Kuta

Kuta is the best known tourist resort area on the island of Bali in Indonesia.

Understand

With a long broad Indian Ocean beach-front, Kuta was originally discovered by tourists as a surfing mecca. It has long been a popular stop on the classic backpacking route in South East Asia. Back in the 1980s they used to talk about the three Ks: Katmandu in Nepal, Khao San road in Bangkok and Kuta. Today Kuta still attracts some hardcore backpackers as well as families and tourists from all over the world, and is most notably a playground for young visitors from Australia.

Due to the ever increasingly popularity of Bali, Kuta is continually developing, and is not short of unsightly, poorly planned buildings. It can come across at times to be chaotic, overcrowded and congested. However, amongst all the mayhem this place somehow works, and hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy their time in Kuta every year.

Infrastructure has come a long way in Kuta, although it is still insufficient for the amount of visitors who stay in the area. Some side alleys still have significant potholes and road rules still don't mean very much. Most roads are constantly busy with motor scooters, metered taxis and private cars. Instead of using signals, locals and the seasoned travellers honk their motor vehicles to signal overtaking or squeezing into a tight spot near you. Oftentimes cars fold in their side mirrors when negotiating narrow single lanes with parked vehicles. Now you can access free wifi in local convenience stores, restaurants, cafes and hotels. There are half a dozen prepaid mobile phone sim cards available everywhere with competitive top up plans. Touts will persistently try to get to buy something from them, whether you're walking on the streets or seated in a restaurant.

The five km long sandy stretch of Kuta is arguably the best beach front in Bali. The beach is safe, partially clean, well-maintained, although the beach vendors remain annoying pushing massages, hair braiding, cigarettes and surf boards. The long wide stretch of sand is often full of sunbathers and although most of the serious surfers have moved on to newer pastures, there are still plenty of surf dudes around at most times of the year, and especially so during peak season. As you move north along the beach to first Legian and then Seminyak and Petitenget it becomes progressively quieter and less frenetic.

The area of south Kuta closest to the airport is more correctly known as Tuban, but this name is rarely used.

Once the sun goes down, Kuta is the rough and ready party zone of Bali, even after the tragic events of 2002. Even the most hardened of party animal will find something to please them on Jalan Legian at night.

Tourism Information Offices

• JI Bakungsari, Tel: +62 361 751660 ext 145

• Ground Floor, Century Plaza Building, JI Benesari No7, Tel: +62 361 754090

Getting there

By plane

Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport (DPS), is in fact directly south of Kuta, about 15 minutes away by taxi. More information about the airport is in the main Bali article.

The prepaid fare from the airport to Kuta is Rp 50,000. If you don't have too much luggage, you can save some money by walking 200 metres out of the airport area, and take a metred taxi from a company that does not pay service fees to the airport authority and is therefore not allowed to enter the airport to pick up customers. For example, a metered taxi from Bali Taksi (+62 361 701111) will run to about Rp 20,000 for the same trip. Before putting yourself through all that though you might wish to ask yourself whether it is worth it to save just $3. You can also catch a bemo from outside the airport to Kuta for Rp 5,000-10,000.

By car

Kuta is reached by the main Jalan Ngurah Rai bypass from points north (Denpasar, Sanur and Ubud), and south (Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. If you are coming in from Seminyak be sure to take the Jalan Sunset bypass and not the congested beach route along Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan Legian.

By bus

Kuta is connected by bus routes from all areas of Bali. There are various scheduled shuttle services including Perama . Perama shuttle buses to Kuta leave from Sanur, Ubud, Candidasa, Padang Bai and Lovina.

By bemo

As elsewhere in Bali, bemos are rarer and far less important in Kuta than they used to be. This reflects both the increased number of Balinese who are wealthy enough to afford their own transport, and the huge upscaling of the very nature of tourism in Bali in the past 10 years. Bemo Corner, in the heart of Kuta at the junction of Jalan Legian and Jalan Raya Kuta, used to be an institution on the backpacker circuit. These days it is almost irrelevant, but the little blue buses are still there albeit in greatly reduced numbers, and they will still try to charge you five times the real rate.

Kuta is served with some regularity from Denpasar's Tegal bemo terminal.

By boat

Benoa Harbor — not to be confused with Tanjung Benoa — is around 20 min northeast of Kuta, and speedboats and cruises from the Gili Islands, Lombok and Nusa Lembongan arrive here. Most companies operating from Benoa offer free pick-up and drop-off in and around Kuta.

Traveling around

Kuta stretches along the beachfront all the way from the airport to Legian, and small lanes lead from the beaches into the densely populated accommodation zone. To avoid traffic-related frustrations, the best option is a combination of walking in small lanes and using metred taxis or a rented motorbike for longer excursions.

By car

Traffic jams are a constant hassle here and especially so when it is raining. It is often best to park your car before you reach downtown Kuta, and walk in. The area downtown is only about one and a half kilometres in length and half a kilometre wide but when stuck in traffic you might easily spend 30 minutes or more to travel these short distances.

There are some designated parking areas in the middle of Kuta (usually Rp 5,000 for an unlimited stay) including a large one on Jalan Legian near the top of Poppies II. There are also public parking bays on Jalan Pantai Kuta right beside the beach, but these can get very busy.

Finding a rental car company is easy in Kuta, especially in Poppies I and Poppies II. A small rental car starts from Rp140,000 with third party insurance. Add another Rp100,000 or so for a comprehensive cover. Check your rental contract for specifics before signing. The rental car can be driven to your accommodation for pick up.

By taxi

Metred taxis are ubiquitous on the streets of Kuta and are a relatively cheap and reliable way to get around, especially at night. Avoid any taxi where the driver refuses to put the meter on. This is increasingly rare but you will still find the odd taxi driver who is stuck in a 1990s timewarp.

The largest, most reputable and most reliable taxi operator is Bali Taksi. You tend not find these taxis parked at night near discos and bars as other smaller companies have exclusive contracts with these businesses. However, they can be found easily by walking a little up the street. Taxi drivers usually have only limited small change, so it is best to have small notes available to avoid issues.

By motorbike

Those with a sense of adventure should try hopping on the back of a local scooter. They are always looking for a passenger, making negotiation easier and more successful. This type of informal transport is called an ojek and is fast and cheap.

You can choose to rent a scooter for your stay. These can cost as little as Rp 30,000 per day if you rent in large groups and are a lot of fun. However, as a single renter, Rp 50,000-70,000 is a more accurate figure to expect. Insist on a helmet for the motorcycle, for both your own safety and because wearing a helmet is a legal requirement in Indonesia; you will be stopped by the police and fined for riding without a helmet. It should be understood that the streets can be chaotic and dangerous for inexperienced riders so consider carefully before renting a motorcycle. If you intend to surf, there are plently of specially modified motorbikes with surfboard hangers.

See

Surfing, shopping & partying are the three main events in Kuta, and interesting attractions are very thin on the ground. The beach is of course very scenic here, if nearly always crowded.

• Bali Bomb Memorial. This is a memorial to the 202 people murdered by the bombs on 12th October 2002, and is on Jl Legian opposite the corner of Poppies II. This is the former site of the old Paddy's Bar, and opposite the former site of the Sari Club, which is still an empty space, next to the Billabong shop. Every year on the anniversary date there is a ceremony mourning those killed or wounded by the bombs. Whilst viewing the memorial, please be calm and silent out of respect. The local Balinese will often be curious to learn if you knew or were related to any of the victims.

• Beach offerings. In the mornings you regularly see Balinese people throwing offerings into the sea, especially when Nyepi is approaching. The best spot is the temple right next to the beach about 200-250m to the north of the Hard Rock Hotel.

• Hard Rock Hotel is something of a tourist attraction and is definitely worth a look and the odd photo.

Things to do

Surfing

Kuta is a well known destination amongst surfing enthusiasts. A long sandy beach with a lack of dangerous rocks or coral, makes the area attractive for beginners.

• Bali learn to surf is Bali's first professional surf school and they have an office at the Hard Rock Hotel, as well as a beach presence. Offers equipment in good condition and premises for a surfing introduction in calm water at the swimming-pool of the Hard Rock Hotel. An introductory lesson costs US$39, lasts 2.5 hours and students are offered hotel transfers and fresh water. A 3-day course costs US$99, and five day courses include a "surfari" to other surfing spots for US$190.

• There are several surf shops on Poppies II which all seem to be much of a muchness. Friendly local surfer dudes will happily chat wth you about the waves, offer to fix a ding, rent you a board and sell you just about anything surf-related.

• It is also possible to rent equipment from locals on the beach for between Rp 20,000 and Rp 80,000 per half day. If you rent from the same guys for a few consecutive days you will almost certainly get a better price. The equipment quality is lower than fo the formal outlets. The surfers on the beach can also give you some basic lessons, and look after your stuff while you are in the water, but if this is your first experience of surfing it is safer to use a surf school before heading out on your own.

There are Spas by the dozen, and as Kuta is the most competitive place in Bali, prices are the lowest (as is the quality of experience). Shop around and ask for package discounts. Take a look at the place first and do not allow yourself be talked into something by touts. A well known spa is Villa de Daun on Jalan Legian. Many hotels have their own in-house spas or partner with a local operator.

Enjoy the sunset. In the evenings plenty of people head down to the beach or seaside cafes to watch the wonderful sunset. Be in place by about 5:30PM, for a sunset between 6:15 and 6:45.

• Paradiso Bowling Centre , +62 361 758880, +62 361 758880, 6PM-11PM daily, Jl Kartika Plaza No8X, An 18 lane bowling centre. Large number of pool and snooker tables as well.

• Waterbom Park , +62 361 755676, 9AM-6PM daily, Jl Kartika Plaza, opposite Discovery Shopping Mall, This is one of the biggest water theme parks in Asia and is within easy walking distance from Kuta beach. Your children will love you for spending some time here.

Eat

You can find any manner of international and local food here. Restaurants are usually either very cheap or in the mid-range. Exclusive restaurants are rare but there are some gems here. For true luxury dining head 15 minutes up the road to Seminyak.

Budget

Beach-stall food is delicious, filling and very cheap. These are dotted along Kuta and Legian beach beneath the trees or road-side awnings.

• Aromas Cafe, +62 361 751003, Jl Legian, near the Rip Curl shop, Superb vegetarian food, some of the best in Bali. Highly recommended.

• Kedai Nasi Uduk, +62 361 769192, Kuta Galleria, Jl Patih Jelantik, Small warung serving the Jakarta speciality Nasi Uduk (rice cooked in coconut water and various aromatic spices, served with chicken or beef and vegetables). Well prepared, authentic food.

• Kedin's Cafe, +62 361 756771, Poppies Lane I, in front of Kedin's Inn, Good, typical local Indonesian food. They occasionally show Hollywood movies in the evenings

• Mie88, Jl Patih Jelantik 1, opposite the western end of Kuta Galleria, Indonesian noodles in large portions at very good prices. Excellent budget option - spend Rp 15,000 for a delicious meal.

• Nusa Indah, Poppies Lane I, About halfway along Poppies I, opposite Masa Inn, Good, very cheap Indonesian food and cold beer. Great staff and always fun. An old school backpacker type hangout, the like of which has rapidly disappeared from Bali.

• Tree House Cafe, +62 361 756771, Poppies Lane I, A busy and crowded budget restaurant. Their specialties are Dutch snacks, such as kroket and frikandel.

• Warung Indonesia, Between Poppies I and II, Popular with locals and long-termers and is packed most nights, a good sign. The best food is not on the menu but laid out behind a glass display from where you can pick the food you want.

Mid-range

• Blue Fin , +62 361 764100, Jl Kartika Plaza, Good quality Japanese food at reasonable prices. Tempura is especially good as is the Salmon salad.

• Havana Club Bali, Poppies I, 150m down from Jl Legian, Restaurant on two floors and the upper level can be reserved for private parties. Good & tasty food.

• Made's Warung , Jl Pantai Kuta, Near the intersection with Jl Legian, This is the original Made's, the forerunner of the now very successful Seminyak restaurant. One of the very first restaurants in Kuta, now on two floors and still doing a roaring trade. The menu covers Indonesian, Balinese and western food. Try the pork ribs with green papaya.

• Mojo's Flying Burritos, Mexican restaurant serving California-style Mexican food and juices. Open kitchen where you can watch the cooks making tortillas and salsas. Margaritas by the pitcher. Rp 20,000-35,000.

• Kafe Batan Waru , + 62 361 766303, + 62 361 766303, Jl Kartika Plaza, Right by the entrance to Discovery Shopping Mall, Batan Waru has been an institution in Ubud for many years and their foray into Kuta has been no less successful. Great regional Indonesian cuisine, inventive cocktails and top class coffee.

• Ketupat , +62 361 754209, +62 361 754209, Jl Legian 109, A truly superb Indonesian restaurant whuch is highly recommended for any visitor who wants to sample and understand **real** Indonesian food in a truly fabulous environment.

• Kuta Plaza Restaurant, +62 361 751833, Jl Bakungsari 9, At the Jl Raya Kuta end of Jl Singosari, Very popular restaurant serving Chinese Indonesian food. It is a typical Chinese restaurant - loud, bright and brash - but the food is excellent. Seafood is chosen live from tanks in the window. If that is not your thing, there are many other options including excellent pork ribs.

Splurge

• Maccaroni Club , +62 361 754662, +62 361 754662, Jl Legian 52, almost opposite the bomb memorial, Restaurant & lounge with good Italian food and some Asian fusion. Excellent service and luscious desserts.

• Ma Joly , +62 361 753780, Jl Wana Segara, Tuban, At Kupu Kupu Barong Resort, Alfresco dining in a great beachfront location in a quiet part of south Kuta/Tuban. Sunset is magnificent from here so cocktails before dinner are a great idea. Large international menu but fish is recommended.

Drink

Kuta is the low end party centre of Bali. It has recovered well from the bomb blasts in 2002 & 2005 and tourists still flock to the bars where alcohol is served freely and excessively. Many of the bars here have a house cocktail with a local Arak (rice spirit) base. These go by charming names like Jam Jar and Fish Bowl, pack a huge punch and make customers very ill!

Jalan Legian bars

Jalan Legian between Poppies Gang I & II is the main party area and things tend to get going around 10PM and go until 2-3PM. The biggest venues are:

• The Bounty, +62 361 75 4040, Jl Legian, 100 metres south from Mbargo, Looks from the inside like a torn ship with several different areas including pool tables. The party starts everyday from 10PM but really gets going at midnight. Go here to get 'Fish Bowls'. Rough and ready and it gets very messy.

• Eikon , +62 361 750701, Jl Legian 178, Lounge bar which frequently has a decent cover band playing R&B fare.

• The Engine Room, +62 361 75 5121, Jl Legian, opposite the Bounty, Small lounge bar and dance club. A little more sophisticated than some of the options on this street.

• Mbargo, Jl Legian, adjacent to the bomb memorial, Large air-conditioned bar on two floors. Models are on tap to serve you drinks. Hosts regular fashion shows. A favourite with teenage Australian party kids of both sexes. Security is especially tight here.

• Vi Ai Pi , Jl Legian, opposite corner of Poppies II, Lounge style bar and restaurant with nice breezy open upper level.

Kuta waterfront bars

Along the waterfront on Jalan Pantai Kuta there are some slightly more sophisticated bar and lounge options. Most are lounges that offer food and entertainment afterwards. Definitely an option to explore and not so overrun by the Australian party groups.

• Kama Sutra, Jl Pantai Kuta, Cavernous bar and club on the beachfront which is very popular with young Indonesians.

• Ocean Beach Club, +62 361 751000, +62 361 751000, Jl Pantai, Bit of an all-round venue with a restaurant, sports bar, poolside lounge area and regular special events. Good location right on the Kuta beach-front close to the Hard Rock.

Sports bars

• All Stars Surf Cafe, Jl Kartika Plaza No 8X, If non-stop surf videos, huge jugs of icy beer, sumo wrestling and limbo dancing are your thing, then look no further.

• Stadium Sports Cafe, +62 361 763100, 10AM to 1AM daily, Complex Kuta Side Walk, Jl Kartika Plaza, Long stablished sports bar with two huge projection screens. Shows lots of EPL plus Australian and American sports.

Sleep

Kuta has a huge range of accommodation mostly in the budget and mid-range markets. Private villas are few and far between as Kuta just lacks the space for expansive private properties. Prices are often negotiable especially outside of the peak seasons (July/August, Christmas, New Year and other obvious holidays). During peak seasons, always book ahead.

Budget

There are a lot of cheap guest houses in the Rp 70,000 to 250,000 range on Poppies II, but you can often find nicer places on the small lanes between Poppies I and II. Visitors should be aware that a lot of the budget accommodation in Kuta is very tired. Always see the room first & haggle.

• Losmen Arthawan, +62 361 752 913, Poppies II, The budget singles include breakfast, cleaning every 3 days, a bathroom, and patio, fan in the room and cold water. The pricier rooms have hot water and air-conditioning.

• Diana House, +62 361 751605, Poppies I, Decent value for money place. Fairly large rooms, clean attached bathrooms.

• Fat Yogis, 62 361 759451, Poppies I, Decent standard budget accommodation only 300 metres from Kuta Beach.

• Masa Inn , +62 361 758507, +62 361 758507, Poppies I, Three storey hotel just 400 metres from Kuta Beach. Rooms are clean, quiet and the staff friendly. Two really nice pools. Small breakfast included in the rate.

• Simpang Inn , +62 361 8528521, +62 361 8528521, Jl Legian 133, Accommodation on main street. A variety of rooms depending on budget: private bungalow, standard room and fan-cooled room.

• Sorga Cottages, Sorga Lane, Poppies I, Balinese style hotel which consists of two low rise buildings. Rooms are plain and simple and have slightly tired, old furnishings. This hotel is suitable for budget travellers looking for economically priced, unfussy accommodation.

• Taman Sari Bali Cottages, between Poppies I and II, Spacious rooms with double bed, a nice communal swimming pool and basic breakfast. Not the cleanest of places but you get what you pay for.

Mid-range

• Adhi Dharma Hotel and Cottages , +62 361 754280, Jl Benesari, A long time favourite with budget-conscious families. Decent facilities and good value for money.

• Bakungsari Hotel , +62 361 751868, Jl Singosari, Well-established three storey hotel with large communal pool and simple restaurant. All 107 rooms have their own terrace.

• Bali Sorgawi Hotel , +62 361 755266, +62 361 755266, Jl Legian Kelod, Friendly, good value simple accommodation for families and single travellers. Located in the heart of Kuta. The hotel is a doorstep away to numerous cafes and restaurants, pubs, art markets, and of course, Kuta beach which is just a five minute walk away. All 36 rooms are fully air-conditioned. There is a pool, mini gym, internet and safe facilities. Free pick-up from the airport.

• Dewi Sri Hotel, +62 361 752555, +62 361 752555, Gang Dewi Sri off Jl Legian, A large, cheap and cheerful hotel which is very conveniently located for Kuta's nightlife and shopping. Simple but clean and functional rooms, large pool and bar/restaurant.

• Harris Hotel Tuban , +62 361 765255, +62 361 765255, Jl Dewi Sartika, Tuban, Modern 68 room hotel close to the airport and Tuban beach. Nice pool, in-house spa. Free wi-fi and decent restaurant.

• Hotel Miki , +62 361 764187 , +62 361 764187 , Jl Dewi Sri 78, A new and stylish hotel 300m from Kuta Galleria shopping area. The hotel design is a mixture between contemporary and traditional Indonesian facade with strong Balinese and Javanese emphasis. All rooms have air-conditioning, private bathroom, fridge, TV and all other modern amenities. Free airport pick-up.

• Ida Hotel , +62 361 751205, +62 361 751205, Jl Kahyangan Suci off Jl Tegal Wangi , A mixture of regular rooms and individual cottages in this 57 room hotel. Large communal pool set in nice gardens.

• Kuta Lagoon Resort , + 62 361 750888, + 62 361 750888, Jl Legian 363, close to the junction with Jl Melasti, Despite the name it is nowhere near a lagoon. It is though a well kept hotel with 83 rooms, 17 private cottages and good service. Has a basic spa, restaurant and bar.

• Poppies Bali , +62 361 751059, +62 361 751059, Poppies I, A Kuta institution. Just 20 traditionally styled bungalows set in lush tropical gardens. Excellent service and an absolute oasis in the relative chaos of Kuta.

• Rama Beach Resort , +62 361 751557, Jl Wana Segara, Tuban, Pleasant mid-market resort just 100 metres from Tuban beach. Have a range of acocmodation from double rooms in the main block to individual private villas. In-house spa and a good-sized pool with swim up bar. Free airport pick-up.

Splurge

• Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel , +62 361 751067, Jl Kartika Plaza, Huge beachfront hotel in Tuban adjacent to the Discovery Shopping Mall. Vast range of services and different room standards.

• Hard Rock Hotel (Jl Pantai Kuta) , +62 361 761869, Part of the global Hard Rock chain offering exactly what you would expect, right on Kuta Beach. Has the largest pool in Bali and an array of other facilities including a spa, fitness centre, kid's club and a rock-climbing wall. Several restaurants and bars and their very own radio station.

• Kuta Paradiso Hotel , +62 361 761414, +62 361 761414, Jl Kartika Plaza, A large, glitzy and rather ostentatious Tuban hotel, but it is decent value for money. In-house spa and fitness centre, nice restaurant and a large pool.

• Mercure Kuta , +62 361 767411, +62 361 767411, Jl Pantai Kuta 100x, Great location right on Kuta Beach close to the Hard Rock. Good quality in-house spa.

• Villa de Daun , +62 361 756276, +62 361 756276, Jl Legian, An absolute hidden oasis in a small lane off Jl Legian. Twelve extremely stylish private villas located in a hectare of beautiful tropical gardens. Has a very highly rated in-house spa and bookings are often made with spa packages included. One, two and three bedroom villas available.

• Grand Istana Rama , +62 361 752208, +62 361 752208, Jl Pantai Kuta, The Grand Istana Rama Hotel Bali as a four star hotel has an excellent location on Kuta's superb beach, offers convenience, relaxation and some of the best surfing in the world a few step from your door.

Buy

• There are lots of popular surfwear/sportswear stores inlcuding Volcom, Rip Curl, Rusty, Surfer Girl Billabong and Quiksilver. These well known brands can be purchased in Kuta at prices 30% to 50% lower than you will pay at home. Your best bet is to wander the length of Jalan Legian between bemo corner and Jalan Melsati where you will find an almost unbelievable number of outlets.

• Kuta Square is a popular shopping area at the north end of Jl Kartika Plaza. There are a host of small shops on both sides of the street, and a big Matahari department store, with a cheap and utterly wacky collection of T-shirts on the 3rd floor.

• Be aware that if you buy things from hawkers on the beach, you will attract dozens more and they will do their best to make you feel guilty for not buying from them. Be prepared for offers at "good luck prices" or "morning/sunset prices". The trick is to not look them in the eye and respond to their offers with a firm "no thank you", but to always stay polite!

• Ticket to the Moon , +62 361 763579 , +62 361 763579 , Jl Raya Legian, right by the bomb memorial, Just in case you left yours at home, the flagship showroom of this famous Bali brand is here in Legian. Hammocks made from parachute fabric that fold up into the smallest, lightest package imaginable.

Shopping Malls

Large, western-style shopping malls are hardly a typical Bali shopping experience, but the best ones on the island are in the Kuta area.

• Discovery Shopping Mall (Centro) is located across from Waterbom Park on Jl Kartika Plaza in Tuban. A big western-style mall with plenty of international brand stores on the ground and sub-ground levels, including Guess, Marks and Spencers, Sogo and Top Shop. The second level is occupied fully by the Centro department store, and there are many cafes and a large electronics retailer on the 3rd level. The waterfront cafes on the ground level have excellent ocean views.

• Bali Mall Galleria is on Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai right beside the huge Simpang Siur roundabout. Galleria is home to number of well known brand stores, a food court, Planet Hollywood and the best cinema in Bali (tel:+62 361 767021). There is a large duty free shopping centre here which is aimed primarily at Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese tourists. You buy your luxury items tax free which are collected upon departure at the airport.

• Carrefour Plaza is on Jl Sunset, just north west of the Simpang Siur roundabout. As well as being anchored by an enormous Carrefour supermarket on the top floor, this is home to an excellent Periplus bookshop, numerous small designer stores and the best authorised Apple Mac retailer in Bali.

Safety

The safety advice given here applies more in Kuta than anywhere else in Bali. Take heed, have fun, but be sensible.

• Swimming safety is extremely important in Kuta. It is prohibited to swim near the special flags, that are placed where currents are especially strong. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards have deemed it safest. Do not swim out too far as the waves and currents here are stronger than you might expect and change very rapidly. The sea water in Kuta can be filthy and you should be aware of this potential problem and try not to swim in the obviously polluted areas.

• Lifeguard Station (Bala Penyelamat Wisata Tirta), JI Pantai Kuta, tel: +62 361 755660.

• Watch your belongings at the beach, better yet do not bring your valuables to the beach if you intend to swim or surf.

• Touts and scammers will constantly look for their chance. Be wary of deals. If its sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

• At night, drunk driving & big potholes in the streets are a problem, so be very aware of road safety after dark.

Learn

• Yoga is very popular and courses are always on offer.

• Some hotels offer courses to learn Bahasa Indonesia.

Contact

Free WiFi for customers has become very widespread in cafes, restaurants, hotels in Kuta - look for the signs.

You can easily buy a prepaid mobile SIM card at a local sundry shop for about Rp 25,000, which will come in handy when making hotel reservations or booking tours. They are also available at Circle-K and other convenience chains, but will cost more for the same deal. Get the seller to activate the SIM card for you unless you understand instructions in Bahasa Indonesia fairly well. There should be no need to top up the card, as text messaging and short local calls will cost you next to nothing. If required, top up plans are competitive and sold at the same type of outlets.

There is a post office in a small lane off Poppies I which is also home to several 'wartels' (phone shops) which provide public IDD and fax facilities.

• Bali Cyber Cafe , +62 361 761326, About 8AM-10PM, 9 Kompleks Sriwijaya, Jl Patih Jelantik, Efficient internet cafe with a fairly reliable 256 kbps connection. Also has a decent food menu. One of the better specialist internet cafes in Bali.

Get out

• Kuta is a major transport hub and is well connected to the rest of island via a bemo and shuttle bus network. Check the myriad of advertising boards on Poppies I, Poppies II and Jalan Legian for details.

• Legian and Seminyak are both within walking distance from Kuta.

• A car journey to the cultural heart of Bali in Ubud will take about 45 minutes.