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Why is Kuta Beach So Different?
Out of all the beaches in Bali, Kuta Beach feels the strangest to me.Why? Because in the middle of the bustling crowd of thousands, I can somehow feel completely silent and alone. Suddenly, old memories come rushing back—my school days, my childhood, and all those moments filled with stories.
Sitting on the Sand, Lost in Thought
I sit on the sand, motionless, watching people around me enjoy their happiness. Some are playing in the waves, some are laughing with their partners, and others are just sitting back, relaxing in the evening breeze.Slowly, the sky darkens, the sun fades away, and yet my thoughts still feel unfinished. I don’t want to get up just yet.
Kuta Has Never Changed
Not much has changed. From the first time I set foot in Bali in 2011 until now, Kuta Beach still looks the same. The colorful umbrellas lined up neatly, beach chairs ready for rent, tattoo artists offering their ink, and the sound of people giggling as they enjoy a foot massage by the shore.It’s the little things that bring happiness.
Watching New Tourists, Remembering Myself
From a distance, I see a group of tourists stepping through the entrance gate of Kuta Beach. They pause, taking in the breathtaking view, and then I hear them say, "Wow, this is amazing!" I smile. I know that feeling. I was once like them.But now, somehow, it feels different.
I can only enjoy the beach from a distance, smiling as I watch new visitors get mesmerized by Kuta’s beauty. Sometimes, I try to guess—where are they from? Australia? Rusia? Germany?
Dreamland Beach – Another Irreplaceable Gem
Bali is full of stunning beaches, possibly even more beautiful than Kuta. But for some reason, Kuta is the only place where I can sit for hours, lost in thought, feeling completely at ease.There is, however, one other beach that holds a special place in my heart: Dreamland Beach.
Unlike Kuta, which is crowded with both locals and international tourists, Dreamland Beach is dominated by foreign visitors, especially Australians.
Local tourists probably make up only 3% of the crowd, and they don’t stay long~perhaps feeling out of place among sunbathers, surfers, and swimmers.
Sitting beneath the limestone cliffs of Dreamland Beach is a different kind of comfort. Watching people go about their beach activities, even without speaking to one another, somehow feels synchronized.
What Makes Kuta Beach So Special?
But still, Kuta remains my favorite.Many well-traveled tourists argue that there are far better beaches in Bali. But I don’t care. Even if I told them about the absolute best-hidden beaches, they’d probably just get confused.
So, what exactly makes Kuta Beach special?
Honestly, I don’t even have the answer. But I do remember how fascinated I was when I first came here. How could a beach be this crowded all the time? How could people willingly pay for simple things like renting a chair or getting a foot massage at high rates? Yet, everyone seems genuinely happy~no one feels forced or regretful.
That strange uniqueness is still something I see today.
Why Do I Keep Coming Back to Kuta?
Maybe that’s why, every time I come to Kuta Beach, I automatically sit on the sand and start daydreaming.It feels like there’s an invisible force pulling me into deep reflection, making me relive old memories and enjoy the moment in a way that’s hard to explain.
Maybe someone out there knows why? Or have you ever felt the same? Share your experiences in the comments~I’d love to hear your stories about Kuta Beach!
