Kuta Beach hassles: How to avoid them

A recent article on VirtualTourist.com, talked about one guy’s experience on Kuta Beach. Kuta does have a nice beach for sure, and we are spoiled for location. It would be possible, if I was more of a water lover, to ride 1 block from Jl. Legian, park my bike, go for a swim for 30 minutes, shower off for 500rp, and carry on my day. Who knows, maybe sometime in the future I will make that a part of my day, but anyhow, its always there.

Jason Bisson, who lives in Vietnam, said that after finding a quiet patch of sand, he and his family were mobbed by vendors. In the mayhem, he agreed to pay for hair braiding at a price he did not understand. I can sympathise, the vendors do make a relaxing location, irritating and the majority of visitors to Bali I talk to, say that Kuta Beach vendors are one of the top 2 dislikes.

There is of course a way to deal with them. Its not instant, but if you are going to be around for a while, you can fade into the background. Best plan is to situate yourself in the vicinity of a drink vendor, buy all your drinks from him. Talk to him, tell him your name. After a couple of days the strolling vendors will know your name too and get the idea…hopefully.