Kuta is still Bali's most reputable and enjoyable beach.

It is a widely known truth that one cannot claim to have known Bali without having visited Kuta. First-time revelers, and seasoned Bali beach-heads have good reasons to come back to this beach city. One's impression of it really depends on how one reaches the beach, either from the main streets connected Legian and Seminyak, or the beachfront, or the art market. No matter what, downplaying this beach is the wrong way to go, as it has many different parts to be explored. The Kuta art market, or 'Pasar Seni Kuta' in Indonesian, offers a handful of shops selling paintings, with Balinese and contemporary scenes, themes and styles. Wandering into one of these shops might draw one into a haggling match with the shopowners, who are always reasonable yet persistent. Always with a wide knowing smile on their faces, whether or not a piece of art is bought, the value of the paintings is no match for the memorable exchange between the wandering traveler and the local, an interested guest and a welcoming host, more than just a buyer and a seller doing business. Then, if possibly, by chance, one is able to free oneself from the attraction of the paintings and souvenirs at the art market, the beach awaits. A leisurely stroll down the path from the market will lead to one of the disaster shelters, with a towering statue of Baruna, one of the mythological heroes from the pages of history as its patron figure, on its rooftop. On the opposite side, there is a traditional Balinese temple, welcoming visitors to this entrance of Kuta. Walking down the beach walk, there are many booths selling souvenirs and handicrafts, and clothes. In fact, the kinds of booths available here is what sets the beach walk of Kuta apart from the ones in Legian and Seminyak, both more filled with beachfront bars and restaurants. In addition, there is a turtle conservation center, marked by the giant turtle statue in the middle of the beach walk. So, considering all these sides of Kuta, it could be said that it presents travelers with a lively mix of art culture and of course, the open beach. #bali #kuta