Exploring a new destination on foot is one of the most immersive and interesting ways to learn about an area’s culture, heritage, and, of course, local hidden gems.
For most tourists visiting Bali, the easiest way to explore the province’s most important cultural landmarks is to hire a local driver and guide for the day since many landmarks are quite spread out, but in the island’s capital of Denpasar, tourists love exploring on foot.
Denpasar is an overlooked cultural wonder in Bali.
For many tourists, the coastal destinations of Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Uluwatu sit at the top of the bucket list, and for a bit of culture, a day trip to Ubud, Kintamani, or Bedugul.
However, take some time to visit the old city of Denpasar, and tourists will be met with a rich and vibrant modern city that is punctuated with historical gems.
Kultara Walking Tours are becoming increasingly popular with both domestic and international tourists.
The walking tour, combined with storytelling and cultural immersion, takes guests around Denpasar’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.
Denpasar is a surprisingly walkable city, and Kultara co-founder Aris Maulana spoke to reporters about his experience sharing his passion for tour guiding with visitors from all around the world.
Maulana told reporters, “We thought only tourists were interested. But it turned out that many local people were also interested in joining the walking tour. Even many domestic Balinese.”
He says that the interactive and immersive tour is not only focused on explaining the history and significance of the sights and landmarks.
The tour is also a platform for guides and tourists to discuss Balinese culture and Indonesian culture and enjoy cultural exchange.
Maulana shared that there are different tour routes available based on different tourist interests. He explained there are four routes that can be taken by participants in Denpasar City, and each is interconnected.
The first route is called ‘The Battle of Puputan,’ which tells about the Puputan War. The journey starts from the Bali Museum and follows a route through to the Grand Inna Heritage Hotel. The second route is Gajah Mada Heritage.
According to Maulana, there are still many people who do not know that Denpasar is an Old City, even domestic tourists. He noted, “On the ‘Gajah Mada Old City’ route, we highlight the economic development in Denpasar. Its origins are in accordance with Badung Market.”
The third route takes a wander through Sanur, a popular beach resort with a fascinating history that is intimately linked with the city of Denpasar.
The route is called ‘The Trail of Art in Sanur,’ and it describes the origins of modern art in Bali. This journey starts at Le Mayeur Museum and meets local artist Ni Pollok. It incorporates cycling in Sanur and visiting a dance studio at Hotel Tandjung Sari, and the endpoint is at Griya Santrian.
The fourth tour route, and the newest addition to the Kultara Tours offering, is Puri Pemecutan.
This tour is special because it is the first time Puri Pemecutan has reopened to the general public, so they can come and learn about its history in the heart of Denpasar.
Tours are incredibly affordable, ranging from IDR 1500,000 to IDR 250,000 per person.
Maulana wants to encourage more tourists from all walks of life to join the tours as a way of connecting with Balinese culture and history in a way that provides important insights into the way in which Bali is the province it is today.
Maulana explained that each tour was launched only after 6-12 months of research, development, meeting with local sources and wisdom keepers, and combining artifacts and documentation to create a rich experience for visitors.
Maulana added, “We expect the agency to continue to commit to supporting us because there are so many things we need. Starting from the legality of the storyteller, not to mention access to create new routes.” Kultara currently has ten storytellers and tour guides who are deeply passionate about their jobs.
The Head of the Denpasar City Tourism Office, Ni Luh Putu Riyastiti, has confirmed that they are also working to promote more walking tours in Denpasar to help promote the city as a destination for tourists of all demographics.
She explained, “We hope Denpasar becomes a liveable city, a loveable city, and a walkable city.”
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