With a long, broad beach on the Indian Ocean, Kuta was originally discovered by tourists as a surfing mecca. Long a stop on the classic backpacking route in Asia, back in the 80's they used to talk about the three Ks (which were Katmandu in Nepal, Khao San road in Bangkok and Kuta). Alas, today's Kuta is a showcase of excessive development gone wrong - a chaotic, tightly packed mass of concrete and congestion, the beach is overrun with touts and most serious surfers have headed elsewhere.
The 5km long arcing white sand stretch of Kuta is still arguably the best beach front on Bali. The beach is safe, partially clean, well-maintained, although the vendors remain annoying. Kuta is far from the fishing village it once was: it is now a Pacific resort and its streets are clogged with traffic, particularly during the peak seasons of July and August. The northern beach resorts of Petitinget (within the greater Seminyak area) and Kerobokan are in many ways more laidback versions of Kuta, less crowded and more suitable for longer stays. Further north still, Canggu and Dalung offer even more tranquility.
Kuta is now the party area of Bali and most clubs are lined up on Jl. Legian. Also it's the base for every backpacker who starts his/her tour around Bali
Get in :
By Plane
The misnamed Denpasar Airport is in fact directly south of Kuta, just 10 minutes away by taxi. The fare from the airport to Kuta should be around Rp50,000. If you don't have too much luggage you can save a lot of money by walking 200 meters to the right out of the airport area and take a taxi from a company that does not pay the commission to the airport mafia (and therefore is not allowed to enter the airport for picking up customers. They are however allowed to deliver you to the terminal at your departure). For example, the metered Taxi from Bali Taksi (Tel. +62-361-701111) or Bluebird charges just around Rp20,000 for the same trip.
By Taxi
The airport taxi counter is immediately to the left as you emerge from customs outside in the International Arrival Terminal and the Domestic Arrival Terminal. And tourists can buy a ticket from the counter for the sedan taxis, prices are clearly marked on the notice board behind. Metered taxis operate outside the airport just beyond the entrance. Make sure they start the meter before you take off, or agree on a fare before you get in (only the Bluebird Taxis always run on meter but check if its on). If you want to take a bemo, just walk out to the intersection past the entrance and flag one down making the turn north (left) down Jl. Kartika Plaza through Tuban and beyond to Kuta.
By Bus
Bemos (public minibuses) still ply the streets of Kuta but they can be hard to recognise. Shuttles from Denpasar's bus stations should be approximately Rp. 10,000-20,000 per person.
Get Around :
By Taxi
Taxis are ubiquitous on the streets of Kuta and the best way of getting around, especially at night.
Some taxi-drivers charge you more than you should pay, especially when the meter is off. Be sure to bargain before you get in if it is not a metered taxi.
The 'Bali Taksi' from the 'Bluebird group' always uses a meter and will not overcharge you. There is a bit of envy from other taxi-companies because of the good service from Bluebird. You don't see Bluebird taxis parked at night near the discos in Legian, Seminyak etc, as other companies have exclusive contracts with these business. However they can be found by walking up the street. The taxis outside the clubs do not use meters at night, offering a fixed price, although this is negotiable. There are plenty of others if one won't play ball.
WARNING: Traffic jams occur some days around lunch and dinner. It can be better to park your car just before you reach Kuta area and walk. Kuta area is only about 1,5 kilometer length by half kilometer wide. But when stuck in traffic, you might spend 30 minutes to travel the 1,5 kilometer. However there are car parking areas in the middle of Kuta (usually Rp5000 for an unlimited stay) including a large one on JL Legian near the top of Poppies II. Kuta Beach has plenty of parking most days.
By Motorcycle
For those with a sense of adventure, try hopping on the back of a local's scooter, they are always looking for a rider and it just takes a quick negotiation on price. Much faster and cheaper transport than a car. You may even choose to rent a scooter for your stay. These can be as little as 50,000RP per day, and a lot of fun. Insist on a helmet for the motorcycle, for both your safety, and because police officers have been known to fine (read 'demand bribe') foreigners who do not wear one. The streets just outside Kuta, between major cities such as Uluwatu, Sanur and Denpasar, for example are chaotic and dangerous for unexperienced riders.
Uluwatu proper is a small village on the west coast, south of Jimbaran, but for most visitors it refers only to the famous temple of the same name, several kilometers further south. Many people also use it to refer to the area south of Jimbaran. The entire area is also called the Bukit Peninsula or just The Bukit, while Pecatu (peh-CHA-tuh) refers to a small village inland.
