Kuta activities and water sports
The Kuta slingshot is not for the fainthearted!
If it is all action nonstop fun you crave, then Kuta will not disappoint. It offers so much more besides a vibrant beach life and exuberant nights out. There is a host of exciting sporting pursuits in and out of the water, unlimited fun for kids and a few cultural surprises too.
Many of its better hotels boast a wealth of activities and cultural pursuits and the resort is the perfect base for easily exploring the best that Bali has to offer. And check out our guide to Kuta’s best children’s activities.
Surfing in Kuta
There is no escaping the lure of glorious Kuta beach and its majestic waves. This is the epicentre of Bali’s vibrant surf culture and there is nowhere better to learn the basics of riding waves.
There are a dozen or more professional surf schools based here offering tailored individual and group lessons for every level. There are even dedicated classes for children and all female groups so everyone can learn at their own pace.
One for the ladies is Surfer Girl (Jalan Legian 138 Tel:+62 3617 52693, indonesia@surfer-girl.com) based at the Harris Hotel, Kuta beach. There are also challenging waves for more experienced riders and it is not uncommon to see local Balinese and Australian surfing greats giving demonstrations to large crowds. More on surfing in Kuta.
Scuba diving in Kuta
Bali boasts some breathtaking marine life
If surfing is not your thing, how about a little adventure below the ocean waves? Scuba diving is just as popular as surfing in Bali and Kuta has many professional dive centres. All offer introductory and comprehensive open water courses and live aboard dive cruises, however the best dive sites are outside Kuta itself.
Nearby Tanjung Benoa and Sanur feature safe shallow reefs teeming with marine life and are perfect for beginners. More seasoned divers should book a package to the island of Nusa Lembongan or tranquil Amed on the east coast. There is even an underwater shipwreck to explore at Tulamben.
Theme parks in Kuta
Yet more wet and wild fun can be had in Kuta at the always popular Waterbom aqua park (Jalan Kartika, Tel: +62 (0)3617 55676, info@waterbom-bali.com, Open: 09:00 – 18:00 daily, admission: adult US$26, Children 2-12 years old US$16) located close to Kuta Square. There are numerous high speed water slides and wave pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens. There is a swim up cocktail bar, restaurants and a luxury spa for parents to enjoy.
It is the number one kid’s attraction in Kuta and the perfect escape on a rainy day. Other nearby attractions just a five minute stroll away include a go karting track, ten pin bowling and the hair raising Bali Slingshot reverse bungy jump. More on Kuta for kids.
Helicopter rides in Kuta
High fliers with a little money to spare can take to the air in style by helicopter. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Kuta’s dramatic coastline or a whistle stop tour of the entire island. Air Bali (Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Kuta, tel: +62 (0)361 767466, prices from: helicopter (up to 4 pax) US$990 per flight of 30mins) offer customised itineraries taking in many breathtaking sights. You can buzz over Bali’s emerald green rice terraces, the glistening black sands of Lovina or descend into the smoking caldera of Bali’s sacred volcano Mount Agung.
Wine tours in Kuta
Surprisingly, Bali has a rich heritage of wine growing and is one of the most successful wine producers based in the tropics. A cultured day of wine tasting can be had at Kuta-based Hatten Wines (Komplex Dewa Ruci, Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Kuta tel: +62 (0)361 767422). Learn all about Bali’s exotic red and white wines and join in with cookery demonstrations. Full day visits to the vineyards based in North Bali can also be arranged.
Escaping Kuta for the day
Downtown Kuta may feel like an urban jungle at times but just a short drive away is a lush landscape of rolling rice paddies, mangroves, coffee plantations and dense woodland. Here you can get back to nature while enjoying thrilling quad biking safaris or white water rafting, just 30 minutes away.
Guided treks on foot or by mountain bike are also a popular way to explore Bali’s hidden nature trails. These adventurous days out will also offer a colourful introduction to traditional rural life that seem a million miles away from hectic Kuta. More on Kuta day trips.
