Regarding what to visit in Bali, Kuta is easily one of the most popular destinations. Despite the region’s lack of the “genuine” Bali appeal, it can still provide an exciting setting that can add to your travel experience in Bali. And this Kuta travel guide is what you will need to start your trip to Bali.
Reasons to Visit Kuta
Kuta is the sub-district of Badung regency, Bali. It’s one of the tourism areas that you will either love or hate. Either way, it remains one of the top destinations in Bali, particularly for first-timers.
The popular Kuta Beach, for example, has attracted backpackers and surfers worldwide for decades. Despite now being surrounded by luxury accommodations, it’s still an ideal place to unwind.
Hedonism is also a major draw for many people to visit Kuta. If you consider yourself a partygoer, you definitely should not miss out on the pulsating clubs and bars throughout Jalan Legian to truly experience the nightlife ambiance of Bali.
Families also love Kuta because of its vast, all-inclusive beach resorts and long, golden sandy beach. This area is packed with plenty of family-friendly attractions, including the famous water boom that is regarded as the best waterpark in all of Asia.
Like the rest of Bali, Kuta is full of spa parlors where you can relieve your stress with the help of professionals at an affordable price point. If you want to purify your souls and free your mind from all stresses, Kuta has plenty of yoga retreats you can visit. So, Kuta is not always about the sandy beach, although it’s the main attraction.
Things to Do in Kuta
If what you are looking for is a breezy life on the long, sandy beach enveloped by endless entertainment, Kuta has it all. Below are some things you can include on your to-do list while visiting Kuta.
1. Unwind by the beach
Kuta Beach is named a haven for surfers and all sorts of travelers. This popular destination is a long expanse of golden sand that merges with Legian and Tuban on the north and south sides. Early morning and before sunset is a perfect time to enjoy the beach on a walk via Seminyak up to Canggu.
2. Pump up your adrenaline in the water boom
Kuta has one of Asia’s best water parks to race your heart. No visitors will feel left out, thanks to the various water slides options and exciting attractions. Located in the middle of tropical gardens, this waterpark is a perfect place to have a fun day with the kids. Even grownups love all the waterslides this attraction has.
3. Attend a cultural show at Kuta Theater
Kuta may lack the natural appeal of Bali, but Kuta Theater is the place to see a glimpse of Bali’s cultural side with twists and turns. Here you can enjoy fascinating shows performed by performers in vibrant costumes, displaying mesmerizing tricks and illusions. A perfect place to relax and have fun with the family after a wonderful day out at the beach.
Another thing you can enjoy while in Kuta is window shopping, for this area is full of homely shops, kitschy paraphernalia, and hawkers. If you look for something a little more upscale, you will find some of Bali’s best malls in Kuta, like Beachwalk.
Best Time to Visit Kuta
One most searched aspect in any Kuta travel guide is when is the best time to go there. There is no definite answer as it depends on your holiday budget and personal preference. Like all parts of Indonesia, the weather in Kuta, Bali, is relatively pleasant all year round.
If you love the hustle and bustle of tourists and have no issue with travel expenses, then July and August is your perfect time to head to Kuta. July to August is the peak season on the island and has the best weather. It’s dried and less humid, with a low likelihood of rain. But be prepared for traffic jams and skyrocketing accommodation costs.
If you are a traveler on a budget who dislikes crowds, your best bet is to book a trip to Kuta in September, October, and April. These are the shoulder seasons where the weather is nice and touristy areas are less crowded.
How to Get to Kuta
There are various ways to get to Kuta. Most visitors opt to fly in, while others come to Bali by ferry. Ngurah Rai International Airport is the only airport with a first entry point. Meanwhile, the ferries from Jawa arrive in the Port of Gilimanuk, and those from Lombok arrive in Sanur, Benoa, Padang Bai, Amed, and Serangan.
Either from the airport or port, you will need the following transportation options to get you to Kuta.
1. Taxi
If you fly to Bali and haven’t booked transfers, you can hail a taxi right at the official taxi stand at the airport. However, the rates are often exorbitant, so it’s best to arrange your arrival transfers first.
2. Airport transfer
You won’t find any public transport at the airport to get you to your accommodation. To avoid the hassle, you can arrange an airport transfer with your accommodation. A driver will welcome you upon arrival and take you to your booked hotel.
3. Bus
If you arrive in Gilimanuk or any other port in Bali, you can take buses to get you to Kuta. Perama and Trans Sarbagita are two of the most recommended options to get safely to your accommodation in Kuta.
Where to Stay in Kuta
The majority of the visitor to Kuta aim to stay as near the beach and establishments as they can. If this describes you, consider looking for accommodation close to Jalan Kartika Plaza, Jalan Raya Legian, and Jalan Pantai Kuta.
Below is a list of budget, medium-sized, and luxury accommodations you can select for your upcoming trip to Kuta. Please note that room rates are subject to change at any time, and it’s best to look them up first.
1. Budget accommodation near Kuta Beach
- Surf Doggie Inn: This 2-star hotel is a 10-minute walk to Kuta Beach, with rooms costing between IDR 81,000 and IDR 101,000 per night.
- Matahari Guest House: It’s a 2-star hotel within walking distance to Waterbom Bali and Kuta Beach. The rooms cost between IDR 102,000 and IDR 150,000 a night.
- The Kubu Hotel: This 3-star hotel is only a 9-minute walk from Kuta Beach and a 5-minute walk from the bustling Jalan Legian. The rooms range from IDR 98,000 to IDR 132,000.
2. Medium-sized accommodations near Kuta Beach
- Kuta Paradiso Hotel: This 5-star resort-style hotel is only a 5-minute walk away from Kuta Beach, with rooms costing around IDR 660,000 to IDR 800,000.
- Kutabex Beach Front Hotel: It’s a 3-star hotel across the street from the lively Kuta Beach. The room rates range from IDR 465,000 to IDR 760,000.
- Grand Istana Rama Hotel Bali: This is a 4-star hotel that is only a 2-minute walk from Kuta Beach, with room rates ranging from IDR 450,000 to IDR 650,000.
3. Luxury accommodations near Kuta Beach
- Kuta Seaview Boutique Resort: This 4-star hotel is a 1-minute walk to Kuta Beach and offers contemporary rooms starting from around IDR 831,000.
- The Kuta Beach Heritage: This 5-star luxury hotel is within a walk of Kuta Beach and Waterbom Bali, with room rates starting from around IDR 1,000,000 a night.
- Mamaka by Ovolo: This is a 4-star hotel that is only a minute walk from Kuta Beach. The room rates start from around IDR 1,133,000 per night.
Where to Eat in Kuta
Kuta and its surrounding areas are packed with a bunch of eating establishments. From local warungs to fine dining restaurants and from traditional delicacies to European dishes, Kuta has it all. Below are some of the most recommended places in this Kuta travel guide that you should try.
1. Gabah Indonesian Cuisine
Gabah Indonesian Cuisine, which is located inside Ramayana Resort & Spa, serves a variety of traditional and contemporary Indonesian dishes. If you want to sample Indonesian cuisine in a sophisticated place, this is where you ought to go.
2. Bebek Tepi Sawah, Kuta
This eatery is the ideal choice for enjoying a delectable meal with friends and family. Many people love coming here because of the served lip-smacking traditional dishes and the breathtaking views of the paddy fields.
3. Made’s Warung
Made’s Warung is one of Kuta’s renowned restaurants that has seen the growth of Kuta as a top destination in Bali. Back then, they only serve traditional dishes. Now they serve a wide variety of cuisine in addition to Indonesian, such as European and Japanese delicacies.
4. Kori Restaurant & Bar
Established in 1998, Kori is one of the renowned eateries in Kuta that you should not miss out on. One of their best-selling dishes includes spicy fried duck, Singapore chili crab, satay, and hot stone seafood or meat.
5. Ma Joly Restaurant & Lounge
Ma Joly is a restaurant compromising various dining settings. With the breathtaking backdrop of the rolling surf in south Kuta and the Indian Ocean, this place is considered a posh dining spot. They serve European dishes and a variety of afternoon tea.
How to Get Around Kuta
There are several ways to choose to enjoy what Kuta has to offer. Below are some of the options, particularly for first-time travelers.
1. On foot
If you have no issue with mobility, going around Kuta on foot could be your best bet. Mainly if you stay in Jalan Pantai Kuta or Jalan Raya Legian. These two locations are the closest to the beach and other exciting attractions
2. Private car
Kuta is infamous for its jammed traffic, and it’s always better off walking than driving around. If you want to explore other areas besides Kuta, it’s best to get a private car and a driver. They can take you anywhere you want to go, which is pretty convenient for first-timers.
3. Rent a bike
The traffic in Kuta is crazy, even only for short distances. If walking is not an option, you can always rent a bike for an affordable price. Renting a motorbike has always been an option for travelers in Kuta and Bali.
The Cost of Staying in Kuta
How much does it cost to stay in Kuta as a tourist? It all depends on your travel habits, plans, and where in Kuta you would like to go. It can either be very affordable or costly.
Assume you are a budget traveler who is traveling solo. The most affordable trip option you can get to Kuta is around IDR 1,500,000 a day per person if you are willing enough to limit your travel expenses.
You can book a room in a hostel located in central Kuta for around IDR 60,000 to IDR 70,000 a night. But 2-star hotels are more widely available and perfect for a solo trip, with room rates starting at around IDR 570,000 a night.
To get you around Kuta, you probably want to rent a motorcycle instead. The average daily rental price is about IDR 60,000 and around IDR 30,000 for gas. As for meals, the expenses you need to set aside may depend on your food choice. If you stick with traditional food, you may only need to spend as little as IDR 30,000 a meal.
Kuta has a lot of attractions you can enjoy. Some are free of charge, such as Kuta Beach, and others come with paid tickets. If you want to attend a show in Kuta Theatre, you can expect to pay around IDR 200,000 per person and around IDR 258,000 to enter Waterbom Bali.
Plan Your Trip to Kuta
When it comes to visiting Bali, Kuta is the place where it all began. It’s a vibrant place that draws partygoers and young travelers from all over the world. It may lack the genuine appeal of Bali, but it never fails to provide a fun experience for all people all day long. Should you want to visit Kuta, we hope this Kuta travel guide can help you plan your upcoming trip.
