Top 10 Places to Visit in Denpasar, Indonesia (Part 1 of 2)

After you've finished a business trip in Jakarta, ask your hotel accommodation to help you prepare a holiday itinerary for Denpasar, Bali. You deserve a break, and this famed getaway town is brimming with many notable places that will help you relax and celebrate. If you had chosen to stay at Puri Denpasar Hotel in Kuningan, Jakarta, you will enjoy an efficient concierge service to help you with your trip. Below is the first installment of this 2-part article about the Top 10 Places to Visit in Denpasar, Indonesia.

1. Alun-Alun Puputan

Also known as Puputan Square, this is a popular spot for picnics and also where you will see the huge four-faced, eight-armed Catur Mukha statue. It is considered as the center point of the city. If ever you get lost around town you can retrace your steps from here.

2. Lapangan Puputan Margarana

Often called Puputan Park (not to be confused with Puputan Square), this site has a monument called Bajra Sandhi that commemorates the Indonesian people's struggle against the Dutch. The monument depicts a Balinese family standing up and brandishing their weapons against foreign oppressors.

3. Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali

Another site showing the Dutch influence in the city is the Bali Museum. Originally established in 1910, this museum holds a large collection of Balinese antiquities and cultural objects. The main building, for example, has a collection of prehistoric pieces such as stone sarcophagi and bronze implements. The northern pavilion exhibits dance costumes, masks, and artistic representations of mythical creatures such Rangda and Barong, a towering lion-dog hybrid figure.

4. Palace of Satria and the Royal Temples

If you can, make sure to spend time at the Palace of Satria. This is the palace and temple of the Indonesian royal family. It is well-kept but open to the public. You can take pictures, buy souvenirs, and hang around. There is no entrance fee but before you go, leave a small amount as donation.

5. Pura Agung Jagatnata

The Jagatnata Temple might be a long way from the city center but it is definitely a must-see. The main temple was built on 1953 and dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, a supreme being the locals believe is the ruler of the universe. This temple is open to the public because it sits on a government-owned property. During full moons, there is a big ceremony held here that attracts many people. If you are interested in learning more about this place, stay at a Jakarta accommodation like Puri Denpasar Hotel that has a concierge that can provide further details and assistance.