Things to do in Kuta

Flip-flop central, surfboard under arm, sunset on the horizon – Kuta’s got the classic Bali beach holiday stitched up. This is where backpackers and families mix on the sand, street hawkers sell sarongs next to surf lessons, and the nights run on Bintang, beats, and late-night nasi goreng. 

You can spend mornings riding your first wave, afternoons losing track of time in rooftop pools, and evenings bar-hopping till your cheeks hurt from laughing with strangers. But it’s not all party. There’s temple calm, street art hunts, Balinese cooking classes, and spa days that cost (way) less than a round of drinks in Sydney. Whether you’re here to surf, shop, soak or watch the sun clock off for the day, Kuta’s got you covered.

Unique Kuta things you can’t do anywhere else

• Bar-hop along Jalan Legian: It’s a rite of passage. From live bands in open-air pubs to all-night dance floors, this is Kuta’s heartbeat after dark.
• Learn to surf at Bali’s original wave hub: Kuta Beach has been breaking in beginners since the ‘70s, with mellow waves, soft sand, and more surf schools than you can shake a board at.
• Sunset cocktails from a beanbag on the sand: Kuta pioneered Bali’s beanbag-on-the-beach vibe, long before Canggu made it cool again.
• Parasail over the coastline: Take off from the sand and get a bird’s-eye view of Bali’s busiest beach strip.
• Sea walk in Tanjung Benoa: No scuba ticket needed. Pop on a bubble helmet and stroll the ocean floor among coral gardens and curious fish.

Best Kuta attractions to see

• Kuta Beach: The big one. Wide golden sand, mellow waves, and the perfect place to watch Bali’s nightly sky show.
• Waterbom Bali: Asia’s top-rated waterpark, with adrenaline slides, lazy rivers, and shady chill spots for non-thrill seekers.
• Vihara Dharmayana Kuta: Over 150 years old and still humming with incense – a peaceful Chinese Buddhist temple tucked behind the main drag.
• Shop Poppies Lane I and II: Kuta’s most famous laneways, stacked with stalls flogging sarongs, knock-off sunnies, and the odd handmade gem if you look closely.

Best Kuta day trips and tours

• Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance: Cliff-top temple with jaw-dropping views and a fire dance that lights up the sunset.
• Tanah Lot Temple: An hour north, this sea temple is best visited at golden hour.
• ATV ride through rice fields: Swap beach for mud as you bounce past paddies and villages on four wheels.
• Snorkel or dive Nusa Lembongan: Coral gardens, manta rays, and clear-as-glass water.
• Day cruise to Nusa Penida: Instagram-famous cliffs, turquoise coves, and snorkelling stops.

Budgeting for things to do in Kuta

Kuta works for every wallet – from roadside noodles to sunset cocktails. Street eats like nasi goreng or mie goreng hover around AU$2–4, while a beachfront massage is about AU$10–15. Surfboard hire is AU$5–7 an hour, and you can laze at a beach club pool if you hit the minimum spend. Spa days range from AU$10 for a foot rub to AU$60 for the full shebang with flower baths and hot stones. Private drivers start around AU$40–50 a day – split with mates and you’re golden. Splurge on a seafood feast at Jimbaran Bay or a parasailing session over Kuta’s surf for a memory you can’t buy at home.

Free things to do in Kuta

• Sunset at Kuta Beach: Join the nightly crowd on the sand for football, cold beers, and a sky that looks airbrushed.
• Watch street performers: From buskers to breakdancers, Kuta’s got free shows if you know where to look.
• Temple spotting: Even in busy streets, you’ll find tiny shrines with incense curling into the air.
• Watch the fishermen at Tuban Beach: Just south of Kuta, see traditional fishing boats launch at sunrise.