When we visited Bali back in 2015 we didn’t really know what to expect, even though we had done a tonne of research. We had heard such mixed and reports about the island. The biggest warning we had received, was don’t stay in Kuta. As we’re a couple in our 30s and 40s, we usually steer clear of the party towns of any country we visit. Don’t get us wrong, we like a drink and to have a good time, but what we’d heard about Kuta just didn’t sound like somewhere we would consider basing ourselves for a prolonged period. However, there was no way we were giving it the swerve all together. We wanted to see if the visions of pure debauchery we had built up in our heads were true.
Needless to say, they weren’t. Yes – it is very much a younger person’s/backpackers scene. But that’s not to say we didn’t enjoy the time we did spend in Kuta. In fact, there are are a lot of things to see and do and it is somewhere you should at least experience if visiting Bali. If not just to say you’ve seen it for yourself. The city is renowned for its nightlife. Yes, it’s pretty wild but it’s not the only thing Kuta has going for it. It is a busy and brash city. But if you scratch just below the surface there are some great things just waiting to be discovered.
Sample The Street Food
If you travel for food, Indonesia is a great part of the world to visit. We found amazing food in Bali, especially the street food in Kuta. As the sun starts to set, the carts start to line the streets and the sights and smells are unreal. No visit to this part of the world is complete if you don’t indulge in a massive portion of the Indonesian favourite Nasi Goreng served on a paper plate from a street vendor. The best part – the price. For pennies, you can eat like royalty from the street stalls of Kuta. Other mouthwatering dishes you will find in abundance include Sate (satay), Nasi Jinggo and not forgetting Laklak (a Balinese cake) – yum!
Hit The Beach
Images of dirty, polluted beaches may fill your mind when you think of Kuta beach. And that’s what we expected too. However, when we visited we found golden sand beaches with not a scrap of litter in sight. Instead, we found a lot of people enjoying spending the day chilling out and frolicking in warm waters. Kuta beach is known as Sunset Beach and we now fully understand why. As Twilight approaches, people flock to watch the sunset on the island from the shore with an ice cold Bintang in hand. The colours dancing in the sky are amazing. It is one of, if not the most dazzling sunsets we have ever seen.
Learn To Surf
Kuta is a great place to hit the waves if you are a seasoned surfer because it has some of the best waves in the world. However, it is also a great place to learn to surf if you’ve never tried before. Kuta is classed as the number one spot for surfers on the island, making it a great place for beginners. Also as the waves are good all year round, there isn’t a set surf season. There are a number of surf schools in Kuta. Most of which you can simply turn up on the day. Meaning if you’ve one too many (which is easily done in Kuta) the night before, you’ve not lost anything (whether that’s cash or the contents of your stomach).
Visit The Trick Eye Museum
Bali can get hot/wet and at times hot and wet. Therefore, it’s always good to have a list of a few things to do when the weather is not on your side. The Trick Eye Museum in the Dream Museum Zone just on the edge of Kuta is a great option and it is also family friendly. The museum is full of (approximately 120) gigantic interactive 3D artworks which are great for posing with. Therefore ensure you have your camera with you for all the comedy photographs, including swimming underwater, riding a surfboard and even sitting in a monster’s mouth. For less than £8 this fun museum is worth the visit if you have the time.
Shop Till You Drop
Straw bags are the in thing at the moment and can be found all over the internet. However, on the back streets of Kuta, you can find beautifully crafted straw bags priced roughly between £10 and £20. This depends on your haggling skills. Therefore, you may want to save some room in your luggage to pack a few for you and your family and friends too. If you don’t fancy haggling at the various stalls and shops, don’t worry. Kuta is also home to a number of fixed priced shops and shopping malls. Here the price you see is the price you pay. Also, don’t miss Kuta’s Art Market, located on Kuta Square, the perfect place to pick up an artisan souvenir.
Stay At A Luxury Hotel
Kuta is extremely popular with backpackers. Therefore many people, including us before visiting, assumed the only type of accommodation on offer are hostels. However, this is not the case. Yes, there are a number of hostels if you yourself are a backpacker or travelling on a budget. But if you have a bit more cash to splash and fancy treating yourself, you’ll be pleased to know there are a number of luxury hotels in Kuta too. With sea views, beautiful swimming pools, palatial surroundings and not forgetting waiter service such hotels are the perfect place to relax. In between seeing all the wonderful things Bali has to offer of course.
Get Wet & Wild At Waterbom Bali
If you fancy a bit of fun and adventure than a trip to Bali’s most popular waterpark Waterbom Bali is a must. With rides rated from mellow to extreme, there’s something for everyone’s tastes. We love waterparks and this really is a good one. Be sure to get there early to bag yourself a prime sun lounger which will come in handy for drying off between shooting down the flumes. With a food court, restaurants and even a swim-up pool bar together with a shop in case you have forgotten something essential, there’s enough here for a full day of slipping and sliding and having fun in the sun.
Chill Out At A Spa
If you are looking for ultimate relaxation and need a little ‘me’ (or couple) time, Kuta has some great options. Kuta is home to some great spas which are the perfect place to head for a pampering if you fancy a treatment or two including the Insta famous traditional flower bath (which actually originated on the neighbouring Indonesian island of Java) or a Balinese massage. Yogis will also love Kuta’s vibe as many of the spas found in the city are also home to yoga studios. You could practice your own yoga or perhaps join a class. Many studios offer Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga which is taught in a heated room – if Bali isn’t hot enough for you already! Namaste.
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