Kuta is made for holidays. It was originally a tiny fishing village until its miles of flawless sand and non-stop gorgeous weather first caught the eye of discerning surfers. Families, romantics, night owls and sunset lovers quickly followed and now the dynamic city is one of the most popular resorts on Bali.
You could spend an entire holiday in Kuta without seeing the same beach twice. Most famous of all is Kuta Beach itself and, with its beautiful white sands and lively atmosphere, it is very appealing. But with so many others to choose from, you can simply pick one to suit your mood. Passionate surfers prefer the black sands and big waves on Echo Beach. Romantics can seldom resist a holiday near pretty Padang Padang cove or the peaceful uncrowded charm of Balangan Beach. The glossy shores at Seminyak are a siren call for chic sunbathing holidaymakers while lovely Legian is quite simply paradise.
Kuta is thrilling for children and promises a holiday with everything from theme parks and water sports to surf lessons and exciting theatre productions. One of the world’s best water parks, Waterbom Park, is minutes from Kuta Beach. For smaller-scale aquatic adventure, try the Circus Waterpark in Tuban, which is perfect for smaller children. All the family will be enchanted by Turtle Island’s fascinating shelled residents, which can be seen during glass bottom boat trips.
You may not have come to Bali to shop on holiday, but in Kuta the temptation is impossible to resist. Discovery Mall and Lippo Mall have loads of modern shopping close to the ocean. Kuta Square Market is more likely to lure traditionalists and the short journey to intriguing Sakawati Market is essential if you’re looking for Balinese arts and crafts.
Kuta is as entertaining as it is relaxing. And for restaurants, bars and clubs, there is nowhere quite as colourful, lively and mesmerising as Kuta Stretch. Smart little cafés and surfer cool characterises an evening at Seminyak. But for a night of tropical escapism, travel a little further south towards Dreamland or Blue Point, where you can enjoy dinner at the edge of the ocean.
For all the beaches and vivid entertainment, discovering Kuta’s ancient culture during your holiday is a must. Uluwatu Temple is a Bali spiritual pillar and one of the island’s six most important temples. Perched on a clifftop above a forest of monkeys, it’s an astonishing sight a short drive from Kuta. Pura Tanah Lot is another remarkable temple to the north and, in Kuta itself, Vihara Dharmayana, is the area’s oldest Chinese Buddhist temple and a oasis of calm in the heart of the busy city.
Whether you are on honeymoon, holidaying with friends or enjoying a family getaway, Kuta is perfect and closer than you think.