Are you planning a trip to Bali this year? Then check out Denpasar, Bali’s provincial capital that includes many fun-filled attractions. There are ancient temples, historical monuments, museums, cultural centres, nature trails, and lovely beaches. It is also suitable for travelling with kids because they can learn a lot of information. But choosing things for your itinerary can be a difficult choice because there are plenty of attractions in every corner. So, here is a list of 10 things to do in Denpasar on your next trip to Bali.
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- Bali Sharks Eco Adventures
Bali Sharks Eco Adventures is a place in Serangan Island in South Denpasar, in which you can closely interact with sharks. It is a conservation site founded by Paul Friese, and it protects varieties like blacktip and whitetip reef sharks while allowing the visitors to have a one of a lifetime kind of experience. They are well cared for and nursed in the conservation’s nursery. You don’t have to be experienced sharks or snorkelling to go on this adventure. Just arrange for the trip beforehand and make sure you take some snorkelling gear with you.
- Sakenan Temple
Sakenan Temple, which is also known as the Pura Sakenan is one of the most visited temples in Denpasar. It is located in the Serangan Island and therefore, you can visit the temple after your adventure at Bali Sharks Eco Adventures. Sakenan Temple was built by the high priest, Mpu Kuturan to worship the Ida Hyang Biswarna or Baruna God, who is the god of Hindus for keeping calm to safeguard the peace of the world. This is evident even from the location of the temple, that is in a tranquil place beside the sea. Sakenan Temple consists of 2 main temple complexes, one a large area which has undergone renovations and one a small area with its original features. You can see that the temple was made of corals and limestone when looking at the original features.
- Bali Museum
Bali Museum, which is also known as the Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali by the locals, is a must-visit if you are travelling with kids. This is because it is Bali’s oldest museum and it houses more than 10,000 exhibits in it. The Bali Museum was built by architect P.J. Moojen in 1931, at the location of the old royal palace of Denpasar. Therefore, the architecture you see here is going to impress you. There are four attractions with the museum; Tabanan, Karangasem, Buleleng and Timur each displaying different items like textiles, sculptures, paintings, weapons, shadow puppets, masks and much more.
- Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC)
The Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC) is another must-visit place if you are travelling with kids to Denpasar. It is a turtle conservation centre for sea turtles in Serangan Island that was established to raise awareness about protecting sea turtles in and around Bali. Turtle meat and eggs were consumed in Bali, even in the present at some part of the island but the authorities hope to put a stop to such kinds of activities that involve breeding turtles for food. Here, you can learn more information about how turtles are hatched and about the different kinds of species. You can also touch them under the supervisors there, and take part in releasing a baby turtle into the sea. These programs come for an extra cost, but seeing that baby turtle wiggling its body to get to the waters will surely be a sight to be remembered!
- Kertalangu Cultural Village
Kertalangu Cultural Village is the best place in Denpasar to learn all about the culture of Bali. The Kertalangu Cultural Village spreads over an area of 80 acres and offers its visitors many activities to do. You can enjoy some Balinese dances, stroll in the village paddy fields and enjoy the local mouthwatering cuisine that is flavoured by spices! You can also join for painting, dancing and horse riding lessons here. Make sure to check out the traditional spas to have a mind/body healing experience with a massage. You can also head to the souvenir shop at the village to buy some locally made gifts to loved ones back home.
- Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest
For those who want to explore an untouched part of nature in Denpasar, Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest is the perfect place to be. This is the largest Mangrove Forest in Bali and therefore, you should expect to spend like 6 hours here. Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest is located 6 kilometres away from Sanur in the Pemogan Village. It covers an area of over 1300 acres and almost everything can be visited by the wooden tracks installed in the mangrove forest. There are about 40 different types of mangrove in this forest. If you are worried about getting lost, you can always arrange for a local tour guide to help you. Make sure to pack everything you need including water, snacks and wear comfy clothes and hiking shoes. As you go through the lush scenery, you will come across sheltered areas in which you can sit and relax while listening to sounds of nature.
- Serangan Beach
No trip to Denpasar is complete if you skip visiting one of its beaches. So, because of the easy access from Serangan Island, a suggestion is to visit Serangan Beach. It is not as crowded as the other beaches in Denpasar. Therefore, it is most suited for those who like to spend some hours in peace only listening to the sounds of the waves crashing. You can also try playing beach volleyball, surf, swim, run or simply stroll the beach while enjoying the incredible views at sunset. The small white sandy beach is also dotted with local restaurants selling delicious seafood and cold drinks.
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