Kuta is nestled between Jl. Bakungsari to the south and Jl. Melasti to the north. Kuta is the best known of all the villages in Bali, often maligned, but loved by many. Kuta gets its so called bad reputation from the early days of travel to Bali where everybody, particularly the young crowd, hung out and got wrecked. Footpaths didn't exist, open drains ran down the side of unmade roads. Shopping was sarongs and T-shirts and hawkers who sold just about anything.

Times have changed and Kuta has grown up, gone are the unmade roads and open drains. Footpaths, although narrow, run both sides of the main streets. The hawkers are still there - part of the character of the place. Sarongs and T-shirts are still sold but now there are CD shops, boutiques, small trendy bars and restaurants and even Department Stores. Kuta boasts the worlds first "themed" Hard Rock Hotel.

Imagine going into a huge one level shopping centre that would take about 45 minutes to walk from one end to the other with small walkways branching off in every direction, now add cars, motorbikes and the odd temple ceremony. This is what the middle of Kuta is like except it doesn't have a roof. Just find a small café (Warung), sit back and watch, it’s great!

The hawkers in Kuta can be aggressive, but if you don't want to buy - don't make eye contact. Don't say anything and there will generally be no problems.

The beach at Kuta is wide and usually has good surf in the late afternoon. Kuta beach isn't really a place to sit if you don't like crowds. In keeping with the Kuta theme, it is more of a social occasion, where you meet the locals and other tourists and you don't have to move for anything - the hawkers will bring it to you. Late afternoon is best about 3 - 4pm, sunsets, soccer games, and just a great place for a walk.

If being involved and having everything close by; if you want to party or just shop, Kuta is the place. Even if you don't stay there, don't go home without visiting Kuta at least once, maybe twice... three times?

Legian

Legian stretches between Jalan Melasti and Jalan Double Six and is what may be described as the cosmopolitan area of Bali. The beauty of Legian is the range of accommodation that is on offer virtually there is something for everyone. The beachfront hotels are really beachfront and most have their pools towards the beach areas or large lawn areas covered by trees overlooking the beach. It is usually not necessary to be a patron of the Hotel to use these facilities - just ask.

The restaurants are many and varied and some of Bali’s best can be found here. The shopping is more boutique style. It is best to wander the side streets and browse for many items including casual wear and beach fashions, antiques, handicrafts and souvenirs. There are still hawkers here but unlike Kuta, Legian is a much more relaxed atmosphere.

The nightclubs and bars in this area come alive on particular nights and it is the best place to go if you want to catch some of the excellent local bands or if you are into 90’s dance music.

It is always nice to walk along the wide beach in the late afternoon, wander past the endless soccer games and tourists setting up cameras to catch the magic sunset.

The beach is wide in Legian but it is not white. Like most beaches in Bali it has a greyish color caused by volcanic silica. It is not dirty, just not white - a walk along Legian beach is one of the most colourful and vibrant beach walks in Bali. A typical day on the beach will include vendors, masseuses, beach boys, high waves and strong currents.

If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere with beachfront restaurants which are perfect to sit back, have a drink and watch some of the best sunsets and then go to a great local restaurant for dinner - this is the place.