Denpasar is the capital of Bali. It has been the focus of a lot of the island's growth and wealth over the last 25 years, and has much of the bustle and congestion of many fast-growing cities in Asia. There still tree-lined streets and some plesant gardens, but the traffic, noise and pollution can make difficult to enjoy. The main attraction are the museum and the shops and markets, but many visitors find it more comfortable and comvenient to stay in Around Kuta, Sanur, or Ubud and visit Denpasar a day trip.
Denpasar is not an easy place to visit. To see the old city, take a drive around the old villages of Kedaton, Sumatra, Tonja and especially Kesiman, whose brick-style shrines and gates are the simplest yet most beautiful in Bali.
Other beautiful monuments include the temple and palace of Kesiman, Penambangan temple (near Pemecutan palace), and Satria temple, with its near by bird market. Pemecutan, Kesiman and Badung (now the name of the nearby regency) were the three "united kingdoms" on the territory of Denpasar.
Representing the modern tradition is Pura Jagatnatha, located in the heart of the city. It was built in the 70's to be the "territorial temple" of Denpasar, an open monument to modern Balinese Hinduism. Its main padmasana shrine, or seat of the "Supreme Siwa" embodies the new importance given to the concept of the One God in Balinese religion.
Located right next to Jagatnatha temple, a visit to the Bali Museum is a must. It has the finest collections of Balinese antiquities. Of particular interest is the stylistic simplicity of the items in its 30's collection. The overly decorative Baroque style of Balinese art is clearly a recent historical import.
Denpasar is also where Bali displays its modern image. The Taman Budaya, the Arts Centre to the east of the city, is a complex dedicated to the preservation of Balinese culture. It contains the giganticÊ KsirarnawaÊ amphitheater and a museum with an important collection of paintings and sculptures from the period of Balinese renewal, but no contemporary art.
As a modern metropolis, Denpasar offers a range of shopping centres, restaurants and food centres. For those interested in textiles and handicraft, go toÊ Pasar Badung and Pasar Kumbasari markets, located on either side of the Badung river in the old city centre. The new centre has moved south to the Sudirman and Diponegoro roads.Rimo, Robinsons, Matahari, Tiara and Libi department stores, as well as Sudirman Mall, cater to all the needs of tourists and local customers, all at fixed prices. And for food, the south of Denpasar offers a complete range of restaurants.
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Denpasar
