If you are looking for shopping then you will be spoiled for choice and you can enjoy local markets mixed with upscale shopping malls. There are fine dining options here aplenty as well as quaint local guesthouses and you can spent time walking around the little streets that bisect the area and taking in all the sights.
Popular pastimes here include surfing, swimming, and enjoying the various beach games available, or you can make use of one of the many spas and spend some time relaxing and pampering yourself. Whatever you choose to do, there is no chance of being bored in Kuta, and even those with families will find a huge amount to enjoy away from the typical nightlife venues.
Here are the 25 best things to do in Kuta…
1. Visit Waterboom
Waterbom, Kuta, Bali
This is one of the largest water parks in Bali and you will find a huge number of rides here such as the Boomerang and the Superbowl, and if you are feeling brave there are sheer drop slides such as the Climax.
For younger children there are also children’s pools and some eateries where you can get snacks and light meals to keep you going throughout the day.
Book online: Waterbom Bali 1-Day Park Pass (Can be booked including hotel pick-up)
2. Have lunch at Warung Murah
Source: tripadvisor
Warun Murah
This is one of the top local warungs in town and you can get traditional Indonesian food at low prices as Warung Murah actually means ‘Cheap Cafe’ in Indonesian.
Some of the highlights include fish hot off the grill and served with rice and a few vegetable side dishes, or you can try the piping hot chicken satay with a side of spicy peanut sauce.
3. Go shopping at Upcycle
Source: facebook
Upcycle, Kuta
The shop makes a range of items such as bags and purses but with a twist, as these are made from refuse such as cans and old vinyl records.
As such you will find a huge range of unusual pieces here and you can go home with a one-of-a-kind item that also supports the local community and the precious environment in Kuta.
4. Ride the waves at Armada Flow House
Source: facebook
Armada Flow House
The venue offers you waves no matter what time of day and you can either ride the synthetic surf on a body board or a flow board.
As well as the dedicated lanes you can also have a bite to eat at the adjacent dining area which means that this is a great place to spend a day especially if you are travelling with children.
5. Go for a drink at Apache Reggae Bar
Source: apachereggaebar.com
Apache Reggae Bar
There is live music played here as well as the usually reggae favorites and you can also enjoy plenty of drinks as you dance the night away.
Note that cheap drinks are often made with fake alcohol in Bali so it is probably best to stick to the local beer called Bintang which is a crisp refreshing larger.
6. Go shopping at Beachwalk
Source: flickr
Beachwalk Mall
The mall is one of the newest in the area and has everything you could want with a mix of international shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Anyone looking for surfing gear will find a huge number of options here and there is also a gallery on the upper floor where you can find out more about Indonesian textiles.
As well as the gallery you can also find some handicraft shops selling souvenirs and there is also a rooftop bar complete with resident DJ.
7. Enjoy Upside Down World Bali
Source: indotrip.com
Upside Down World Bali
Located inside, there are seven different rooms where the furniture is the wrong way round which makes it look like you have just walked into a new world that defies gravity.
Photo opportunities abound here and children will love to pose with each of the different wacky scenarios.
8. Admire Vihara Dharmayana Kuta
Source: flickr
Vihara Dharmayana Kuta
This is one of the main religious venues in Kuta and it sits in a leafy backstreet, but you will still be able to spot it from afar thanks to its ornate roof.
Vihara Dharmayana is a Buddhist temple which is said to be over two centuries old and you will find intricate carvings here as well as colorful murals and a scenic courtyard which is covered in aromatic sticks of incense.
9. Go surfing at Kuta Beach
Source: flickr
Surfer at Kuta Beach in Bali
The reason for this is that Kuta Beach lies on a soft sand bar as opposed to a spiky reef, so you will be able to learn to surf safe in the knowledge that you won’t get hurt on some jagged coral if you wipe out.
You can rent a board here for the day and also take a surf lesson with one of the many instructors along the beach, although if you prefer something a little easier then you can also rent a body board and catch the waves that way.
At the end of the day crowds flock here for the sunsets which are best enjoyed with a cold beer.
Recommended activity: Bali: 2-Hour Surfing Lessons
10. Listen to some live music at Bali Beach Shack
Source: balibeachshack.com
Bali Beach Shack
Different bands play in rotation but you can expect them to play all the classic such as famous pop and rock songs, or they also take requests.
There is a dance floor here in front of the stage and the bar is open into the early hours of the morning.
11. Visit Kuta Theater
Source: kutatheater.com
Kuta Theater – Bali
The theater is made up of a series of stages and shows and you can enjoy varied performances such as puppets and magicians.
There are also light drama performances including the signature Lights of Faith show which is based on a traditional story weaved through with modern touches.
The shows take place in the evening and you can also get dinner packages so that you can dine as you watch.
12. Admire the Museum Kain
Source: inilahbali.com
Museum Kain
There are few cultural attractions of this kind in Kuta and you can learn all about how indigenous textiles are made in Indonesia by perusing the various galleries on show.
Many of the pieces feature colorful batik, a technique where wax is dripped on fabric to make a design before dyes are added, and you can also even make your own pieces with the help of one of the on-hand experts.
There is also the opportunity to buy some of the pieces on show as a souvenir of your trip to Indonesia.
13. Have fun at Pandora Experience Bali
Source: tripadvisor
Pandora Experience Bali
The aim of the game is to solve a series of riddles and puzzles in order to get out of the room in under two hours and this is a great way to spend an afternoon if the weather is poor or you just want to give your brain a good workout after too many days spent lazing on the beach.
14. Explore Dream Museum Zone
Source: blog.kura2guide.com
Dream Museum Zone
Many of the pieces look like three dimensional objects rather than just paintings and you can spend the day taking pictures here that look like they defy logic.
Some of these include terrifying realistic great white sharks, sprawling temple gardens and wildlife set pieces, and this is a wonderful spot to spend some time with children.
15. Visit Bali Sea Turtle Society
Source: baliseaturtle.org
Bali Sea Turtle Society
You can join in the activity and watch as these cute little turtles take their first steps into the great ocean and this takes place after 4 pm from April to October which is turtle hatching season.
The hatchery works to protect olive ridley turtles and if you pay a donation at your discretion then you can take your own turtle and help it to swim off into the sea.
You can also learn more about the plight of turtles in Indonesia at the same time.
16. Go dancing at Bounty Nightclub
Source: flickr
Bounty Nightclub
Staff are dressed up in sailor garb to help you get into the spirit of things and there are several different areas to enjoy here.
On the lower floors you will find a karaoke stage and on the upper floors there is a full disco with a stage that sometimes features aerial dancers.
You will also find pool tables here and this is a great place to come if you want a range of different ways to enjoy the famous nightlife in Kuta.
17. Enjoy 5GX Bali Reverse Bungee
Source: nowbali.co.id
5GX Bali Reverse Bungee
Here you can sit inside a bungee seat and then get catapulted into the air at speeds that can reach 200 kilometers per hour.
As many as three people in your group can enjoy this at the same time and it is not for the faint of heart, although if you can keep your eyes open then you can enjoy some amazing views over Kuta as you bungee.
18. Sunbathe on Legian Beach
Source: flickr
Legian Beach
The main reason to come to Legian Beach is down to the fact that it is less crowded and the sand here is a little cleaner.
If you want to get away from the crowds that flock to Kuta Beach then this is a good choice although it doesn’t have as many amenities as the main strip.
19. Pay your respect at the Bali Memorial
Source: wikipedia
Bali Memorial
The bomb attack on the Sari Nightclub killed 202 and injured another 209, many of them Indonesians who were working in the area and the names of the dead are inscribed on the wall of the Bali Memorial.
20. Have a drink at Sky Garden Lounge
Source: blog.kura2guide.com
Sky Garden
That said, the real reason to come here is for the Sky Garden Lounge which is located on the top floor and is a great place to come in the early evening when the sun is starting to set.
You will get some great views across Kuta from here and they also do various buffet dinner promotions where you can enjoy free flow drinks and food before the main party gets started.
21. Go shopping at Surfer Girl
Source: balisurftravels.blogspot.nl
Surfer Girl
The name is something of a misnomer as they also have a section for men, but whatever you are looking for you are bound to find it here including all the big name surfing brands and some smaller locally based designers as well.
22. Visit Mads Lange Tomb
Source: flickr
Mads Lange Tomb
The tomb belongs to Mads Lange who was a Danish explorer who would have lived in Kuta in 1839 and when he died in 1850 he was interred in a tomb close to his former home.
The area is a little out of the way and sits near the river but it is a serene and leafy spot if you want to see some of the history of Kuta.
23. Dance the night away at Engine Room
Source: youtube
Engine Room
The venue is located over two floors with different kinds of music and there are several stages here where you can get up to dance.
The music here includes pop, rock, and techno although you can expect all the classic Kuta nightclub tracks and drinks that flow all night.
24. Grab a bite to eat at Warung Nikmat
Source: vkeong.com
Warung Nikmat
Some of the dishes on offer include traditional oxtail soup as well as curries and vegetables side dishes, and you should make sure not to miss the beef rendang which is beef cooked in a thick chili and coconut milk sauce.
This is more of a lunchtime venue than anything so make sure to get here early to get the best bites.
25. Make a splash at Circus Waterpark
Source: allindonesiatourism.com
Circus Waterpark
It is smaller than Waterbom but tickets are also cheaper, so it makes a good alternative choice.
The park has similar attractions to Waterbom such as slides and a relaxing lazy river, and there is of course a dedicated area for young children making this a great spot for the whole family.
There are also fun areas that include water cannons, fountains, and even a min train that will take you around the park.
As if that wasn’t enough you can even get a temporary tattoo here or visit their onsite reflexology spa.
