Sights in Denpasar
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Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali
The Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali was originally established in 1910 by a Dutch resident who was concerned by the export of culturally significant artefacts from the island. Destroyed in a 1917 earthquake, it was rebuilt in the 1920s, but used mainly for storage until 1932. At that time, German artist Walter Spies and some Dutch officials revived the idea of collecting and preserving Balinese antiquities and cultural objects, and creating an ethnographic museum.
Today the museum is well organised and most displays are labelled in English. You can climb one of the towers inside the grounds for a better view of the whole complex. Museum staff often play music on a bamboo game…
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Pura Jagatnatha
The Pura Jagatnatha is dedicated to the supreme god, Sanghyang Widi. Built in 1953, part of its significance is its statement of monotheism. Although Balinese recognise many gods, the belief in one supreme god (who can have many manifestations) brings Balinese Hinduism into conformity with the first principle of Pancasila - the 'Belief in One God'.
The padmasana (shrine) is made of white coral, and consists of an empty throne (symbolic of heaven) on top of the cosmic turtle and two naga (mythological serpents), which symbolise the foundation of the world. The walls are decorated with carvings of scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Pura Jagatnatha is more frequently …
reviewed
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Bajra Sandhi Monument
Otherwise known as the Monument to the Struggle of the People of Bali, this huge monument is as big as its name and dominates what’s already a big park in Renon. Inside this vaguely Borobodur-like structure are lurid dioramas tracing Bali’s history.
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Taman Wedhi Budaya
This arts centre is a sprawling complex in the eastern part of Denpasar. From mid-June to mid-July the normally sleepy centre comes alive for the Bali Arts Festival, with dances, music and craft displays from all over Bali.
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