Things to Do in Denpasar: Cultural Tourism, Nature, and Dolphin Watching in Bali

Things to do in Denpasar – Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, is often only a transit point for tourists heading to popular destinations such as Ubud, Kuta, or Seminyak. In fact, this city has many interesting places that can be explored, from cultural tourism, history, Balinese cuisine, to exciting activities such as dolphin watching at the Bali Exotic Marine Park.

If you want to experience a more authentic side of Bali, Denpasar is the right destination. Here are some Things to Do in Denpasar to fill your vacation.

1. Dolphin Watching at Bali Exotic Marine Park

One of the unique experiences you can enjoy in Denpasar is dolphin watching at Bali Exotic Marine Park. It is a conservation and education center that focuses on the rehabilitation of dolphins and other marine animals. Unlike the experience of seeing dolphins in the open sea like in Lovina, here you can get closer to dolphins in a controlled and animal-friendly environment.

Fun Activities at Bali Exotic Marine Park:

• Dolphin shows: You can watch dolphins in Bali that show off a variety of interesting tricks, such as jumping in the air or playing with balls.
• Swim with dolphins: Visitors who want a more immersive experience can take part in a swim session with dolphins. This interaction is carried out with the guidance of professional trainers to ensure safety and comfort for both visitors and dolphins in Bali.
• Education about conservation: The place also has educational programs to raise awareness about dolphin protection and marine ecosystems.

Bali Exotic Marine Park is a family-friendly destination, especially for kids who want to learn more about marine life.

2. Visit the Bali Museum

If you are interested in learning about Balinese history and culture, the Bali Museum is a Things To Do in Denpasar and a must-visit. The museum houses a diverse collection of historical artifacts, ranging from royal household utensils, traditional clothing, to traditional sculptures and carvings.

The museum has four main pavilions, namely:

• Karangasem Pavilion: Displays a collection of traditional Balinese textiles.
• Buleleng Pavilion: Displays various agricultural tools and daily life of the ancient Balinese people.
• Tabanan Pavilion: Displays various types of puppets and Balinese performing arts.
• Eastern Pavilion: Contains archaeological objects and Balinese classical art.

This museum is suitable for tourists who want to delve into Bali’s history before exploring the island further.

3. Culinary Tourism in Denpasar

Things to Do in Denpasar is a paradise for foodies, as there are many stalls and restaurants that serve authentic Balinese dishes. Here are some typical foods that must be tried:

Must-Eat in Denpasar:

• Balinese Mixed Rice: This dish contains white rice with various side dishes such as betutu chicken, sate lilit, pindang eggs, lawar, and sambal matah. A famous stall for mixed rice in Denpasar is Warung Wardani.
• Babi Guling: One of the iconic Balinese foods that uses pork that is grilled with a special seasoning. Babi Guling Chandra is one of the best places to taste this dish.
• Sate Plecing: A typical Balinese satay served with spicy and fresh chili sauce. You can try it at Warung Sate Plecing Arjuna.
• Jaje Bali: Various traditional snacks such as laklak, rai bananas, and klepon can be found in traditional markets such as Badung Market.

4. Take a Leisurely Walk at Puputan Renon Square

Puputan Renon Field is a green open space in the center of Denpasar that is often used for jogging, relaxing, or enjoying the fresh air. In the middle of this field is the Bajra Sandhi Monument, a magnificent monument that depicts the struggle of the Balinese people against the colonizers.

Activities in Puputan Renon Field:

• Morning or afternoon exercise: Many locals come here for a jog or just a leisurely walk.
• Take a photo at the Bajra Sandhi Monument: This monument has a unique architectural design with Balinese carvings.
• Explore the museum inside the monument: Inside the Bajra Sandhi Monument is a small museum that contains a diorama of the history of the struggle of the Balinese people.

5. Hunting for Souvenirs at Badung Market

Badung Market is the largest traditional market in Bali and the best place to find souvenirs at a more affordable price than souvenir shops in tourist areas.

• Items That Can Be Purchased at Badung Market:
• Balinese batik and endek fabrics
• Handicrafts such as wooden sculptures and bamboo weaving
• Balinese specialties such as milk pie and disco beans
• Balinese spices and spices
• The market is open from morning to night, so you can come anytime according to your travel schedule.

6. Enjoy the Beauty of Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach is one of the Things to Do in Denpasar that is known for its calmer atmosphere than the beaches in Kuta or Seminyak.

Fun Activities at Sanur Beach:

• Enjoy the sunrise: Sanur is the perfect place to watch the sunrise as the beach faces east.
• Cycling along the coast: Sanur has bike paths that stretch along the coastline, ideal for leisurely trips.
• Canoeing and paddleboarding: Due to its relatively calm waves, Sanur Beach is suitable for water activities such as canoeing and paddleboarding.

Conclusion – Things to do in Denpasar

Denpasar is not just a transit city to other destinations in Bali, but also has many interesting places to explore. From dolphin watching at Bali Exotic Marine Park, exploring history at the Bali Museum, tasting typical cuisine, to relaxing at Sanur Beach, everything can be done in this city.

For tourists who want to experience a quieter and culturally rich authentic side of Bali, Denpasar is a must-visit destination.