As Bali’s most recognised beach resort, Kuta is worlds away from the rustic fishing village that it once was. Today, Kuta’s gorgeous 5-kilometre stretch of golden sand is lined with resorts, specialising in all-inclusive packages. Over the years, Kuta’s laid-back attitude has made it a playground for backpackers in search of sun, sand and good times.

Catering to all budgets, Kuta’s busy streets are overflowing with everything from trendy taco shops and designer clothing boutiques to ultra-cheap street vendors and kitschy souvenir stalls. Kuta’s beachfront is a fantastic place to rent an umbrella, sip on a coconut, crack open a Bintang, learn to surf or simply sit back and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Located on Bali’s west coast, Kuta is just a short 15-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Once in Kuta, the best way to get around is on foot, as its streets can get incredibly traffic-choked. Neighbouring resort districts like Tuban, Legian and Seminyak are all within easy walking distance, though there are plenty of taxis and tuk-tuks cruising the streets.

While today Kuta is famous for its party scene, it wasn’t always so upbeat. It was once a sleepy fishing village, which made its way onto the South East Asian backpacking scene in the 1980s. It’s the birthplace of Bali’s world famous surf scene and was once considered an off-the-beaten-track paradise for diehard surfers.