I had decided to take a vacation in Bali when Shiddiely, Cindy, and I found an incredibly affordable offer for flight tickets about a year prior to our departure. We chose to stay in Kuta while we were there, a vibrant and bustling city known for its stunning beaches and unique culture.
This area of town is known for its grungy atmosphere and narrow alleyways, which are lined with budget-friendly eateries and shops. Accommodations that cater to this demographic are plentiful and can be found throughout the maze of alleyways between Jl Kuta Beach and Jl Legian. Although we had already made reservations for a hotel in Bali, we discovered many more affordable options while exploring the area. Most budget hotels come with a complimentary breakfast.
I was not particularly interested in exploring the food options in the Kuta area, as the majority of Balinese cuisine is not halal and my friend Shiddiely would not be able to partake. However, Cindy was intrigued by the prospect of trying Babi Giling, though she never got the chance. It is worth putting in the effort to find places that offer a variety of menu options and frequenting those that have a good turnout, as this is a good indication of the quality and freshness of the food. Unfortunately, cleanliness may not be a priority for these establishments due to time constraints.
Though most people do not enjoy the presence of beggars, I did not encounter any during my first two days in Kuta. However, on our way to Legian, we noticed a mother and her child sleeping in the shadows of an alleyway. Compared to other parts of Indonesia, Kuta appears to have fewer beggars and the situation is not as dire as one might expect in a tourist destination. We also encountered a group of young girls selling pens and pencils as souvenirs, rather than begging from European tourists. It was heartening to see that they were making an honest effort to make a living.
Another common experience in Kuta is the service offered to braid hair, or Kepang Rambut in the local dialect. On their first day, Cindy and Fiza were also offered the service. A group of ladies offered their services for a very low price, much cheaper than the services at a hair salon. As they walked along the deserted beach, the ladies kept begging them to let them tie their hair into cute little pleads for a minimal price. Despite the tempting offer, Cindy and Fiza refused and quickly walked away. The farther they went, the lower the price dropped!
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