Tabanan is one of the regencies (kabupaten) in Bali, Indonesia. Relatively underdeveloped (compared with Badung and Denpasar to the east), Tabanan Regency has an area of 839.33 km2 and had a population of 386,850 in 2000, rising to 420,913 in 2010, then 461,630 at the 2020 census; the official estimate as at mid 2022 was 469,340. Its regency seat is the town of Tabanan. One of the popular tourism attractions located in Tabanan is the offshore rocky islet of Tanah Lot.
There are numerous smallroads and unmade tracks that lead from the coast road south of Tabanan to the waterfront. The beaches here are all black sand. The most well known of them, and one with some good accommodation options, is Yeh Gangga. This is well signposted from the main coast about 2.5 km past Tabanan, heading west. Much of the west coast shoreline is unsafe for swimming.
A drive of the scenic mountain road from Antosari to Pupuan is highly recommended. Take the main coast road west from Tabanan for about 12 km until you reach Antosari. From there turn north (right) off the coast road. The next 30 kilometres is very scenic indeed as you pass through several small villages to reach Sanda and then onwards to Pupuan. Throughout this drive Mount Batukaru rises majestically to the east and areas to the west are largely unpopulated all the way across to West Bali National Park. Lots of excellent photo opportunities along this route. You can continue on past Pupuan to the north coast at Seririt, or turn southwest to return to the south coast road at the village of Pekutatan close to Medewi Beach.
The famous surfing beaches at Balian and Medewi are less than one hour west from Tabanan.
All hotels and resorts have their own restaurants attached.
In Tabanan town there are numerous decent local restaurants and a night market.
Those visitors who especially enjoy mountain views should stop for an afternoon break and perhaps a cup of coffee on the scenic drive from Antosari to Pupuan.
The beach resorts at Yeh Gangga are a great spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail.
Tabanan is a very commercial town and does not have shopping aimed at visitors.
At any of the main tourist attractions you will find the usual souvenir stalls.
On the drive from Antosari to Pupuan there are several coffee plantations and processors who offer the chance to purchase freshly roasted beans.
The main coastal road from Denpasar to West Bali passes right by Tabanan, and access from the main tourist centres in South Bali is straightforward. Most visitors to the Tabanan area arrive with their own transport. The town is served by bemos departing from Ubung bemo terminal in Denpasar. These arrive on the northern outskirts of town at Pesiapan terminal.
There are a lot a bemos available in the town of Tabanan, and some of these will be useful in getting you to interesting sights in the region. Taxis and private vehicles for hire are thin on the ground here though. Most visitors arrive with a car and driver, in their own hired vehicle or by motorbike, and get around the region in that way.
Tabanan is the capital town of the regency of Bali with the same name. Parts of Tabanan regency lie in Central Bali and other parts would be more often regarded as part of West Bali. For the purposes of this guide the Tabanan area will be classified in Central Bali, as that is where the key areas of interest to visitors are located.
The coastal areas in the south used to be not well known by visitors due to a lack of infrastructure, but they have become lightly developed, and there are some high profile accommodation options there. Tabanan is though more usually associated by visitors with rolling green landscapes, hills and especially the imposing Mount Batukaru, Bali's second highest peak at 2,276 metres.
The town of Mengwi has a long and rich history associated with its royal family, and the best modern-day manifestation of this is the splendid temple complex at Taman Ayun.
