What to do in Bali ?
Essential to remember
Bali-Kuta is the most touristy and least authentic area of the island. Popular surf beach, intense nightlife (Beachwalk, Sky Garden), but overcrowded and polluted. To avoid if you are looking for the Balinese soul. Prefer Ubud, Sidemen or Amed.
During my last world tour in 2011, I spent 1 month in Indonesia, and spent a good part of my stay in Bali and in the paradise Gili islands.
More precisely in Bali Kuta, I will tell you about the different activities you can do in this neighborhood.
Did you know ?
Kuta was the main target of the Bali bombing in October 2002 (202 deaths in the Sari Club bombing). A memorial has been erected on the site, right next to the Beachwalk Mall. It is one of the important historical sites of the modern city.
Bali Kuta :
The classic trap to avoid
Avoid booking your entire stay in Kuta: it is the worst version of Bali. Maximum 1 night upon arrival if you land late, then go straight to Ubud, Canggu (more upscale), or Sidemen for the real experience.
- Surfing, Bali Kuta is known for being the Australian quarter and is loved by the small community of Australian surfers. You can rent your surfboard on the beach or buy boards in one of the many surf shops!
- Getting a massage while sunbathing, one of the special things in Bali is that there are many people who come up to you to offer a massage, they arrive and start touching you and ask if you want a massage.
- Getting a tattoo, as in many Southeast Asian countries, getting a tattoo costs 2 to 5 times less than in France. It is also possible to get a tattoo with ink that fades after a week, the cost is lower compared to a real tattoo.
- Eating Indonesian, one of the particularities of this very touristy district is that it has small, inexpensive restaurants almost everywhere, whether in the small streets or on the central or main street.
- Renting a scooter and visiting the island.
- Diving in Bali, being a district where most backpackers are, there are many diving centers that offer dives throughout Bali.
- Planning your next trips or excursions to the islands or to Java, Sumatra, or Lombok. In this district, there are many travel agencies offering trips to your next destination. Make sure to check several agencies to compare prices; prices can vary from simple to triple, so you should negotiate!
- Going partying, the district is known for two things: surfing and its rather wild and extravagant nightclubs. There are mainly two big nightclubs: “Sky Garden” and “Bounty”. The advantage of the first, which is a nightclub on 4 floors, is that they offer free alcoholic drinks between 10 pm and 11 pm with a small appetizer and fruits. The cocktails are quite strong, so don’t consume too many even if they’re free because you can quickly get very drunk; eat before going. Check your belongings when you are in the club or when you leave because there are many pickpockets in the nightclub due to the effect of alcohol; you won’t see your belongings being taken.
- Buying souvenirs, there are many inexpensive souvenir shops throughout the district.
  ;
Safety and things to avoid (or do) in Bali Kuta:
Some additional resources if the topic interests you: Sydney places to lay the foundations, snorkeling in Bali for practical aspects, and diving spots to go further.
Should you sleep in Kuta?
No more than 1 night, just for airport transition. Prefer then Ubud, Canggu, Sidemen, or Amed.
What to do in Kuta?
Surfing for beginners, Beachwalk Mall, nightlife. Not much “Balinese” in the strict sense.
Is Kuta dangerous?
No, overall safety is OK. Be vigilant of pickpockets in crowds and taxi scams without meters.
- Beware of pickpockets when leaving the club,
- Always have your hotel card just in case,
- Do not carry overly conspicuous items,
- Do not bring valuables to the beach,
- Be careful who you talk to, especially transvestites, they can steal from you without you realizing it.
- Beware of fights when leaving the club.
