Kuta, Bali : Surfing and Nightlife
Famous for its spectacular white sandy beach, entertaining nightlife, restaurants, bars, pubs, and shopping centers, Kuta, Bali, is the most extensive and energetic beach in Bali. The five-kilometer-long stretch of clean, sparkling sand with giant ocean waves makes Kuta the most popular and exciting beachfront in Bali, attracting thousands of surfers and sunbathers from different parts of the world every year.
Legian is the northern extension of Kuta and serves as the commercial center with many restaurants and nightclubs. Further north lies another popular place called Seminyak. The area extending towards the south, from Matahari to the airport, is known as Tuban. Just a few decades back, Kuta and Legian were readily identifiable as separate areas. Still, after all the tourism development in the region, it has become almost impossible to discern the two beaches. Today, Kuta and Legian are considered sections of a long stretch of continuous shoreline.
Map of Kuta in South Bali
Where is Kuta, Bali
Kuta is located about 10 km southwest of Denpasar in South Bali.
Kuta beach, Bali
Why visit Kuta
Two reasons to go to Kuta – surfing and nightlife. You can enjoy surfing the great waves of Bali and the magnificent view of the long, clean, sandy Kuta beach. Also, if you like to party and enjoy lively nightlife, then Kuta is surely the perfect destination for you.
When is the best time to visit Kuta
Bali is known for its tropical climate year-round, with average temperature hovering around 86°F (30°C) yearly. May to August is the best time to visit Kuta because the weather remains cool during this period, and there is minimum rainfall. October to March is the rainy period and should be avoided if you don’t like traveling in the rainy season.
Sunset in Kuta, Bali
What to see in Kuta, Bali
Bali Bomb Memorial. It is constructed in memory of 202 people killed in Kuta on 12th October 2002 due to a bomb explosion done by the terrorists. The memorial is located on Jalan Legian. A ceremony is held at this memorial every year in commemoration of them.
Sunset at the beach. Every evening, you’ll find hundreds of locals and tourists moving to the beach to enjoy the spectacular sunset view. It is better to get there by 5.30 pm and enjoy the whole evening.
Watch people performing the ritual of beach offerings. Every morning, Balinese people throw some offerings into the sea, and it is a pleasing experience to see local people performing this ritual.
Surfing in Kuta, Bali
Things to Do in Kuta, Bali
Surfing, of course. The long sandy beach at Kuta is the perfect place to enjoy surfing. The absence of corals and rocks makes it an ideal location for beginners. If you do not know how to surf, you may approach any of the many professional schools in Kuta that provide equipment and practical surfing lessons. A beginner surfing lesson may cost between USD 40-60 and usually lasts for 2 to 3 hours.
Enjoy the nightlife. Kuta is a great place to enjoy the nightlife in Bali. Most bars and clubs remain open until 1 am and offer a lively atmosphere to enjoy dance or wine with your friends or even for solo visitors.
Shopping. Kuta is one of the best shopping places in Bali, where you can find almost everything from traditional items to modern everyday things. The main shopping area in Kuta is Ngurah Rai Street at Simpang Siur Kuta, Kuta Square, and Kuta Art Market.
Shopping in Kuta area, Bali
Where to stay
Kuta offers various accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to mid-range and luxury hotels. The most inexpensive guesthouses are along Poppies Lane 1, Poppies Lane 2, and Jalan Benesari, like H-ostel Bali *. Good mid-range rooms are available in the Legian area, such as Pujihouse One *. For more luxury without breaking the bank, check out the popular Poppies Bali and Alaya Resort Kuta *. You can find the most luxurious hotels in Tuban and the northern Seminyak area.
Recommended Hotel at Kuta Beach
Legian Beach Hotel
With a mix of modern and Balinese design, this 4-star hotel enjoys a beachfront location on Legian Beach and also a quick walk to Kuta Beach. It features a pool surrounded by palm trees-filled tropical grounds. The rooms are typical Balinese style, with white drapes and wooden carvings. Prices start from 120 USD.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
What and where to eat in Kuta
You can find hundreds of eateries in Kuta, ranging from street side warung (food stalls) to restaurants of international standard. Jalan Melasti and Jalan Sahadewa restaurants are famous for serving buffet breakfasts. Exclusive and luxury restaurants are in the Seminyak area, further north of Kuta in Bali. Hard Rock Cafe, The Old Bounty, Deejay Cafe, and Tubes are some of the well-known spots to enjoy drinks in Kuta. Check out the Top 10 Best Restaurants in Bali.
Surfboards at Kuta Beach, Bali
How to get to Kuta, Bali
Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. This airport, popularly known as Denpasar International Airport, is served by many international and domestic airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Thai International, Korean Air, etc. From the airport, you can either opt for a prepaid taxi or a metered taxi. Metered taxis are cheaper, but you’ll have to walk out of the airport area to get this option.
Kuta is also well connected to other areas of Bali through an excellent road network. Shuttle buses are available from Candidasa, Sanur, Lovina, Ubud, and other cities/towns in Bali. If coming from Gili Islands or Lombok, speedboats are an option, which arrive at Benoa Harbou, which is nearby Kuta.
How to get around
Traffic jams are common in Kuta, especially during the rainy season. Hence, walking is the best option when exploring narrow lanes or downtown. You can use a metered taxi or a rented motorbike for long trips. Hopping on a local scooter is the cheapest way to get around (excluding walking).
Sunset at Kuta beach, Bali
Where to go nearby
Denpasar, the administrative capital of Bali
Nusa Dua Beach is located a few miles away from Kuta. The waves are gentle at this beach, thus encouraging water sports like swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and diving.
Seminyak, just north of Kuta, is an upper-class area with fine restaurants and luxurious resorts.
Sanur is a quiet, relaxing beach resort town that is famous for its long, white sandy beach and a distinct village ambiance
Ubud, further north in central Bali, is also the heart of arts and culture in Bali. Escape the beach to experience beautiful rice terraces in Tegalalang.
Travel Tips
Follow safety measures while swimming at Kuta Beach. Avoid swimming near the red flags, placed at the spots where water currents are strong. Always keep yourself in the area between the yellow and the red flags.
Photo credits from top: Burmesedays, Marko Mikkonen, eguide travel, Egor Pasko, momo, Marko Mikkonen and Purnawan Hadi
