Towns & Cities

Bali is part of 30 provinces in Indonesia. It is divided into eight regencies—Badung, Bangli, Buleleng, Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem, Klungkung, Tabanan; one municipality city—Denpasar; 51 districts; and 666 administrative villages. The capital is the city of Denpasar.

Located in the center of Bali, the regency of Badung stretches from the north to the south end of the island. Physically, it has the unique shape of a “kriss” or the Indonesian warrior sword. Badung is famed for the Nusa Dua (two islands in Bahasa Indonesia), one of the best resorts in the planet. Nusa Dua is where Bali’s world-class luxury hotels hold court. 

• Mengwi

The town of Mengwi is the site of the great royal temple of Pura Taman Ayun with its delicate pagoda-like shrines. Built in the 17th century, it functioned as the family temple of the Mengwi dynasty, which endured until the late 1800s.

Bangli is the name of both regency and town in Bali. With no beaches, Bangli is all about mountain lakes and water resources that make Bali fertile. Numerous villages dot a backdrop of lush valleys, rice terraces and forests. The Bali Aga traditional communities make their home in Bangli.

On Bangli’s northeastern side is a temple that has survived without any reconstruction. Pura Kehen is unique in the fact that it is set on many levels against the background of large tree shades and a hill forest. A flight of 38 stairs leads to the gate where Wayang statues stood. Looking out over the gate is the menacing head of Kala, guardian of the netherworld. Of note is a glorious shrine with eleven roofs consecrated to the God of Fire.

Buleleng has a distinct chain of volcanoes that extends right across the island for an expanse of some 150 kilometers, growing a natural frontier linking Buleleng and all of the regencies in the South. Often appearing as a distant background, these mountains sometimes appear to softly unfold right down to the coast.

• Singaraja

Singaraja was an old Dutch capital of Bali. Today, it is a quiet town with some charming, old-world Dutch warehouses on the waterfront. The quality of accommodations runs from basic to good. A favorite activity is rising early and hiring a fisherman to take you out on a sightseeing of dolphins and lovely sunrises. Snorkeling and diving is a must-do when in Singaraja.

A regency and a city, Gianyar is the location of some of the most significant archeological sites in Indonesia. The bulk of these are situated in the Pejeng area, home to one of Southeast Asia’s most ancient artifacts. The Moon of Pejeng, a big kettledrum is a relic from the Bronze Age. Two ancient temples are also located there--the Pura Kebo Edan and the Pura Pusering Jagat. Balinese goldsmiths and silversmiths are concentrated in the areas of Celuk and Singapadu. The jewelry they produce is exported worldwide. Meanwhile, the area of Sukawati is famed for its pasar seni or art market that offers everything from statues to dance outfits at affordable prices. Evening ushers in the night market which features Indonesian food.

Jembrana is the least populated regency in Bali. It has the quirky reputation of being the island’s "Wild West". Jembrana is mostly a rocky strip of land. Still it is considered a vital area for agriculture and a busy channel for overland traffic to and from Java. Touring Jembrana, you might see the rare white starling bird of Bali or the Balinese tiger, which is long thought to be extinct. Much diving and snorkeling goes on at the Pulau Menjangan. Another must-see is the Banyu Wedang or hot springs.

Karangasem

Karangasem is located in the eastern most point of Bali. Nature has blessed Karangasem with mountains, rivers, hills, verdant rice fields and fine beaches.

Fifteen tourist destinations were developed in Karangasem. They are Bukit Jambul, Telaga Waja, Puri Agung Karangasem (Karangasem Palace), Jemeluk, Sibetan, Besakih, Iseh, Putung, Candidasa, Padangbai, Tirtagangga, Tulamben, Taman Ujung, Tenganan Pegeringsingan, and Yeh Malet.

• Amlapura

Amlapura, the capital of Karangasem is the largest city in East Bali. Though the hub for commerce in East Bali, Amlapura still retains the feel of a sleepy town. Within the city are three palaces including the Puri Agung Karangasem. Simple accommodations can be found here, though most guests prefer to stay in Candidasa or Tirta Gangga.

Klungkung is once the seat of rule of the most influential dynasty of rajas in Bali history—the Dewa Agung. Life is relaxed and quiet in Klungkung for its little fishing villages along the coast and hillside communities are hardly accessible by road.

• Semarapura

It is the capital city of Klungkung. Semarapura contains the only existing part of the Semarapura, the palace built by Klungkung rulers around 1710. It is damaged by fighting in 1908. Kerta Gosa, a consultation pavilion; the Bale Kambang, a floating pavilion, a kulkul tower and an enormous redbrick gateway adorned with stone carvings.

Tabanan is the name of both regency and city, also known as the rice depot of Bali. Apart from rice fields the foothills of Tabanan has an abundance of corn, cabbage and tomatoes. It is located about 30 kilometers from the Bali International Airport.

Tourists usually troop to Pura Tanah Lot for the beautiful sunset. Pura Tanah Lot is a temple that rests on a small island about 100 meters off the coast. A host of Chinese-owned shops line the streets of Tabanan. Agribusiness and agritourism are developed in tandem here. International hotels have popped up in the area, with the Le Meridien Bali Nirwana Resort and Spa as one of the best.

Denpasar is one city of Bali that has the requisite noise and pollution of cities. But the history alone of this ancient city is fascinating and worth a closer look into. Denpasar was rebuilt after the Puputan massacre of 1906, when the royal families committed suicide rather than yield to the invading Dutch army.

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