While Bali, in general, is an affordable destination, Denpasar tends to be a more budget-friendly choice compared to some of the resort areas like Seminyak. If you’re considering a few days in Denpasar for your trip to Bali, we’ve put together this budget travel guide with all the information you need before you arrive.
How to get from Denpasar International Airport to the city center
The only airport in Bali is Denpasar International Airport , also known as I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’s about 13 km to the centre, so it’s not far, but the traffic’s bad at rush hour, so you should allow plenty of time for your trips.. You can only take a public bus or taxi to Denpasar, there’s no train line.
If you want to take the public bus to the city, you’ll need to go with the company Trans Sarbagita. They have a couple of departures every day, but they can be unpredictable, which isn’t ideal if you land at night. Tickets are very affordable; they only cost 3,500 IDR (€0.20) and can be purchased from the driver when you board at the airport. Keep in mind that Denpasar won’t be the only stop on the route, so the journey time can be somewhat unpredictable, but on average, it takes 20-30 minutes, depending on how bad the traffic is.
Taxis throughout Bali are affordable, so if you don’t arrive in time for the bus, don’t worry. Be prepared to pay between IDR 140,000 (€8) and IDR 176,000 (€10) for the journey into the city. Luckily, the drive is only about 13 minutes, but when you drive out of the airport, there can sometimes be traffic jams. If you’re struggling to find a taxi, download some of the ridesharing applications like Gojek and Grab; not only are they cheaper but you’re guaranteed not to be charged a crazy price!
How to Enjoy Denpasar on the Cheap
Learn About Balinese Culture at the Bali Museum
What better way to start your trip to Denpasar than to learn about the rich Balinese culture at the island’s well-preserved ethnographic museum, the Bali Museum ? Here, you can learn a great deal about Bali’s historical traditions through decades-old artefacts and paintings, some dating back to the 2nd century BC.
The Bali Museum is housed in traditional Balinese-style buildings with lush garden courtyards © Getty Images
There are a couple of exhibition buildings, each dedicated to a specific theme. For example, one is solely devoted to rituals, birth, and marriage traditions, and another focuses on treasures from ancient times, such as farming tools and stones.
There’s a small entry fee of IDR 100,000 (€5.70) to access the Bali Museum. Sometimes, they even host a traditional Balinese dance for visitors, and there’s no extra charge to see it, so keep your eyes peeled.
Feast on Some Indonesian Bites at the Badung Market
Sure, you can sample some good Indonesian food anywhere in Bali, but the street food at the Badung Market by the Badung River is on another level. All the classic dishes from the country’s cuisine are available here: Bakso, Tahu Gejrot, Cenil; you name it, they’ve got it.
After a vicious fire in 2016, nobody knew if the Badung Market would return, but it has since been renovated and is more popular than ever.
Street food isn’t the only thing on offer at the Badung Market; you’ll also find many stalls selling flowers and fresh produce sourced from the upland areas of Bali.
The largest traditional market in Bali where you can buy fresh produce and spices to handcrafted souvenirs © Pexels
It’s common knowledge that there’s a higher price for foreigners here among vendors, so don’t be afraid to haggle a little. Negotiation is a big part of the market experience, but try not to push it too hard that you’re ripping someone off. As a general rule of thumb, dishes are normally priced between IDR 15,000 (€0.85) and IDR 30,000 (€1.71), but it depends on the vendor and the ingredients.
Pay a visit to the Turtle Conservation And Education Center
Just outside of Denpasar, on Serangan Island, you’ll find the Turtle Conservation And Education Centre . Since 2006, these guys have been fighting hard to get rid of the illegal turtle trade that’s prevalent across Bali.
Certain religious ceremonies on the island involve the consumption of turtles, so this center has been trying to halt the practice and find alternatives for the community while giving the turtles a fresh start.
The center is free for all visitors to enter, and it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about their work and see how they treat the turtles since it’s actually a hospital rather than a home. If you’d like to do something meaningful while you’re there, they also offer visitors the chance to adopt a turtle for 230,000 IDR (€13.11), and you can take it out to sea on one of their boats and set it free.
Cheer on tiny hatchlings racing to the ocean! © Getty Images
Check out Pura Jagatnatha
Since Hinduism is the main religion on the island, you’ll encounter plenty of Hindu temples during your time in Denpasar. One that’s well worth a visit is Pura Jagatnatha, which dates back to 1953, when it was constructed in honor of the supreme god, Sanghyang Widi.
Pura Jagatnatha really is a pure masterpiece, from the white coral shrine to the engravings of the Ramayana and Mahabharata across the walls; you won’t be able to take your eyes off it from the moment you arrive.
Before you enter the grounds to see Pura Jagatnatha, you’ll be asked to pay a 20,000 IDR (€1.14) fee for tickets. As Pura Jagatnatha is a sacred sight, all visitors must wear a sarong, regardless of your gender, so you can hire one for 50,000 IDR (€2.85) at the entrance or bring your own for free.
Hit the Uplands to See Ubud
You could say the town of Ubud in Bali’s uplands was what initially made this island so famous. Between the lush green rice paddy fields everywhere you look, majestic waterfalls, and the real sense of spirituality you feel, it’s no wonder everyone loves it here.
Ubud enchants visitors with its lush rice terraces, vibrant arts scene, and serene temples nestled in the jungle © Getty Images
If you want to reach Ubud you can check private shuttles on the 12goAsia app for 84,000 IDR(€5) or you could take a Grab or a Gojek, which can cost as little as 389,000 IDR (€22.17) based on availability. This is a great option if you’re traveling with a couple of people, as you can split the price between you.
If you’re visiting Ubud, you should really spend a couple of days trying to see as much as you can. It would easily take one day to see all the main attractions in the town, like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Camphun Ridge Walk, and the Ubud Art Market. Then, if you want to check out the Ceking Rice Terraces and some waterfalls like the Tibumana Waterfall, that would take up another day.
Wake up Early for the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
In the north of Bali is one of the island’s active volcanos, Mount Batur. It’s in the middle of two concentric calderas and has become almost like a pilgrimage for adventure travelers visiting on vacation.
Various tour companies across Bali offer sunrise hikes starting at around 530,000 IDR (€30). Normally, they include return transport to the trailhead from your accommodation in Denpasar, entrance fees, tea and coffee at the summit, and headlamps for walking in the dark.
The views are definitely worth the hike! © Getty Images
Be aware that it’s going to be an early start. You’ll leave your accommodation for the trailhead at around 3 AM, and when you arrive, you’ll get set up for the challenge ahead. Overall, the climb is moderate, so don’t worry if you’re not extremely fit. But when you see the views of the calderas and stunning skies as the sun starts to rise, you’ll have forgotten about that early morning rise.
Best Time to Visit Denpasar
Like all tropical destinations, Bali experiences a rainy season and a dry season every year. However, unlike most places in Southeast Asia, the island’s dry season runs between May and October, which is unique since it’s normally the other way around.
The dry season really is a fabulous time to visit Denpasar; you’re guaranteed clear skies, dry weather, and minimal humidity on most days. On average, temperatures stay between 24°C and 30°C but sometimes can exceed this, so if you end up spending a day or two at Canggu Beach, take plenty of sunscreen.
Although busy in the dry season, it’s possible to find quiet tropical beaches in Bali © Getty Images
Once November arrives, the island’s rainy season kicks off and doesn’t end until the end of April. This time of year promises heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms, making outdoor experiences a little more challenging to organize. While temperatures tend to be around the same as the dry season, between 25°C and 31°C most days, the humidity levels are much higher. On the upside, you can find affordable flights to Denpasar International Airport during the rainy season, so it can be an opportunity for a cheap getaway.
Earthquakes in Bali
It’s important to know that earthquakes are common in Bali because of the island’s geographic location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a high-risk area. You should learn what to do in the event of an earthquake before you arrive and ask the place you’re staying at what the evacuation protocols are if one happens. If you’re near coastal areas, find out the evacuation procedure just in case of a tsunami alert.
How Expensive Is Denpasar?
Denpasar may be the capital of the island , but it’s actually one of the cheaper locations to base yourself since most of the tourists flock to the more popular destinations like Nusa Dua and Uluwatu, where the prices are higher.
Many establishments in Denpasar accept debit and credit cards like restaurants and bars, but if you’re grabbing some Nasi Goreng (one of Bali’s most popular dishes) at a local street food stall, you’ll need some Indonesian Rupiah to pay for it. Each bank charges its own fees, but usually, it’s between IDR 33,000 (€1.87) and IDR 83,000 (€4.68) per transaction.
A dish you won’t regret trying! © Getty Images
It’s common throughout Indonesia for an ATM to ask if you like the exchange rate in your home currency or Indonesian Rupiah; make sure to always click Indonesian Rupiah because the banks give their own exchange rate and can charge what they want without you seeing how much. We recommend bringing some spending money in your home currency and changing it at one of the exchange booths in Denpasar. They tend to offer better rates than the more touristy areas, but usually, a small commission fee is charged, so take note.
Local currency - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR); €1 = 17,600
Dinner/lunch - Small street food meal (e.g., Nasi Goreng) IDR 17,600 (€1) or a meal at a local restaurant IDR 70,000 (€4)
Coffee - Between IDR 26,500 (€1.50) and IDR 44,000 (€2.50)
Beer - Prices for a standard bottle of Bintang Beer (local) start at around IDR 30,000 (€1.71)
Wine - Between IDR 80,000 (€4.56) to IDR 150,000 (€8.55) for a glass of house wine (Yes, wine is expensive here compared to other drinks)
Hostel dorm (6 bed) - IDR 123,000 (€7) a night
Cheap hotel/apartment - IDR 158,000 (€9) a night
It’s Time to Go to Denpasar!
That’s a wrap on our budget travel guide for Denpasar. With this information, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the Balinese capital on the cheap.
There’s so much more than meets the eye in Denpasar. It’s not just one of the big cities that people transit through to reach their final destination. You can find a bit of everything here: delicious Indonesian food, beautiful temples, and lesser-known beaches that most tourists have never heard of.
