Kuta (Photo by chee.hong)
Kuta holidays are perhaps Bali’s most famous tourist destination. Extremely popular among surfers and young backpackers, the city’s long expanse of beach on the Indian Ocean is considered one of the best in Indonesia. The youthful nature of the city’s visitors lends it a chaotic and congested atmosphere that nonetheless adds to the experience.
Kuta was originally a fishing village, but after being discovered as an excellent surfing location by young Australians, it experienced a rapidly improving reputation as a popular beach resort, partly due to the fantastic Kuta weather and climate. Located just 15 minutes by taxi from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Kuta is easy to get to.
The city’s beach is relatively well-maintained, but loud and busy, just like most Kuta accommodation properties that reside along its main street. Young surfers flock to the waves and a myriad of vendors can be aggressive in their attempts to sell food, services and beach equipment. Surf schools are extremely popular. Larger establishments offer multi-day lessons and equipment rental for a modest price. Small local surf shops often provide similar deals at lower prices with a less formal atmosphere. For an even greater adventure, “surf tours” are available which charter students to exotic surfing destinations accompanied by professional photographers to document the excursion.
Street food is common, as the city caters to a population of young, cash-strapped backpackers. Most eateries are small, locally owned, and likewise authentic, and many offer specialty mixed drinks based around Arak, a spirit made from rice.
Bali’s currency is the Indonesian rupiah, and Balinese and Indonesian are the most common languages. Many residents speak two or three languages, often an uncommon tribal language, modern Balinese for communicating with their fellow citizens, and English for communicating with tourists.
