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Bali, "The Land of the Gods," spoiled its capital and largest city, Denpasar, with access to all its sights including sandy beaches, surf breaks, dive sites, mystical temples, and a spectrum of markets for both cultural excursion and shopping spree. No wonder, Denpasar's Ngurah Rai international airport is the second busiest in all of Indonesia.
As Bali's "bemo hub," Denpasar has numerous bemos (minivans) plying all over the city to provide commuters with the cheapest means to track down grandiose palaces, mansions, and temples like the steel Pura Jagatnata; the Pura Maospahit, an "oasis of quietness;" and the Royal Temples, one of the city's most elaborate shrines made of wonderfully-carved bricks built without mortar. Next to the Royal Temples is the Palace of Satria, home to Denpasar's king, and a market where all kinds of pets are sold-from birds and rabbits to iguanas and monkeys. The Palace of Pemekutan is another great place to see more caged animals.
Ten minutes from the city proper is Kuta, where hotels, restaurants, malls, marketplaces, cafés and spas cater to tourists from all levels of spending power. Kuta Beach joins hands with the beaches of Legian and Canggu in providing travelers with a unique experience in diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, and surfing. The clear waters are a window to a gamut of marine life like Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish), pigmy seahorses, and soft and hard corals.
Indonesia's famous batik cloth is sold all over Denpasar. All types of Balinese handicrafts, like artwork, pottery, silverwork, and textiles are represented in the city's markets like Celuk, where rows and rows of goldsmiths and silversmiths permit haggling up to 50 percent off the price. In Jimbaran, the Balinese artisans' attention to detail manifests in their furniture and sculpture.
Some of Bali's "most authentic" food can be found in roving vendors called kaki lima or "five legs," referring to the food cart's three legs plus the vendor's own legs. Kaki limas serve babi guling (roast suckling pig), bebek betutu (darkened duck) and sate lilit (minced seafood barbecue) along with other vegetarian or spiced munchies. A bar visit may make the traveler one with the youth in enjoying arak, the traditional palm liquor.
Denpasar Landmarks:
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