Denpasar may not be far from the usual touristy resort areas of Bali, but the moment you transcend to the capital of Bali, a change in atmosphere is clearly felt. The laid back beach lifestyle is instantly changed to a bustling city. Not as hectic as you may think a capital city to be, and the lack of skyscrapers, due to a Balinese custom that disallows buildings to be taller than a coconut tree, gives way for blue skies. Apart from the many busy Balinese buzzing around on their scooters, many monuments and temples can be seen around the city. Catch a glimpse of the traditional markets at Pasar Badung and see the magnificent colors of fresh produce and colorful batiks up for offer.
Palu is the capital of Central Sulawesi and is one of the driest places in Indonesia. The city itself may not have much to offer visitors, but those with adventurous spirits and a love for the outdoors will fall in love with what the area has to offer. The mountainous Lore Lindu National Park surrounding the city are enough to keep avid hikers busy. The remarkable underwater beauty near the Tanjung Karang and the Togean islands are a must see for divers and snorkelers.