Kuta

Kuta lies in the south of Bali, close to Ngurah Rai International Airport and about 12 km south of central Denpasar. It was a small fishing village that became a surfers' destination in the 1960s, then grew through the 1970s with hotels, shops and restaurants into one of Indonesia's best-known resorts.

Kuta Beach runs for about 2.5 km and is known as Sunset Beach, as Sanur is known for sunrise. Its waves are regular and well suited to beginners, which is why surf schools line the sand; one morning lesson is usually enough to stand on a board for the first time.

Kuta is the busiest part of Bali: shopping centres, beachwear shops and restaurants that stay open late. It is less tranquil than the rest of the island, but right for anyone who enjoys energy and shopping, and being near the airport makes it a convenient first or last night.