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Kuta is regarded by westerners as the hub of Bali. When I first came to Bali in 1985, Kuta was a village adorned by a few homes, a few shops,a few hotels and a handful of restaurants and warungs. Unfortunately for me, Kuta now is an over commercialised, noisy area that has grown too big and has lost a lot of it's original character and charm. Kuta has become an overcrowded tourist centre which has completely destroyed the magical attraction that it once possessed. On the other hand, it would be unfair to those who thrive in this type of hustle and bustle enviroment to completely knock it, because amongst all of this, there is some good shopping and excellent restaurants. Most kids love Kuta, with Timezone and Macs, along with cheap computer games and reasonably priced CD's. You can get a 5 day tattoo for about $aud10. There are numerous shops and with a fair variety to choose from and it is always advisable to hear what others say about the shops they have patronised. The one good thing still left in Bali is, that you can still barter and haggle over a price. Kuta has perhaps become a symbol of what some term "progress" in the modern world.
KUTA/LEGIAN BEACH
The beach is still an attraction to many and can offer some good surf, although it must be stressed that Kuta/Legian beach suffers from constant rips and these have claimed a few lives. You can get a drink at the beach bars and a good massage from one of the licensed masseurs who frequent the beach. The sunsets at Kuta are world renown, and a visit to the famous beach at dusk is well worth the visit. Restaurants
Bali Too - Jalan MelastiGosha - Jalan MelastiOrchid Garden - Jalan MelastiGlory - Jalan LegianMade's Warung - Jalan Pantai KutaPoppies - Poppies Lane (upmarket)Kuta Night Markets - east end of Jalan Bakung Sari (cheap, atmosheric and delicious seafood )TJ's Mexican - Poppies LaneBali Indah - Buna Strait (not far from Bemo Corner)
Fun Things
Try the HUMAN SLING SHOT at the New Bounty Hotel..and get a view of Australia at the same time!
Waterbom Park in Jalan Kartika Plaza. Opens daily at 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. Has large pools, waterslide, bar, tropical grounds. Lifeguards are on hand. Also lockers and towels are available for rent. Food and drink are not allowed to be brought into the park. A variety of foods and drinks are available at the park ( not cheap either). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Not as cheap as most things in Bali ( around $20 aud per person), but a really good fun day out. Ph: 62-361-755 676 or fax: 62 361 753 517. More info about Waterbom Park here NOTE: No refunds are given due to inclement weather.
Shopping
Too many shops too even start. If you are looking for something just ask. Mata Hari Department Store is right in the heart of Kuta and sells mainly western merchandise. Items sold include men's, women's and children's clothing and shoes, fashion accessories, CD's and cassettes, film, luggage, books and stationery, sports equipment, toys and local crafts as well as a mini timezone and cafeteria upstairs and a large well stocked supermart downstairs. But there are many small shops in Kuta that specialise in fashion clothing, shoes, surf gear, cd's and cassettes, film and processing, souvenirs, books, leather goods, sports gear, jewellery , watches, printing and stationery, tailors, chemists, groceries, hardware, electrical and so on. See shopping guide
If you are looking for a Visa ATM in Kuta click here Tailors
Paris (personally recommended) - Sahadewa St (the one that runs between Melasti and Padma Streets on l/h side about 60 metres before Padma St. Ph: (0361)756 818
Made to order suits, shirts, dresses, jackets etc.
Raja - Legian No. 415, near corner of Padma street on west side. Ph: (0361)756010 Fax:755734
Made to order suits, jackets, pants, dress etc.
Toilets
The toilets at Mata Hari's are primitive and smelly - a hole in the ground. The one at MacDonalds is OK. Look for clean restaurants and bars...they are likely to have a clean toilet. Handy to slip a bit of "dunny paper" in your pocket or bag.
Night Clubs
Bali Rock Cafe - Jalan Melasti. Back to the 60's and 70's.
Jaya Pub - Jalan Raya Seminyak. Good atmosphere and entertainment. Open until 2am.
Hard Rock Cafe - location right on Kuta beach. Regular live bands draw big crowds. The bands are usually good. They start at 11pm and go untill 2am.
Lips Bar - features a Country & Western group from 11pm.
O'Barrel Pub at Bali Padma Hotel - Top-40 house band.
Kacang Bali Peanuts Club Jl. Raya. Popular nite club in the Kuta area. Caters for mainly the young and frequented by locals.Large dance floor. Three bars and pool tables.
The Bounty Jln Legian. A popular bar that plays great music and is very friendly
Studebaker's - Jalan Legian. On the Jl. Legian strip, near Hard Rock and Tubes, the open air venue is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and parties every night.
The Warehouse - Jalan Legian.
Sari Club (SC) - Jalan Legian. Popular Aussie nite spot.
Cafe Luna - Jl. Raya Seminyak.
Attracts an upmarket Euro-style crowd. An Italian menu, indoor/outdoor seating and two bars make this a popular choice for food, people watching and late-night fun. Open until 2.30am,
Goa 2001 - Jalan Raya, Seminyak. One of Bali's best bars. Good draught beer and always cold. Crowd picks up later. Open until around 2.30am.
Double Six Open on Monday, Thursday and Saturday night. Opens at midnight. Gets started around 1am. Open till 4am.
Gado Gado - Seminyak. Open every night except Monday&Thursday. Gado Gado is a big disco on the beach. The latest music, three bars and a big dance floor. Open until 4am.
Cyber Cafe's
Legian Cyber Cafe
Jalan Sahadewa No. 21 (ex Menuh)
Legian, Kuta
Bali
Telephone/Fax 752-138, 761-804
Email: cyleg1@idola.net.id
CYBER CAFE
Jln Pura Bagus Tarlina
Legian
WARTEL "KAMBODIANA"
PT Inti Kambodiana Computer Services
Kuta Square C18
Jalan Bakung Sari No. 1
Kuta, Bali
Phone 753-330
Fax 753-331
Email: kambodiana@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Car Rentals Bali Indah - jl. Kartika Plaza 7, Tuban [tel:62-361-753929 ]
Gede's - jl. Pantai gang, Poppies I [tel: 62-361-752847 ] Mega Jaya - jl. Pantai Kuta, [tel: 62-361-751674 ]
As Bali is ever changing, especially hotel and restaurant names, or you can recommend something, then please forward information and I will add it to this page. Click the address to send your message.gnaxl@hotmail.com
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