Kuta Beach, Kuta, Bali | Surfing, Markets, and Things to Do

Kuta Beach, Bali Overview

A few minutes away from the Bali airport, Kuta attracts hundreds of visitors to its golden sands and surf waves, making it one of Bali's busiest and liveliest beaches. Kuta Beach is popular for its jaw-dropping sunsets and vibrant nightlife. It is also one of the scuba diving and surfing hotspots in Bali. There are several world-class diving sites located at a short boat ride’s distance from the main Kuta Beach.

It is quite deservedly one of the best-known tourist areas of Bali. It is a fun destination catering to a mixed bag of travelers. Despite all the aggressive beach vendors, Kuta Beach is clean, well-maintained, and safe. A plethora of cheap options for accommodation, food, and beach clubs make this ideal for young travelers seeking a fun beach holiday.

Things to Do at Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach is one of the scuba diving hotspots in Bali. There are several world-class diving sites located at a short boat ride’s distance from the main Kuta Beach. It is also a well-known destination for surfing. However, the shoreline can be slightly dangerous for beginners.

For those looking to relax, there are several spa and massage options available. As Kuta is one of the most competitive places, the prices are also the lowest. Many places even offer discounts for group purchases. You can spend your evenings at the beach, enjoying the wonderful sunset. Kuta Beach usually gets crowded towards the evening. If you wish for a calmer space, then you can head slightly north along the beach, where the crowds are relatively sparse.

Additionally, you can try out waterslides and vertical bungee jumping. You can also go shopping in the local markets, that are bound to test your bargaining skills. The area is full of all sorts of markets and stores, and everyone is trying to sell you something.

Food at Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach offers local as well as international cuisines. The beachside shacks and cafes are usually nestled under trees. The food is delicious and often very cheap.

Hamburger Lady is a popular choice. The owner often goes around the beach with a menu to take orders. Amino Cafe and Kedin’s Cafe are popular among coffee lovers. Kedin’s Cafe also serves authentic Indonesian food. Tree House Cafe is another busy budget restaurant. They specialise in Dutch snacks.

Kuta Beach also boasts of being the low-end party centre of Bali. There are plenty of nightclubs that serve alcohol for dirt cheap and also offer dancefloors. Some are open for 24 hours a day and even host live band performances.

Tips

Swimming safety is essential in the Kuta Beach region. There are special flags installed at places where the current is strong. It is prohibited to swim near those special flags. The waves in this region are stronger than you might expect and can change rapidly, hence it is advised to not go swimming very far from the shore.
Drunk driving at night might be another problem that you should stay wary of. It is advised to not bring any valuables to the beach if you intend to swim or surf. In case you do, watch your belongings at all times.
Tourists are often approached by locals, trying to sell unbelievable offers. Stay calm and look out for any obvious scams. Do not get pressured into buying anything that you do not want. Keep in mind that foreign currency scams are quite common. Make sure to calculate and count your change before leaving any store. Always double check if you have received the correct amount.
Pickpockets are also known to be a nuisance in these parts of Bali.
The punishment for possession of drugs by tourists is extremely harsh. Do not give in to the locals who offer to sell drugs. There is a high probability that they are working with the police in exchange for small payouts.
In addition to all these, also be wary of mobile recharge scams. The vendors might ask for extra money stating that your sim was bought elsewhere.

How To Reach Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach is very close to Denpasar Airport.
A taxi ride to the beach will take 15 minutes from the airport.
There are pre-paid taxis available at the airport and metered taxis available right outside.
Alternatively, you can also catch a bemo (a public van) outside the airport to Kuta Beach.
Kuta is also well connected by bus routes to almost all areas of Bali.
Once in Kuta, you might find it difficult to navigate the traffic, as the region has very small lanes.
The best option is to commute on foot or to rent motorbikes.