Denpasar: Bali Capital City

The capital of Bali has been the focal point 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. Most international visitors arrive by air, either directly or via Jakarta, though island hoppers can catch frequent ferries from the neighboring islands of Java and Lombok. Be sure to reconfirm bookings at least 72 hours before departure. Bali is well-connected to most of Indonesia and has direct domestic flights to Java, Lombok and outlying islands on a daily basis. Fares have increased considerably in recent years but are still good value.

A ferry shuttles between the western Balinese port of Gilimanuk and Ketapang in eastern Java. Boat/bus combination tickets between Denpasar and Javanese cities can be purchased. Ferries between the eastern Balinese port of Padangbai and Lembar on the west coast of Lombok depart every few hours, 24 hours a day, while a few ferries link Bali with other Indonesian islands.

Getting Around

Transportation from Ngurah Rai International Airport, 2.5km south of Kuta, is quite simple. Choose from an official taxi counter, where you pay a set price in advance, or walk across the airport car park and hail a metered cab. Another option is to get a taxi from the airport to Bemo Corner in Kuta for a fixed rate and then get a metered taxi or a chartered bemo (minibus) to a more distant destination - this should save a few thousand rupiah. Those who prefer to walk can follow the road up to Kuta, although it's a more pleasant stroll along the beach.

The main forms of public transport on Bali are the cheap buses and bemos that run on more or less set routes within or between towns. If you want your own transport, you can charter a bemo or rent a car, motorcycle or bicycle. The Balinese drive on the left, use their horns a lot and give way to traffic pulling onto the road. Tourist shuttle buses, running between the major tourist centers, are more expensive than public transport but are also more comfortable and convenient.