Kuta Beach in Bali is a destination in constant flux. As the most iconic beach destination in Bali, the resort welcomes a huge number of the more than 7 million international tourists who visit the island.
However, with coastal erosion and general wear and tear starting to impact the overall aesthetic of the resort, leaders are committing to taking action.
Extreme weather in Bali last week caused significant damage to the beachfront in Kuta, including the famous Kuta Beach sign. Due to high winds, the sign at the popular selfie spot was crumpled and quickly removed by local staff.
Leaders are on a mission to ensure that Kuta’s reputation as a safe, welcoming, and relaxing destination endures for as long as possible. Teams are also on a mission to ensure that the resort is aesthetically pleasing. It has been noted in the past that Kuta had started to look a little worse for wear and that the overall brand image of the resort felt far from cohesive.
Speaking to reporters, Head of Kuta Traditional Village, I Komang Alit Ardana, explains that moving forward, all drink and coconut vendors on Kuta Beach will be provided with matching umbrellas by the Kuta Traditional Village. It’s been decided that the current hodgepodge of different umbrellas, some old, some broken, some branded, some big, some small, has become unsightly.
Leaders want to ensure that Kuta Beach looks presentable, photogenic, and ultimately is competitive with other nearby destinations like Seminyak, which is home to world-famous La Plancha. The Sunset Bar is as famous for its colourful beanbags and umbrellas as it is for its food and cocktails.
Ardana told reporters, “For beverage stands or those selling soft drinks and coconuts, we’ll make umbrellas. The color of the umbrellas will be my program, with all the umbrellas the same color.” He added, “We will seek a vendor to produce uniform umbrellas. The Traditional Village will provide them, so that the umbrellas on Kuta Beach will be uniform in color, not a mix of colors.”
Kuta Beach has 780 independent vendors registered as beach traders. These beach vendors offer everything from manicures to massages, to souvenirs and photography services.
There are also food and drinks vendors, and it is these entrepreneurs who will be gifted with the new umbrellas.
Ardana explains, “There are approximately 50 food vendors and around 130 beverage vendors. We’re specifically directing them, particularly regarding the arrangement and plans to standardize these umbrellas.”
In the near future, beach vendors will also be given more formal uniforms and identification tags so that beachgoers can feel confident that they are supporting legitimate traders.
Ardana added, “We’ll distribute uniforms. They’ll wear vests and name tags. This way, it’s clear who’s officially selling at Kuta Beach. The nametags will have photos on them. They will be worn during their activities on the beach. We will distribute them simultaneously; they are currently in the production stage.”
At this time of year, Kuta can feel a little hit and miss as a beach vacation destination. Kuta Beach, along with Jimbaran Beach, is famously the worst-affected beach by the annual tides of plastic trash.
Though this phenomenon is worsening overall, it is not a daily occurrence, and clean-up teams work from the crack of dawn to have the beach cleared of ocean debris by the time tourists are ready to enjoy the beachfront.
Top hotels in Kuta include the iconic Hard Rock Hotel, which is a family favourite, especially with returning visitors to Bali. Hard Rock Hotel is located just steps from Kuta Beach and is only a short drive from Bali Airport.
For couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers heading to Kuta, be sure to check out Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, with a stunning pool and offering both gorgeous gardens and easy beach access. Here at The Bali Sun, it’s our hotel of choice for a classic Kuta escape.
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