Arriving into Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport, your first port of call geographically should be a visit to Kuta Beach Bali. Located 4 km’s and about a 15 minute taxi ride for 3-4 pounds, it’s resort is set along the beaches of Pantai Kuta. This beach runs through to Legian and further afield to double-six beach at Seminyak.
Pantai Kuta Beach Bali Indonesia
Kuta Beach was a small fishing village before being an internationally renown tourist destination. It was visited for it’s breaking waves by early surfers to the area in the 1970’s. As the lyrics to the popular song goes, “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot” seems to hit home here. Many world franchises are set up here from McDonald’s to Costa Coffee. This takes away the Balinese and Indonesian way of life for the local people. This pushes the prices up with 5 star resorts and shopping complexes that dominate the area.
Pantai Kuta beach entrance Bali Indonesia
In 2011, the Balinese government built a wall of 2-3 metres in height along the beach road. This was to stop the sand blowing from the beaches that line the main road where the restaurants are based. This kills the view to the stunning beaches based here if that’s where you’re sitting, a strange decision.
Pantai Kuta beach sign
Walking around this area you’ll notice that it’s overflowing with tourist tut and t-shirt shops. I don’t know how any make money selling the same stuff. Most were empty, hence being jumped upon by many a vendor as we explored the streets around this neck of the woods. The main drag along the beach road houses the many hotels and boutique resorts that dominate this patch. Heading inland through the various cut-through’s brings you to where the action is mostly based at night-fall, JL. Legian Kaja Street.
Bali bombing memorial Kuta Indonsesia
It’s here that you will see the memorial for the atrocities caused by the Bali bombing in 2002. Killing 202 it’s a fitting tribute to those who lost their life. It has a marble plaque bearing the names and nationalities of all that perished and is lit up in the evenings.
Kuta beach monument
As you explore the area, there are plenty of sights to keep you interested as you plod around and seek shade from the ferocious midday sun. There are plenty of outlets for water and eateries, and there’s something for everyone. Look out for circle K that are similar to 7-11 as prices are cheaper than most outlets.
Pantai Kuta beach temple Bali Indonesia
Overall we enjoyed our visit to Kuta, even though it’s a bit on the touristy side for our liking there was plenty to keep you interested. Taxi’s are in abundance and easy for getting around. They are also metered so there is no chance of getting ripped off. Try to get Bluebird as they’re the number one choice. You’re never more that a minute from being asked if you need one day or night.
View of Kuta beach towards Airport Bali
Kuta beach view towards Legian Bali
Onward Travel
Bali is ideally located for direct flights to Lombok or further afield to Australia. We use Skyscanner for all our flights. You’re only a short boat ride from the Gili Islands that you can read Here for further information. Another trip to Nusa Lembongan should also be on your radar.
Check out these posts for further things to do – Tegalalang rice terraces & Mount Batur
If your visiting Bali and want any further information then feel free to drop us a line.
Remember to have appropriate travel insurance to cover all eventualities on your travels. We use World Nomads insurance for all our adventures.
Happy travels on your Global Gallivants!
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