If you’re searching hotels in Bali Kuta Beach is likely on your radar. Especially if you’re budget conscious, the sheer number of hotels there and proximity to the airport make it very appealing for a few quick days on the beach.
But you may have also noticed in your searches that many of the top travel bloggers absolutely hated it there. To hear them tell it you’d think you were signing up for a holiday in the seventh level of Hell. So many people visit every year from all over the world. It couldn’t be that bad, right?
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Does Kuta Beach Deserve Its Reputation?
I didn’t think Kuta Beach was as bad as the top search results suggest. But it isn’t good, either.
It’s not fair to characterize Kuta Beach as a constant party zone. It isn’t dominated by blacked-out Australians double-fisting Bintangs in the middle of the street day and night. Sure, there are nightclubs but if you’re not staying out late and going to nightclubs that doesn’t really affect you. The bar scene is not any bigger or different from what you would expect in any beach town.
Some writers would have you believe it’s a shame that the sweet and innocent Balinese people are being degraded by rowdy tourists. In my experience it was the other way around. People out and about seemed to want to just relax and go with the flow. But it’s not very relaxing to have merchants and cab drivers calling out and hassling you constantly. People in Bali are generally the same as people anywhere but the ones involved in the tourist trade in Kuta Beach are jerks. People buzzing by you in the narrow streets on motorbikes are jerks.
The Experience of Going to the Beach in Bali
I also don’t think it’s fair to describe Kuta Beach as being filthy or having dirty water. It is underwhelming. It’s not going to knock your socks off with white sand and crystal clear waves. But if you’re left feeling dirty or sleazy after visiting the beach it’s not because of the sand or water.
It’s because the people working the beach are dirty and sleazy. I prefer the experience of going to the beach in the US to overseas. Back in the States most people come to the beach in a car. It’s no problem to haul your own chairs, coolers, umbrellas, whatever. In Asia, and particularly at Kuta Beach the whole experience is designed to make money off providing those things for you. Most of the square footage on the beach is given over to private operators renting chairs or “bars” operating right on the beach.
There’s not a lot of space to claim for yourself without paying for something. When you do find a few meters of your own people will walk right up and try to sell you drinks or other things. No matter if you’re reading or wearing headphones or have your eyes closed. I don’t care in the least if these people are poor or trying to feed their families or what have you. They’re rude and their station in life doesn’t excuse it.
Kuta Beach Alternatives
I didn’t notice any difference between Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak. It’s all one big thing. There’s no advantage to being in Seminyak vs. Kuta.
The beaches around Nusa Dua are considerably nicer. They’re probably not the nicest beach you’ve ever seen, but it’s an all-around better experience down there. The beach is higher quality. There are very few merchants, and the areas off the beach are manicured gardens instead of a grimy city. The whole area, including the beach, feels like it’s part of a private resort. There are a number of resorts in the area, but it’s free and open to the public.
Search the Map: Nusa Dua Resorts at Hotels.com
Hotels near Nusa Dua are more expensive than in Kuta beach. If staying here is within your budget you should strongly consider it. If you do stay in Kuta you should plan on taking a Grab and doing your beach days here.
The Water Blow attraction in Nusa Dua costs around $2 and is very Instagrammable. If you go plan to see it at high tide. I skipped it because it was low tide when I would have liked to go. Low tide is not without its charms though. The tide goes out a long way and you’re able to walk into areas that were fairly deep just a few hours before.
Kuta Beach is Not All Bad
I wouldn’t tell you not to visit Bali, or to avoid Kuta Beach at all costs. Take a look at the pool at Kuta Beach Hotel. It’s genuinely nice! It had a sea view and a vista of orange tiled rooftops. That hotel was only around $20 a night. Ruchira serves the best food I had in Asia. It was so good I went back again the next night.
I would’ve spent a day in Ubud but there was rain in the forecast. An hour away up in the mountains, Ubud is only about $12 each way in a Grab. If you’ve rented a scooter you can get there that way too.
If you do stay in Kuta Beach, Legian or Seminyak here is my best advice about finding a hotel. It’s better to be near the beach, even if the beach isn’t so great. Because the locals hound you and the busy streets are so narrow and irregular walking around in Kuta Beach is not pleasant. You should also be careful about paying more for an oceanfront hotel. A large wall separates the beach from the road, and a line of trees runs along the back of the beach. If you’re expecting an ocean view from your room you may be disappointed.
I think the best way to experience Bali is probably to stay in a luxury resort for 3 days, or rent a house for a month or more. If you’re coming to Kuta Beach, keep your expectations realistic.
