Choose from 10 Fun Things to Do in Kuta
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Canggu Beach
Long an under-the-radar destination for surfers, Bali’s Canggu beach district boasts some of the island’s most vibrant nightlife. Set on the west coast north of Seminyak and south of Tanah Lot, it draws party lovers, surfers, and yoginis with a vibrant blend of wave-pounded beaches, serene rice fields, and top-notch bars and restaurants.
The Basics
Canggu offers shopping, eating, and drinking opportunities aplenty, but perhaps its biggest attraction are those stunning waves, especially when backed by a Balinese sunset. Among the best-known beaches in Canggu are Echo Beach, Old Man’s Beach, and Berawa Beach. The area is a common stop on Bali beach and surfing tours.
If you want to learn to surf in Canggu, you have a range of options: Rent a board at the beach and experiment, hire a teacher on spec, or join an organized surfing tour or class. Old Man’s Beach is popular with beginners (and offers more advanced breaks, too), while Echo Beach is good for those with at least intermediate skills. The most experienced surfers often frequent less busy beaches a little farther afield.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Canggu is a must for surfers (or the surf-curious) and photographers.
- The surf on Canggu beaches is too intense for younger children, with some rip currents.
- Canggu is no place to learn how to ride a motorbike. Tourists die here regularly.
How to Get There
Until recently Canggu was a very rural district—it still retains plenty of rice fields—and approach roads can be choked with traffic during July and August. Self-driving can seem a tempting option, especially as the informal local taxis charge exorbitant fares. Especially if you plan to drink alcohol, a private driver is much safer.
When to Get There
Either end of the dry season—from April to early May and from September to early October—is the best time to enjoy Canggu. Traffic is unpleasantly heavy from May to October, during the dry-season peak. This is also surfing season on Bali’s west coast, and lineups get very crowded in July and August. Stay close to the shoulder seasons for the best weather with the fewest crowds.
Canggu Beach Nightlife
Canggu is a large area, so pick a beach or subdistrict you’d like to focus on, and start there. Old Man’s Bar, Finn’s Beach Club, and the Deus ex Machina bike store–cum–gallery are universally known landmarks and good starting points for a bar crawl on foot. Or just head to the Batu Bolong strip, the epicenter of thumping nightlife in Canggu.
Address: Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 35
Lovina
A mellow, family-centered resort on the north coast of Bali, Lovina offers gray-black beaches and more affordable prices than you’ll find at the buzzing resorts to the south. The main attraction is a sunrise dolphin-watching trip. Guests also enjoy diving and snorkeling on the coral reef, and hiking in the hills beyond town.
The Basics
Lovina is a worthwhile destination itself, to chill on the dark sand beaches, hike in the hills, watch dolphins, and explore other coastal attractions. However, many will visit as part of a larger north Bali day tour, combining a sunrise dolphin trip with stops at the Gitgit or Sekumpul waterfalls and in Bedugul. A handful of Lovina dolphin tours also include snorkeling around the spectacular coral near Menjangan Island, a couple of hours west.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lovina is a popular choice for families with children, thanks to its calm waters and affordable accommodations.
- Dolphin-watching boats usually depart at 6am, which requires leaving South Bali at 3am, or even earlier.
- Don’t miss Lovina’s delicious grilled fish called ikan bakar.
- Lovina dolphin tours use small outrigger boats. Boarding requires reasonable balance, mobility, and strength.
How to Get There
Lovina sits on Bali’s north coast, around 6 miles (9 kilometers) east of the city of Singaraja. Perama shuttle buses connect Lovina to the major tourist hubs of Kuta, Ubud, and Sanur, as well as northerly destinations such as Padangbai, Candidasa, and Bedugul. North Bali is generally kinder to self-drivers than south Bali, but many will still find it easier to hire a driver.
When to Get There
If you’re visiting Lovina to enjoy the narrow beach, the weather is most cooperative during the dry months of May to September. Most visitors come for the dolphins, which can be spotted leaping and frolicking in the bay at sunrise. You’ll find smaller crowds if you visit during the low season months of October, November, February, and March.
Where to See Dolphins in Bali
Lovina is famous for its wild dolphins, although many believe that all the noisy dolphin-watching boats may be detrimental to their well-being. Dolphins in captivity in Bali are mainly kept in unpleasant conditions, usually in cramped, and sometimes even chlorinated, pools. Though you can see dolphins in the wild in Lovina, please don’t plan to swim with dolphins on Bali.
Address: Lovina, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 46
Uluwatu Temple
Situated just outside Kuta on Bali’s southwestern tip sits an ancient temple perched atop towering seaside cliffs. At Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s most important directional temples, Ganesha statues welcome visitors who’ve come to enjoy spectacular views, observe wild monkeys, or watch a traditional Balinese dance at sunset.
The Basics
Uluwatu ranks among the most popular of the more than 1,000 temples on Bali. Its clifftop location makes sunset visits particularly appealing, so many guided day trips around the island culminate with a sunset stop at the temple and the chance to watch a traditional Kecak dance performance in this atmospheric location. An evening Uluwatu Temple tour can be combined with a fresh seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach. Tours to Uluwatu Temple often include pickup and drop-off in either Denpasar or South Kuta.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This Balinese Hindu temple is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Bali.
- Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance to the temple complex.
- Be aware of the wild monkeys that frequent the temple; they’re known to snag jewelry, cameras, and other loose objects.
How to Get There
Uluwatu Temple sits about 45 minutes from the Denpasar airport by road. The most convenient way to get there is on a guided tour, but it’s also possible to arrive by taxi from just about anywhere on the island.
When to Get There
The magnificent view of the sun setting over Jimbaran Bay and the Indian Ocean makes evening the most popular (and crowded) time for visiting Uluwatu Temple. If you’d like to explore the temple grounds with a bit more elbow room, plan to visit earlier in the day.
The Beaches of Uluwatu
The clifftop temple isn’t Uluwatu’s only appeal. The area is also deservedly famous for its white-sand beaches. While strong tides make for unsafe swimming, Padang Padang Beach and Jimbaran Beach attract surfers year-round with their consistent waves.
Address: Bali, Indonesia
Admission: small fee
From $ 8
Jimbaran Bay
A strip of golden sand with calm, gentle waters perfect for families—and stand-up paddleboarding—Jimbaran Bay is a popular beach renowned for its beauty. Besides the charms of the ocean, Jimbaran offers stunning Balinese sunsets and a wealth of restaurants serving Indonesia’s signature dish: grilled fish (ikan bakar).
The Basics
Jimbaran Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, so it’s no surprise most activities here revolve around the water. On the beach, sun loungers and water-sports equipment are available to rent, and most vendors—including those at seafront restaurants and the fish market—speak English. Many tours visit Jimbaran Bay as one stop on a broader Bali itinerary, typically swinging by for sunset followed by a fresh-fish dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jimbaran Bay is a must for beach lovers and photographers.
- Be sure to establish prices for the specific fish you are eating in Jimbaran fish restaurants before you dine.
- A good fish restaurant will encourage you to inspect the fish and pick the one you want. Look for bright eyes, red gills, and shiny, firm skin.
- Accompany your fish with sambal, Indonesia’s national chili condiment.
How to Get There
Jimbaran Bay is 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) south of Kuta and Ngurah Rai International Airport and is reasonably well signposted from elsewhere in south Bali. From Kuta, the public shuttle bus Kura-Kura services Jimbaran Bay. If you’re braving Bali’s traffic and left-side driving, parking is ample and inexpensive.
When to Get There
For the Bali sunset connoisseur, Jimbaran Bay is a must, with the sun sinking gently into the ocean between 6 and 7 all year round. While you can eat lunch at the seafood restaurants, dinner is more popular. Seafood is least likely to be fresh on Sunday, when many boats stay in.
Jimbaran Fish Market
Test your haggling skills at Kedonganan fish market (Pasar Ikan Tradisional Kedonganan) in Jimbaran. After you choose your fish, local vendors will cook it up with rice, sambal, and an Asian green known as water spinach (kangkung) for a delicious plastic-chair feast. Pick carefully: Some of the swimmers here are showing their age.
Address: Bali, Indonesia
From $ 15
Tirta Empul Temple
Bali’s most popular sacred spring, Tirta Empul Temple dates back more than 1,000 years. Travelers from around the globe flock to its holy waters to bathe beside Balinese pilgrims; accept blessings from healers, priests, and shamans; or simply soak up the atmosphere. The temple is northeast of Ubud in Tampaksiring, not far from Gunung Kawi.
The Basics
Tirta Empul Temple is easy to visit independently yet is also a very popular stop for Bali tours, large and small. (In general, due to heavy traffic, winding roads, and language barriers, booking a private guide or joining an organized tour can help you get the most out of your Bali trip.) Prebooking a tour is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a Balinese Hindu water blessing. To check off several of Ubud’s most celebrated temples in a single day, many Bali temple tours include a stop at Tirta Empul.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tirta Empul’s bathing pools make it a popular choice for photographers, and anyone with an interest in Balinese spirituality.
- Entry to the temple requires a small fee.
- Sacred springs should be treated with respect. While sarongs are available for a modest fee, all visitors should wear tops that cover their shoulders.
- Balinese Hinduism prohibits menstruating women from entering temples of any kind. Please honor this requirement.
- As with most Balinese temples, Tirta Empul includes steps and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Tirta Empul Temple lies about 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) northeast of Ubud in the village of Tampaksiring. Unless you speak Indonesian and have a lot of time, private transportation is essential.
When to Get There
Balinese Hindu temples generally host ceremonies on the full moon, new moon, and other auspicious days calculated on a complicated calendar. Around these times, and during the Balinese festivals of Galungan and Kuningan, Tirta Empul Temple gets very busy. Any day you visit, come early to catch the temple at its best as worshippers start to arrive and make their offerings.
The Legend of Life
Balinese lore relates that when the god Indra did battle with the demon king Mayadanawa, he tapped the elixir of life from the ground at Tirta Empul. As such, Tirta Empul—just one of many holy water temples on Bali—is sacred to Balinese, who visit on their birthdays, and a key part of Bali’s subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark.
Address: Jl. Tirta, Tampaksiring, Bali, Gianyar Regency, Indonesia 80552, Indonesia
From $ 10
Gitgit Waterfall
A popular stop between Singaraja and Denpasar, Gigit Waterfall is considered to be one of the most beautiful on the island. Easy to reach from the road, the falls have a drop of 131 feet (40-meter) into a picturesque pool where visitors can swim. There are actually three falls in the area—the other falls being smaller twin waterfalls. All are signposted from the road and reached by a short hike.
The Basics
Most travelers visit Gitgit Waterfall en route to somewhere else on the island, including Sekumpul Waterfall. Many tours to the dolphins at Lovina or the attractions at Bedugul, including Ulun Danu Bratan, stop at Gitgit Waterfall en route to south Bali. Gitgit Waterfall tours typically include a short hike, a photo stop, and a swim or splash in the pool below.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You can swim, or at least splash, in all three Gitgit falls just about year-round. Bring your bathing suit: There are simple changing rooms.
- Local myth claims that couples who visit Gitgit together will ultimately split up.
- Souvenir vendors can be persistent. A raised hand and a polite “no thank you” will often do the trick.
- The hike to the main falls is well made but includes stairs.
How to Get There
The Gitgit falls sit on the main road between Denpasar (and south Bali) and Singaraja, on the north coast. Unless you speak enough Indonesian to negotiate the “bemo” minibus system, they are not accessible by public transport. It’s possible to self-drive, but most visitors prefer to join a tour or arrange a private driver/guide, and combine the trip to the falls with visits to Bedugul, Lovina, or north Bali.
When to Get There
As with most Bali waterfalls, the Gitgit falls are at their most impressive during the rainy season (roughly October to May), or after rain during the dry season. The falls can get very busy so it’s best to arrive in the morning, before 10am, to avoid the crowd.
Bali’s Best Waterfalls
Lush landscapes and stark black rock make Bali’s waterfalls stand out, despite their relatively small scale. Besides Gitgit, Sekumpul Waterfall, near Singaraja, is a popular attraction; Tegenungan Waterfall near Ubud offers a theatrical cascade; and Melanting Waterfall is the tallest and most impressive of the three falls around Munduk.
Address: Jalan Raya Tumanggal, Sukasada, Buleleng, Indonesia 81161, Indonesia
From $ 29
Kuta Beach
Bali’s first beach hotel opened back in the 1930s on Kuta’s epic sweep of golden sand and metronomic surf. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, Australian surfers popularized the place, and today Kuta Beach is the epicenter of Kuta, Bali’s liveliest and most touristic district. If great waves and beach boys float your boat, Kuta won’t disappoint.
The Basics
Once a sleepy village, the neighborhood around Kuta Beach is now Bali’s busiest—it’s particularly popular with Australians visiting on bargain breaks. But don’t let that put you off discovering the beach: whether bodyboarding or surfing is your thing, there’s fun to be had under the lifeguards’ protective eyes.
Most tours to Kuta Beach focus on those rolling waves. Classic experiences include Kuta surfing lessons and Kuta bodyboarding classes. Kuta surf schools are used to beginners and most have outsize “foamy” boards to help build confidence. While it’s perfectly possible to arrange lessons privately from the many surf rental spots on the beach, many prefer the fixed price guarantee of booking lessons online.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kuta Beach is busy year-round—not a spot for shrinking violets!
- Don’t get Kuta, Bali, confused with Kuta on the neighboring island of Lombok—it’s also a beachy surf town, so it’s easy to muddle the two.
- The waves on Kuta Beach are a thrill for tweens and teens but may well be too much for younger children: east coast beaches, such as Sanur’s, are milder.
How to Get There
Everyone on Bali knows Kuta Beach, or “Pantai Kuta” in Indonesian. The cheapest and easiest way to get there is to ride the Kura-Kura tourist bus, or pick up a motorcycle taxi or 4-wheeled cab. Kuta is no place to learn to ride a motorbike, although tens of thousands try: If you must, stay sober and wear a helmet.
When to Get There
Kuta Beach is popular year-round: sunsets, which fall between roughly 6pm and 7pm, can be particularly stunning, especially washed down with an ice-cold beer. Kuta in general is best avoided during “Schoolies,” a 3-week period from mid-November when Australians graduate high school and descend on Bali en masse.
Where to Surf in Bali
Bali is blessed with year-round surfing, with the east coast picking up when the west coast slows down, and vice versa. Great beaches for beginners include Double Six, Batu Belig, Kuta, and Canggu’s Batu Bolong; Uluwatu and Padang-Padang in the Bukit Peninsula can deliver spectacular swells. For less crowded breaks, consider heading north, perhaps to Keramas on the east coast or Balian on the west coast.
Address: Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 35
Mt Batur
Bali is known for it beautiful beaches, but the interior has its own appeal. Here you’ll find one of the region’s most active volcanoes, Mt. Batur (Gunung Batur), rising 5,633 feet (1,717 meters) above sea level In the highlands of Kintamani.
The Basics
To best appreciate the Mount Batur experience, sign up for an early-morning trek to the summit. Such excursions typically depart from Ubud at 2am or 3am and arrive at the base of the volcano while it’s still dark. Trekkers then make the 2-hour journey to the top of the volcano using headlamps and the light of the moon, an effort rewarded with amazing sunrise views of Mt. Agung and the surrounding mountains. Since Mt. Batur is an active volcano, you’ll likely also get to experience a very unique breakfast of eggs boiled on the lava-heated rocks. After you’ve made the trip, nearby Lake Batur offers hot springs perfect for relaxing tired muscles. It’s also possible to combine your Mt. Batur sunrise trek with whitewater rafting on the Ayung River or a coffee plantation tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Climbing Mt. Batur volcano is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers; it’s chilly before sunrise but will warm up significantly once the sun comes up.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for the trek down.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to climb Mt. Batur without a tour guide, it’s much more convenient (and safe) to visit as part of a guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud, as well as breakfast at the top. The starting point for the hike is usually the village of Toya Bungkah, about an hour by bus from Ubud.
When to Get There
Since Mt. Batur remains one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, it’s important to inquire about current activity before making the trek. For the best chance of clear skies and dry weather, plan to visit between April and October. July and August tend to be busiest on the trails.
Who Can Make the Climb
It takes about two hours to make the ascent to the top of Mt. Batur, and the hike is almost entirely uphill over jagged volcanic rocks. It’s a moderately difficult hike suitable for those with at least an average fitness level.
Address: Mt Batur, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 10
Anika Spa
Within walking distance of Ngurah Rai International Airport, Anika Spa in Kuta is a comfortable modern spa that’s well-placed for pre- or post-flight treatments. Therapies focus on traditional Indonesian ingredients and techniques, whether it’s an aromatherapy-based treatment, massage, scrub, flower bath, manicure, or pedicure.
The Basics
With its statues and cooling pools, this south Bali spa feels distinctively Balinese. Guests can book a treatment or prearrange a package that includes hotel or airport transfers. Packages typically center on Balinese massage, which uses long, smooth strokes combined with acupressure techniques and aromatherapy oils, but there are treatments for everything from sunburn to dry scalp.
Things to Know Before You Go
- An aromatherapy foot massage at this spa near Bali airport makes a great treatment to counter any post-flight swelling.
- As with many Balinese spas, Anika Spa offers couple’s treatments, including side-by-side massages and 2-person flower baths: simply request on booking.
- Don’t be shy; ask your therapist to adjust the strength of your massage.
- Rather than negotiating with street solicitors, book a Balinese spa package that includes door-to-door transfers.
How to Get There
Anika Spa is situated in Tuban, less than a mile (1.5 kilometers) from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and an easy ride from Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian. Whether staying in south Bali or on your way to the airport, most will find a transfer with private driver more convenient than braving Bali’s crazy traffic and choked roads.
When to Get There
Anika Spa is open morning to late-night seven days a week, with the exception of Balinese New Year (Nyepi), when the entire island shuts down. It’s important to book ahead on weekends, during Bali’s tourist peak season (roughly mid-June through August), and around major Balinese festivals such as Kuningan and Galungan, which follow a 7-month cycle.
The Bali Spa: Balinese Aromatherapy Ingredients
Most traditional Balinese spa ingredients grow in Indonesian gardens—and that’s not just the flowers used in a flower foot wash or bath. Expect to find spices such as turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, lemongrass, ginger, and galangal used in scrubs and oils, and to sip a warming cup of ginger tea before or after your treatment.
Address: Jalan Beo No.5, Kuta, Bali 80361, Indonesia
From $ 20
Serangan Beach
Widely recognized as one of Bali’s best, the shores of Serangan Beach rank among Indonesia’s top destinations. Stationed on the island of Serangan, the epic waves, stretches of white sand and easy access from the mainland are part of what makes this beach tops. Experienced travelers can ride the waves on their own, while novice visitors who want to hang ten can take their pick of the dozens of surf schools that have popped up on the island.
Sandy shores are perfect for sunbathers and the family set will enjoy touring the Turtle Conservation and Education Center where local naturalists educate travelers on the importance of hatch turtles to the oceanic ecosystem and offer protected breeding grounds for these gentle giants. Numerous island hotels offer up plenty of options for accommodations and insure that regardless of budget, travelers are well covered on a visit to this beautiful island getaway.
Practical Info
Serangan Beach is located on Serangan Island about 25 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport. It is easily accessible by private taxi or rented motorbike. A public bridge connects the island to mainland.
Address: Serangan Island, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 20