Kuta Beach Bali

wasandi - Bali has been Indonesia’s top tourist destination for decades, with Kuta Beach establishing itself as a surfing mecca on Asia’s popular backpacking route in South East Asia. Long golden beaches, stunning coral reefs, a vibrant island culture, international cuisines, luxury shopping, and world-class surfing are just a few of the activities that visitors can enjoy here. Today, Kuta is known as much for its luxury accommodations, fancy restaurants, and posh nightclubs as it is for its wild parties and festivities. Amongst it all we managed to find a few rare gems that have injected a fresh dose of creativity to the lifestyle and glamour of this once sedate fishing village.

Eats – Local Favorites

Smack in the middle of Kuta Square, Dulang Cafe serves unpretentious local cuisine at a reasonable price. You’ll probably notice the bright greenish-blue canopy while you walk and shop around the area. Head in and you’ll find some of the best local fare in town, such as the juicy Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup), which comes in two versions – one with fried meat, and another with stewed meat. Other local favorites include Ayam Penyet and the spicy Sambal Terasi that comes with it!

Play – Surf and Turf

Surfing is the name of the game at Kuta Beach. There are a number of options for surfers of every age and ability, so there’s no reason to miss out on the fun. Kuta Beach is famous for its sandy bottom, which not only creates a relatively safe environment for those just learning, but also allows surfers to cut loose without having to think about any coral reefs or rocks lurking below the surface of the water. Beginners can take their pick of various surfing schools in the area. Two of the most popular are Rip Curl School of Surf and Quiksilver Surf School Bali.

Drinks – Party On

Not far from the Bali bombing memorial, M-Bar-Go, a large two-story bar has recently opened and created some fierce competition with other dance bars in the area. A favorite with expats and locals alike, M-Bar-Go has great music and even holds the occasional fashion show to spice up the atmosphere. Right next to it, Sky Garden is another happening venue.

Sunrise and Sunset on Kuta beach
You may wish the bird singing to wake up you up. If you stay in Kuta, Drunkards will most likely step in the job. The good news is you are awake around 5 or 6 am. The sunrise is imminent, and it’s a beautiful time to catch some local life on the misty Kuta beach. Be yourself, enjoy the moment as hawkers are not at work yet. Surfers are in the water, family play around, joggers are out, all surrounded by this kilometers long black sand beach. For the ones who came to Bali for clean white beach and pristine water, this is not the place for you.

If anyone approach you, it is generally with genuine intentions. I ended spending an hour with a family from Java, who wanted a picture with each member, and in all combinations. Without having the time to say anything they invited me to visit them if I come near their place. I walked them to their hotel, and got plenty of information from the guy manning the desk about just anything happening on the island.