The white sands of Kuta are still arguably the best beachfront on Bali. The beach is much cleaner than just a few years ago, although the vendors remain annoying. Kuta is not the fishing village it once was: it is now a booming Pacific resort and its streets are clogged with tourists and traffic during peak seasons. Legian is a bit quieter, less crowded, and more suitable for longer stays, although in many ways it has become an extension of Kuta. Further north, Seminyak, Petitenget and Canggu offer more tranquility.
Prices in US dollars. AC = Air conditioning. Telephone code is 0361.

ORIENTATION
BALI TOURIST INFORMATION

Bali - Kuta and Tuban

Kuta proper is the area delineated by JI. Legian, JI. Pantai Kuta, JI. Melasti, the beach front drive and the lanes in between, especially Gang Poppies I and 11. JI. Legian is the commercial hub of Kuta and the stage of many of its restaurants and nightlife. Most of Kuta's big beachfront hotels are in southern Kuta, or Tuban, including the LTI Patra Jasa Bali, Ramada Bintang Bali, Holiday Inn Balihai, Kartika Plaza, Sol Elite Paradiso, and Bali Dynasty.

Bali - Legian and Seminyak

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta proper along JI. Legian to JI. Basangkasa. Somewhat quieter with cottage-style Accommodations , this is where many of the ex-pat designers and long-stay tourists live. The biggest hotels are the Bali Imperial, Jayakarta, and the Bali Padma. There are three ways to reach Legian and Seminyak: through Kuta and JI ' Melasti, then north; from JI. Imam Bonjol, turn west on to A Patih Jelantik at the Pertamina gas station; or from the north via JI. Kerobokan.

Bali - Petitenget and North

Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu, and Seseh are new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach, easier to reach through Abian Timbul or Denpasar and Kerobokan than through Kuta, as there are no bemos north from Legian. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, the Intan Bali Village and The Legian in Petitenget and the Dewata Beach and Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

Kuta Beach also extends to the south, beyond the airport to Jimbaran.

For assistance with tours and tickets, and information on events, contact the tourist information offices at JI. Bakungsari, Kuta Phone 751660 ext. 145, Century Plaza Building, JI. Benesari No. 7, Ground Floor, Legian, Phone 754090, and the Lifeguard Station (Bala Penyelamat Wisata Tirta), JI. Pantai Kuta, Phone755660. A new Tourism Office is on JI. Raya Kuta.

How to get to Kuta

The airport taxi counter is outside customs, near "left luggage". The set fare is Rp20,000 to Kuta, Rp22,500 to Legian, Rp25,000 to Seminyak, and Rp25,000 to Petitenget. Buy a ticket from the counter for the sedan taxis. Metered taxis operate outside the airport. Make sure they start the argometer before you take off.

If you want to take a bemo, you have to walk out to the main road as far as the impressive white charioteer statue on the corner (about 1.5 km). From there you can flag down a blue bemo van-it will take you down to "bemo corner" in Kuta for Rp. l,000.

In Kuta itself, the usual bemo fare-to JI. Kartika Plaza and Tuban to the south or to A Melasti to the north-is only Rp1000-Rp1,500, although the driver may ask for more. There are no bemos beyond Legian, so to get further north you'll have to charter: bargain hard.

There are rent-a-car and bike agencies on almost every corner in Kuta and "transport?" is an extremely common touts' call. Bargain the price down and check the condition of the vehicle. Suzuki Jimnys are fun for around $10/day. Kijang jeeps go for $15/day. Try Bali Bahagia Rent Car, JI. Raya Kuta 72X,

Toyota Rent Car, JI. Raya Airport 99X, Tuban. Motorbikes rent for around $4/day.
The shuttle bus to the Kuta Central Parking area on JI. Kuta Raya is Rp2000. It makes a circuit through Kuta, where curb-side parking is no longer allowed, so you must park at the central lot and shuttle in.
To avoid the hassle of looking for bemos or renting a vehicle, use the shuttle buses which go to Ubud at 8.30, 10, and 11.30 am, 1, 2.30 and 4 pm and to Candidasa / Padangbai, Kintamani and Lovina at 9.30 am. Contact CV Ganda Sari Transport, JI. Legian, or Perama, JI. Legian.
For renting mountain bikes, motor bikes, or push bikes, go to Chi Chat Rent Car on JI. Pura Bagus Taruna (JI. Rum Jungle) or to Warung Bamboo, on JI. Arjuna (JI. Double Six). The price is $1/day or less for longer periods. Always check the bike before riding away.

Kuta Accommodations

The Kuta area has thousands of rooms, ranging from tiny $3/night concrete huts in a Balinese family compound to the super-luxurious Imperial Villa at the 5-star Bali Imperial Hotel which has a private swimming pool, Jacuzzi and 2 bedrooms for $2,000/night.
The choice of where to base yourself is relatively easy: if you want action, stay in Kuta; if you want tranquility, try Seminyak; if you want a mix, stay in Legian, and if you want top-end luxury, head for Tuban in the south or Petitenget in the north. Each area has advantages and disadvantages. The main hassle north of Legian is a lack of public transport.

The best way to find a room that suits you is to shop around. If you're in a hurry, you can book through the PHRI Hotel Association at the airport. The recommendations below are designed to give some points of reference. Hotels are often fully booked during the peak season (Christmas/New Year and July/August), so make a reservation for a day or two and took around if the hotel is not to your liking. In the low season most hotels offer discounts of up to 40 %.
For all larger hotels, reservations are a must and surcharges are levied during peak season. In some hotels, two children under 12 sharing their parents' room are allowed free of charge.

Budget (Under $25) hotels

Budget (Under $25)
There are literally hundreds of losmen or home stays scattered about the Kuta and Legian area where rooms rent for as little as $3 a night. The rooms are basic, usually concrete blocks thrown up in a family compound. A breakfast of bananas, black rice pudding and tea is often included. For a bit more money, $15-$25/night, you can get a larger room or private bungalow with fan near the beach. Rates are negotiable, particularly in the off-season and for longer stays.

Moderate ($25-$50) Hotels

Moderate ($25-$50)
Kuta and Legian have a tremendous range of intermediate range Accommodations , many offering the same or better facilities than those charging first-class rates. Generally all have AC, swimming pool and hot water. The difference is that these hotels are smaller with fewer sports facilities. A simple breakfast is often included (toast, fruit, tea/coffee). Most rates are subject to 21% tax/service charge.

First Class hotels

First Class ( $75-$125)
For peace and quiet, stay up at Bunga Seminyak, the Intan Bali Village or the Pesona Bali in Petitenget. All rooms have AC, private bathrooms, and hot water. Rates do not include breakfast or the 21% tax and service charges.

Luxury ($125 and up) hotels

Luxury ($125 and up)

In recent years, several exclusive establishments have opened their doors in Kuta, with more on the way. Rates do not include breakfast or the 21% tax and service charges.