Kuta - Love it Or Hate It

If you have ever heard about Bali, then you mustsometimes you will see people conducting
have heard about Kuta too. It seems like theseworships in the middle of a traffic junction. But
two things are intertwined despite many Baliother than that, it is one Western influenced hub...
lovers disagreeing entirely on this, including me.I might not sound very positive about this famous
Nevertheless from all the places in Bali, this littleplace, but don't get me wrong. This crazy village
town has the highest number of visitors all yearand I are in a kind of love and hate relationship.
round. Everyday hundreds of shops, restaurants,Every time I visit Bali I always seem to end up
hotels and hostels prepare themselves to receivethere one way or the other because even though
all types of travelers ranging from the severelyit has things that do not attract me at all, it has
budget ones to the ones who have more tomany qualities as well.
spend.Take for instance the terrific Kuta beach where
Sadly like whole Bali, this tourist hot-spots had toyou can not only swim, but also have your first
cope with the impacts of the disastrous Balisurfing lesson. Be careful though, once you stand
bombing in 2002. During the period afterward theon the board it can become addicting.
high tourists numbers plunged and what was onceAnd at the end of the day you will be rewarded
a busy hive of tourists had suddenly turned intowith an amazing sunset that changes everyday.
very quiet little town where hotels andYou will not get enough of it...
restaurants remained empty for many years...Another positive thing is the huge choice of
Fortunately, like in the 1970 when Kuta was still aterrific restaurants. While many restaurants in the
poor fishing village, tourists started to discover itsurrounding area are quite popular as well, the
again. And their numbers have just been growingrestaurants in Kuta seem to have more character
since then resulting into most Balinese being backand charm plus good food.
in business again...No matter if you are there to wine and dine or
So what is it about this place that always seemsjust to have a delicious bite at a local restaurant,
to attract different kinds of visitors from all overthe atmosphere is always relaxed just as the
the world?staff and crowd that come there to enjoy their
I guess it has to do with the fact that anything islunch or dinner.
possible here. Physically you are in Bali but whenAfter dinner there are enough choices of bars
you are in this crazy village it is as if you areand clubs that open till early in the morning. These
visiting a popular Australian surfer's hot-spot.hang-outs also range from the good old bars
The bars and shopping streets are all focused onwhere beer is your best friend to trendy clubs
this type of crowd which has resulted in placeswhere the Dj accompanies you with great dance
with many flashy neon-lights offering Westernmusic right at the beach front.
brands and Asian night-life entertainment.So as you can see, it is not surprising that there
The unique Bali culture that has created thisare so many kinds of tourists visiting this crazy
beautiful island is nowhere to be found. Localtown. There is enough choice for anyone to have
people do still prepare their daily ceremonies andan unforgettable time.