What’s the fuss about Kuta?
Bali is a very sacred island, with a unique culture, ornate temples, special ceremonies… and Kuta. It was my fifth time in Bali and this time we were heading there purely to relax.
So why were we staying in Kuta you might ask?
Well why not? On previous trips to Bali we’ve never stayed in Kuta, having stayed in Tuban, Ubud, Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Sanur.
True, we could relax beside a private infinity pool on the cliffside of an intimate resort in Ubud. But value and location were a factor when selecting our hotel in Bali. If we could find luxury hotel at a reasonable price that was within walking distance to markets, beach and restaurants, we would feel like we hit the jackpot.
We had always enjoyed the interaction with the hawkers, the proximity to good places to eat and prefer to get around mostly on foot and not have to bother with transport. On the downside Kuta is congested and has a bad reputation.
But we wanted to try Kuta for ourselves and were determined not to let a bad reputation of being the kind of place only “Aussie bogans would stay” deter us.
Now that is not our opinion. Reading the many travel blogs out there, most will slag off Kuta. One blogger was happy to tell all about why he considered Kuta to be the worst place he’s ever been and tell why he’ll never, ever go back there. Apparently unless you are going to Kuta to hit up the surf at the “biggest, filthiest container of human waste” or wanting to get intoxicated and get “some action for your sex organs”, then his advice is don’t go there. Maybe this blogger hasn’t seen the filth around Milan Central train station or Budapest underpass or seen the sleazy side of the Red Light district of Amsterdam or Pigalle in Paris.
Another blogger rated Kuta as the most vile place on earth with streets filled with vomiting holidaymakers.
I read you can’t walk 5 feet without hearing a call for “taxi” by a driver who is trying to rip you off. We spoke to a local driver who explained the taxi owner takes a massive percentage of the fare, and the driver, after working 12-14 hour days, still has to pay for the fuel after receiving his tiny cut of the daily takings. This is why they also try to get you to agree to fixed price, rather than go off the metre so they can pocket a little for themselves. When things are tight it’s very competitive, hence why they call and honk for fares. The difference is, instead of paying $2 for a taxi ride, you pay $5, which is still far from a rip off.
We also read that Kuta is overcrowded and not exactly a secluded beach. Have you seen Bondi?
It is easy to draw comparisons to places in Europe or elsewhere, positive or negative. But it’s not hard to find places offering superb service, little pockets of luxury living, amazing artworks and little back alleys in the centre of Kuta.
I’m sick of people bagging Kuta (or any place). It is what it is, but if you go there and search for all the negative and focus on it, your trip will be impacted. If you go there with a positive attitude, mix with the locals, take the time to be polite and strike up a conversation, you will likely see similarities with what lies in the other areas of Bali too.
True, crowded tourist hot spots are not everyone’s cup of tea and Kuta has received a lot of negative publicity. And I am certainly not saying Kuta is pristine. But some of the rubbish people complain about are the offerings placed on the ground that get kicked about by ignorant tourists. Kuta is not full of loud, rude drunks and pushy touts. It’s also not jam-packed with lewd and crass inebriated Australian bogans, although there are always a few tourists who create a bad image by displaying inappropriate behaviour anywhere you go. Kuta has some stylish bars, cosmopolitan restaurants and aesthetically, appealing places. Overall, Kuta has a tropical, relaxed, friendly atmosphere were you can find your glow. And incredibly beautiful sunsets.
Steve was unwell a few days while we were away, so I went out, walking along the beach, markets and ate in restaurants on my own, day and night. Not once did I feel threatened, intimidated or out of my comfort zone. And I am not one who gets out and about on my own at home, let alone in a foreign place.
If after reading this you are not attracted to Kuta that is fine. But I just wanted to show that you can stay in Kuta and still have tranquillity, a relaxed atmosphere and a wonderful time.
Obviously people’s experiences impact their feeling about a place. And ours has always been positive, relaxing, full of discovery and interactive. And if you want another point of view in defense of Kuta Contented Traveller say Kuta is not their favourite place in Bali but don’t think it deserves the bad reputation placed upon it.
It’s ok if you decide not to check Kuta out, but if you do, don’t be narrow minded and do venture out of your air conditioned taxi. Sure there will be touts wanting to sell you something, massage you and transport you. But you will also see the daily rituals of locals worshipping and leaving offerings in little temples, squirrels rushing about eating the offerings and maybe see some local women doing Tai Chi on the beach. Heaven forbid, you may even see a tourist vomiting, but I’m sure you can see that in Dublin too.
Have you been to Bali? Would you stay in Kuta? We’d love you to share your thoughts or experiences with us in the comments below.
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A very fair and thought provoking post Lyn. I went to Kuta with preconceived negative ideas and have to admit being there did little to change my opinion. But I will admit other factors like being alone had an impact on my attitude. I am still glad that I went to experience it for myself rather than just base opinion on hearsay but it’s just not a place for me.
I can’t say that Kuta was the worst place in the world, but it’s not a destination that I would go out of the way for. For a place to spend a night before flying out or arriving, there are certainly worse places. At least Kuta has a beach.
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I haven’t visited Bali either, but have many friends who’ve told me a mix of stories about it – and about Kuta. Everyone’s experience of a place is different and I love that you visited with an open mind and have presented your opinion of Kuta as a destination. Travel is about discovery, learning and experiencing different cultures. If you don’t think a certain destination is your cup of tea, perhaps you should stay at home!
Lyndall @ SeizeThe Day Project recently posted…Discovering the delights of Amalfi Town
I have been to +75 countries in my 28 years of non stop travel and I think that Kuta is one of the top 10 shitholes I have been to. Bali is a pretty island, but Kuta stinks and attracts all the worst dirt of western society.
And foreign franchises like McDonalds and Hard Rock has been allowed build right on the beach.
Yuck.
I’ve just returned from 8 days in Bali and although I stayed at a luxury resort at Tanah Lot, about 25 kms out of Kuta, I found Kuta to be fine. We spent a day walking around on the beach and through the markets/streets and we didn’t find it too overwhelming and in fact I felt as if Kuta has been cleaned up a lot compared to my last visit. I agree that it does have a bad rap, however I don’t think it is as bad as some other South East Asia cities.
Kathy Marris recently posted…Camping on Superb North Straddie
Good for you for giving Kuta a try and not letting others’ opinions sway you. You make a good point that the rest of the world has many of these same supposed issues as well. I’ve never seen a beach as crowded as Bondi on New Year’s Day. Your photos are lovely and a good counterpoint to all the bad reviews out there.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted…6 National Parks in the middle of Big Cities
I won’t pretend not to be jealous, and that second shot is to die for. 🙂 In Kuta, of course!
I have not been to Bali but have sold numerous holiday packages going there when I was a travel agent. You’re right, it depends on the preference of people whether they will like or hate Kuta. Some people loved it, some people didn’t – just like any other place in the world.
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I really appreciated this balanced take on the destination. We’ve never been to Bali, but as it’s not that far away, I hope to go someday. I appreciated what you said about the taxi drivers–it’s not what you would call an easy job, and the taxi drivers in this part of Asia are almost never wealthy–I don’t appreciate it when tourists get ridiculously upset about a driver trying to make a couple extra dollars off of a job.
I stayed in Kuta many years ago and enjoyed it – I only spent 2 days there before moving on, so it’s lovely to read more about your trip. You’re right – it’s important to focus on the positives on a place rather than the negatives otherwise you’ll never give a place a chance. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Reviewed: A Relaxing Family Holiday at Villa Pia in Lippiano, Italy
Hahaha.. I burst out laughing when I read “Heave you seen Bondi?” Love that you try to do Kuta justice despite the negative reviews it’s been getting. I haven’t been to Bali (surprise surprise considering how near it is to me) but all that you said doesn’t sound surprising at all to me. That Bali is full of tourist traps but if you know where to go, there are hidden treasures for you to uncover. #MondayEscapes
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…Hokkaido Self-Drive Trip (June 2016) Part 4: Asahikawa – Sounkyo – Shiretoko
Interesting read. I rarely like travel blogger’s advice on places they visited once, specially if it is a bad review. There are always negative things in any place you visit, and like you said, if you focus on those, you will find plenty. You have visited 5 times and it is clear that you know the ins and outs of a place. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Oh wow! This is stunning! I researched possibly going to Bali for our honeymoon, but we chose to go to the Almafi Coast next year. Maybe I should have booked Bali!! #TheWeeklyPostcard
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Hi there, We stayed a month at Kuta 36 years ago. From your photos the beach and sunsets still look the same. We spent most of our time on the beach sitting up under the shade of the trees half the time because of my husbands pale skin. We loved Kuta then, although it would be a lot changed now. I’m glad to hear you giving a different opinion of Kuta today.
I appreciate your covering the positives because as you said, the bogans and other less desirable tourists have certainly given Kuta a bad rep. I rather consider the area something of a “Bali on steroids,” because all those things Bali is known for (shopping, touts, tourists, etc.) seem to be concentrated there. You’re right: Kuta has a lot going for it.
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This is really interesting, thanks for sharing. I don’t think Kuta’s ‘reputation’ has travelled as far as the UK, and I’d have had no idea it got such a bad rap. To be honest I think it looks lovely! And completely agree with you about everywhere having its unsavoury sides. You just have to avoid what you don’t like as much as possible, and get over what you can’t.
I’m currently assessing possibilities for a trip to Malaysia/Indonesia next year, maybe a multi-stop trip. I like a mixture of peaceful, culture and things to do so this may actually fit the bill. All useful info, thanks!
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad recently posted…A picnic under the most famous apple tree in history
Very interesting! I stayed in Kuta for about 3 days when i was in Bali. We then moved over to the slightly more peaceful Ubud. I actually wrote a post about Kuta too. I didn’t mind it. It’s definitely more “westernized” but I can see how it would be popular for some travelers. After 3 days there, I was ready to move on. Ubud was much more my travel style.
What a timely post Lyn, my daughter returned from Bali just last week and can’t stop talking about it. Her photos are just stunning. I love your post.
annette charlton recently posted…The Postman who collected pebbles: Ferdinand Cheval
I guess there’s always places some people hate while others love them. But if you want to know what it’s really like you just have to see it for yourself. Maybe it’s actually that bad or maybe you’ll actually love it. Kuta definitely doesn’t seem bad through your pictures 😉
Such a good idea to write about a place that can be so overlooked and derided. Your photos are wonderful and you certainly managed to find lots of positives in Kuta. I absolutely love Bali and have been a couple of times – I visited Kuta briefly to go to a very good shopping mall but didn’t wander around much else of the town. I probably wouldn’t choose to stay there personally because I always prefer the quieter, more out-of-the-way places when I’m travelling. #TheWeeklyPostcard
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We haven’t been to Bali in several years, but I can remember my own impressions of Kuta form that time. Yes, there was a core area that was completely overrun, but once we got a little bit away from that it was really quite nice. And your photos really show that it is just as much a part of Bali as other areas of the island. Great article Lyn!
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As you alluded, there are unsavory things just about everywhere you go. In Paris last summer as we were returning from Pere LaChaise, we ended going through an area where Jo kept pointing out the hookers. It spoiled her day. It happens. No big deal.
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Your photos make this area look lovely. I have not been to Bali but I would consider going to Kuta.
Rhonda recently posted…Street Art of Central and South American Shared by Top Travel Bloggers
Sometimes, I do not understand what people want about a destination. Once, I had some friends visiting and they were complaining because they saw homeless people and trash on the streets. That alone was enough for them to talk bad about Los Angeles. I was puzzled (like no other city has those problems).
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Well done! I haven’t been to Bali yet or heard all the naysaying about Kuta but agree with you that one’s experience depends on a big variety of factors and having an open mind. I hope to see it for myself.
I haven’t been to Bali, although i’d love to one day but it’s an interesting thought about perspective and how you can visit somewhere with a picture already in your head rather than seeing what’s there. The photos with a taste of everyday life are fantastic.
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Travels with a child – four years on
I have to say Lyn Kuta is not my preferred destination in Bali – I like the quieter Sanur and Nusa Dua.
However as you say it Kuta is not all bad yes the the music from the shopping centres is booming but the boardwalk along the beach is pretty and there are lovely restaurants about and whilst just about ever person I walk by was an Aussie most did not fit the “yobbo” persona. Like everywhere in the world there is always more than one side to a destination.
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What a great read, thanks for posting this Lyn! I’ve only been to Bali once in my life (which is embarrassing because I’m from Singapore… only a 2-hour flight away!) and that was for a company retreat. We ended up staying in Kuta and I’d heard a lot of same things you did (although not to the same extent, I think), so I was a little nonplussed initially but it was fine. I enjoyed getting my nails painted at the beach for a ridiculously cheap price (with nail art too!) and that nail polish never chipped! I Your photos look really lovely and make me want to go back there 🙂
Michelle | michwanderlust recently posted…Chiang Mai: Ziplining with Gibbons
I’ve not been to Kuta but maybe this time…I overpaid a taxi driver in Bali – $50 by accident instead of $5 and he reversed back down the street and called me over to correct it. I was amazed (cos I doubt that would happen ANYWHERE in the world including here). I think he took pity on how stupid I was 😉
I’m happy that you saw different Kuta ? I believe everything depends on how we look and how we think ? But still Kuta for me not that place where I would like to stay longer than couple of hours ?
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