Bali’s Kuta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. While the area has a lot of good points too, the truth is there are a few shady things about Kuta that backpackers keep ignoring.
Of course, certain types of travelers will love Kuta, with all its bars, nightclubs, and packed beaches. But many people return from Kuta swearing that they’ll never go back.
Unfortunately, with the rise of mass tourism in the area, Kuta has suffered in a lot of ways. Keep reading to find out 20 shady things about Kuta that backpackers really need to stop ignoring.
20 The Crowds Are So Much Worse Than Elsewhere In Bali
Bali is a popular vacation destination so it’s a given that there are going to be lots of crowds there. But the crowds in Kuta tend to be a lot worse than the crowds in other places in Bali. It just feels like it’s so crowded that you can’t enjoy the place because there are people everywhere!
19 And They’re Mostly The Worse For Wear
It’s not just the fact that there are lots of people in Kuta. It’s also that they all happen to be having a very good time, if you know what we mean. They all tend to be worse for wear after partying in the various nightclubs and bars, according to Adventurous Kate.
18 You Can’t Walk Down The Street Without Being Hassled To Buy Things
One thing you’ll notice about Kuta is that there are people on every street corner trying to hassle you to buy something. Sometimes, they don’t even take no for an answer. The only way to deal with it is to ignore them, which can make you feel quite uncomfortable.
17 And A Lot Of Those Things Are Offensive
It is never fun when vendors are putting pressure on you to buy things. But everything is made worse when the products they’re trying to sell you are totally offensive! If you’re ever in Kuta, you’ll notice that there are a lot of inappropriate items for sale on the street in plain view of everyone walking past.
16 The Beach Sand Is Super Dirty
When you go to a place like Bali, it’s often because you want some chill-out time by the beach. But in Kuta, the beach is nowhere near as nice as other beaches around the world. Or other beaches in Bali, for that matter. The sand can get really dirty, especially in peak season.
15 The Water Is Polluted
It’s not just the sand on the beaches in Kuta that can get dirty. The water isn’t the cleanest, either. According to Nomadic Matt, the ocean is totally polluted with everything from litter to syringes. It’s not the sort of tropical, relaxing destination where you can just take a dip in the water without any worries.
14 It’s Completely Contradictory To Balinese Culture
To be fair, Kuta isn’t the only place in Bali that has come a long way from traditional Balinese ideals. But it is totally contradictory to Balinese culture, which tends to put an emphasis on gratitude and peace. From the bustling roads to the major food chains, it just feels totally inauthentic.
13 Everything Is Overpriced
Another shady thing about Kuta? Just about everything is overpriced. Nomadic Matt points out that things aren’t as cheap in Kuta as people expect them to be because it is such a popular tourist destination. The prices are boosted to take advantage of the hordes of tourists that arrive.
12 The Food Is Not Authentic
One of the elements that makes Kuta inauthentic, according to Nomadic Matt, is the food. Of course, you can still get Balinese fare in Kuta, but the place is overrun with western food. It just adds to the vibe that you’re not experiencing the real Bali when you’re there.
11 It Attracts Extreme Party-Goers
Kuta tends to attract a certain type of visitor. It’s not hard to spot the party-goers in the district, who come from all over the world to enjoy the famed nightlife. That is ideal for some travelers, but if you’re not looking for the type of destination that is wild with party animals, Kuta might not be for you.
10 And High School Graduates Who Are Notorious For Getting Up To No Good
The Travel Manuel points out that Kuta is a top destination for “schoolies.” This is the celebration that Australian high school students have when they graduate. Many fly over to Bali and do what most students do once they’ve finally finished school: party.
9 The Shopping Is Overrated
A lot of people go to Kuta because the shopping is said to be superior. Even though it is decent, it’s not as good as most people say it is. Seasoned travel bloggers recommend shopping in Bangkok or Singapore over Kuta during a trip to Asia.
8 The Traffic Is Bad Enough To Ruin Your Travel Time
Because Kuta is so popular, it should come as no surprise that the traffic there is terrible. Not only do cars get banked up for miles, but there are scooters zooming through left, right, and center. It can be quite intimidating if you’re driving yourself, and when you’re being driven, it takes ages to get from point A to point B.
7 It Becomes Unsafe Late At Night
As there are a lot of party animals and schoolies kids in Kuta, it makes sense that it can get pretty unsafe late at night. According to one TripAdvisor reviewer, Kuta is perfectly safe “if you aren’t intending on being out to all hours of the night.”
6 Illegal Activity Goes On There
Naturally, there is some illegal activity that goes on in Kuta. It’s a consequence of the mass tourism that has developed over the years. We won’t get into exactly what happens, but it’s definitely not the kind of place your grandmother would approve of!
5 There Are Scammers In The Area
One of the things you have to look out for while in Kuta is scammers. Due to the poverty in the area, you will find people who will do whatever they can to make money off you. It can be confronting and upsetting to witness, and it’s a good way to get ripped off.
4 Young Women May Be Targeted By Predators
Kuta isn’t totally unsafe for women, but young women may be targeted by scammers and other predators. If you are a female backpacker traveling in Kuta, you have to be extra aware of your surroundings as you have a higher risk of being targeted.
3 It Can Be Difficult To Get To
A lot of people think that Kuta is convenient, but it can actually be super difficult to get to (depending on where you’re coming from). According to The Professional Hobo, traveling to Kuta, which was an hour away from where she was staying, took three hours to get to because of the traffic.
2 It’s Nearly Impossible To Exchange Money There
The Professional Hobo also advises that changing money is not a good idea in Kuta. There are a lot of people who will try to rip you off. You’ve got very little chance of actually getting the accurate amount of money, even at the less sketchy establishments.
1 It’s Home To Some Truly Awful Hostels
While there are some beautiful places in Kuta, there are also lots of awful hotels in the area. According to The World or Bust, Kuta should win an award for “the smallest concentrated area of horrendous hostels and accommodation options.” Think beds that break when you lie on them and you'll have an idea of how bad it can get.