Once a blissed out hippy village, Kuta, at the southern tip of Bali, is still a paradise for those looking for sun, sea, sand and endless partying. With its long alluring golden sandy beach, the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean, dozens of budget accommodation options and boundless supply of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, it is by far the biggest and most boisterous resort on the island. Tourism is the name of the game here and those looking to surf until the sun goes down and party until the sun comes up are in the right place. Swamped with Australian package tours, Kuta, albeit on a smaller level, could be classed in the same bracket as Cancun and Ibiza’s San AntonioBay.
The focal point of town goes without saying and KutaBeach is arguably the most beautiful on the island, sprawling for 8km where visitors will encounter numerous locals offering their handicrafts at bargain prices. Moving back from the beach, the streets of Poppies 1 and Poppies 2 are home to an abundance of cheap and basic hotels, all of which can be bargained for. Both streets run from the beach road up to Jalan Legian, the main entertainment road overloaded with restaurants and discotheques.
Alike all former hippy communities, an air of the previous and traditional times prevails and Kuta today maintains a captivating Balinese magnetism. Local villagers still live and ply their trade in town and the women can frequently be seen making offerings at the temples. Take an early morning stroll down to the beach and watch locals throwing offerings into the ocean. Should the mayhem of Kuta become too much to handle then wander up the coast and enjoy the serene atmosphere at laidback Legian and slick Seminyak.
Kuta actually lies only 10km south of the island capital Denpasar and 5km north of Ngurah Rai International airport, making access in and out quick and readily available. In fact, an endearing memory of Kuta is watching the planes take off and land at the runway poking out of the southern end of KutaBeach. Flights arrive throughout the year from destinations across Australia, Europe and Indonesia as well as Bangkok and Singapore. Getting around Kuta can be achieved on foot, with most people moving from the beach to their hotel to the bars and restaurants. Those with more of an adventurous streak can rent cars or and motorbikes in order to explore the rest of the island. Bali Bombing Memorial - Not really a tourist attraction but worth checking out is the memorial set up in remembrance of the 202 who lost their lives in the bombing of Paddy’s Bar in 2002. Once a year, on 13th October, a ceremony is held in honour of the unfortunate victims.
Shopping in Kuta - Kuta is a shopper’s paradise with everything from ethnic handicrafts to surf gear to top brand clothing available. Most of the Kuta streets, especially close to the beach, are lined with local stalls selling all sorts of handicrafts and Bali-hippy clothing. JalanKartikaPlaza is the main shopping district, with shops on either side of the street selling Levis, Armani, Gucci and Polo gear. Although it may be difficult to distinguish between the genuine and fake, you are guaranteed a bargain.
Surf Kuta- Kuta beach is a great place to surf for both beginners and seasoned pros, with warm waters and big breaking waves. Surf equipment is available from stores in town or simply from the locals on the beach. Bali Learn to Surf, at the Hard Rock Hotel, offers 1, 3 and 5-day group courses as well as individual lessons. Group classes range from US$39 to US$190.
Waterbom Bali - Small but entertaining water park, with adrenalin filled kamikaze rides, lazy rivers, kids slides and spa to keep you occupied for a day of excitement and leisure. Grab a beer at the Pool Bar, sample local and international cuisine at the Food Trail or even get a tattoo! Open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Kuta Nightlife - Kuta parties hard, parties late and is full of an abundance of inviting bars and clubs. As well as the local Bintang and Bali Hai beers, be sure to sample the famous fish bowls and jungle juice (a cheap and potent concoction of alcohol and juices). Ever popular spots include the Apache Reggae Bar, jumping to live Rasta beats, Mbargo, with a young hip-hop loving crowd, and the Hard Rock Hotel, with good local bands and the odd big name. Those with the energy for more can move onto the iconic Bounty Discotheque, in the heart of town, The Wave, a swanky beachside spot, or Double 6 Club, huge club close to LegianBeach with its own bungee jump and big name DJs.