INDONESIA: Clubbing in Kuta Beach, Bali Island

Kurt and I arrived in Kuta Beach, Bali Island after a 12-hour bus ride from Probolinggo, the jump-off point for Mount Bromo. We spent a good part of our night searching for a reasonably-priced hostel; it wasn't peak season but the whole beach was packed. The following day, we took our time and just relaxed on the beach. Just to keep you in the know, though Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, Bali Island is predominantly Hindu. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country.

At a local eatery

The narrow streets of Kuta Beach

The view from our hotel window

Afternoon beer on Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach was dirty. I don't think I'm alone in saying this because all the other backpackers I met before and after going to Kuta said the same thing. I didn't feel welcome to take a dip because I'd be swimming with plastic bags and beer bottles. I was surprised that some surfers still took the plunge despite the filth. The waves were perfect for beginners, perhaps that's why.

Stoked

Kuta Beach

Kuta is the most touristy beach in Bali. Here you won't have trouble exchanging money or eating Western food, which could be a welcome respite after eating too much satay or nasi goreng. The clubbing is scene in Kuta is also the liveliest in all of Bali. Probably, though, not exactly the island's strongest asset. Clubs are usually filled with thirsty Australians (because they're nearby) and Dutch (because of historical links).

Night life in Kuta

Bounty Bar

The night would not have been complete without Bintang Beer, the "national" beer of Indonesia. The maker is a subsidiary of Heineken, a Dutch beer. (Makes me wonder, was San Miguel a subsidiary of a Spanish beer?) It tastes pretty much like water so before you know it, you've already had one too many. Each big bottle went for about 2 USD inside the club. Thanks to Bintang Beer, we met some "characters" in Bountry Bar. Let me introduce you to some of them.

Definitely High 
(She robot-danced the whole night.)

BINTANG!

Best dressed 

(He had this wicked piercing through his nose)

The Asian Tupac

Initially a girl was dancing inside this neon cage. The people around her egged her to dance more. This random Australian (I think) guy sneaks inside the cage and dry humped the girl from behind. She didn't notice it at the beginning but when she did, she played along! The crowd cheered louder and they just kept going at each other.

RELAX, PEOPLE!

Wow

Boom boom pow

That's a taste of what clubbing in Kuta Beach is. Bounty Bar was definitely one of the more popular clubs in Kuta. Most of the people we randomly met on the streets ended up there even though they had other plans at the beginning. Don't be surprised to see prostitutes offering you innocent smiles. After four bottles of Bintang, one is sure to be in Happy Land. It was pretty good for a first night in Bali. Good times!