Kuta Beach Surf Spot
The most famous of all of Bali’s beaches, primarily because tourism in Bali began with Kuta Beach.
The long stretch of golden sand provides a beautiful coastline for beachgoers and a safe bottom for surfers of all levels. Although you will most commonly find beginners learning to surf at Kuta beach there are plenty of locals displaying a high level of surfing and sometimes experienced surfers washing off a Kuta hangover in between surf trips to other Indonesian islands.
Halfway Kuta
Legian
WAVE INFO
Wave type:
-
Kuta Beach: Beach Break
Wave difficulty:
-
Kuta Beach: Beginner
Wave direction:
-
Kuta Beach: Left,Right
Wave bottom:
-
Kuta Beach: Sand
Booties:
Kuta Beach: No
Surfboard type:
Kuta Beach: Any shape or size
Crowd factor:
-
Kuta Beach: Low Crowds
Hazards:
Kuta Beach: See below
Best swell direction:
Kuta Beach: SW
Best wind direction:
Kuta Beach: E
What tide is best:
Kuta Beach: Best on mid-tide, but surfable on all
Best tide movement:
Kuta Beach: Mid to high
Wave consistency:
Kuta Beach: Ultra-consistent
Best time of year:
Kuta Beach: Dry Season; April – October
Lineup vibe:
Kuta Beach: Frothing beginners and local rippers
Other names for spot:
Kuta Beach: Halfway Kuta
Most Common hazards
Pollution, especially after heavy rain which is frequent in the wet season of October to March and particularly so from December to February. Kuta Beach can also produce heavy thick-lipped surf when the surf gets overhead, so if you are a beginner surfer just be sure to take some time to check the conditions before entering the water.
Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Proper planning prevents unnecessary time out of the water, and the best place to start is a first aid kit.
How do you get in and out of the surf?
It doesn’t get any easier than Kuta Beach. Pick your peak and paddle out in between sets. If you’re super lazy, look for a rip where the water is flowing back out after a set has come in, then paddle out with the flow of water and into position on the sandbank of your choice.
What is the beach like?
Kuta Beach runs for approximately 2km of the 5km plus stretch of sandy coastline with Tuban to the south and Legian Beach to the north. The combination of sun, sand, surf, and nightlife is what makes this beach so popular. However, during the wet season, the beach can attract rubbish being washed up on the beach with the change in winds from the consistent offshore trade winds from the southeast that are most common in the dry season. Although rubbish is usually cleaned up daily some days.
The natural scenery of the beach is very beautiful and it’s no wonder it become the main icon of the island when tourism began in Bali. Lined with 5 stars hotels that are located on the street next to the beach and with the biggest mall on the island, close to restaurants with different types of foods, and little shops selling all kinds of gear ranging from surfing gear, clothes, crafts, and more is some of what makes Kuta Beach so iconic.
Where should I stay?
Cheapest Price Range – Beneyasa Beach Inn
If you are looking for the cheapest of accommodation options then Beneyasa Beach Inn sometimes starts at slightly over 150,000Rp per night or approximately $15 AUD upwards. Located right in the heart of Kuta with the beach and surf approximately 350 metres away.
Affordable Price Range – Hotel Lusa at Kuta Beach
As far as location and affordability go for the surfer on a budget Hotel Lusa is a popular option. Built in the early 1970’s Hotel Lusa has been accommodating surfers visiting Kuta Beach well before Bali become a tourist hotspot. Starting at around 300,000Rp per night or approximately $30AUD the rooms are very plain and standard however it is located not much further than 100m from the beach and just north of Halfway Kuta surf spot.
Mid Price Range – Alam KulKul Boutique Resort
If you are looking for a step up in accommodation and a bit of an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Kuta with the beach and surf right across the road then Alam KulKul Boutique Resort is a great beachfront option. Especially on the odd occasion when you can get a good deal here for under 1,000,000Rp per night or less than approximately $100 AUD through the likes of the online hotel platform booking dot com.
DEALS ON PLACES TO STAY IN KUTA
Faq
IIs there food nearby?
There are a lot of options for food along the beachfront of Jalan Pantai Kuta. However, for cheaper eating options search the alleys like Poppies Lane 1 and Poppies Lane 2 or try one of the many local warungs with quality Indonesian style food at local prices.
What else is there to do in the area other than surfing?
Sunbathing – The beach is lined with chairs and loungers that you can rent from around 50,000Rp per day upwards anywhere along the beach you want to relax.
Not only is the beach full of tourists making the most of relaxing and tanning in the tropical sun but the beach is also full of action in addition to surfing with all sorts of sports and activities going on such as soccer, volleyball, beach tennis, frisbee, joggers and all.
Sunsets – Kuta Beach is a renowned spot to unwind after a day surfing at Kuta Beach.
Soak in the beautiful sunset, and enjoy a few Bintangs before venturing onto bars such as Alleycats in Poppies Lane 2.
Nightlife – Kuta Beach is a renowned area for partying. A large number of bars and nightclubs such as the Sky Garden draw the younger crowds of surfers, backpackers, and holiday goers in for long nights of partying almost every day of the week.
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Location
Where is Kuta Beach?
Located on the western side of the island just north of Ngurah Rai International Airport in Kuta Beach was the first area to see large-scale tourist development in Bali. Therefore it is centrally located where development has expanded from further across the island year after year.
How to get around?
The best way to get around if you are experienced is by scooter. However, be warned the traffic in Kuta is hectic and far too many people are injured in accidents on a daily basis. Don’t wind up another statistic. For a safer option take a taxi, although travel times can take a while with more and more cars on Kuta’s small roads. It can be quicker to walk at certain times of the day if you’re not going too far.
Is there parking fees?
Parking your scooter at Kuta Beach will cost you around 2,000Rp for the day.
How to get there?
When flying into Bali you will arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport. From here you have no problem organising a taxi for the short ride into Kuta. Taxis are pre-paid at the taxi counter when exiting customs at the international area of the airport. However, if you are traveling with surfboards you will be charged more at the taxi counter than if you were traveling without boards. To get around this you can organise transport through your accommodation prior to arriving or if you are a tough negotiator try your luck bartering down a driver once you’re past the taxi stand.
