Surfing. Street food. And parties… oh the parties. Kuta Beach never disappoints.
Brits abroad have made Kuta Beach their own. If you’d rather skip the temples, kebaya dresses and bebali dances for a while, it’s where tourists come to play. Let’s discover the best beaches in the area to plan your Bali adventure.
Tropical party paradise? You bet
Dig into Kuta’s sands
Buckle up as Kuta is in a class of its own for pure hedonism on the sands – which is saying something for Southern Bali. Around 15 minutes drive from the airport, Kuta Beach and Seminyak are bustling communities with a huge number of international visitors. Yet a couple of quieter spots do exist — you just have to find them. And that’s why we’re here. To give you the fullest scoop on stuff to do with the kids or your partner, as well as Kuta nightlife.
Don’t hold back here
Embrace the energy — then cool off together
Both Kuta and Seminyak are rammed with street sellers and stalls that’ve been doing their thing for decades. The latter’s flea market on Kayu Aya Square is particularly awesome for jewellery, caps, bags, sunglasses, and incense holders. You’ll look great and smell even better for your saunter to the sands.
Water sports in Kuta won’t shortchange you either. Jet-ski and parasail packages are expanded with spa sessions and sunset meals. You can get an eight-hour adventure tour for around 100 GBP per person — often cheaper in the off season. Activities are designed to pack as much adrenaline into the day as possible.
When you’re ready to sit down without a rumbling seat, restaurants in Kuta can serve up practically any taste. From Mexican and Melbourne-inspired bites to the delicate, wood-fired seafood of Uma Garden, you’re never far from a snack bar or upmarket table. Once you’re settled, enjoy the best sunsets in the country, sipping a beer beside the Indian Ocean. That’ll get you ready for the infamous clubbing scene on Kuta Beach and up the coast.
Kuta’s best beaches
Our top picks
While shots, bright lights and surfers are standard in this part of Bali, you can detox when the party vibe becomes too much. Families have options, too. Need proof? Take a look at our suggestions below.
Kuta Beach
The flashpoint for ‘anything goes’
Location: 2.5 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
One of Bali’s original tourist developments, Kuta Beach is still the gateway for hundreds of thousands of travellers every year. It isn’t the prettiest place but makes up for it in sheer thrills and spills. Banana and donut boats are a common sight on the waves, as well as people taking their first surfboards out. Meanwhile for Kuta nightlife, you can’t go wrong with Sky Garden, Engine Room, or Brother Club.
Legian Beach
A relaxing Plan B
Location: 4.5 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
Sandwiched between Kuta and Seminyak, Legian Beach is a welcome breather from the crowds. The name means “sweet and pleasant” in Balinese, and we couldn’t agree more. Hundreds of sun loungers and parasols help you stretch out and catch your thoughts in the sun.
Seminyak Beach
The white-sand beauty
Location: 7 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
After a more elegant entrance to the waves? Choose Seminyak — an incredibly popular spot for island beach life. Villas and five-star resorts lie beneath the palms, with a couple of the fanciest restaurants in Bali for good measure. Try La Plancha for tapas or O Beach for mini burger masterpieces.
Double Six Beach
An even freer escape
Location: 6.5 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
Technically, this patch of sand is part of both Legian and Seminyak beaches. But we love it for its charms, such as the LGBTQ crowds and horse rides from the Mesari Inn. Plus, it’s well preserved — Double Six led one of Bali’s initial beach clean campaigns, which has been picking up plaudits (and plastic) ever since.
Tuban Beach
For the kids and grandparents
Location: 5.6 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
South of the airport, there’s Rawa Bangbang Jair park, a gorgeous lotus swamp. And west of that is Tuban Beach, a surprisingly quiet area you might cherish. The sand is soft, and the waves are calm. Want to let the kids loose when they’re straight off the plane? One of Southeast Asia’s top water parks, Waterbom, is less than 6 km away.
Jerman Beach
A Balinese go-to
Location: 1.3 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
You’re more likely to see locals here fishing or swimming. There’s a long path by the shore for running too. You can’t miss a colourful statue of Baruna, the sea god, on the road junction. Jerman Beach also has top-tier street food – vendors get busier during the afternoon, so grab a snack earlier if you can.
Padma Beach
The high life and surfing playground
Location: 5.5 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
Bali surf seekers are spoilt for choice on Padma Beach. It has brilliant waves at high tide, and is a couple of minutes from Kuta Beach so you can resupply when you run out of Coke or sunglasses. For hotels, we recommend the luxury Padma Resort Legian. Below rooms with a lagoon view, it runs a hand-picked Indonesian crafts and clothes store.
Petitenget Beach
Worthy of worship
Location: 9.4 km from Ngurah Rai Airport
Yes! Some holy diversions! Our last suggestion is named after Petitenget Temple, which sits behind the Mano Beach House off Seminyak car park. Sometimes you’ll see Hindu ceremonies spill out onto the beach itself. An evil spirit is meant to live in the jungle nearby though, so watch out (i.e. flap your towel a little, now and then . . .).
3 top tips:
Swerve rainy season: The best weather in Kuta is from April to October.
Take enough cash: Many vendors and restaurants only accept coins and notes.
Hire a scooter: It’s cheap and can take you to more remote beaches.
That’s enough to help you feel the sand in your toes already. It’s time to get planning your trip to Bali.
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