The region known as South Bali on the Indonesian island of Bali is packed full of beaches perfect for surfing and a wide variety of hotels to suit all budgets.
Kuta Beach sits in South Bali and it is one of the most developed towns on the island. There are rolling waves, local beach boys, masseurs and numerous hotels and restaurants lining the back of the busy beach and lots of stalls selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Shops are in abundance in Kuta and there are always interested travelers and backpackers wandering the streets. As well as some of the larger hotels on Bali, there is also a good selection of hostels, cheap rooms and mid-range accommodation to choose from in Kuta, one of the main reasons it is so popular.
Legian is also part of what is known as South Bali and is often mistakenly thought of as part of Kuta Beach. Seminyak and Batubelig are home to white sandy stretches of beach that have strong currents so swimming is not advisable. Accommodation in the area is reasonably priced and there are many attractive holiday villas dotted around.
Sanur Beach in South Bali is where the holiday development was first centred but it has since moved to the larger towns of Denpasar and Kuta. It is now quiet and the beach is nothing special as it is often the victim of litter brought in by the tides; the beach in Kuta is much more inviting and attracts anyone from Australian surfers to Swedish backpackers.
Denpasar is the Balinese capital and home to the island’s international airport. While most tourists bypass it for the beaches, it has a few interesting sights and excellent shopping, making it a good spot to pick up batik.
Where to Go
- Benoa Harbour: Bali’s main cruise port and gateway for boat trips, offering ferries and yacht charters to nearby islands.
- Berewa: A relaxed beach area near Canggu, known for its surf breaks, beachfront cafes, and family-friendly vibe.
- Bukit Peninsula: A rugged, scenic area famous for its limestone cliffs, stunning beaches, and cultural sites like Uluwatu Temple.
- Canggu: A coastal village known for its surf culture, hip cafes, and lively nightlife, popular with digital nomads and surfers.
- Denpasar: Bali’s busy capital city, offering a mix of traditional markets, temples, and modern conveniences with a local urban vibe.
- Kerobokan: A diverse area blending rice paddies, upscale villas, and unique shopping, situated between Seminyak and Canggu.
- Kuta: Bali’s iconic beach destination known for its lively nightlife, surf-ready waves, and endless array of shops and bars.
- Legian: An area just north of Kuta, offering beautiful beaches, casual dining, and a busy nightlife scene.
- Offshore Islands: Scenic islands like Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, known for their clear waters, snorkeling, and laid-back ambiance.
- Nusa Penida: A rugged island offering breathtaking cliffs, secluded beaches, and some of Bali’s best diving spots.
- Pulau Serangan: (Turtle Island) - An eco-tourism destination and conservation site, known for its turtle sanctuary and water sports.
- Seminyak: A chic coastal area with high-end boutiques, stylish beach clubs, and a sophisticated dining scene.
- Sanur: A relaxed beachfront town with calm waters, ideal for families, cycling, and exploring Bali’s laid-back coastal life.
- Tanah Lot: A stunning offshore temple perched on a rocky outcrop, known for its cultural significance and picturesque sunsets.
- Tuban: A quieter beach area near Kuta, with family-friendly resorts and easy access to Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Highlights
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Kuta: Is the top spot on the entire island for most visitors. It has a fine surf beach, a huge range of accommodation and plenty of bars.
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Bukit Peninsula: Has quieter beaches than Kuta and also comes with surfing, diving and the Uluwatu Temple.
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Denpasar: The bustling Bali capital, and the main gateway to the holiday island, is just up from Kuta.
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Seminyak: A farther out beach (northwest of Kuta) for the upscale crowd, with top-end digs and restaurants.
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Sanur: Across the headland from Kuta, this stretch of sand and associated town is better for families.
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Jimbaran: Is a good, quiet alternative to nearby Kuta residing on the top end of Bukit Peninsula.
- Uluwatu Temple: Is one of Bali’s revered temples and top sunset spots, having a stunning setting atop a cliff on Bukit Peninsula.
Things to Do
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Partying: On par with Patong in Thailand for its nightlife is Kuta, loaded as it is with beachside bars and clubs.
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Surfing: Most beaches on South Bali have a measure of surf, with Legian Beach for beginners and Kuta for intermediates.
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Spas: Are best found in Seminyak, which has a ton of high class wellness retreats and quality resorts.
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Water fun: Kuta’s Waterbom Park is one of the top water parks in all of Asia, with a range of slides and attractions for young kids.
- Sunset seeking: Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot are both top spots for Bali’s best sunset views.
Festivals & Events
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March/April: The Lunar New Year is a noted event in Bali, although it turns the place into a veritable ghost town.
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June/July: The Bali Arts Festival features cultural performances in Denpasar from groups from all over the island.
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August: The whole of Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17 with partying galore.
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August: Traditional Balinese singing, dancing and snacking is enjoyed by the masses at the week-long Nusa Dua Festival.
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September: An internationally renowned event is the Kuta Karnival where all sorts of fun events can be enjoyed on Kuta beach.
Getting There
The main gateway into Indonesia is the international airport in Jakarta. From the capital city there are regular flights to Bali that take a journey time of 1 hour, 20 minutes. From Bali’s international airport in Denpasar, Bali, South Bali regions are only a 10-minute drive away and there are plenty of bemos and taxi to take you around.