Denpasar is Bali's capital, a cosmopolitan center of government and commerce. This is where most major offices, banks and airlines are headquartered and many Balinese who work in the tourism industry live. But while Denpasar might seem to resemble any other Asian metropolis, behind its modern facade is a city rich in ancient culture. As the site of some of the island's most historically important kingdoms, including Badung and Kesiman, Denpasar preserves a noble ancient heritage and an elaborate tradition of art and ritual.
Denpasar is organized less an urban city than as a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. Within Denpasar are over a dozen traditional villages, each with their own community organizations that make decisions based on consesus and respect for social harmony. Many of Denpasar's village also have their own traditional theatre or musical groups, which perform at local ceremonies. Although Denpasar's architecture includes modern malls and office buildings, many Balinese in the city still live in traditional family compounds laid out accourding to ancient principles of spiritual and social alignment.
The city of Denpasar includes the legendary beach front resort of Sanur, where generations of artists and culture lovers from all across the world have gone in search of creative inspiration and seaside tranquility. Denpasar is also home to the island's premiere performing arts center, the Bali Art Center. It is here every year from mid of July where the Bali Arts Festival are held. The festival is a lavish extravaganza of exhibitions and performances featuring artists from all parts of Bali, Indonesia as well as the world.
(Source : Bali Interactive CD-Rom "Bali, the Island of Peace" by Bali Tourism Authority, 2000)
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