Kuta is by far the most touristic place on Bali. It’s directly located at the beach and the airport is only a few minutes away. Kuta has the best range of hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. When you want to have a unspoilt tropical hidaway, Kuta is not the spot for you. If you don’t mind the crowded beaches and want to shop around and party until dawn, then Kuta might be the place for you.

Popular spots around Kuta are Legian, Seminyak and Tuban. Theses places are busy, but not that crowded as Kuta. With a taxi, you can be there in minutes, if your not stuck in a traffic jam of course. Seminyak is probably the most quiet of these places and is famous for the many restaurants in one place (Oberoi street) and the gay nightlife (Dhyana pura street).

When Kuta developed to be a tourist spot, Legian used to be the more quit alternative, but nowadays you cannot see where Kuta ends and Legian begins. Seminyak is the next village north from Legian and is also becoming more touristic.

A big shopping spot in Kuta is the Kuta Square; the ‘Times Square’ in Bali. In this street you find many shops, but be careful; most of the brands they’re selling (like armani, gucci) are imitation. Real are for example the surf brands and sunglasses from the big sunglass shop.

All these places are directly located at the beach, so surfers are regulars there. The waves can be quite big, but there are better surfing spots on the island (like Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang). Please be aware, that even when the waves look small, the current can be really strong in the water! Look at the flags on the beach; when crossed, don’t swim there. Always make sure that there is a guard watching and never go to far into the water. When you feel that the water is pulling you further into the sea; swim to the sides and then to the beach, instead of directly towards the beach again. You’ll probably in a current so better not fight it.

In Legian, there’s a nice spot to grab some dinner at the beach; the Blue Ocean beach. On sundays, around sunset, there are firedancers and the place is packed with locals, expatriates and tourists.