Kuta Indonesia – 10 Most Thrilling Things to See and to Do

The jam-packed beach and resort destination of Kuta is famous, or infamous (depending on who you ask), for being the centre of all the action in Bali. With the dizzying abundance of happy-hour specials, throbbing night-clubs and overwhelming energy of motion and activity, this destination is filled with things to do for those seeking thrills, parties and non-stop movement. Fortunately for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors, there are also a few things to do in Kuta that do not occur within the confines of a crowded nightclub.

1. Let down your hair and go club-hopping

In an effort to get the obvious out of the way first, the reason that many travellers visit the shores of Kuta is for its chaotic, don’t-tell-your-mother-about-it parties, and its frenzied nightlife. Dancefloors, international DJs, heaving two-for-one bars, wet-n-wild parties, and the classier rooftop lounges are scattered generously across the city and party animals will be absolutely spoilt for choice. As the sun sets Kuta turns from a surfer’s hotspot to party central and the city seems to take on an energetic life force of its own. The more popular nightclubs in Kuta that dominate the scene include, Sky Garden Rooftop Lounge, Bounty Discotheque, Pyramid Club, Paddy’s Pub and Engine Room.

2. Learn to surf

Surf’s up! Kuta’s waves offer beginner surfers the ideal conditions to learn the ropes and to get comfortable on a surf board before the end of their Indonesian holiday. The long, sandy stretch of Kuta Beach is home to small swells and waves of less than three feet. Newbies have the option of taking lessons from one of the many surf schools that are scattered across the beach or they can opt to rent a surfboard for around IDR 25,000 to IDR 40,000 per hour. Lessons cost around IDR 450, 000 and include insurance, a certificate, shower facilities, towels and all surfing equipment. The currents tend to get bigger in the afternoons so mornings are best for those who are just starting out.

3. Stroll the shores of Kuta Beach

Deemed to be Bali’s most popular beach resort destination, Kuta Beach is famous for its golden shores that are jam-packed with beach towels and scantily clad bodies at any given time of the year. Cheap, fun and at the heart of the action, travellers who visit Kuta Beach do not do so for the peace and quiet but rather for the lively and chaotic experience. Popular with younger travellers or visitors hoping to meet other travellers, Kuta Beach is good for taking a dip in the warm, crowded waters; sunbathing; recovering from the night before; or playing a game of Frisbee. Free to enjoy, the beach is also a good spot for those with tight budgets looking for a relaxing and free afternoon.

4. Make a splash at Waterbom Bali

For travellers wanting a bit of excitement and reprieve from the heat, Waterbom Bali is Asia’s number 1 waterpark with plenty of water rides, slides and attractions for all ages to enjoy. Go for a dip in the swimming pool; enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar; surf in the simulated wave pool; or go tubing down the lazy river. Waterbom also has a host of different restaurants and eateries on site that serve plenty of different foods and drinks that are perfect for satisfying hunger pangs after a morning spent swimming and rushing about from ride to slide.

Open daily from 9am to 6pm a single-day adult pass costs IDR 490, 000; a two-day adult -day pass costs IDR 825, 000; a single-pass children’s ticket costs IDR 325,000; and a two-day children’s ticket costs IDR 550,000.

5. Visit the abandoned plane

A photographer’s paradise - a visit to Kuta’s abandoned plane is a peculiar attraction for the curious or for those wanting to get an interesting and unusual photograph. No one knows exactly what the dilapidated aircraft is doing here or what the owner wanted to do with the now-deserted Boeing 737, but the mystery simply adds to the anomaly of it all. Exploring the aircraft is free of charge but often a local will be hanging around the sight asking travellers for an entrance fee or a tour.

To reach this odd sight, go along Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai towards Nusa Due. Right beside Dunkin Donuts about 500 meters from Benoa Square you’ll spot it on your left.

6. Visit Dream Museum Zone Bali

Experience 3-D trick art in a wide variety of interactive displays that are sure to entertain and amuse as you photograph yourself in fun and unusual life-sized murals. This museum is fun for all ages but is especially enjoyable for those travelling with little ones. The illusionary effects of deliberate lighting and beautifully painted sets create a realistic and compelling scene that make for interesting posed shots that are great souvenirs to take home from your travels. Strike a pose with a T-rex, on a snowboard flying off a cliff, underneath a waterfall and many many more.

The address of the museum is Jl. Nakula No. 33X, Legian and its opening hours are every day from 9am to 10pm. Entrance costs IDR 100,000.

7. Shop ‘til you drop

Cheap knock-offs, curious and crude curios and lovely souvenirs abound in Kuta and fortunately pretty much everything is as cheap as they come. Whether you prefer air-conned malls, morning markets or even the 100% Genuine Fake Shop selling ‘genuinely fake’ designer items and apparel; Kuta is filled with retail therapy that can match any budget and interest. Beachwalk Shopping Mall offers visitors an abundance of shopping opportunities as well as an arcade, cinema and a western food-court. For shopaholics seeking hanicrafts and local trinkets head over to Merta Nadi Art Market. And for those looking to stroll leuisuly along browsing everything from wood carvings, artworks, fashion items all the way to pirated DVDs and phallic-shaped souveniers, head to Garlic Lane Shopping Street on Jalan Sahadewa.

8. Take a submarine

For those looking for an unusual experience while in Kuta, this might be right up your alley. Ever wanted to take a peek below the waves from within the confines of a submarine? Here in Kuta lies your chance. Odyssey Submarine is the only submarine operator in Indonesia and the submarine goes 150 meters under the sea where passengers can gaze, gawk and gape at the colourful coral and the hundreds of tropical fish and jellyfish swimming past your window. Perhaps you’ll even get the chance to spy a shark or octopus. Prices for the day are around IDR 1,300,000 (USD 95) for an adult and IND 880, 000 (USD 65) for a child. The price includes all transfers, photos, a delicious lunch, refreshments, a single dive for 45 minutes and a fish feeding experience.

9. Spend an evening at Kuta Theatre

This magic and cultural show is a wonderful and entertaining way to spend an evening and is especially enjoyable for those looking to escape the loud nightlife scene that Kuta is so well-known for. Some members of the cast are adorned in magnificent Balinese dance costumes which dazzle and enthral viewers as they spin and dance across the stage. Although these performances are absolutely stunning, the main event is undoubtedly the perfectly executed illusions and magic tricks.

Kuta Theatre is located at Kuta Centre Level 2, Jalan Kartika Plaza and is open from 5pm until 10pm. Ticket prices vary according to the performances being hosted on the various nights.

10. Reverse Bungee in Kuta

Calling all adrenaline junkies! The 5GX Bali Reverse Bungy in Kuta with its slogan “The only legal way to get high in Bali”, is sure to get the hearts racing of even the bravest and most daring. After fastening your seatbelts, you get catapulted through the air at a whopping 200 km/h! Open from 11am until 3am, travellers seeking exciting thrills can come for an exhilarating ride even after they’ve finished at the club. Prices vary according to the number of people joining. The price for two people is IDR 350,000 per person and if three people are up for the challenge the price drops to IDR 250,000 each.