kuta beach

The famous beach in bali

Located on the western side of the island's narrow isthmus, Kuta Beach is Bali's most famous beach resort destination. Kuta Beach is also minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban. The nearby resorts of Tuban, Legian and Seminyak are all within close walking distance.

Once a simple, rustic and quiet fishing village, Kuta Beach has witnessed a transformation over the past years due to the rise of various accommodations, dining and shopping options. The rapid growth owes much to visitors, beachcombers and art lovers from nearby Australia. Expatriates also helped pioneer surfing in Kuta, as well.

Although a rather frenzied traffic scene has become commonplace here, Kuta Beach continues to attract thousands of visitors every year with its unique charm. During the peak season from July to August and the holiday season for Christmas and New Year, Kuta Beach is regularly fully-booked by travellers looking forward to a pleasant and affordable Bali escape.

The five-kilometre long arching sandy stretch of Kuta Beach is still possibly the best beach front of Bali. A very short drive away from the airport, meter taxis and motorcycle taxis are easily found around the area to take you anywhere in Kuta or elsewhere. The beach is safe, partially clean and well maintained, although the vendors fill up the beach side haphazardly.

However, this beach is really famous for its spectacular sunsets and waves, and attracts tourists who spend hours here swimming, surfing and sunbathing. This place is a well-known destination among surfing enthusiasts: the long sandy beach with its lack of dangerous rocks or coral makes the waves ideal for beginners.

There is not much you can see and enjoy in Kuta itself, but the white sandy beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran. Known as Bali’s number one sunset site, every late afternoon hundreds of people gather to watch the spectacular sunsets and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood from one of the many beachside cafes. The sunsets here are spectacular around December, so don't forget your camera.

Another place you should visit is Ground Zero, where Balinese residents and foreign tourists alike still keep coming to put fresh flowers at the Memorial. A Bali Bomb Memorial Event is also held every year, hosted jointly by the Indonesian and Australian governments.

Most of the activity in Kuta is related to the beach. The options are endless – you may try surfing, swimming, sunbathing or kite flying, or you could simply head into neighbouring Tuban for some waterslide action at Waterbom Bali.

If you just want to have fun or relax, you can try kite flying or employ a team of masseurs while you sunbathe. You will know the massage ladies immediately from their cries of ‘Hello, yes? Massage?’ and if you aren’t accosted by a team of them offering pedicures, manicures and hair-braiding alongside a massage as soon as you step onto the beach, you will easily spot them sitting along the beach, waiting for their next customer.

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