Known for its long beach walk, surfer-friendly waves, stunning sunsets, bustling shopping alleys, and vibrant nightlife, Bali’s legendary Kuta Beach is perfect for both adventure seekers and travelers looking to unwind.
If you’re thinking of exploring this lively beach town during your Bali trip but still stuck on how to plan your itinerary? Don’t worry, we’ve got you.
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In this guide, we’ll help you navigate Kuta Beach like a local. Look forward to recommendations on all the fun activities, top accommodations, best food spots, and more!
Getting around Kuta Beach
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Before you start noting down the exciting sights and attractions, learn about all the best ways you can get in and around Kuta. It’s only a few minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, making it really easy to access. There are also multiple modes of transportation you can opt for to get to, from, and around Kuta Beach, including:
Private car charters or rentals in Bali
Renting a private car is definitely one of the most popular options for getting around, especially for larger groups. There are different types of private car charters in Bali, and the best part is you can choose one with or without a driver.
If you value comfort and privacy while traveling (and feel confident in your navigation skills), renting a car without a driver is your best bet. Apart from the payment, you’ll need to prepare the rental requirements, which include your passport, a valid international driver’s permit, and your home country-issued driver’s license.
On the other hand, there’s no need to stress about driving or getting lost if you book a private car charter with a driver. Since they know the area well, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights until you arrive at your destination/s.
Klook tip: Local drivers usually know all the best spots so don’t be afraid to ask them about hidden gems and tips on the best places to visit, eat, and shop around the island!
Motorcycle rentals
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Motorcycles are a godsend if you’re the type of traveler who prefers flexibility, spontaneity, and adventure. They’re cheaper to rent than cars (usually ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 IDR per day or roughly 3 to 6 USD). They’re also easier to drive in areas with narrow roads and winding alleys like Kuta Beach, Seminyak, and Ubud.
To rent one, all you need to do is present your valid passport, international driver’s permit, and home country-issued driver’s license. Some rental shops only let you pay via cash while others accept card payments as well. For less hassle when planning your trip, you can also opt to rent scooters or motorbikes online.
Klook tip: Always wear a helmet and read up on the local traffic rules. And, don’t forget to bring your international driver’s permit and home country-issued driver’s license with you as there are traffic police checks around the island.
Taxis or ride-sharing services
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For short trips in and around Kuta Beach, another convenient option is to hail a taxi along the road or book a car or motorbike ride-sharing service via Grab or Go-Jek.
As long as you have a local mobile number and internet access, setting up your Grab or Go-Jek account and booking rides should be easy.
All you have to do is download either app, set up your account (similar to how you’d sign up for Uber or Lyft!), enable card payments for convenience (although you can pay with cash as well), and start booking!
Klook tip:
Reserve your Bali SIM card ahead of your trip to avoid any hassles upon arrival! With Klook, you can conveniently pick up your Bali SIM card at Ngurah Rai International Airport’s arrival hall. For those with eSim compatible devices, you can also get a high-speed Indonesian eSim in just a few clicks. This way, you’ll have a local number and mobile data to access ride-sharing services anytime!
Walking
Compared to neighborhoods like Canggu and Ubud, which aren’t as pedestrian-friendly, Kuta is a great area to explore on foot. It offers a lot of shopping lanes and streets lined with different cafes and restaurants. So whether you’re craving food and drinks or looking to shop, you’ll have a variety of places to choose from as you walk around.
Where to stay in Kuta
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Kuta offers a wide selection of accommodations to suit any preference and budget - whether you’re looking for a luxury experience or a cozy yet affordable stay.
But we get it, with the number of promising Kuta accommodations to choose from, picking one can be a bit overwhelming. So, to make it easier for you, we’ve listed our top recommendations:
The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali (Luxury)
Looking for the ultimate luxury experience? The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali has it all – think refined rooms with stunning poolside and ocean views and phenomenal 5-star service. You’ll also be spoilt for choice with the resort’s amazing amenities, which include a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, library, and direct beachfront access.
What’s more is that the resort is only a few minutes away from top attractions and shopping centers like Waterbom Bali, Kuta Theater, Discovery Shopping Mall, and Lippo Mall.
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (Map)
Poppies Bali (Mid-range)
Get a taste of cultural charm and the tranquility of nature at Poppies Bali. This popular cottage-style accommodation is right in the heart of the Kuta! Designed with authenticity and comfort in mind, its Balinese-style cottages are built with new and traditional elements, combining thatched roofs and stylish wooden furniture with modern features.
Walk around Poppies Bali’s vibrant gardens and take advantage of amenities like its outdoor pool and on-site restaurant. Just a short walk away, you can also explore nearby beaches, bustling markets, and popular Kuta attractions and shops like Poppies Lane, Bali Sea Turtle Society, Kuta Square, and Young Spa Bali.
Address: Jl. Poppies Lane I No.19, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (Map)
The Pavilion Kuta (Budget-friendly)
If you prefer a place that’s a little bit more budget-friendly but still ticks all the boxes for comfort and convenience, then The Pavilion Kuta might just be the one for you. Here, you’ll find simple yet nice amenities, clean and cozy rooms, and hotel staff that’ll take excellent care of you (offering awesome tour suggestions!).
From the hotel, you can also take a short stroll to the beach or explore streets filled with vibrant shopping areas, relaxing spas, and different dining options. It’s really an ideal base for exploring Kuta and the rest of Bali!
Address: Jl. Kuta Theater No.8, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (Map)
Things to Do in Kuta
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Now that you’re familiar with Kuta’s best accommodations and how to get around the neighborhood, let’s start looking at activities and attractions to add to your itinerary! And the great news is, we’re already one step ahead of you with this list of things to do in Kuta Beach:
1. Learn to surf at Kuta Beach
If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, Kuta Beach is the perfect place to do it. The beach is famous for its gentle, long, and consistent waves, which make for perfect surfing conditions. Scattered along the beach are tons of surf schools and gear shops that are ready to take on both beginner and experienced surfers alike.
Professional instructors will be there to help you learn and with enough practice, you’ll be catching waves like a pro and enjoying the adrenaline rush!
2. Enjoy thrilling water adventures at Waterbom Park Bali
Looking to add another water adventure to your itinerary? Book a day pass and experience the exhilarating array of amenities at Waterbom Park Bali. This world-class water park features everything from floating rivers and serene wading pools to thrilling slides and water rides. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, definitely try out rides like the Boomerang, the Climax, and the Pipeline.
The park also caters to younger visitors so if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll be able to enjoy the dedicated kids’ area complete with shallow pools, kiddie slides, and water canons.
With Klook’s Waterbom Bali 1-day attraction pass, you can easily skip the queue and go straight to enjoying the park’s many offerings.
3. Book a relaxing massage or reflexology service
Take an opportunity to relax, refresh, and embrace the holistic wellness culture that Bali is famous for. Give yourself a much-needed break and enjoy a relaxing massage service or reflexology treatment at the Kokuo Family Massage & Reflexology in Discovery Mall Kuta.
The spa lets you choose from multiple package options, including a signature massage and reflexology, athletic massage, premium reflexology, and Seitai or Japanese stretch massage. There’s even free tea or coffee at the end of every treatment!
If you take a walk along Kuta’s alleys, you’ll discover a wide selection of spas that also offer reflexology and other types of massages. Some of the services you’ll find include traditional Balinese massages, Ayurvedic massages, deep tissue massages, hot stone massages, aromatherapy, and more!
4. Visit nearby temples
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While Kuta is known for its more modern attractions, it also boasts several cultural sites worth visiting (many of which are temples!). One of these cultural attractions is the Vihara Dharmayana, which is one of the oldest and most well-maintained Buddhist temples in Kuta. It’s only a short trip from Kuta beach so don’t be afraid to squeeze it into your itinerary.
While you’re at it, add the Dalem Tunon Temple to your list too! This peaceful Hindu temple is only a stone’s throw away from Waterbom Park and features intricate Balinese architecture and designs throughout the temple – all set amongst lush greenery.
Klook tip: If you’re planning to visit Hindu or Buddhist temples, make sure to wear modest clothing or bring a sarong with you to carry in your day pack. This way, you can cover up the shoulders, back, and anything above the knee before entering the temples, remaining respectful of Balinese temple etiquette.
5. Find souvenirs and shop Balinese crafts at the Kuta Art Market
There’s also Discovery Mall in Kuta which is about a 7 min walk from Kuta Art Market
Get ready to shop for souvenirs at the Kuta Art Market. Here you’ll discover rows upon rows of stalls and stores selling traditional Balinese handicrafts, artwork, clothing, and other trinkets and souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to marvel at local arts and crafts and find the perfect Bali memento to bring back home.
Klook tip: Want to avoid the large crowds? Start shopping after sunset! You can rest easy since the market doesn’t close until 10pm.
Where to eat in Kuta
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After an exciting day of exploring sites, going on water adventures, and shopping ‘til you drop, you’ll be starving so make sure you know the best places to eat in Kuta so you can fuel up!
From traditional Indonesian cuisine to a range of international dining options, Kuta’s culinary scene is as diverse as its visitors. Here are some top spots that you should definitely consider checking out:
Bale Udang Mang Engking Kuta
Treat yourself to a unique Indonesian dining experience at Bale Udang Mang Engking! Set amidst tranquil fish ponds and lush greenery, this local restaurant features floating bamboo gazebos that let you enjoy nature’s sounds while you eat.
They have an expansive menu that showcases a variety of Indonesian and Balinese dishes, with lots of emphasis on seafood. These are all usually prepared with local spices and ingredients, which can be pretty spicy so don’t be afraid to ask the staff for options with less spice.
- Must try: Satisfy your seafood cravings with their honey shrimp dish and grilled fish options!
- Address: Jl. Nakula No.88, Pemecutan Klod, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80119, Indonesia (Map)
Hard Rock Cafe Kuta
If you’re looking to enjoy good food with lively music performances in central Kuta, Hard Rock Cafe is the place to be! Soak up the energetic ambiance as you try out local favorites or eat American classics like juicy burgers, tender ribs, and fresh salads. You can also pick drinks from their extensive selection of cocktails, wines, and beers!
- Must try: Hard Rock Cafe’s Legendary burger is legendary for a reason so why not try it out!
- Address: Jl. Pantai Kuta, Banjar Pande, Mas, Kec. Kuta, Denpasar, Bali 80361, Indonesia (Map)
Warung Indonesia Kuta
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Want to try tasty and authentic Indonesian dishes without breaking the bank? Drop by Warung Indonesia Kuta to get your fill! You can find this local restaurant just off Poppies Lane 2. Their menu has a ton of options, including Nasi Campur (mixed rice meal), gado gado, and jackfruit curry. The best part is that they offer a variety of vegan options too!
- Must try: Don’t miss out on the nasi goreng (fried rice) and satay!
- Address: Jl. Popies II, Gang Ronta, Kuta 80361 Indonesia (Map)
Ready for the best island experience? Explore Kuta Beach, Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, and the rest of Bali with Klook! Book your accommodations, activities, restaurants, and everything in between – all with one app. Download Klook now for a stress-free trip!
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