / ~ USD 175)
Day 2: Cultural Heritage
- 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit the Taman Puri Agung, a beautiful park with impressive stone carvings and gardens.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the Puri Agung Kesiman, a historic palace that showcases Balinese royal heritage. Don’t miss the intricate wood carvings!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Gamelan Museum (free admission), where you can learn about traditional Balinese music and see various gamelan instruments.
- Evening: Attend a traditional dance performance at the Bali Arts Festival (optional).
Day 3: Nature Escapes
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Visit the Taman Ujung Water Palace (entry ticket: IDR 20,000 / ~ USD 1.40), a beautiful water palace built by the last king of Karangasem.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Grab lunch at Warung Laut, a seaside eatery serving fresh seafood and local dishes.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Relax on the beach at Sanur Beach, where you can watch the sunset or try water sports.
Day 4: Markets and Shopping
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Ubud Royal Market (Pasar Ubud), a bustling market offering various handicrafts, souvenirs, and local snacks.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Explore the Art Market, where you can find unique Balinese art pieces, paintings, and sculptures.
- Evening: Head to Jl. Legian, a lively shopping street with various shops, restaurants, and bars.
Day 5: Departure
- Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
- Depart from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) for your onward journey.
Things to Know:
- Weather: Denpasar has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Be prepared with sunscreen, light clothing, and an umbrella.
- Language: Indonesian is the official language, but many locals speak English. Learn some basic Indonesian phrases to interact with locals!
- Currency: IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) is the local currency. You can exchange your money at airports or banks.
Transportation:
- Taxi: Available throughout the city.
- Grab: A popular ride-hailing app in Indonesia.
- Bemo: A traditional public transportation system connecting various parts of Denpasar.
- Rent a scooter: For a more local experience!
Tips and Other Things to Consider:
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or attending cultural events.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in hot weather conditions.
- Bargain at markets: When shopping for souvenirs or handicrafts, be prepared to negotiate prices!
- Try local food: Be adventurous and try various Indonesian dishes, like nasi goreng and gado-gado.
Other Things of Interest:
- Visit the Bali Museum (optional), which showcases Balinese history and art.
- Explore the Denpasar Art Center, a hub for local artists and artisans.