Denpasar

Shark Island: Shark Island is basically a huge pontoon and an important sightseeing destination of Denpasar. To reach here, you have to travel several minutes east from the shores of the Serangan Island where you can actually swim with the sharks. The island is also popular by the name of Serangan Shark Island Project. It is a private endeavor that was undertaken by Paul Friese who took a decision to launch a mission to save white tip and black tip reef sharks. He wanted to embark a one of a kind tour in Denpasar.   

Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC): Located south of Denpasar is the Serangan Island. It is connected to the mainland via a small road. It is a breeding ground for the sea turtles that used to be a traditional commodity amongst the Bali locals in the past. At present, this place has become an education and a conservation centre that is set out to breed and protect the species housed here. It is open for public and happens to be a great place to see in Denpasar for kids and adults alike. The team here offers necessary information to keep the guests engaged. A lot of stalls selling refreshments and snacks can be found here. You can also do some shopping here and purchase turtle inspired merchandise and shirts. 

Sakenan Temple: Locally known as ‘Pura Sakenan’, Sakenan Temple is indeed one of the most prominent temples of South Bali. It gets its name from Serangan Island where it is located. This temple comprises of two main temple complexes and each of them features old coral stones that were used in the ancient times in the place of bricks. 

Bali Provincial Public Museum: Locally known as the ‘Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali’, the Bali Provincial Public Museum is located right next to office of mayor and the Puputan Badung civic square. This is the oldest museum and houses more than 10,000 exhibits. Key structure of this museum showcases fine use of the Balinese architecture. The museum houses several ancient inscriptions, ethnography, porcelain statues, ceramics, agricultural tools, household items, wayang kulit, weapons, paintings and ritual tools. 

Bajra Sandhi Monument: Bajra Sandhi Monument lies in the heart of the vast civic square that is popular as the Lapangan Niti Mandala Renon. Situated right in front of the governor’s office, the 2nd floor of the museum houses a diorama gallery which gives you a glimpse into the history of Bali dating back to 3000 BC. There are several arts and artefacts here that showcase the Indonesia’s struggle against Dutch for independence. Exteriors of the monument give fine examples of the Balinese architecture. Visiting the museum is an important thing to do when in Denpasar. 

Jagatnatha Temple: It is locally referred as the Denpasar Puputan Square and adjoins the City Square and the Bali Provincial Museum. This historical site underwent a series of renovations over time and now has a towering central Padmasana shrine hued in bright white.  

Denpasar Arts Centre: Taman Werdhi Budaya or the Denpasar Arts Centre is a quintessential site for the annual Bali Arts Festival. This is an important festival that is conducted between the months of July and August. It features live performances of art and week long exhibits along with several outdoor and indoor amphitheaters and auditoriums. A number of concerts and events are organized here on regular basis.

Fingerprint Painting Museum: Locally known as the ‘Museum Lukisan Sidik Jari’, this art gallery stocks a private collection of I Gusti Ngurah Gede Pemecutan who was a noted Indonesian artist particularly famous for his unique techniques in painting that had an interesting application of fingerprints. Located on the Jalan Hayam Wuruk, this painting has works that predate 1967.