Faraway Indonesia is considered the world's largest archipelago state. It consists of almost 18 thousand islands of various sizes, and only a third of them will warmly welcome travelers, because the rest are completely uninhabited.
Far from civilization in Indonesia, megacities coexist peacefully with tiny villages, and the green jungle and active volcanoes, unusually clear water and stunning beaches have long attracted tourists from all over the globe.
Heaven on earth
The island of Bali, the most popular and visited, as if embodied the dream of every person about paradise on earth. An ideal resort and a true center of all kinds of entertainment has long been considered one of the best places to relax. An amazing combination of picturesque nature, original culture, mysterious historical monuments attracts tourists to enjoy unique landscapes.
The fantastically beautiful island of Bali (Indonesia), the detailed information of which will help all travelers who are going to visit a picturesque place for the first time, is a long-developed tourist territory.
Located south of the equator, it is recognized as the most beautiful place in the world. "Island of the Gods", always bathed in sunlight, receives tourists all year round.
Where is Bali: map of Indonesia
The symbol of Indonesia, located between Australia and India, is washed by the Bali Sea (from the north) and the Indian Ocean (from the south). An evergreen natural masterpiece, formed as a result of volcanic activity, is adjacent to two islands of the vast archipelago - Java and Lombok.
A tourist pearl with Hindu traditions and ceremonies, which stands out against the background of Muslim Indonesia, surprises with a memorable fairytale atmosphere.
The capital of Bali: what's the name? Jakarta and Denpasar
In the south of the tropical island is the cultural and political center - the city of Denpasar, which has been the capital since 1958 and is an incredible mix of European, Chinese and Javanese culture. Unfortunately, it does not belong to the most popular tourist corners.
Perhaps that is why it is often confused with the capital of Indonesia - the most populous city in Southeast Asia. Located a few kilometers from the exotic Bali, the capital of Jakarta, which many mistakenly consider the administrative center of the popular resort, is located on the neighboring island of Java. Indonesia 's largest city with a population of ten million is officially a provincial capital.
So, a cozy and small Denpasar is the center of Bali. The capital of which country is Jakarta, we figured out, and now there will be no confusion.
Modern airport
Denpasar is a busy city, which in many guides is listed as not of particular interest to tourists. However, it is not. And I want to tell more about the friendly administrative center of the "island of a thousand temples."
Where does the trip to a wonderful place where the capital of Bali is located begin ? Ngurah Rai Airport , located 13 kilometers from Denpasar, meets all foreigners arriving. It is known for its very developed infrastructure, because it is precisely on this that the tourist flow to the pearl of Indonesia depends. The air harbor bears the name of the national Indonesian hero who died in the struggle for the country's independence.
The airport, through the terminals of which more than six million people pass annually, has expanded several times, increasing the length of the landing strip.
Underestimated by tourists
The capital of Bali is the largest city of the island, underestimated by travelers. For locals, this place evokes special memories of the events that occurred in 1906, when the Dutch captured the city.
In order not to be captured, the supreme ruler, his entire family and even servants committed suicide, and now Denpasar is a real cult place of all Balinese people who remember their history. A monument was erected on the main square of Puputan, perpetuating this tragic event and personifying the rebellion of the ancestors to the conquerors.
It is amazing that the small city does not have clear boundaries, and sometimes tourists do not understand where the capital of Bali begins and ends.
Organization of an attractive route for tourists
The city administration, concerned about Denpasar’s unattractiveness for tourists, began work on organizing a new route that could open all the unknown sights of the capital. The main city of the green island has luxurious hotels and affordable hostels that allow travelers to relax with any income.
Tourists who spend the bulk of their holidays on snow-white beaches, unfortunately, are not interested in the historical and cultural monuments of Denpasar. Many of the magnificent royal palaces that not only foreigners, but also Indonesians would like to take a look at, are privately owned, and negotiations are still ongoing with their owners.
The problems of the original city
In translation, the name of the capital means “near the market”, and it reflects the realities of the original city in the best possible way. Only here is a huge number of large and not very markets, souvenir shops and shopping centers offering a wide variety of products, from jewelry to cars and building materials.
The capital of the island of Bali, despite the active development that has begun, remains a provincial town in which there are not enough parking places, and tourist buses cannot pass through its narrow streets. In addition, the lack of sidewalks jeopardizes the safe movement from one attraction to another, so the administration recommends using mopeds or cars.
A bustling city with chaotic traffic is only trying to take a leading position among the tourist corners, but even now it can boast of unusual sights.
Bali Museum
At the previously mentioned Puputan Square - the historical center of the capital - there is an interesting Bali museum built by the Dutch so that no relic is stolen or forgotten. Consisting of four pavilions reflecting national architecture, it shows visitors the most ancient artifacts, telling about the ancient history and culture of the colorful island.
Here you can admire the beauty of funerary sarcophagi, learn a lot about religious rituals and explore the unique collections of antiques that the capital of Bali is famous for. Indonesia is proud of historical rarities that tell about the life of the indigenous population and are of great interest not only to tourists, but also to local residents who respect traditions and remember the difficult history of their native island.
Temple complexes
Adjacent to the museum complex, the main temple of the capital - Jagatnata - was built in 1953. The building, made of white coral, open to visitors from all religious denominations, hosts memorable ceremonies dedicated to the island’s main god. In the architecture of the temple, visible from afar, builders used mythological images from the Ramayana, and the state building itself rests on a giant sculpture of a turtle depicting the religious views of the islanders.
The Maospahit Temple, whose name comes from the name of the powerful Balinese deity, did not reach the descendants in their original form due to the earthquake that occurred at the beginning of the last century. The religious building erected from red brick is the oldest such historical monument. The rest of the ancient temple can be admired from the outside, because it is closed to visitors.
Church of St. Joseph
The good-natured Balinese, respectful of other religions, helped build the Catholic temple. The complex, built near Denpasar, belongs to the parish of St. Joseph. The exterior of the beautiful building is covered with palm twigs, and angels soaring in the air froze over the powerful door of the temple.
The cultural capital of Bali
Speaking of the heart of a picturesque island, one cannot but mention Ubud, a serene city famous for its concentration of art museums and art galleries. The main abode of creative people is ideal for those who are looking for loneliness and want to combine a relaxing holiday with the study of cultural attractions.
Located far from the ocean and called the cultural capital of Bali, Ubud is uninteresting to all adherents of beach holidays. People come here to take a break from the noisy megalopolises in order to feel unity with the amazing nature of Bali.
Body and soul treatment
Famous for wellness, the cultural capital of Bali not only restores the body, but also heals the soul. Energy practices are held here, for the sake of visiting which thousands of those in need flock here. Yoga, meditation, tantric systems of self-improvement create a special atmosphere, soothing consciousness.
They come to Ubud for treatment by local healers - healers. Predicting fate along the lines on the arm and working with the human body, eliminating diseases at the energy level, they affect the chakras and aura. They come to everyone who has refused traditional medicine, and those who are curious about such practices.
Nature reserve
It is impossible to be in Ubud and not visit the monkey reserve. Adults and children flock to Monkey Forest to feed playful macaques in a natural environment, without cages. In a spacious forest with centuries-old trees, there are more than three hundred beautifully feeling monkeys who are not always friendly to visitors.
When walking, you need to be attentive to things, because mischievous wild animals like to snatch handbags and cameras from visitors when the opportunity arises.
Heritage of the city
The friendly and hospitable city of Denpasar awaits curious tourists who will not be indifferent to local attractions. The capital of Bali is distinguished by excellent service with low prices for services, unique cuisine, equipped beaches located near the hotels.
The city’s heritage with a difficult fate deserves to be met by as many tourists as possible.