Where to stay in Kuta
Vacation house with a pool or hot tub in Kuta
Where Is Kuta?
Kuta is a resort town and the district capital on the southwestern end of Bali, Indonesia. The main airport in Bali, Ngurah Rai Airport, is within the city limits, approximately 15 minutes south of the center. The area is easily accessible by bike, scooter, or foot, which is often preferable to car transport due to persistent traffic jams.
What Is Kuta Known For?
One of the first areas to undergo major development as a tourist destination, Kuta remains as one of the most important cities in Indonesia. North of the Nusa Dua Peninsula that includes Kuta, Jimbaran, and Sanur, tourist development is restricted to preserve Balinese culture and natural resources. The district drew international attention when 202 lives were lost to suicide bombers in 2002. Today, the area is popular amongst Australians and Southeast Asian backpackers and internationally known for its surfing, beaches, and luxury resorts. Spas, yoga, and bars are also highly popular, yet affordable activities. Kuta is known as “Sunset Beach” because it faces west, as opposed to Sanur’s “Sunrise Beach” which faces east — a picturesque memory in either locale.
A Quick Guide to Kuta
- Jalan Legian: The long and lively main street of Jalan Legian runs parallel to the beach and connects Kuta with Legian. This area is dense with shopping, spas, and restaurants, and comes alive after dark as the nightlife capital. Ground Zero Memorial is at the corner of Jalan Legian and Jalan Poppies II, which ends at Beachwalk Shopping Center. At the north end, Jalan Legian becomes Jalan Raya Seminyak at the edge of Seminyak.
- Kuta Beach: A large and bustling beach in the center of the city, Kuta Beach runs parallel to Jalan Legian and near all the central attractions, including surf schools, Beachwalk Shopping Center, Hardrock Cafe, and Waterbom Park. Expect to draw the attention of touts and beach hawkers. Other beaches are calmer and cleaner, but Kuta Beach is most central.
- Kuta Square: Behind the south end of Kuta Beach is Kuta Square, a shopping mall district with many recognizable Western brands, often offered at half the cost of their mainland counterparts, including Hurley, RipCurl, Reebok, and Polo Ralph Lauren.
- Carrefour Plaza: The top floor of Carrefour Plaza is a western supermarket and below are small designer boutiques, a fantastic bookstore, and the best authorized Apple store in Bali.
- Waterbom Park: Packed full of slides and rides, Waterbom Park can give travelers quite a thrill. The facility uses a top-notch salt chlorination system built to international standards. It is known to be one of the best waterparks in Asia.
Popular Destinations Near Kuta
- Denpasar: The capital of Bali shares a border with Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, but is slightly off the beaten tourist path despite its proximity. Denpasar is filled with temples, museums, and historical palaces. The Bali Museum tells both the ancient and modern history of the Balinese people. It was first established in 1910, though it was rebuilt after an earthquake. Plus, beautiful Sanur Beach can be found approximately 20 minutes east.
- Ubud: The cultural heart of Bali is in a rainforest 45 minutes north of Kuta by car. Ubud is known for its traditional art and dance, and is also one of the top spa destinations in Asia. In addition to the Traditional Art Market, the Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegenungan Waterfall should be on your itinerary when you visit Ubud.
Best Neighborhoods in Kuta
- Legian: North of Kuta, the lovely Legian is known for surfing and sunsets. The beach is lined with bars, and nearby are a wide assortment of mid-level accommodations and restaurants. Dream Museum Zone, also known as DMZ Art Museum, is a gallery full of interactive 3D art designed for the ultimate photo op.
- Seminyak: One mile north of Legian in Seminyak, a relaxed but vibrant neighborhood with beach beds and umbrellas available to rent, in addition to a wide range of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
- Jimbaran: Pentai Kelan is a scenic beach immediately south of the airport that is good for simultaneously sunbathing and plane-watching. The beach runs south into Kedonganan Beach, Jimbaran Beach, and ultimately Pantai Muaya. All of the beaches are narrow with white, soft sand. There are many restaurants and shops available, but little nightlife. What used to be a small fishing village is now a world-class resort.
Home-types in Kuta
Kuta has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Kuta:
- Hotel: 1,345 vacation rentals
- House: 323 vacation rentals
- Resort: 58 vacation rentals
- Hostel: 46 vacation rentals
- Bed and Breakfast: 10 vacation rentals
Popular rental amenities
Price trends in Kuta
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