If you look at a map of the island of Bali, you see that the capital city region known as Denpasar sits in the central, but southern coastal region. It may be an urban area, but it is also surrounded by gorgeous beaches and landscapes, as well as an abundance of luxury rentals to book for an unforgettable getaway. Most will offer you a beachfront destination in which you can savor garden-like surroundings just steps from the sands. Most will have groves of palms and shaded lawns as well as swimming pools and other luxuries. They make for idyllic retreats, and if you pay a visit, it might be difficult to tear yourself away from the comfort and beauty of a villa.
However, you don’t want to miss the lovely landscape and the opportunities for culture, shopping, dining, and adventure all around. Below are some of the must-see destinations of the Denpasar area of Bali, and all of them are ideal options for those who have booked luxury villas in this region.
A Day or Two Touring the Denpasar Area
For many, a day of traveling around the southern part of Bali, particularly around the Denpasar area will begin in the charming resort town known as Sanur. Here, you can watch the colorful little fishing boats ply their trade, and you can spend time on the remarkable beaches of the area. There are lots of eateries and restaurants to enjoy and it is a place often described as “laid-back” and low-key. In fact, one expert said that there are “plenty of things to do here. Some things include going to the beach and water sports. But there are also many places to eat and shop. You can also visit markets, including the food night market. It’s also easy to hire a bicycle and explore Sanur.”
This makes it a perfect spot for those who have taken one of the nearby villas as that means a bit of time spent in town and then days and nights of relaxation and rejuvenation in the quiet of the villa.
West of Sanur
After some time at Sanur, you may want to head west to the Waterborn Bali Indonesia, which is a massive and popular water park, or pay a visit to the Jalan Legion. This is the Legian Road that runs from Kuta to Seminyak and is full of remarkable shops and hotspots for dancing and nightlife. It is a heavily toured area, and does offer a great place to find souvenirs of all kinds.
Seminyak is another popular resort location that is a hotspot for those eager to enjoy spa retreats, gourmet dining, and high-end shopping. It is full of excellent beaches, too, and most offer unbelievable western views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. If you want to try a bit of surfing, this is also a good choice.
One expert in the area described Seminyak as “buzzing with people and things to do. You could easily spend an entire day at the beach. Or getting Balinese massages and other spa treatments. Or shopping. Or eating. Or a little bit of all the above…One thing you shouldn’t miss is watching a beautiful sunset either on the beach or at one of the many beach bars. Seminyak has something for everyone…”
There are excellent Bali luxury villas in this area, too, and though you may not find them directly along the white sands, you are sure to find them with pools ad lots of privacy. From such a base, you can then head out and enjoy the many adventures that await.
Close to the Seminyak area is Kuta, Legian, or Canggu, all of which are great day trips where you can find amazing food, beaches, and even rice terraces.
Tanah Lot
If you opted to head north or west from Sanur, you can next set your sights on Tanah Lot. This is a natural landmark, but another wildly popular attraction for visitors to the island. It is a rock formation home to an ancient Hindu temple, Pura Tanah Lot, and it is a remarkably photogenic spot to spend the day. There are also some options for luxurious villas close to the Tanah Lot area, as well.
Many who pay a visit say that one of the best approaches to a trip to Tanah Lot is via a hired car with local driver. This allow you to really savor the scenery and make safe stops to take what may feel like an endless number of impressive photos. It is best to plan well in advance if paying a visit to Tanah Lot because it is a hugely popular destination. A lesser known “tip” or “trick” to seeing it is to avoid the heat of day and morning crowds, and plan on heading there to arrive near or just around sunset.
You will want to walk the paths and head to one of the small beaches, pack a picnic and enjoy some time in this remarkable spot.
Northward
Alternately, you can head north to place like the Bajra Sandhi Monument and the Bali Museum. Both are outdoor spaces with amazing and unforgettable views, and both frequently appear on “must-see” lists of things to do when on Bali. The Bali Bird Park and the Museum Le Mayeur are also directly north of Sanur.
The idea of spring or an upcoming seasonal holiday in Bali is a wonderful one. With options for premium luxury villas in many southern areas of Denpasar, it makes it very easy to arrive at the main airport and quickly drive or hire a car to take you to your island retreat. From there, you can enjoy easy and appealing day trips in every direction, though you definitely want to head to the villages and attractions mentioned here. There are some ancient sites, natural wonders, and modern towns, and all will enhance the sense of pleasure and wonder you will experience with every visit to Bali.