With a long, broad beach on the Indian Ocean Kuta was originally discovered by tourists as a surfing mecca. Long a stop on the classic backpacking route in Asia, back in the 80's they used to talk about the three Ks (which were Katmandu in Nepal, Khao San road in Bangkok and Kuta). Today Kuta is a showcase of excessive development gone wrong. It is a chaotic, tightly packed mass of concrete and congestion with a run down infrastructure. The beach is overrun with touts and most serious surfers have headed elsewhere.

The 5km long arcing white sand stretch of Kuta is still arguably the best beach front on Bali. The beach is safe, partially clean, well-maintained, although the vendors remain annoying. Kuta is far from the fishing village it once was: it is now a Pacific resort and its streets are clogged with traffic, particularly during the peak seasons of July and August. The northern beach resorts of Petitinget (within the greater Seminyak area) and Kerobokan are in many ways more laid back versions of Kuta, less crowded and more suitable for longer stays. Further north still, Canggu and Dalung offer even more tranquility.

Kuta is now the party area of Bali and most clubs are lined up on Jl. Legian. Also it's the base for every backpacker who starts his/her tour around Bali as Kuta is the transportation hub for the whole island.

Hotel in this area

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