The capital of Bali has been the focus of much of the growth and wealth on the island over the last quarter of a century. It now has all the bustle and confusion one associates with the fast-growing cities of Asia. While the traffic, noise and pollution make it a difficult city to relish, Denpasar still retains pleasant, tree-lined streets and gardens and is very much part of the 'real' Bali, given that tourists generally give it a wide berth.

The Bali Museum consists of an attractive series of separate buildings, including examples of both palace and temple architecture. The exhibits themselves are not always well presented, but there are enough arts and crafts and everyday items displayed to make it worthwhile. The tiny cane cases for transporting fighting crickets are pretty special. The Abiankapas arts centre houses a collection of modern painting and woodcarving. Dancing groups and gamelan orchestras regularly perform here, mostly for the benefit of tourists.
Denpasar is in the south of Bali, about 10km (6mi) northeast of Kuta.