Kuta Beach

Once a lonely little village on the road from Denpasar to Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now the tourist Mecca of Bali, popular mainly among the young and adventurous. Kuta beach is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar's airport far in the west. The sunset in Kuta is most breathtaking. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport's runway, which gives the visitors a breathtaking landing experience. Kuta Beach bustles with tourists' vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone.



The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, the waves will invite to surfing. Rapid development and an influx of visitors haven't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle.

Kuta first discovered by the surfers and hippies of the 60's has now become known around the world for its magnificent sunsets, surf beach and nightlife. The best waves are the left-handers out on Kuta Reef. The best surfing is from March to July. It is a fantastic place to lay your sarong, frolic in the waves and soak up the warm sun.

Young Kuta cowboys tend to be real possessive about their waves, so make friends with them first. For surfing equipment, head for the dozen or so surf shops on Jalan Bakung Sari and Jalan Legian. Run by veteran surfers, these shops rent and sell surfboards, boogie boards, and such accessories as water-sport wear and tide charts. These guys can also give you current information on the state of the surf. Surfboards can also be rented on the beach. Although Kuta's beach is inviting, watch the treacherous undertow and strong currents. Since 1958, over 100 tourists have drowned here. Always swim within the flag markers on the beach, keep near the crowds and lifeguards, and remain within the reef.

Getting There and Around

A taxi from the airport is available. The problem is the airport taxis won't go into Kuta's small lanes and often dump tourists out to schlep their bags sweating and cursing to their hotels. To avoid this, get out of the taxi on the main street outside the airport, then transfer to a metered blue/yellow taxis. Or walk out the airport gate and hire a 'bemo' to the start of Jalan Pantai Kuta.