Sights in Denpasar
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Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali
Think of this as the British Museum or the Smithsonian of Balinese culture. It's all here although, unlike those world-class institutions, you have to work at sorting it out.
This museum 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 labe…
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Pura Jagatnatha
Next to the museum, the state temple, built in 1953, is dedicated to the supreme god, Sanghyang Widi. Part of its significance is its statement of monotheism. Although the 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 (mythical serpents), which symbolise the foundation of the world. The walls are decorated with carvings of scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Two major festivals…
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C
Bajra Sandhi Monument
Otherwise known as the Monument to the Struggle of the People of Bali, this huge structure is as big as its name and dominates what's already a big park in Renon. Inside this vaguely Borobodur-like structure are dioramas tracing Bali's history. Taking the name as a cue, you won't be surprised that they have a certain jingoistic soap-opera quality. But they're a fun diversion. Note that in the portrayal of the 1906 battle with the Dutch, the King of Badung is literally a sitting target.
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D
Taman Wedhi Budaya
This arts centre is a sprawling complex in the eastern part of Denpasar. Established in 1973 as an academy and showplace for Balinese culture, its lavish architecture houses an art gallery with an interesting collection, but few performances or much else most of the year.
From mid-June to mid-July, however, the centre comes alive for the Bali Arts Festival, with dances, music and craft displays from all over Bali. You may need to book tickets at the centre for more popular events.
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E
Pura Maospahit
Established in the 14th century, at the time the Majapahit arrived from Java, this temple was damaged in a 1917 earthquake and has been heavily restored since. The oldest structures are at the back of the temple, but the most interesting features are the large statues of Garuda and the giant Batara Bayu.
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Puputan Square
Across from Pura Jagatnatha, this classic urban park commemorates the heroic but suicidal stand of the rajahs of Badung against the invading Dutch in 1906. A monument depicts a Balinese family in heroic pose, brandishing the weapons that were so ineffective against the Dutch guns. The woman also has jewels in her left hand, as the women of the Badung court reputedly flung their jewellery at the Dutch soldiers to taunt them. The park is popular with locals at lunchtime and with families near sunset.
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