GoTourist
The Bajra Sandhi Monument, Denpasar

No. 96 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Denpasar

Indonesia

Bali's capital and gateway: temples, markets and the beaches of Sanur, Kuta and beyond.

Open in Maps Apple Maps

Photo: Anandajoti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Denpasar is No. 96 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The capital of Bali is the island's main city and the gateway for the island's international airport.

Most visitors stay in the beach areas of Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua, or inland in Ubud, and visit Denpasar for its markets, museum and temples.

Tanah Lot temple, Bali
Tanah Lot temple, Bali. Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to go

April to October is the dry season, with sunny days; July and August are the busiest months.

The rainy season runs from November to March, with short, heavy showers.

Top sights

  • 1

    Bali Museum

    Balinese art, costumes and objects in temple-style pavilions beside Puputan Square.

  • 2

    Bajra Sandhi Monument

    A large monument in Renon park, with dioramas of Balinese history.

  • 3

    Badung Market

    Bali's largest traditional market, for produce, flowers and offerings.

  • 4

    Sanur

    A calm beach area on the east coast with a seafront path.

  • 5

    Tanah Lot

    A sea temple on a rock off the west coast, famous at sunset.

  • 6

    Uluwatu Temple

    A clifftop temple on the Bukit Peninsula, with a Kecak dance at sunset.

Getting there

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is about 12 km south of Denpasar, near Kuta. Travel times to resorts depend heavily on traffic.

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek, hired drivers and scooters are the usual ways to get around; public transport is limited.

Practical tips

Currency
Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants; carry cash for markets and small shops.
Tourist levy
Foreign visitors pay a Bali tourist levy, best paid online through the official Love Bali website or app.
Language
Indonesian and Balinese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Dress & customs
Wear a sarong and sash in temples; they are often lent at the entrance.
Safety
Bali is generally safe; take care on scooters and swim only between the flags. The emergency number is 112.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can get a visa on arrival or an e-VoA online for stays of up to 30 days. Apply only through Indonesia's official immigration website.
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; plug types C and F.

Official information: Wonderful Indonesia (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Open in Maps View larger map Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors