Enchanting Bali - A Backpacker's Guide To Kuta, Legian & Seminyak
What To Do In Seminyak
There are a lot of things to do in Seminyak, which is considered the most upmarket district of the island. And although this area may be considered "upmarket", backpackers and adventurers would still be able to find a lot of bargains here.
For starters, you could get a very soothing yet cheap massage here. Head on to Carla's Spa, Bodyworks, or Dancing Fingers, where you could get a 75-minute full body massage for just $35. But if you really want truly cheap massages, why not head on to the beach, where you could get one for just $5.
If you want a more dramatic view of the seascape, watch the large waves pound the shore, and sip cocktails or beer, go to The Rock Bar. It's located at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. Just make sure you come here before sunset, because there's always a queue of visitors by 5 pm. The Rock Bar is actually one of the top tourist attractions in Bali Indonesia.
If you want to drink, eat or just chill out, then head on to Ku De Ta. This beachfront bar still holds on its own, despite the mushrooming of lots of fancy bars and restaurants, because it offers a very relaxing vibe. Here, drink a couple of cocktails, from Vanilla and Passion-fruit Mojitos to Margaritas and more, while listening to cool rock and soul music. Â
And if you're hungry, there are lots of affordable but tasty food options here. At La Luciola, have your fill of delicious Italian cuisine at affordable prices. The restaurant's located smack on Seminyak Beach, and on the 2nd floor visitors will get great views of the seashore. Cafe Zucchini serves healthy salads, as well as popular Western and Indonesian cuisine.
What's In Store In Kuta
While some say that Kuta is a virtual "tourist trap" with its ubiquitous Western-style shops, convenience stores and restaurants (as well as terrible traffic), the truth is that it offers something refreshing too.
For starters, there's Kuta Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, play beach soccer and even go surfing. The main roads here are also dotted with lots of nice shops, hotels, bars, restaurants (and "warungs" or local food stalls), which have plenty in store for all types of tourists.
If you're looking for Buddhist or Chinese temples, go to Vihara Dharmayana, or the Leeng Gwan Kuta Temple. It's located on a side street off Kuta's main beach roads, and it's one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the area. The temple's courtyard is calm and soothing, where you can smell the burning incense in the air, and walk in tree-lined pathways.
For a unique Bali cultural experience, head to the Kuta Theater, where you'll be enthralled with a mix of Balinese theatrical and cultural drama. The Sari Wisata Budaya, located in the village of Suwung Kauh, also has an amphitheater, where the famous Barong (or mythical lion) and kris dagger dancers perform in their traditional costumes.
Laid-back Legian
Unlike Kuta and Seminyak, Legian is a little bit laid-back and more relaxing. It however, is still crammed with shops that sell everything, from local souvenirs to high-end Western fashion items. Legian's beachfront is also a great place to watch the sunset, and do people-watching.
During the day, the beach is filled with swimmers, surfers and sun-worshippers, and there are many restaurants dotting the shore too. For budget diners, there's Tigo Puti Minang, where you could have your fill of authentic Bakso (soup with meat balls), Mie Goreng (fried noodles) Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and more. For more information about the best of Bali, visitors could log-on to the website of the Bali tourism board.
There are a lot of things to do in Seminyak, which is considered the most upmarket district of the island. And although this area may be considered "upmarket", backpackers and adventurers would still be able to find a lot of bargains here.
For starters, you could get a very soothing yet cheap massage here. Head on to Carla's Spa, Bodyworks, or Dancing Fingers, where you could get a 75-minute full body massage for just $35. But if you really want truly cheap massages, why not head on to the beach, where you could get one for just $5.
If you want a more dramatic view of the seascape, watch the large waves pound the shore, and sip cocktails or beer, go to The Rock Bar. It's located at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. Just make sure you come here before sunset, because there's always a queue of visitors by 5 pm. The Rock Bar is actually one of the top tourist attractions in Bali Indonesia.
If you want to drink, eat or just chill out, then head on to Ku De Ta. This beachfront bar still holds on its own, despite the mushrooming of lots of fancy bars and restaurants, because it offers a very relaxing vibe. Here, drink a couple of cocktails, from Vanilla and Passion-fruit Mojitos to Margaritas and more, while listening to cool rock and soul music. Â
And if you're hungry, there are lots of affordable but tasty food options here. At La Luciola, have your fill of delicious Italian cuisine at affordable prices. The restaurant's located smack on Seminyak Beach, and on the 2nd floor visitors will get great views of the seashore. Cafe Zucchini serves healthy salads, as well as popular Western and Indonesian cuisine.
What's In Store In Kuta
While some say that Kuta is a virtual "tourist trap" with its ubiquitous Western-style shops, convenience stores and restaurants (as well as terrible traffic), the truth is that it offers something refreshing too.
For starters, there's Kuta Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, play beach soccer and even go surfing. The main roads here are also dotted with lots of nice shops, hotels, bars, restaurants (and "warungs" or local food stalls), which have plenty in store for all types of tourists.
If you're looking for Buddhist or Chinese temples, go to Vihara Dharmayana, or the Leeng Gwan Kuta Temple. It's located on a side street off Kuta's main beach roads, and it's one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the area. The temple's courtyard is calm and soothing, where you can smell the burning incense in the air, and walk in tree-lined pathways.
For a unique Bali cultural experience, head to the Kuta Theater, where you'll be enthralled with a mix of Balinese theatrical and cultural drama. The Sari Wisata Budaya, located in the village of Suwung Kauh, also has an amphitheater, where the famous Barong (or mythical lion) and kris dagger dancers perform in their traditional costumes.
Laid-back Legian
Unlike Kuta and Seminyak, Legian is a little bit laid-back and more relaxing. It however, is still crammed with shops that sell everything, from local souvenirs to high-end Western fashion items. Legian's beachfront is also a great place to watch the sunset, and do people-watching.
During the day, the beach is filled with swimmers, surfers and sun-worshippers, and there are many restaurants dotting the shore too. For budget diners, there's Tigo Puti Minang, where you could have your fill of authentic Bakso (soup with meat balls), Mie Goreng (fried noodles) Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and more. For more information about the best of Bali, visitors could log-on to the website of the Bali tourism board.