Among the many traditions of his hometown, the one that resonates most is the daily ritual of placing Canang Sari offerings. “You see it everywhere at temples, shop entrances, even on car dashboards. It is a simple but profound reminder to express gratitude and balance,” he explains. This gentle, grounding practice is part of what shapes the peaceful atmosphere guests often feel the moment they arrive on the island. Niko also credits his upbringing in Denpasar with shaping his approach to hospitality at The Laguna Bali. The values he learned such as warmth, respect and the Balinese principle of Tat Twam Asi (I am you, you are me) guide the way he connects with guests. “It is not just about service; it is about making someone feel like family,” he shares. When he seeks a quiet moment for himself, Niko returns to the open green spaces around Bajra Sandhi Monument, where locals jog, families gather and the evening breeze softens the day. It is here, he says, that you can feel “the true, unhurried pace of Denpasar life.” Above all, Niko hopes guests take away a deeper appreciation for the city he calls home. “Denpasar is the soul of Bali. It is messy, vibrant, spiritual and authentic. Do not just pass through it; feel its pulse.”
One of his most cherished memories is attending the Bali Arts Festival at Taman Werdhi Budaya every June and July. “It wasn’t just a school holiday activity,” he recalls. “It was a non-stop spectacle of dances, music, and crafts from all over Bali. The energy and pride were incredible.” The festival’s colors, sounds and celebrations became an annual highlight and a reminder of the cultural richness he carries with him today. When guests ask where to spend a few meaningful hours in Denpasar, Niko always recommends starting at the Bajra Sandhi Monument. Its architecture tells the story of the Balinese people’s journey and struggle, while the surrounding gardens offer a calm space to wander and observe local life. From there, he suggests heading to Badung Market, the city’s traditional marketplace. With its lively mix of spices, fresh produce, textiles and the hum of daily commerce, it delivers what he calls “the real-time rhythm of Denpasar.” Food, of course, plays a central role in understanding any place, and Denpasar is no exception. “You absolutely must try Sate Lilit,” Niko says with a smile. Made with minced fish or chicken blended with bumbu genep and wrapped around a lemongrass stalk, the versions found in Denpasar’s street stalls are, in his words, “the freshest and most flavorful.”
The Heart of Denpasar WITH PUTU NIKO CAHYADI
For Niko from our Recreation Team, Denpasar is more than Bali’s bustling capital. It is home. He grew up in Panjer, South Denpasar, a neighborhood he describes as “the authentic heart of the city, still very residential, with a strong sense of banjar life.” Close to the vibrant center yet bordered by stretches of rice fields, Panjer offered him a childhood shaped by community spirit, tradition, and the easy rhythm of local living.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker