I driven far to Bali’s deepest corners – even crossing the straits of Bali and Lombok – that for many times i forget my own comfort zones in Seminyak and Kuta. The current busy time in Bali gave me a hard knock on the head, made me realize that these two areas play a very important role in shaping the island as one of the most visited holiday destinations in the world. Of course, i need to party every once in a while; without waiting any longer, i strolled the trafficked roads of Seminyak and Kuta to join the hype.
I went out at noon time from Oberoi , heading to the once sleepy fishing village of Kuta. Looking at the present hectic Kuta, I thought to myself, “Kuta is probably like nasi campur for the Balinese: it tastes darn good even though it looks bad.” I mean, many consider Kuta as the ‘absolute ugliness’ of the island due to its mix-bag tourism projects in combination with the ridiculous commercialism. Aside from that, Bali has many other much prettier beaches; yet, tourists and locals alike still flock around the long-stretched beach for it's better than nothing. It's most crowded in the late afternoon when the sun is close to going down. Old things still remain: people posing with the orange-colored sky, couples holding hands, some guys walking the dogs, kids playing on the sand, local ladies offering massage, braids, nail coloring along with countless guys trying to offer temporary tattoos. Yes, the area of Kuta Beach is still about the boldest board shorts and people really let their hair down.
However, stepping off the sand of Kuta Beach, you will now also notice that the current Kuta is packed with rising (apparently higher and higher) buildings made merrier with colorful glittering lights. These buildings are now the ones that turn the used-to-be sleepy hollow area into a spot that knows no days and/or nights with the almost non-stop activities and crowds. Up to the Legian area, more and more amusement centers like nightclubs, restaurants and shops are now making Kuta a place that doesn’t sleep. Not only that, the different loud music and theme building decorations of each of the venues are somewhat sending out messages to draw the passers by to get in. Yet, the ‘war’ doesn’t stop at that point for LCD screens have also taken place to give a more obvious picture on what’s really going on inside each of the venues.
Anyway, having our fill of Kuta’s frenetic energy, i shifted just up the coast to the less manic surrounds of Seminyak. The stylish Seminyak looked very apparent, especially because the sidewalks served as somewhat a catwalk with ‘street fashion show’ could always be expected during days and nights. It is not a surprise that Seminyak also serves as the home and playground for many of the most tasteful people and designers on the island. Owing to its high density of high end shopping, combined with the clustering of many fine eating establishments, it has rapidly become one of the most well known tourist areas in Bali.
In addition to a few commercial strips with popular and lively restaurants, bars and good crafts/furniture/antique shops, there are a few notable establishments that have earned numerous titles as the best venue or party spot in various magazines. This area is also very popular with expatriates. Land and accommodation prices are amongst the highest in Bali with plenty of luxury spas and hotels abound. But don’t worry, even in the heart of Seminyak there are still a few budget hotels.
The current frantic state of Kuta and the chic ambiance of Seminyak may come as a disappointment for those who knew these two areas in the good old day: Kuta as a fishing village and the rice fields of Seminyak. However, even now and then, when the sun slowly and gracefully sinks into the horizon of Kuta and Seminyak, every pair of eyes would look at one specific spot in the sky. It's very comforting to see that finally me, despite of my differences, agree on one thing: sunset in Seminyak and Kuta never fails you.
However, stepping off the sand of Kuta Beach, you will now also notice that the current Kuta is packed with rising (apparently higher and higher) buildings made merrier with colorful glittering lights. These buildings are now the ones that turn the used-to-be sleepy hollow area into a spot that knows no days and/or nights with the almost non-stop activities and crowds. Up to the Legian area, more and more amusement centers like nightclubs, restaurants and shops are now making Kuta a place that doesn’t sleep. Not only that, the different loud music and theme building decorations of each of the venues are somewhat sending out messages to draw the passers by to get in. Yet, the ‘war’ doesn’t stop at that point for LCD screens have also taken place to give a more obvious picture on what’s really going on inside each of the venues.
Anyway, having our fill of Kuta’s frenetic energy, i shifted just up the coast to the less manic surrounds of Seminyak. The stylish Seminyak looked very apparent, especially because the sidewalks served as somewhat a catwalk with ‘street fashion show’ could always be expected during days and nights. It is not a surprise that Seminyak also serves as the home and playground for many of the most tasteful people and designers on the island. Owing to its high density of high end shopping, combined with the clustering of many fine eating establishments, it has rapidly become one of the most well known tourist areas in Bali.
In addition to a few commercial strips with popular and lively restaurants, bars and good crafts/furniture/antique shops, there are a few notable establishments that have earned numerous titles as the best venue or party spot in various magazines. This area is also very popular with expatriates. Land and accommodation prices are amongst the highest in Bali with plenty of luxury spas and hotels abound. But don’t worry, even in the heart of Seminyak there are still a few budget hotels.
The current frantic state of Kuta and the chic ambiance of Seminyak may come as a disappointment for those who knew these two areas in the good old day: Kuta as a fishing village and the rice fields of Seminyak. However, even now and then, when the sun slowly and gracefully sinks into the horizon of Kuta and Seminyak, every pair of eyes would look at one specific spot in the sky. It's very comforting to see that finally me, despite of my differences, agree on one thing: sunset in Seminyak and Kuta never fails you.
