KUTA
Area: Bali
Country: Indonesia


Location:
On the W coast of S Bali, 5 miles SW of Denpasar. The international airport is on the S edge of the resort.

Telephone code from UK:
62 361

Position:
The resort area occupies the road front of Kuta village, while residents' houses are jammed in the alleys that run behind and between hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.

Description:
The most rapidly developing resort in Bali. From a sleepy fishing village in the 1950s it became a haven in the 70s for young backpackers. To the N, the resort stretches into rural areas surrounded by paddy fields, offering secluded tranquillity. To the S, the busy main road enters the village of Tuban, next to the airport. Between these two extremes lie the main centre of Kuta itself and, just to the N, the well-developed area of Legian. Village life still goes on as ever, with processions and ceremonies along the beach, streets, and in the temples. Central Kuta is renowned for its nightlife and shopping _ and infamous for its traffic congestion. Plans are afoot for a centralised parking area, but in the meantime patience with the complicated one-way system is a prerequisite for anyone who wishes to stay in or around the area.

Suitability:
Mainly young people, or the young at heart, who enjoy the shopping and nightlife.

Accommodation:
Every conceivable type of accommodation, from the cheapest B&B to the most expensive 5-star. Most hotels pay homage to traditional styles of architecture.

Shopping:
Fashions and all kinds of handicrafts and accessories can be bought relatively cheaply.

Beach:
A long golden sandy beach, famous for its spectacular sunsets. The breakers attract surfers from all over the world. Swimmers must be careful, however, as there are dangerous rips and undercurrents. Local lifeguards mark off the safe swimming areas on the beach with flags.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beaches, water sports and shopping. Waterbom water-slide park. Nightlife: the widest choice on the island _ discos, bars and restaurants.

Eating:
Many restaurants with a wide choice of cuisines.

Public-transport:
Those who don't mind riding bicycles get around best!

Local-excursions:
Tanahlot, the spectacular temple on a rock farther up the W coast. Uluwatu temple, high on the cliffs of the S isthmus.