Pristine beach and multi-cultural attractions in Kuta
Pristine beach and multi-cultural attractions in Kuta
The once pristine Kuta, just five kilometers from Nusa Dua
resort complex, is currently Bali's busiest tourist centers.
Kuta has been growing tremendously from a slave port in the
late l7th century into the glittering tourist hub with dozens of
hotels, pubs, restaurants, arts shops, branded boutiques,
moneychangers, and banks to department stores.
Long before the Hard Rock Hotel and Hard Rock Cafi on the
beachfront of the Kuta Boulevard was operated here, an American
couple, Bob and Louise Koke, were mesmerized by the beauty of the
sunset at the Kuta beach.
The white sand and rolling waves had made Kuta a haven for the
Western couple. They sniffed great tourist potential by
establishing the first hotel in Kuta in l936. The site of their
historical hotel is now the Natour Kuta Beach Hotel.
Almost seventy years from then, every inch of land in Kuta is
filled with buildings, tourist and public facilities. Visitors
could hardly take their breath in the narrow and crowded streets
of Legian, Kerobokan and Seminyak, which form the famous Kuta
tourist center.
The beach of Kuta is still perfect for swimming, sunbathing
and surfing.
Dozens of surfers are seen everyday on the beach. A number of
"Baywatch" team are keeping their eyes on the surfers and
swimmers and warn them of possible any danger. A lot of visitors
were too brave to fight the waves, which were sometimes very
powerful. If you bring your children, please be careful not to
swim in dangerous areas signed by red flags.
If you are on the alert, you can still enjoy the leisure life
of the Kuta beach. Balinese women offering massage or body
scrubbing are hanging around at the beach. The others are
working with their guests' nails painted them in colors.
Painting washable tattoos is another attraction for those who
do not have the courage to create the real ones with sharp
needles.
Surfing and sports shops like Bilabong are numerous along Kuta
streets selling various surfing equipment, fashion and
accessories. Branded fashion items are also sold in several
opulent boutiques. If you like jewelry, batik, ikat woven
textile, embroidery clothes, just stroll down along the streets,
you may find the low-quality items at small kiosks and the best
ones in local boutiques.
Animale, Uluwatu, Surfing Girl are among the best shops for
clothes.
It will be better if you just walk than driving a car along
the streets of Kuta expect for Kerobokan and Seminyak areas.
For dining and nightlife, Kuta has an ample of choices.
Poppies restaurant, Kopi Pot cafes are among the recommended
places to eat. Mexican food is best served at Poco Loco and TJ's.
Greek cuisine is served at Pantarei.
Kafe Warisan serving French cuisine, Made's Warung in Seminyak
area are a must-to-go place.
There are many other attractive places to visit in Kuta. This
place is designed for those who like spending their holidays in
the crowded beach, shopping centers, bars, cafes and hustle-
bustle nightlife. -- Rita A Widiadana