With a long, broad Indian Ocean beach-front, Kuta was originally discovered by tourists as a surfing mecca. It has long been a stop on the classic backpacking route in Asia. Back in the 1980s they used to talk about the three Ks: Katmandu in Nepal, Khao San road in Bangkok and Kuta. Modern day Kuta still atracts some hardcore back-packers but far less so than previously and is more of a playground for young visitors from Australia and Europe.
Due to the ever increasingly popularity of Bali, Kuta has developed rapidly and is not short of large and rather unsightly concrete structures. It can at times be chaotic, overcrowded, congestion and the infrastrucure does not cope well. However, amongst all the chaos this place somehow works and hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy their time in Kuta every year.
The 5 km long white sand stretch of Kuta is still arguably the best beach front in Bali. The beach is safe, partially clean, well-maintained, although the vendors remain annoying. The long stretch of sand is often full of sunbathers and although most of the serious surfers have moved on to newer pastures, there are still plenty of surfer dudes around. As you move north along the beach to first Legian and then Seminyak and Petitenget it becomes progressively quieter and less frenetic.
The area of south Kuta closest to the airport is more correctly known as Tuban, but this name is rarely used.
Once the sun goes down, Kuta is the rough and ready party zone of Bali, even ater the tragic events of 2002. Even the most hardened of party animal will find something to please them on Jalan Legian at night.
Tourism Information Offices
JI Bakungsari, Tel: +62 361 751660 ext 145
Ground Floor, Century Plaza Building, JI Benesari No7, Tel: +62 361 754090
How to Get in
By plane
Denpasar Airport (DPS) is in fact directly south of Kuta, about 15 minutes away by taxi. The prepaid fare from the airport to Kuta is Rp 50,000. If you don't have too much luggage you can save some money by walking 200 metres to the right out of the airport area and take a metred taxi from a company that does not pay service fees to the airport authority and is therefore not allowed to enter the airport to pick up customers. For example, a metered Taxi from Bali Taksi (Tel. +62-361-701111) will run to about Rp 20,000 for the same trip. Before putting yourself through all that though you might wish to ask yourself whether it is worth it to save just $3. You can also catch a bemo from outside the airport to Kuta for RP 5,000 to 10,000.
By car
Kuta is reached by the main Jalan Ngurah Rai bypass from points north (Denpasar, Sanur and Ubud) and south (Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. If you are coming in from Seminyak be sure to take the Jalan Sunset bypass and not the beach route along Jalan Seminyak and Jalan Raya Legian.
By bus
Kuta is connected by bus routes from all areas of Bali. There are various scheduled shuttle services including Perama . Kuta is served from Denpasar's Tegal bemo terminal.
By boat
Benoa Harbor — not to be confused with Tanjung Benoa — is around 20 min northeast of Kuta and speedboats and cruises from the Gili Islands, Lombok and Nusa Lembongan arrive here. Most companies operating from Benoa offer free pick-up and drop-off in and around Kuta.
How to go around
Kuta stretches along the beachfront and small lanes lead into the densely populated hotel zone. The infrastructure is totally insufficient for the amount of people staying in Kuta and the best option is a combination of walking (in small lanes) and metred taxis or a rented motorbike for longer excursions.
By car
Traffic jams are a constant problem here and especially so when raining. It is often best to park your car before you reach Kuta and walk in. Downtown Kuta is only about one and a half kilometres in length and half a kilometre wide but when stuck in traffic you might easily spend 30 minutes or more to travel these short distances.
There are some designated parking areas in the middle of Kuta (usually Rp 5,000 for an unlimited stay) including a large one on Jalan Legian near the top of Poppies II. There are also public parking bays on Jl Pantai Kuta right beside the beach but these get very busy indeed.
Finding a rental car company is easy, especially in Poppies I and Poppies II. Be advised that there is usually no insurance included or the little cover that is provided is totally inadequate. Medical injuries or damage to any third party are rarely covered, so be very careful when driving!
By taxi
Metred taxis are ubiquitous on the streets of Kuta and are a relatively cheap and reliable way to get around, especially at night. Avoid any taxi where the driver refuses to put the meter on. The largest and most reputable and reliable taxi operator is Bluebird. You tend not see Bluebird taxis parked at night near the discos and bars as other smaller companies have exclusive contracts with these businesses. However, they can be found easily by walking a little up the street. Taxi drivers usually have only limited small change so it is best to have small notes available to avoid issues.
By motorbike
Those with a sense of adventure should try hopping on the back of a local scooter. They are always looking for a passenger, making negotiation easier and more successful. This type of informal transport is called an ojek and is fast and cheap.
You can choose to rent a scooter for your stay. These can cost as little as Rp 50,000 per day and are a lot of fun. Insist on a helmet for the motorcycle, for both your own safety and because wearing a helmet is a legal requirement in Indonesia; you will be stopped by the police and fined for riding without a helmet. It should be understood that the streets can be chaotic and dangerous for inexperienced riders so think carefully about whether you wish to rent a motorcycle. If you intend to surf, there are plently of specially modified motorbikes with surfboard hangers.
What you can see
Surfing, shopping & parties are the three main events in Kuta and interesting sites are a bit thin on the ground.
Bali Bomb Memorial at Jl Legian opposite the corner of Poppies II. This is at the former site of the old Paddy's Bar and opposite the former site of the Sari Club (still an empty space next to the Billabong shop). A memorial to the 202 murdered people by the bombs on 12th October 2002. Every year on this date there is a ceremony for the mourning of wounded and dead people. Whilst viewing the memorial please be calm and silent out of respect.
Beach offerings In the morning you regularly see Balinese people throwing offerings (especially when Nyepi is coming close) into the sea. The best spot is the temple right next to the beach about 200-250m to the north of the Hard Rock Hotel.
Hard Rock Hotel & Restaurant is definitely a nice place for a photo stop.
What you can do
Surfing. Kuta is a well known destination amongst surfing enthusiasts. A long sandy beach with a lack of dangerous rocks or coral makes the area attractive for beginners.
A 3-day surfing course in an accredited school costs approximately US$100. Bali learn to surf is Bali's first professional surf school. Offers equipment in good condition and premises for a surfing introduction in calm water at the swimming-pool of the Hard Rock Hotel. The lesson lasts 2.5 hours and the students are offered hotel transfers and fresh water. Five courses also include a "surfari" to other surfing spots.
It is also possible to rent equipment from locals on the beach for between Rp 20,000 and Rp 80,000 per half day. If you rent from the same guys for a few consecutive days you will almost certainly get a better price. The equipment quality is lower than in surfing-schools. The surfers on the beach can also give you some basic lessons and look after your stuff while you are in the water but if this is your first experience of surfing it is safer to use a surf school before heading out on your own.
There are SPA's by the dozen and as Kuta is the most competitive place in Bali, prices are the lowest (as is the quality of experience). Shop around and ask for package discounts. Take a look at the place first and do not allow yourself be talked into something by touts. A well known spa is Villa de Daun on Jalan Legian. Mamy hotels have their own in-house spas or partner with a local operator.
Enjoy the sunset. In the evenings plenty of people head down to the beach or seaside cafes to watch the wonderful sunset.
Waterbom Park is one of the biggest water theme parks in Asia. Located on Jalan Kartika Plaza in Tuban right opposite the Discovery Shopping Mall and easy walking distance from Kuta beach. Your children will love for you for spending some time here.
Paradiso Bowling Centre, Jl Kartika Plaza No8X, ☎ +62 361 758880 (info@paradisobbc.com). Eighteen lane bowling centre. Large number of pool and billiards tables as well. Rp 27,000 per game.
Learn
Yoga is very popular and courses are always on offer.
Some hotels offer courses to learn Bahasa Indonesia.
Souvenir
There are lots of popular surfwear/sportswear shops such as Volcom, Rip Curl, Rusty, Billabong and Quiksilver. These well known brands can be purchased in Kuta at prices 30% to 50% lower than you will pay at home.
A number of well known western clothings such as Levi's and Polo have outlets in Kuta.
Kuta Square is a popular shopping area at the north end of Jl Kartika Plaza. There are a host of small shops on both sides of the street and a big Matahari department store, with a cheap and utterly wacky collection of T-shirts on the 3rd floor.
Be aware that if you buy things from hawkers on the beach, you will attract dozens more amd they will do their best to make you feel guilty for not buying from them. Be prepared for offers at "good luck prices" or "morning/sunset prices". The trick is to not look them in the eye and respond to their offers with a stern "no thank you" and to always stay polite!
Shopping Malls
Large shopping western style malls are hardly a typical Bali shopping experience but the best ones on the island are all in the Kuta area.
Discovery Shopping Mall (Centro) is located across from Waterbom Park on Jl Kartika Plaza in Tuban. A big western style mall with plenty of international brand stores on the ground and sub-ground level including Guess, Marks and Spencers, Sogo and Top Shop. The second level is occupeed fully by the Centro department store and there are many cafes and an electronics retailer on the 3rd level. The waterfront cafes on the ground level has excellent ocean views.
Bali Mall Galleria is on Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai right on the Simpang Siur roundabout. There is a huge duty free shopping centre here which is aimed primarily at Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese tourists. You buy your luxury items tax free which are collected upon departure at the airport. Galleria is also home to number of well known brand stores, a food court, Planet Hollywood and the best cinema in Bali.
Carrefour Plaza is on Jl Sunset, just north west of the Simpang Siur roundabout. As well as an enormous Carrefour supermarket this is home to an excellent Periplus bookshop, numerous small designer stores and the best authorised Apple Mac retailer in Bali.
Find food
Bakso ("BAH-soh", meatball) soup is cheap and tasty any time of the day. Vendors wander the streets with their steaming wooden food carts and are easily located by the 'tink-tink-tink' sound of a spoon hitting a soup bowl. The soup is a small-ish bowl of MSG-laden meaty broth with some thick yellow egg noodle, meatballs and the optional extras of fried wanton, fried tofu, hard-boiled egg and some vegetables. Add some mild chili sauce and sweet soy for a bit more flavor.
You can find any manner of international and local food here. Restaurants are usually either very cheap or in the mid-range. Exclusive restaurants are rare but there are some gems here. For true luxury dining head 15 minutes up the road to Seminyak.
Budget
Beach-stall food is delicious, filling and very cheap. These are dotted along Kuta and Legian beach beneath the trees or road-side awnings.
Aromas Cafe, Jl Legian (near the Rip Curl shop), ☎ +62 361 751003. Superb vegetarian food, some of the best in Bali. Highly recommended.
Kedai Nasi Uduk, Kuta Galleria, Jl Patih Jelantik. Small warung serving the Jakarta speciality Nasi Uduk (rice cooked in coconut water and various aromatic spices, served with chicken or beef and vegetables). Well prepared, authentic food.
Kedin's Cafe, Poppies Lane 1. Good, typical local Indonesian food. They occasionally show Hollywood movies in the evenings edit
Mie88, Jl Patih Jelantik (opposite the western end of Kuta Galleria). Indonesian noodles in large portions at very good prices. Excellent budget option - spend Rp 15,000 for a delicious meal.
Tree House Cafe, Poppies Lane 1. A busy and crowded budget restaurant. Their specialties are Dutch snacks, such as kroket and frikandel. Rp 40,000.
Warung Indonesia, between Poppies 1 and 2. popular with locals and long-termers and is packed most nights - a good sign. The best food is not on the menu but stalled out behind a glass display from where you can pick the food you want and are charged Rp 1,000 - 2,000 per choice
Mid-range
Blue Fin, Jl Kartika Plaza, ☎ +62 361 764100, Good quality Japanese food at reasonable prices. Tempura is especially good as is the Salmon salad.
Havana Club Bali, Poppies I (150m down from Jl Legian). Restaurant on two floors and the upper level can be reserved for private parties. Good & tasty food.
Made's Warung, Jl Pantai Kuta (near the intersection with Jl Legian). This is the original Made's, the forerunner of the now very successful Seminyak restaurant. One of the very first restaurants in Kuta, now on two floors and still doing a roaring trade. The menu covers Indonesian, Balinese and western food. Try the pork ribs with green papaya.
Kafe Batan Waru, Jl Kartika Plaza (right by the entrance to Disovery Shopping Mall), ☎ + 62 361 766303 (batanwaru@baligoodfood.com). Batan Waru has been an institution in Ubud for many years and their foray into Kuta has been no less successful. Great regional Indonesian cuisine, inventive cocktails and top class coffee.
Kuta Plaza Restaurant, Jl Singosari (at the Jl Raya Kuta end of Singosari). Very popular restaurant serving Chinese Indonesian food. It is a typical Chinese restaurant - loud, bright and brash - but the food is excellent. Seafood is chosen live from tanks in the window. If that is not your thing, there are many other options including excellent pork ribs.
Splurge
Ketupat, Jl Legian 109, ☎ +62 361 754209 (legian109@hotmail.com). A truly superb Indonesian restaurant whuch is highly recommended for any visitor who wants to sample and understand real Indonesian food in a truly fabulous environment.
Maccaroni Club, Jl Legian 52 (almost opposite the bomb memorial), ☎ +62 361 754662 (info@maccaroniclub.com). Restaurant & lounge with good Italian food and some Asian fusion. Excellent service and luscious desserts.
Ma Joly, Jl Wana Segara, Tuban (at Kupu Kupu Barong Resort), ☎ +62 361 753780. Alfresco dining in a great beachfront location in a quiet part of south Kuta/Tuban. Sunset is magnificent from here so cocktails before dinner are a great idea. Large international menu but fish is recommended.
Drink
Kuta is the low end party centre of Bali. It has recovered well from the bomb blasts in 2002 & 2005 and tourists still flock to the bars where alcohol is served freely and excessively. Many of the bars here have a house cocktail with a local Arak (rice spirit) base. These go by charming names like Jam Jar and Fish Bowl, pack a huge punch and make customers very ill!
Jalan Legian bars
Jl Legian between Poppies Gang I & II is the main party area and the biggest venues are:
The Bounty, Jl Legian (100 metres south from Mbargo), ☎ +62 361 75 4040. Looks from the inside like a torn ship with several different areas including pool tables. The party starts everyday from 10PM but really gets going at midnight. Go here to get 'Fish Bowls'.
The Engine Room, Jl Legian (opposite the Bounty), ☎ +62 361 75 5121. Small lounge bar and dance club. A little more sophisticated than some of the options on this street.
Mbargo, Jl Legian (adjacent to the bomb memorial). Large air-conditioned bar on two floors. Models are on tap to serve you drinks. Hosts regular fashion shows. A favourite with teenage Australian party kids of both sexes. Security is especially tight here.
Vi Ai Pi, Jl Legian (opposite corner of Poppies II). Lounge style bar and restaurant with nice breezy open upper level.
Kuta waterfront bars
Along the waterfront on Jalan Pantai Kuta there are some slightly more sophisticated bar and lounge options. Most are lounges that offer food and entertainment afterwards. Definitely an option to explore and not so overrun by the Australian hen/stag party groups.
Kama Sutra, Jl Pantai Kuta. Cavernous bar and club next door to the Hard Rock which is very popular with young Indonesians. edit
The Wave, Jln Legian No62 (rigth where Jl Legian meets Jl Pantai Kuta), ☎ +62 361 760068 (admin@wave-kuta.com). Large bar and restaurant complex right on Kuta Beach. Open bar terrace looking directly at the crashing Kuta surf.
Sports bars
All Stars Surf Cafe, Jl Kartika Plaza No 8X. If non-stop surf videos, huge jugs of icy beer, sumo wrestling and limbo dancing are your thing, then look no further.
Double D Sports Bar, Jalan Legian No 119, ☎ +62 361 749 9174. Non-stop sports on large screens. Very popular with Australians.
Stadium Sports Cafe, Complex Kuta Side Walk, Jl Kartika Plaza, ☎ +62 361 763100. 10AM to 1AM daily. Long stablished sports bar with two huge projection screens. Shows lots of EPL plus Australian and American sports.
Check in
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget Under US$ 25
Mid-range US$ 25 to 100
Splurge Over US$ 100
Kuta has a huge range of accommodation mostly in the budget and mid-range markets. Private villas are few and far between as Kuta just lacks the space for expansive private properties. Prices are often negotiable especially outside of the peak seasons (July/August, Christmas, New Year and other obvious holidays). During peak seasons, always book ahead.
Budget
There are a lot of cheap guest houses (Rp 70,000 to 250,000) on Poppies 2, but you can find nicer places on the small lanes between Poppies 1 and 2. Visitors should be aware that a lot of the budget accommodation in Kuta is very tired. Always see the room first & haggle!
Fat Yogis, Poppies Gang 1. Decent standard budget accommodation only 300 metres from Kuta Beach. From Rp 200,0000.
Masa Inn, Poppies Gang 1, ☎ +62 361 758507 (booking@masainn.com). Three storey hotel just 400 metres from Kuta Beach. Rooms are clean, quiet and the staff friendly. Two really nice pools. Small breakfast included in the rate. From Rp 225,000.
Simpang Inn, Jl Legian 133, ☎ +62 361 8528521 (reservation@simpanginnkuta.com). Good value accommodation on the main street. From US$ 27.
Sorga Cottages, Sorga Lane, Poppies I. Balinese style hotel which consists of two low rise buildings. Rooms are plain and simple and have slightly tired, old furnishings. This hotel is suitable for budget travelers looking for economically priced, unfussy accommodation. From Rp 150,000.
Taman Sari Bali Cottages (Poppies 2), between Poppies 1 and 2. Spacious rooms with double bed, a nice communal swimming pool and basic breakfast. Not the cleanest of places but you get what you pay for. From about Rp 120,000.
Mid-range
Adhi Dharma Hotel and Cottages, Jl Benesari, ☎ +62 361 754280,. A long time favourite with budget-conscious families. Good facilities and great value for money. From US$ 50.
Bakung Sari Hotel, Jl Singosari, ☎ +62 361 751868,. Well-established 3 storey hotel with large communal pool and simple restaurant. All 107 rooms have their own terrace. From US$ 35.
Bali Sorgawi Hotel, Jl Legian Kelod, ☎ +62 361 755266 (balisorgawi@yahoo.com). Friendly, good value simple accommodation for families and single travellers. Located in the heart of Kuta. The hotel is a doorstep away to numerous cafes and restaurants, pubs, art markets, and of course, Kuta beach which is just a five minute walk away. All 36 rooms are fully air-conditioned. There is a pool, mini gym, internet and safe facilities. Free pick-up from the airport. From US$ 30.
Dewi Sri Hotel, Jl Dewi Sri off Jl Legian, ☎ +62 361 752555 (info@dewisrihotel.com). A large, cheap and cheerful hotel which is very conveniently located for Kuta's nightlife and shopping. Simple but clean and functional rooms, large pool and bar/restaurant. From US$ 45.
Harris Hotel Tuban, Jl. Dewi Sartika, Tuban, ☎ +62 361 765 255 (info@harris-tuban-bali.com). Modern 68 room hotel clos to the airport and Tuban beach. Nice pool, in-house spa. free wi-fi and decent restaurant. From about Rp 550,000.
Hotel Miki, Jalan Dewi Sri 78, ☎ +62 361 764187 (stay@hotelmiki.com). A new and stylish hotel 300m from Kuta Galleria shopping area. The hotel design is a mixture between contemporary and traditional Indonesian facade with strong Balinese and Javanese emphasis. All rooms have air conditioning, private bathroom, fridge, TV and all other modern amenities. Free airport pick-up. From Rp 300,000.
Ida Hotel, Jl Kahyangan Suci off Jl Tegal Wangi, ☎ +62 361 751205 (info@idahotelbali.com). A mixture of regular rooms and individual cottages in this 57 room hotel. Large communal pool set in nice gardens. From US$ 45.
Kuta Lagoon Resort, Jl Legian 363 (close to the junction with Jl Melasti), ☎ + 62 361 750888 (sales@kutalagoonresort.com). Despite the name it is nowhere near a lagoon. It is though a well kept hotel with 83 rooms, 17 private cottages and good service. Has a basic spa, restaurant and bar. From US$ 70.
Poppies Bali, Poppies I, ☎ +62 361 751059 (info@poppiesbali.com). A Kuta institution. Just 20 traditionally styled bungalows set in lush tropical gardens. Excellent service and an absolute oasis in the relative chaos of Kuta. From US$ 80.
Rama Beach Resort, Jl Wana Segara, Tuban, ☎ +62 361 751557. Pleasant mid-market resort just 100 metres from Tuban beach. Have a range of acocmodation from double rooms in the main block to individual private villas. In-house spa and a good-sized pool with swim up bar. Free airport pick-up.
Splurge
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, Jl Kartika Plaza, ☎ +62 361 751067, [24]. Huge beachfront hotel in Tuban adjacent to the Discovery Shopping Mall. Vast range of services and room standards. From about US$ 110.
Hard Rock Hotel (Jl Pantai Kuta), ☎ +62-361-761869. Part of the global Hard Rock chain offering nothing but fun right on Kuta Beach. Has the largest pool in Bali and an array of other facilities including a spa, fitness centre, kid's club and a rock-climbing wall. Several restaurants and bars and their very own radio station! From about US$ 130. edit
Kuta Paradiso Hotel, Jl Kartika Plaza, ☎ +62 361 761414 (info@kutaparadisohotel.com). A large, glitzy and rather ostentatious hotel but it is decent value for money. In-house spa and fitness centre, nice restaurant and a large pool. From US$ 100.
Mercure Kuta, Jl Pantai Kuta 100x, ☎ +62 361 767411 (reservation@mercurekutabali.com). Great location right on Kuta Beach close to the Hard Rock. Good quality in-house spa. From about US$ 100.
Villa de Daun, Jl Legian, ☎ +62 361 756276 (info@villadedaun.com). An absolute hidden oasis in a small lane off Jl Legian. Twelve extremely stylish private villas located in a hectare of beautiful tropical gardens. Has a very highly rated in-house spa and bookings are often made with spa packages included. One, two and three bedroom villas available.
Stay safe
The safety advice given here applies more in Kuta than anywhere else in Bali. Take heed, have fun, but be sensible.
Swimming safety is extremely important in Kuta. It is prohibited to swim near the special flags, that are placed where currents are especially strong. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards have deemed it safest. Do not swim out too far as the waves and currents here are stronger than you might expect and change very rapidly. The sea water in Kuta can be filthy and you should be aware of this potential problem and try not to swim in the obviously polluted areas.
Touts and scammers will constantly look for their chance. Be wary of deals. If its sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
At night, drunk driving & big potholes in the streets are a problem, so be very aware of road safety after dark.
When changing money always go to an official money changer and make sure you ask for a receipt.
Lifeguard Station (Bala Penyelamat Wisata Tirta), JI Pantai Kuta, tel: +62 361 755660.
Stay healthy
The weather is hot & humid so ensure you drink enough water.
At dusk & dawn mosquitos can be a problem and Bali is a dengue fever zone. Take sensible precautions to avoid being bitten.
Contact
Free WiFi for customers has beocme very widespread in cafes in Kuta - look for the signs.
There is a post office in a small lane off Poppies I which is also home to several 'wartels' (phone shops) which provide public IDD and fax facilities.
Get out
Kuta is a major transport hub and is well connected to the rest of island via a bemo and shuttle bus network. Check the myriad of advertising boards on Poppies I, Poppies II and Jalan Legian for details.
Legian and Seminyak are both within walking distance from Kuta.
A car journey to the cultural heart of Bali in Ubud will take about 45 minutes.
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) has many international flights.
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