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Photo: PHGCOM, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
An ancient temple with a long and glorious history thought to originate in the 14th century. This is a temple typical of the peak of the Majapahit period being constructed largely from red brick. Sadly, much of it was destroyed in the early 20th century earthquake but there are some original remnants including the guardian statues in the inner courtyard. This is a charming temple and one which is seldom visited by tourists, and so there's every chance you will have it to yourself.
Pura Maospahit is a Balinese Hindu temple or pura located in Denpasar, Bali. The pura is known for its bare red brick architecture, reminiscent of the architecture of the 13th-century Majapahit Kingdom, hence the name. Pura Maospahit is the only pura in Bali which was built using a concept known as Panca Mandala where the most sacred area is situated at the center instead of at the direction of the mountain.
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Puputan Square, Alun Alun Kota Denpasar, Lapangan Puputan Badung I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung
The huge four-faced, eight-armed Catur Mukha statue is situated here at the centre point of the city (Jl Gajah Mada/Jl Suprati). Representing the Lord Brahma and it serves as a guardian of each cardinal point. The square is a key point of orientation for the whole city. If you get lost, find your way back here and all will be clear. Often, locals play kite in the day and evening.
Jagatnata Temple
A state temple which was built in 1953. Dedicated to the supreme being Sanghyang Widi Wasa, this temple is open to all worshipers without any restriction as it is a government building and not a village temple. 15-30 min visit. There are large ceremonies here twice a month at full moon and dark moon. Ask at the tourist office for a detailed schedule.
Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali
A much under-patronised place by visitors which offers an informative introduction to all things Balinese, both historical and modern-day. It was opened in 1910, but the building was brought down in the 1917 earthquake and languished until 1932 when resident German artist Walter Spies sparked a major revival. The grounds and architecture are quite charming, and the museum is housed in four separate pavilions. The main pavilion has a great collection including ancient stone, bronze and wooden artifact. The southern pavilion houses many textiles, the northern pavilion concentrates on the history of Balinese performance art, and the central pavilion is devoted to Balinese Hinduism and ritual. If this place was in Kuta or Nusa Dua it would be swamped with tourists.
A museum that covers the history and essence of Balinese art. The classical schools are well represented by both paintings and sculpture and there is a large section featuring contemporary Balinese art. Gamelan orchestra performances are also held.
Bajra Sandhi
A monument to the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history. The monument was built in 1987, inaugurated by President Megawati Sukarnoputri on June 14, 2003.
Puputan Park, Lapangan Puputan Renon
This rather grandiose park is home to the huge Bajra Sandhi monument (literally Balinese People's Struggle). The design of the grey stone monument symbolises the date of Indonesian independence, August 17th 1945. There are eight entrances, 17 corners and the height is 45 m. The monument is most significant though for its commemoration of the various puputans (suicidal fight to the death) of the Balinese in the struggle against the Dutch in the early 20th century. At the northern edge of the park you will find the governor's office and other government buildings.