Bali is just one island that makes up the Indonesian archipelago.

The mere thought of mentioning its name congers up images of paradise beaches, surfing, palm trees.

Bali has three main areas to focus:

• The Capital Kuta 
• Legian Beach
• Seminyak

Legian Beach and Seminyak cater to families seeking a tranquil escape, while Kuta roars with an unapologetic energy that’s hard to ignore. The shops and restaurants in these upscale enclaves flaunt a sophistication that leaves Kuta’s offerings looking rather pedestrian.

Yes, Kuta is filled with those ubiquitous high street chains, but let’s be real—thanks to Bali’s skyrocketing fame, Kuta is a constant work-in-progress, littered with ugly, haphazardly built structures. It often feels like a chaotic circus, overcrowded and suffocating. Yet, somehow, amidst this madness, Kuta continues to thrive, alluring hundreds of thousands of visitors who flock here year after year, embracing the frenzy.

There is so much to mention about Bali that I have written two other pages on the districts of  UBUD and the  GILI ISLANDS

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Kuta and Legian Districts

Kuta boasts Bali’s wildest clubs, and if you dare to look, you can still snag a basic room for just GB£10 (180,000IDR/US$13.50) in a sea of hotels. This is a playground for the young and restless, where you’ll stumble upon throngs of backpackers—each one shedding their burdens while they embrace the chaos.

Kuta and Legian are the chaotic epicenters of mass tourism in Bali. Many visitors may flock here first, but let’s be honest: this region isn’t for everyone. Kuta, with its claustrophobic lanes overflowing with cheap cafes, surf shops, relentless motorbikes, and an overwhelming swarm of T-shirt vendors peddling their incessant cries of “you want a massage?” or “transport?”, can feel more like a circus than a vacation. And while those shiny new shopping malls, particularly the overhyped ‘Beachwalk’, and chain hotels are popping up everywhere, it’s clear that Kuta’s magnetic pull is only going to intensify.

The Legion district lures in a slightly more mature crowd, those in their late 20s and 30s, yet manages to maintain that relentless commercial charm with a long line of family-friendly hotels mere steps from the beach. Tuban might feel like just another extension of Kuta and Legian, but you’ll find these visitors are more likely to be tied to package holidays, as if they’re shackled to a dull itinerary. Meanwhile, the beaches of Legion boast a cleaner aesthetic, and the beach bars exude an inviting chill that crushes the noise and chaos of Kuta’s obnoxious music scene.

What does Kuta and Legian Districts Offer?

KUTA BEACH 

Bali boasts jaw-dropping beaches where surfing isn’t just popular—it’s a way of life. Waves that thunder in from the Indian Ocean deliver exhilarating breaks that will challenge even the bravest souls. Casual vendors peddle cold drinks and ice-cold beers, along with tempting snacks and indulgent treats, while you can snag a surfboard, kick back on a lounge chair, or simply sprawl out on the sun-kissed sand, soaking it all in.

You’ll catch a glimpse of bronzed youths flaunting their bodies and local families awkwardly navigating the waves while attempting to maintain a shred of modesty. When the tide recedes, the beach stretches out like an endless invitation, daring you to embark on a tantalizing stroll. The hottest spot is just south of the entrance where Jl Pantai Kuta seductively meets the shore.

LEGIAN BEACH

Just a stone’s throw from Kuta, this area offers a slightly more tranquil escape. Gone are the irritating, chaotic roads and the throngs of tourists – here, serenity reigns. Picture this: the stretch in front of the Sari Beach Hotel is blissfully distant from noisy streets, shrouded in the shade of lush trees, and blissfully uncrowded. Vendors barely make a dent on your peace, and no putrid stream sullies the shoreline. This is paradise without the nonsense.

KUTA NIGHT MARKET

is an enclave of stalls and plastic chairs bustles with locals and tourism workers chowing down on hot-off-the-wok treats, grilled goods and other fresh foods.  Its busy, crowded but a great experience and cheap for all those souvenirs.

Kuta Beach Bars

Kuta is a wash with trendy and lesser loud beach bars. Here are a couple of my favourites :

COCOON BAR

which is my favourite place to share some ice cold beers or watch the sunset over cocktails.  There is a huge pool with a view of Double Six Beach anchors this sort of high-concept club,  that has parties and events around the clock. Beds, loungers and VIP areas surround the pool; at night DJ’s spin themed nights.

SKY GARDEN LOUNGE

This multilevel palace of flash flirts with height restrictions from its rooftop bar where all of Kuta twinkles around you.  Look for top DJ’s, a ground level cafe and paparazzi wannabes.  If you fancy somewhere to eat you can enjoy a long menu of bar snacks and meals.  Roam from floor to floor of this vertical playpen.

AJEG WARUNG

is a beautiful restaurant. This simple stall with shady tables is right on Kuta Beach. It dishes up some of the freshest local fare you’ll find. Tops is a bowl of spicy garang asem, a tamarind-based soup with chicken or pork and many traditional seasonings. Enter the beach where Jl Pantai Kuta turns north and walk south 100m along the beach path.

FAT CHOW

is another very popular restaurant just off the main promenade road near the Beachwalk Mall tucked down a side street near the Bali Sandy resort hotel. It’s not a huge venue but the food is tasty, satisfying and cheap. Get here fairly early though.  People actually begin to form a line outside the restaurant to get seated from early evening.  

TUBES RESTAURANT AND BAR

is another great place to eat and have drinks. Tucked behind the Beachwalk Mall a little further down from Fat Chow. You will know you have the right venue once you see a surf board at the entrance way.

TARIS BALI BAR

is located on the beach and has an incredible relaxed vibe about it. There are soft beanbags laid on the sand were you can grab the local beer ‘Bintang’ or grab a burger, while listening to a relaxed live band. The views of the Indonesian sunset are breathtaking. 

THE SUNSET HUT

is located on Legian beach and has an incredible relaxed vibe about it. The local owner additionally offers surfing lessons too. This beach bar was my favourite place to knock back a few beers and watch the sun set.

BEACHWALK MALL

The Beachwalk  mall is found along the main promenade adjacent to Kuta beach. It an air conditioned haven offering clothing, souvenirs, food and even a multi-screen cinema. A little pricier than walking 10 minutes into Kuta town itself, but alas, offering a good reprieve from the street touts.

SEA TURTLE SANCTUARY

An absolute ‘must do’ on your trip. Head to the main gate opening onto Kuta Beach and look for the lifeguard tower just off to your left. At 5pm every evening the Sea Turtle sanctuary releases baby turtles into the ocean. This is a free event but you must obtain a free ticket to handle the turtles.  Before the main release there is a talk that lasts about 20 minutes highlighting informative facts about these creatures along with a nursery where they hatch.  

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Once the talk has finished you will be asked to collect a tub that is filled with sea water and a baby turtle placed into it. From here a guide will shepherd everyone to a spot on the beach where you can then release the turtle onto the sand and watch it race towards the lapping waves. It’s quite the tear jerker!

Seminyak District

Seminyak is the playground for those who crave luxury, boasting an array of chic boutique accommodations and stylish restaurants that flaunt a sense of exclusivity. The ambiance here is decidedly more refined and relaxed compared to the frenzied energy of Kuta, making the beach a serene escape during the day. Seminyak proudly holds the title of Bali’s elite spa haven and high-end shopping district, where indulgence is not just an option, it’s a way of life.

Seminyak additionally boasts a great beach. This beach features beautiful panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, beautiful white sand situated to the north of Legian Beach, that stretches for just under 2 miles (3.5 kms). 

Seminyak Beach is favoured by surfers for its great waves. This is where I participated in a 4 hour lesson on how to surf. It was great fun! 

Seminyak’s Cool Feels

LA PLANCHA BAR

The most substantial of the beach bars along the beach walk south of Jl Camplung Tanduk. It has its share of ubiquitous brightly coloured umbrellas and beanbags on the sand plus a menu of Spanish-accented bites. After sunset, expect DJ’s and special events like beach parties, surfer movies and more.

KU DE TA BAR

This bar teems with Bali’s relaxed and chilled people. This is where you can spend your afternoons supping cocktails or beers with your friends/family watching the world pass by.  The Sunsets bring out the crowds. The music throbs with increasing intensity through the night.

Temples Around Kuta

Bali is bursting with exhilarating activities, and you absolutely cannot miss booking a trip to explore the countless breathtaking temples that scatter across this enchanting island.

Below I have listed the top three to visit.  There are many other temples to visit if you venture into Ubud that are mentioned in a separate blog on UBUD

TANAH LOT TEMPLE

is one of the important directional temples in Bali.  The temple is located on a rock just offshore. It is said to be the work of revered 15th century Hindu priest Nirartha and forms an important element of Balinese spiritualism and mythology.  This is an extremely popular tourist destination and the whole area is often very busy indeed, especially in the late afternoons, pre-sunset. 

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Tanah Lot Temple is located about 10 miles (15 kms) from Kuta. While it is possible to get to the temple on your own by taxi it is most commonly visited as part of a guided sightseeing or sunset tour. The tour will cost roughly GB£33 (605,000IDR or US$45).

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I hired a scooter from the hotel for IDR60,000 (GB£3.40) and made my own way to the temple. It was a great way to see the surrounding countryside and rice fields.

GOA GAJAH TEMPLE

apparently translates as ‘Elephant Cave’, however, there are no elephants to be seen. Goa Gajah dates back to the 11th century, built as a spiritual place for meditation. The main grounds are down a flight of steps from the roadside and parking area, which is lined with various art and souvenir shops and refreshment kiosks.

Upon reaching the base you will come across a large ‘wantilan’ meeting hall and an assortment of large old stone carvings, some restored to their former full glory. The pool, excavated in 1954, features five out of supposedly seven statues depicting Hindu angels holding vases that act as waterspouts.

ULAN DANU BERTAN TEMPLE

translates as ‘the source temple of Lake Beratan’, is easily the islands most iconic sanctuary sharing the scenic qualities with the seaside temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression, while the mountain range of the Bedugul region encircling the lake provides the temple with a scenic backdrop. 

The temple was built in the 17th century in worship of the main Hindu trinity, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva, as well as the lake goddess, Dewi Danu. The sight and cool atmosphere of the Bali uplands have made the lake and this temple a favourite sightseeing and recreational spot as well as a frequently photographed site.

My Thoughts On Bali

Bali has been synonymous as a romantic Honeymoon destination for years. Nonetheless, with the introduction of cheaper air fares everyone now has the opportunity to experience what this Indonesian island has to offer. The beaches are stunning and really come into their own at sunset as the bronzed rays of the sun reflect off the ocean.  

There is plenty to see and do and prices are cheap. The people are warm and friendly and welcome tourists. If you want a quieter holiday then the districts of Seminyak and Legin are perfect: close enough to Kuta for the entertainment and a rouge night out, yet, far enough to not be spoilt by the loud music from the bars. Bali is certainly a great place to spend a week exploring or as a transit stop onwards to other countries in South-East Asia. 

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