--- title: "Badung" type: "AdministrativeArea" lang: "en" canonical: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/badung" html_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/badung" province: "Bali" province_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/provinsi/bali" area_km2: 1813.38 is_coastal: true neighbor_count: 6 rarity: "Common" aliases: ["Kab. Badung", "Kabupaten Badung", "Kabupaten Daerah Tingkat II Badung"] wikidata: "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11482" published: "2026-01-22T03:49:10.858108+00:00" publisher: "GeoKepo" license: "Editorial content © GeoKepo. Cite the canonical URL." --- # Badung ## History ### History of Badung Regency: From Royal Glory to a Global Tourism Hub Badung Regency, located in the southern part of Bali Island, possesses a deep historical narrative, stretching from the era of traditional kingdoms to its transformation into Indonesia's international gateway. With an area of 418.52 km² (often recorded within dynamic administrative scopes), Badung plays a central role in Bali's political and cultural constellation. #### Origins and Royal Era of Glory The historical roots of Badung are inseparable from the division of the Gelgel Kingdom. The genesis of the Badung Kingdom began in the 14th century, but its sovereignty strengthened under the leadership of I Gusti Ngurah Made Pemecutan. Badung grew into a strategic maritime and agrarian power by controlling the southern coastal region, including the natural harbor in Kuta, which became a center for inter-island and international trade. In the 19th century, the Badung Kingdom was divided into several main power centers such as Pemecutan, Denpasar, and Kesiman, which, despite being autonomous, remained bound by close kinship ties. #### Resistance Against Colonialism and the Puputan Event The most crucial moment in Badung's history occurred in the early 20th century. Tensions with the Dutch East Indies colonial government culminated due to the incident of the merchant ship *Sri Kumala* running aground on Sanur beach in 1904. The Dutch demanded a large indemnity, which the King of Badung refused. This triggered a Dutch military expedition to South Bali. On September 20, 1906, the **Puputan Badung** event took place. The King of Badung, I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung, along with his noble family and thousands of his people, chose to fight to the last drop of blood (puputan) rather than submit to the colonizers. Dressed in white and carrying kris daggers, they charged into the Dutch cannon fire in front of the palace. This heroic event is commemorated by the Puputan Badung Monument in I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung Square, which stands as a symbol of the pride and patriotism of the Balinese people. #### Independence Era and Physical Revolution After the proclamation of Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945, Badung became a battlefield in the struggle for sovereignty. One of Badung's finest sons, I Gusti Ngurah Rai, led the Ciung Wanara troops in the war of independence. Although the Margarana battle took place in Tabanan, the base of support and guerrilla coordination was largely rooted in the Badung region. Based on Law No. 69 of 1958, Badung was officially designated as a Second Level Region under Bali Province. #### Modern Development and Cultural Heritage Post-independence, Badung underwent a radical transformation. The development of Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban in the 1960s changed Badung's face into a tourism center. Southern areas like Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu developed into global destinations. Pura Luhur Uluwatu, founded by Mpu Kuturan in the 11th century and expanded by Dang Hyang Nirartha, remains a vital historical and spiritual site. Culturally, Badung preserves unique traditions such as *Siat Geni* in the Traditional Village of Tuban and deep devotion to performing arts. Today, Badung is not just a regency with the highest regional income in Bali, but a guardian of history that has successfully blended modern infrastructure development with the noble values of local wisdom. ## Contextual Analysis: Badung, Bali's Economic Backbone Badung is not just a regency; it is the primary 'engine' that drives the pulse of the Island of the Gods. With an area of approximately 1,813.38 km², Badung covers nearly a third of the average area of a regency in Bali (5,400 km²). However, do not be fooled by its size, as the significance of this region extends beyond its geographical boundaries. From a demographic perspective, although Bali's average population density stands at 750 people/km², Badung exhibits an interesting anomaly. As an economic gravity center, the density in the southern part of Badung far exceeds the provincial average due to urbanization and the concentration of service industries. This creates a sharp contrast between the agrarian and tranquil North Badung and the cosmopolitan and densely populated South Badung. In terms of regional economy, Badung is a positive anomaly. If Bali ranks 7th in national tourism, then Badung is its main contributor. A significant portion of Badung's Regional Original Revenue (PAD) comes from hotel and restaurant taxes. This dependency makes Badung a barometer of Bali's economic health; if Badung's tourism thrives, the provincial economy also lifts. In terms of tourism positioning, Badung holds a unique dual status. On one hand, it is the primary destination (Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua) that serves as the main gateway for international tourists. On the other hand, Badung still holds 'hidden gems' in the Uluwatu hilly areas and the hidden coastlines in the southwest, offering exclusivity amidst the modern hustle and bustle. Badung is proof of how a coastal region can transform from a fishing village into a world-class tourism center without losing its cultural identity. ## Curator's Perspective: The Dual Face of the Southern Gateway When researching Badung, one fact that stands out is its geographical shape resembling a 'keris' or a long dagger that splits Bali from north to its southern tip. This unique shape is not merely a map aesthetic but a reflection of the extraordinary ecosystem diversity within a single administration. A surprising fact that is often overlooked is how Badung manages to simultaneously control two opposing worlds. At the southern tip, we see the grandeur of modern infrastructure like the Bali Mandara Toll Road and the luxurious resort complex of Nusa Dua, which serves as a stage for international diplomacy (such as the G20). However, if we move northward, we will find a starkly contrasting side of Badung: the cool, fertile area of Plaga, which is a food granary with its asparagus plantations and coffee. As a curator, I see Badung not just as a tourist destination, but as a spatial planning laboratory. It is rare to find a region that controls an international airport (Ngurah Rai), the most iconic nightlife centers in Southeast Asia, while also preserving the sanctity of large temples on coral cliffs. Badung is a manifestation of 'Tri Hita Karana' forced to adapt to extremely rapid tourism industrialization, making it the most dynamic and challenging region to manage in all of Indonesia. ## GeoKepo Knowledge Hub: Exploring Bali and Badung Want to delve deeper into the geographical and cultural richness around this region? Here are our curated recommendations to broaden your horizons: ### 3 Regions in Bali Worth Exploring 1. **Gianyar Regency**: Known as the center of Balinese art and culture. If Badung is the economic hub, Gianyar is the spiritual soul and creativity of the island, home to the iconic Ubud. 2. **Karangasem Regency**: Located in the eastern tip, it offers majestic views of Mount Agung and historical sites like Tirta Gangga, providing a more traditional Balinese perspective. 3. **Buleleng Regency**: Represents the northern side of Bali with black sand beaches in Lovina and hidden waterfalls nestled in rarely touched hillsides. ### 2 Popular Point of Interest (POI) Categories in Badung 1. **Coastal and Cliff Tourism**: From world-class surfing beaches in Canggu to Pura Luhur Uluwatu, dramatically perched on a 70-meter cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. 2. **Special Economic Zones & MICE**: The Nusa Dua area, specifically designed as a center for international meetings, exhibitions, and luxury hotels with the highest standards of security and comfort.