Kuta Sights and Shops

Since this was supposed to be a steady relaxed trip, I really just wanted to stay in Ubud. However, because we arrive in Bali late at night, it might not be such a good idea to travel for over an hour to get to Ubud. So we decided to give Kuta 2 nights and one full day.

Original plan was to walk around Kuta then hire a cab to go to Uluwatu for Sunset then Jimbaran for dinner. But due to some unfortunate events and too many surf shop bargains, we just ditched our plan. So the day was spent walking down Jalan Legian and this alone can take up hours of your time if you’re not careful. Roxy. Billabong. Rip Curl. Quicksilver. Ralph Lauren. Keep repeating until the end of the street.

We stopped by the Bali Memorial which is dedicated to the 202 people who died in the Bali bombing of 2002. It was built on the site of the original Paddy’s Pub which was destroyed by the terrorist attack. The memorial lists the names and nationalities of all those killed in the attack. It is a beautiful reminder of lives that were unnecessarily lost.

Bali Bombing Memorial

Names and nationalities of the victims

Jalan Legian and all its shops

Walking down Jalan Legian is an entertaining activity in itself. The street has so much character.

 

There are dozens of money changers along Jalan Legian and my only good advice to you is to stay away from those small stores with really high exchange rates – unless you have eyes and hands quicker than those scam artists. I already knew about the scam and the teller and I kept going back and forth counting and recounting the money. But I guess I can’t outwit him at his own game. That lesson cost me around 300,000 rupiah! Instead of gaining a few hundred rupiah I actually lost so much more, not too mention my bruised ego for being duped by a scam I was aware of.

Lunch was at Made Warung, which has been mentioned consistently by Lonely Planet and other bloggers. Maybe because I was too bummed too eat or I didn’t really try out any of their specialties, lunch was just okay. Nothing special. From the restaurant it was only a five minute walk to Kuta beach.

Inside Made's Warung. Warung means eatery.

One impression I had of Kuta, specifically Jalan Legian, is it was like the main road of Boracay but nicer, instead of tricycles they had taxis and instead of Koreans majority of their tourists are Australians. And these Aussies are everywhere. It is immediately evident that these half-naked and barefoot Aussie teenagers wearing Bintang singlets or shorts comprise the bulk of the foreigners in Kuta.

They are everywhere.

Hours can be lost in just this small strip

Kuta beach was not crowded at 2p.m. but when we went back around 4p.m. there were already families swimming or flying kites. I will not compare the beach to our beaches here in the Philippines because I think it’s already expected where my vote lies. What Kuta beach lacks in crystal clear waters it makes up for with its character and semi strong waves that are perfect for beginner surfers. I enjoyed the few minutes I spent sitting on the sand and just taking in all that was happening around me.

Outside Hard Rock Hotel

Offerings are made every day

A 45minute taxi ride took us to Seminyak where all those beautiful and quaint boutiques are located. Unlike in Kuta where the stores just kept repeating, here each boutique is different and there was a greater chance of finding that perfect one of a kind piece. Our final destination was Ku De Ta for sunset drinks. I did not expect the place to be super fancy and I was wearing boardshorts and flip flops. Fortunately, the smart casual dress code was only for the restaurant and not for the lounge area near the beach. I had my first taste of (expensive) Bintang beer. It was a perfect cap to a tiring day full of walking. The place was really nice and relaxing. I think I was the only backpacker there (or at least the only one who dressed as one) and yet it didn’t feel like I was out of place. The service was impeccable and the waiter knew the right moment to whip out his lighter even when I didn’t ask for it. It was a splurge that was worth it and maybe next time I can afford to have a meal to go with my beer too.

Forget the beach. The sunset was amazing.

65,000 rupiah Bintang. It was worth it.

The taxi ride back to Kuta was much faster because of lighter traffic. After the expensive beer, dinner was a very affordable KFC meal which was thoroughly enjoyed. It was a long and tiring day and tomorrow we are headed to Ubud.