This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Kuta is the main tourist centre of Bali, set on a wide beach, just twenty minutes away from Denpasaar Airport. In the last few years, Kuta has developed into one of the most dynamic areas in South East Asia. While staying at Kuta hostels, you can find everything you need right nearby, from cheap shops to big malls, restaurants, beach sports (especially surfing), and massage centers. Wandering around the city is quite easy -- almost everything is within walking distance. If you need to move a little further, the best way is to hire a motorbike or bargain for a taxi. Prime tourist centers are linked by Perama Buses.
Kuta is a dream for shopping lovers -- you can find clothing, pirated DVDs, and handicrafts; prices can vary depending on the quality of items and your bargaining skills. Some salespeople can be very insistent, so try to be tolerant or go away.
There are plenty of cheap accommodations, especially along Poppies 1 and Poppies 2 Lanes. At your Kuta hostel, always remember to bargain for the price and ask the person in charge to show you the room -- some are better than others.
The nightlife scene offers many kind of entertainment with different atmospheres. Remember that everything start late, so don't get your dinner too early. The centre can be very noisy, especially during the night, so it's better to choose a Kuta hostel further out it if you are a light sleeper. Kuta attracts a diverse mix of people, but most of them are young people looking for action and night partying.
