Not long ago, Tukad Badung in central Denpasar was a narrow ditch hemmed in by concrete walls, with rubbish floating in it. In 2020, the Balinese authorities launched a cleaning and beautification program, and today the four-meter-wide stream has transformed into a pleasant pedestrian promenade, which the locals have already nicknamed "Tukad Korea" due to its resemblance to the walkways of Seoul.
By dusk, thousands of LEDs light up here, and yellow, blue, and purple reflections dance on the water. Under lotus-shaped lanterns, a three-meter artificial waterfall hums; senong and wild cherry trees grow around, and along the shore, wooden benches and bamboo chairs are set up. Children splash around small fountains, teenagers pose for photos, tourists capture the waterfall, and couples stroll leisurely to the sound of Balinese street performers.
After shopping at the Badung and Kumbasari markets, you can stay for dinner: stalls grill corn and satay, sell coconuts and passion fruit juice; wooden tables are set right by the water. The best shots are usually taken between 17:30 and 18:30, when daylight hasn't yet faded, and the lights are already reflecting in the river. A panoramic view opens from the bridge at the Kumbasari art market; it's calmer here on weekdays.
Getting there is easy: it's about 20 km from Ngurah Rai Airport, with taxis taking you directly to the Badung market; the walk from Puputan Margarana Square takes five minutes. Along the promenade, toilets, separate bins, and a souvenir shop are already in place, and soon there will be a dance stage and an educational area dedicated to the river ecosystem.
Tukad Badung shows how a neglected place can become the jewel of a city. An evening by the illuminated water: this is a different, unexpectedly cozy Denpasar.
Source: detik
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