Denpasar, Bali: Humidity, Hangovers, and a Whole Lotta Motorbikes
okay, so. denpasar. it’s… something. i just got back and my hair is still doing that weird frizz thing, even after three attempts with coconut oil. i’m a touring session drummer, you know? gotta look presentable, even when you’re sweating through a gig in a tiny bar. this trip wasn’t exactly a gig, though. more like… a desperate attempt to recharge before the next tour.
let’s just say the recharge is… ongoing. the weather? it’s like someone turned up the dial on a sauna. i just checked and it’s… a thick, clinging warmth that settles on your skin and refuses to leave. hope you like that kind of thing. seriously, pack light, breathable clothes. and a hat. a big one.
I spent most of my time wandering around, trying to find decent coffee (a drummer needs caffeine, obviously). found a few places, but nothing that quite hit the spot. i’m a bit of a coffee snob, i admit it. i need that specific blend, that precise grind… you know the drill. i did stumble across a really cool little warung though, tucked away down a side street. the nasi goreng was incredible. seriously, go find it. it’s worth the hunt.
“Don’t trust the motorbike rentals near the airport. They’ll tell you the brakes are fine, they’re not. You’ll end up in a ditch.”
Speaking of motorbikes… they’re everywhere. like, everywhere. it’s a constant ballet of near misses and frantic horn-honking. i rented one, naturally. what else was i going to do? get around in a bemo? no thanks. someone told me that the traffic is insane, and they weren't kidding. it’s an experience, though. a chaotic, exhilarating experience. just… be careful. really careful.
I spent a day exploring *Sanur, which was a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Denpasar itself. the beach was pretty, the water was calm. i even managed to get a decent nap in under a palm tree. bliss. if you get bored, Ubud and Seminyak are just a short drive away. totally different vibes, worth checking out if you have the time.
“The lady selling fruit on Jalan Gajah Mada? She’s got the sweetest mangoes you’ll ever taste. But haggle. Always haggle.”
I overheard some drunk tourists complaining about the humidity. honestly, get over it. it’s Bali. it’s always humid. embrace it. or don’t. your call. i also heard that the nightlife isn’t as wild as it used to be. which, honestly, was a relief. i wasn’t really looking for a raging party. more like… a quiet beer and some live music. found a few places that fit the bill.
Pro-Tip: Download Gojek or Grab. Seriously. Your legs will thank you.
Gear List (because I’m a drummer, I overthink things):
Lightweight, quick-drying clothes
Sunscreen (lots of it)
Mosquito repellent (even more)
A good hat
A reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
A universal adapter (duh)
Earplugs (for the motorbikes and the music)
A small first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
I’m still processing everything, to be honest. denpasar is… intense. but in a good way. it’s raw, it’s real, it’s unapologetically itself. i’d go back. probably. after a long nap and a lot* of coffee.
Check out TripAdvisor for some more reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297713-Denpasar_Bali.html
And Yelp for local eats: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants&find_loc=Denpasar,+Bali
For more info on local events, check out this forum: https://www.baliforum.com/
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