Eat, Drink, Play and Snooze your way around Kuta

Kuta Guest Article by: Ruth Johnston – Publisher of Exploramum

Kuta , Bali in Indonesia is a magnet. A magnet to tourists from all over the world. Traditionally it was mainly filled with Australians who can fly there for under $100 each way, and from as few as 2 hours by plane. Recently Germans, Japanese and Chinese seem to be catching up with the Aussies in the numbers that flock to Kuta.

So why is Kuta so popular?

Here are a few of the reasons I found when visiting this month.

SUN – Blue skies await.

The sun rises across the water of this tiny island paradise each morning around 6:00 a.m. Some healthy folk can be found walking, running or practicing yoga along the foreshore as the day emerges revealing its warm and tropical splendor.

Kuta is also a great place to learn to surf, and lessons are very affordable. As the town literally spills onto the sand at the end of the street, the beach is also very accessible. Others can be found topping up their tans by the pool, or chatting around the sunken pool bar found at nearly every hotel or resort nearby.

SHOPPING – Bargains for all.

Clothing is incredibly inexpensive to purchase in Bali, and the Kuta Market is a draw for every traveler who passes through. With bags laden from their ‘lucky morning price’, most have haggled a bargain or two before ‘beer o’clock” has even started, and few leave without the proverbial ‘Bintang Beer Tank Top’.

If you survive the constant beep-beep of a taxi seeking a fare, or hawkers trying to entice you into their store, then you are ready to pound the pavement and snap up a killer deal. Bali is also known for rip-off designer and surf brands; silver jewellery; woven handicrafts; Batik; and their Kuta fashion items that don young and old who wander the streets.

WATERPARKS – Time for some fun.

Kids and adults alike love Kuta. Waterbom in the heart of town boasts the longest outdoor waterslide in the world, and Canggu Club including Splash Water Park is a playground of wet and dry fun activities not to be missed.

BALINESE – Kind, patient and happy people.

Maybe it is the predominant peaceful religion of Hindu on the Island of Bali that is the reason you’ll find the Balinese to be so incredibly tolerant of outsiders (who can at times be very abrupt, rude and disrespectful). Maybe it is their humble nature, or the generally happy disposition. The mystery remains, but most Balinese are incredibly jovial, gently and patient. The island of Bali is a mix of faith. Hindu, Muslim, Catholic and a growing Christian community can be found here, all living in harmony.

FLASH HOTELS – and fancy service.

Few places in the world can offer you a four or five star hotel like The Trans Resort Bali for as low as $100 a night (depending on the time of year). With personalized service, plush rooms, and plunge pools, Kuta is the affordable place to take a break.  And for the budget backer; you can share a dorm for as low as $10 a night.

SPA AND MASSAGES – your body will thank you.

If you are on a budget, you can find a dingy massage parlor from as low as $5 an hour; or a decedent spa treatment for up to $100 an hour. Bath in flowers at Dala Spa at Alaya Hotel like I did, for the all time pamper experience. Couples can also enjoy a two-for-one value deal at a salubrious spa for under $25 a person. Whatever type of massage takes your fancy; you’ll find it in Kuta.

BEER – The beer is cheap.

Yes, cheap beer is a major draw for Kuta. Bars cater widely to tourists and backpackers, and with beer at as low as $.75 (USD) a bottle, they can drink to their hearts content. Many a ‘Bucks Party’ or ‘Hens Night’ can be found revelling around the pool bar here in Kuta. There is even a Hangover Clinic which caters specifically for those who have overindulged!

Still need convincing? I doubt it! Bali has it all, and it’s the perfect time to book now that holiday experience to Kuta. A place to eat, drink, play and snooze your way around town without breaking the bank account.