Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/73581
SOUTH KUTA The culture of multinational surfers, backpackers, well-heeled tourists, families and the forever friendly Balinese ensure South Kuta remains a unique place for tourists. The Kuta region is Bali's largest tourist area and most visitors to Bali will visit it sooner or later. Centrally located, it is minutes from Denpasar and the airport. It offers a wide range of accommodation, a plethora of restaurants and tourist facilities in a buzzing atmosphere. Though Kuta isn't for everyone, if you enjoy the beach and bar scene it is the best and most exciting place in Indonesia. The best beach in Bali is found in South Kuta and is the only one where surf breaks over sand instead of coral. Surfing is a hugely popular activity in Kuta with countless shops hiring out surfboards. Lessons and surf tours can be arranged as well. Australians once dominated the tourist scene however it is now much more diverse. French, English and Japanese tourists are all common, and Kuta has become extremely popular with surfers the world over, namely Brazilians and South Africans. Local activities include rafting, diving, bungy jumping and horseriding, which can all be organised through local travel agents. Waterbom Bali is hugely popular with children. It is supervised by lifeguards, and has assorted slides, pools and rides that the whole family will enjoy. Almost all hotels have a 52 www.paradisesonline.com swimming pool and most will allow non-guests to use their pool for a small fee. Spa establishments can be found throughout Kuta for a true indulgence. Massages are available in most hotels but are much cheaper on the beaches. Kuta nightlife features music, arak (local alcohol) and happy hours that last all night. The busiest bars and clubs are along Jalan Legian, such as the new Paddy's and the Bounty Ship. Merging almost seamlessly with Kuta to the south, is Tuban. It is a little quieter than Kuta but is thriving on tourism. Many tourists opt to stay in Tuban as it's a little further out from the epicentre of Bali yet still close enough to share all the facilities. It offers plenty of places to stay, eat and party. Tuban has colourful shops and markets as well as the larger Jalan Kartika Plaza and the Discovery Shopping Mall. Aside from all this, Kuta still remains a Balinese village with quiet compounds and small offerings to the gods left in every doorway. The culture of multinational surfers, backpackers, well- heeled tourists, families and the forever friendly Balinese ensure South Kuta remains a unique place for tourists.