There are several eco-lodges and mid-range hotels that focus on environmental-friendly and local culture in the Tabanan area. Some more luxurious hotels can be found on secluded beaches, and a few well-appointed villas are also located in this area. Accommodation are relatively centred in tourism areas like Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih, and Bedugul. It is also very common tourists visiting Tabanan for a day-tour then staying in other areas like Canggu or Seminyak.

The city of Tabanan has some great local warungs. Look for crowds or ask around to find them. The market is a good place to start for adventurous travellers, especially at night. Most people who stay in Tabanan are likely to eat at the restaurants that are attached to their hotels for special occasions. Tourists areas like Tanah Lot and Jatiluwih have some basic local food options, as well as some decent restaurants. Expect prices here to be slightly higher than elsewhere.

Tabanan is not a centre of nightlife; most of the areas is quite soon after sunset. The youngsters are usually hanging out in night bars or clubs in Canggu.

Tabanan is the home of Tanah Lot, a temple perched on a rock in the ocean. It is perhaps Bali’s most beautiful temple and is also a popular tourist spot, so be prepared for crowds, especially at sunrise and sunset. Pura Batukaru is another very important temple for the Balinese; it is perched on the slope of Mount Batukaru. Families will find the Bali Butterfly Park pleasant, and kids may like to see and touch the friendly butterflies and exotic insects. Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is home to the typical naughty groups of Balinese macaques, and may make for an interesting trip, as long as you keep a tight hold on your belongings!

For the past few years, the local government of Tabanan has started several unique tour programs by setting up traditional tourism villages offering varies of interesting activities with locals involved. Nyambu, Salak, Pinge and Tista villages are some of the popular destinations for this type of tours.

Tabanan was quite undeveloped until recently but has been a highly-populated area for some time; many of the residents are immigrant from Java island. Tabanan was also the site of the famous Balinese puputan, in which Balinese soldiers fought to the death in a battle against the Dutch, led by their officer, I Gusti Ngurah Rai, who is now considered a local hero.

Further back to the 16th century, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s directional temples and is situated on a rock in the ocean, just offshore. It is said to be centuries old, having been built on the recommendation of an important Hindu priest, and is an important site for pilgrimages. The rock, the temple sits on has been eroded by the ocean and now is undergoing a restoration process.

Tabanan is a good place to take tours of temples and look around the countryside. There are several black sand beaches, although most are not good for surfing and can be dangerous for swimmers. Some hotels in the area offer horse riding tours. Keen and experienced hikers can also climb the rainy mountainside of Mount Batukaru, an extinct volcano, which should be done with one of the many available local guides.

If you are an adventurous traveller, you may go on a Quad-ATV and Dirty Motocross.

Public transportation is very limited in Tabanan, mostly only reached main streets in city areas. Taxis are rarely be found in Tabanan. The best way to get around the area is certainly by renting a scooter, but if you don’t have any experience of riding two-wheelers before then, you must hire a car rental with a driver.

Many beaches along the Tabanan have black sands and moderate waves. Some of the beaches are unique, as we can see the view of the ocean in the west and relaxing rice fields in the east. Good access roads have been built, only a few beaches like Nyanyi and Pig Stones have a small road that only motorbikes can pass by.

Kedungu and  beach are good for beginner to intermediate surfers with predictable fat waves. Best surfed at mid-rise. Avoid very low tide, especially on the inside cause there’s rocky bottom. They are usually less crowded than Canggu peaks.

Denpasar has a wide variety of hotels, but many are aimed at local business travellers and have only basic rooms and facilities. Recently, some larger hotels have opened that offer restaurants, swimming pools, and many modern amenities. Most international visitors stay outside Denpasar and visit for a day tour.

The best Indonesian food in Bali is in Denpasar, particularly in the warungs around Jalan Teuku Umar and Renon, where styles from across Indonesia can be enjoyed at affordable prices. There are also many more upscale modern restaurants, as well as some international and Asian fast-food chains.

Denpasar is a place to do business, shop, or eat. There are many entertainment options, most of which cater to local crowds, and feature local bands, karaoke, and, often, “hostesses.”
Several cinemas playing Hollywood movies can be found inside malls. Check-out their VIP theatre for a better experience with bigger adjustable-couch and a blanket, for a relatively low price.

Bali government has started an eco-friendly public transportation recently; the electric buses are spotted hitting a few main roads in Sanur, Kuta, Denpasar and Gianyar in every 30 minutes. Online taxi and scooter taxi like GoJek and Grab are on the loose in Denpasar.

Still, if you want to have a smooth experience for your holiday, hiring a car rental with a driver is the perfect choice. Renting a scooter from a rental, also a great idea; but only if you have an experience to ride two-wheelers.

A tragic historical event occurred in 1906 when The Dutch massacre thousands of people, including the royal family and the court, as they refused to surrender and rather fought to death. This event was called “Perang Puputan”. Here is a monument called Puputan Margarana built to honour all the ancestors who have bravely fought to the death to defend their territory and also a point zero landmark.

Denpasar is famous as a place to eat and shop for local goods. Visitors to Denpasar will likely spend their time sight-seeing, eating, or shopping. Constant heavy traffic means that it is only possible to do any outdoor activities in the city’s parks, which are very busy at all times of day.

Pasar Badung is Bali’s biggest market. It is full of non-stop action and mostly sells fish, produce, and meat. The streets around the market are places where textiles are sold by Chinese and Indian traders who have kept the same shops for decades. There is also some trade in exotic animals. Denpasar has several interesting cultural museums, as well as several notable monuments. Puputan square holds a memorial to the Balinese struggle against the Dutch, in which many Balinese people were killed. There is also a large and pleasant park and monument in Renon. Denpasar is home to many busy Hindu temples, where there are often ceremonies being held.