A former sleepy fishing village, 10 km south of Denpasar on Bali’s southwest coast where fishermen eke their life from the sea, now can be seen as five kilometers of close-packed tourist accommodation and entertainment. From the time it was discovered by seasoned travelers in the late 1960s, Kuta has developed into Bali’s largest tourism resort enjoyed by many for its sunset, surf, shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Kuta is the most popular tourist destination in Bali since it is close to airport, has the best options for budget accommodation, restaurant and tourist facilities. Around December and January Kuta will be packed by Australian visitors and in the period of July to August, French, German, and Spanish tourists pour in. There are also a large number of Japanese tourists of all ages. The streets of Kuta can get over crowded during these periods.

Kuta is a good choice for those who have a taste for lively beach life, vibrant nightlife, and busy shopping. If you are looking for a quiet and serene tropical hideaway, you should go elsewhere. In short, Kuta is one of the best beaches in Bali where you can enjoy beautiful sunset; the only surf on the island where surfers can wipe out without being cut to pieces by reefs; an area with many choices of good value accommodations, restaurants and shops.

Legian

Once a poor seaside village, Legian is now an extension of Kuta with more chic energy.  Situated on the north of Kuta, Legian also offers plenty of shops and bars but a slightly more relaxed and less chaotic feeling. The northern area of Legian bordering Seminyak offers a bit of an escape from the crowds and is also a popular surf beach.

Legian is a small beachfront area which stretches from Jalan Melasti north to Jalan Arjuna. Most of the popular Legian hotels are on or close to the beach. As a matter of fact the size of Legian is no bigger than a few blocks in a large city, most of Legian can be covered on foot. Despite its small size, this area has a very popular tourist’s destination due to the lovely beach frontage and availability of many mid-market hotels.

In short Legian is a place where visitors stay, shop, eat, drink and go to the beach. Legian Beach is one of the best in Bali for viewing the sunset.