Planning a trip to Kuta, Bali
Kuta is near the airport, and most hotels offer free airport pickup. If hiring a cab, go to the airport's official taxi counter, where you'll pay a set fare, typically Rp60,000.
Kuta is a big rectangle. The two main north-south streets are Jalan Pantai Kuta and Jalan Legian. They're connected east-west by Jalan Benesari, Poppies Gang I, and many quaint gangs (alleys). You can easily meander in and out of these small alleys and do some window-shopping or take the reasonably priced blue-and-yellow metered taxis. The horse and buggies (cidomos) are ridiculously overpriced: From Pantai Kuta near Hard Rock Hotel to Jalan Double Six (about 6km/3 3/4 miles), the cost is Rp150,000 -- equivalent to an average local weekly salary!
Taxis are available everywhere in Kuta, but be sure to ask them to put on the meter. Most taxi companies are reputable, such as Blue Bird and Komotra taxis, but beware of the white taxis who often try to scam naive tourists.
Recent street name changes in Kuta include: Jaalan Pura Bagus Taruna is now Jalan Werkudara; Jalan Segara is now Jalan Jenggala; Jalan Kartika Plaza is now Jalan Dewi Sartika; Poppies Gang II is now Jalan Batu Bolong; Jalan Stria is now Jalan Kediri; Jalan Pantai Kuta is now Jalan Pantai Banjar Pande Mas; Jalan Padma is now Jalan Yudistra. Locals, business owners, and maps will use a combination of these names.
Fast Facts
ATMs -- ATMs are on practically every corner in Kuta.
Currency Exchange -- Storefront exchange services line most streets and offer the best rates. Central Kuta Money Changer on Jalan Pantai Kuta, Suci Arc Street 19 (tel. 0361/762866), generally offers good rates. Several authorized money changers are in Kuta Square and Kartika Plaza.
Hospitals -- In Kuta, try the Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC), Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 100X (tel. 0361/761263), open daily from 8am to midnight; sometimes they will send someone to your hotel. Another option in Kuta is the International SOS Bali, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai (tel. 0361/710505).
Internet Access -- Some restaurants and cafes have free Wi-Fi for customers. Internet cafes generally charge between Rp10,000 and Rp37,000 per hour.
Pharmacies -- IOf the many choices available in Kuta, Kimia, Jl. Raya Tuban 15 (tel. 0361/757483; 24 hr.), is the biggest and usually offers more foreign brand medications than smaller pharmacies.
Police -- The Tourist Police (tel. 0361/763753) main station is on Jalan Pantai Kuta and is open 24 hours a day.
Post Office -- The main post office is on Jalan Raya Tuban, far from the town center. Some postal agents are around town (at Jl. Selamet; Mon-Thurs 7am-2pm, Fri 7 -- 11am, Sat 7am-1pm) or at your hotel can send mail for you.
Safety -- Pedestrians must watch for reckless motorbike drivers who use the sidewalks to avoid traffic on Jalan Legian. You'll also be harangued by some of the most aggressive touts on the island, and the beaches are crowded with so-called masseurs. Kuta is known for some unsavory folks who are adept at picking pockets or snatching purses off shoulders. The Kuta Cowboys are the young men who hang out on the beach all day surfing and at night look for girls to hang out with. For the most part they want to practice their English, flirt, and have fun. However if drugs become apparent or if you feel threatened in any way whatsoever, leave the scene immediately and head back to your hotel. It can't be emphasized enough that drugs are illegal in Bali and the consequences are dire.
Tourism Information -- The Bali Department of Tourism operates a visitor information center at Jalan Benasari 36B (tel. 0361/754090 or 08/123928098).
