Vintage Book Cafe In Bali Ideal For Tourists Seeking Cultural Connection On Vacation

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Tourists in Bali are always looking for the next best hidden gem, and Rumah Momo in Denpasar may just be it.

This quaint and charming book cafe is beloved by local bookworms, and with its fantastic menu, warm welcome, and seriously photogenic vintage decor, we know you’re going to want to put it on your must-visit list. 

Rumah Momo is a little oasis of calm in the heart of Denpasar. This cafe-come-bookshop has a firm favorite amongst young local bookworms and has created a genuine community feel.

Rumah Momo has become a spot for quiet reading, animated discussions about books, a little laptop work, her and her and catch-ups over coffee, matcha, and fresh juices. 

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The main cafe room is light and airy, while still feeling comfortable and cozy. For those who want to snuggle up with their read, there is the affectionately named ‘introvert corner’ and the outdoor patio, too. The eye for detail is evident throughout the cafe, and the whole space is highly Instagrammable, as so many of Denpasar’s specialty coffee hotspots are. 

Locally owned and staffed, Rumah Momo has a fantastic food menu to match its seriously good coffee options. There are international-inspired burgers, corn rings, and garlic bread, as well as an extensive fried rice menu with more toppings than days of the week. 

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Of course, the crown jewel of Rumah Momo is the books. Indonesia is a literary nation, and the cafe stocks both Indonesian and English language classics and bestsellers. The cafe is open seven days a week from 8 am through to 11 pm, ideal for both early risers and late-night readers. 

Rumah Momo is located in Jalan Drupadi III in the heart of Denpasar, just a quick 15-minute walk from the Bajra Sandhi Monument.

It has to be said that many tourists to Bali really stay in Denpasar. Of course, the island’s beaches, jungles, volcanoes, and temples really steal the show, but scratch beneath the surface and visitors are always pleasantly surprised by Denpasar.

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Home to Bali’s rich heritage and the home of the island’s youth culture, from ancient landmarks to museums, modern coffee shops, and live music venues, there is so much to explore in Denpasar. In fact, exploring Denpasar helps tourists create a more rounded and nuanced understanding of Bali as a whole; after all, this is the provincial capital. 

No visit to Denpasar would be complete without visiting the Bajra Sandhi Monument. This ornate and impressive statue is dedicated to the struggles of the Balinese people. More than a statue, the monument houses an unmissable museum.

Inside, visitors can observe thirty-three paintings and dioramas that depict the Balinese people’s struggle against colonizers, as well as the story of the Bali Aga.

Perhaps the most important diorama of all portals is the Battle of Puritan Klungkung. Entry is IDR 25,000 per adult, and the museum is open daily until 6 pm.

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One top tip from us here at The Bali Sun is, when visiting the Bajra Sandhi Monument, don’t skip Level 3.

Known as Utamaning Utama Mandala, this third floor is often skipped or forgotten above, but tourists should follow the narrow spiral staircase all the way up to be able to enjoy the panoramic view of Denpasar and beyond.

A word to the wise, the staircase can feel a little sketchy in flip-flops, so be sure to wear sturdier footwear. 

Many of Denpasar’s top cultural attractions are located within short walks of one another, and with incredible cafes like Rumah Momo punctuating the route, there is all the more reason to add a day exploring Denpasar to a vacation itinerary.