Surfers from all over are drawn to Kuta's stupendous breakers, which are at their best between March and July. Surf shops line the main drags and can help with rentals or tide information. Any hotel can arrange a private or group lesson, or you can contact Rip Curl School of Surf (tel. 361/735858; www.ripcurlschoolofsurf.com). Beginners start off at Kuta or Legian (with soft-sand beaches), but the legendary surf is at the low reef breaks and "barrels" of Kuta Reef at the southern end.
Unfortunately, the same surf makes recreational swimming virtually impossible. Even past the breakers, the current can be too strong. Pay close attention to swimming warnings and restrictions, and be very careful if you do swim. Tanning and splashing to cool off are about all that are left to do.
You can book adventure tours to destinations across the island using Kuta as a hub. For day trips to Ubud, the volcanoes, or the temples of central Bali, contact Sobek Tours (tel. 361/287059) or Bali Adventure Tours (tel. 361/721480; www.baliadventuretours.com). One smaller operator, Matangi Tours (tel. 361/739820; www.traditionalbalitours.com), has unique cultural and adventure trips all across the island starting at US$76 (£42) per day.
If money is no obstacle, take a ride on a helicopter to remote stretches of the island and pass over volcanoes and jungle scenery. Contact Air Bali (tel. 361/767466; www.airbali.com) for details.
And if the kids aren't getting enough of a kick out of the busy beach at Kuta, take 'em to the Waterbom Park, in the south end of Kuta on Jalan Kartika Plaza (tel. 361/755676; www.waterbom.com).
Spa Treatments -- There are some fine spas in the area, and most large hotels and resorts offer at least basic spa services -- try the Spa at the Legian. For a bikini wax (which is hard to come by in Bali, strangely enough), head to Glo (Jalan Kunti; tel. 361/766762) or the Westin Spa at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua.
