With one of the most famous coastlines on the Indonesian island of Bali, Kuta spreads across the southern region with crashing waves attracting surfers from around the world. It’s also chock-full of party bars, nightlife and resorts dotting the beachfront and town plazas.

Things to do

The beach enclaves are the main attractions in Kuta, filled with vendors offering surf lessons, hair braiding, massages and beachfront food stalls. You can join the throngs of people skating, sunbathing and playing beach soccer, or cruise the main beach roads of Jalan Kartika Plaza and Jalan Pantai Kuta for shopping and dining.

The footpath along the beach gives access to more shopping at Discovery Shopping Mall and the lively Kuta Art Market. If you’re travelling with kids, you can take them across the street from the mall to enjoy Waterbom Bali, an expansive water park featuring a super-loop body slide and rides with names such as Superbowl, Boomerang and Smashdown. The park also offers tropical gardens and open-air eateries serving Indonesian cuisine.

Cultural highlights in Kuta include the Bali Shell Museum and Kuta Theatre in Jalan Kartika Plaza. The theatrical performances feature magic shows and cultural dramas such as the Lights of Faith production. Art enthusiasts can visit the Dream Museum Zone Bali, where you’ll see art from across the island in a collection of galleries showcasing three-dimensional art and wall paintings.

While you’re in Kuta, it’s worth a visit to the Vihara Dharmayana Buddhist temple to experience both the colourful architecture and the calming effects of incense burning and meditation.

Getting around

A public shuttle bus offers transportation to visitors, connecting the main beaches and tourist attractions. Metered taxis abound, as do ojek private scooter rides. You can also rent a motorbike, rental car or bicycle for the duration of your stay in Kuta.