Things To Do
in Kulat

Kulat, Indonesia sits on Bali's southern coast at coordinates -8.8243, 115.0983. It blends sun-kissed beaches, emerald-green rice fields, and a relaxed village atmosphere with a touch of Balinese culture. The town is known for friendly locals, colorful markets, and scenic viewpoints over the sea and surrounding hills.

Visitors come to unwind, snorkel near coral reefs, and use Kulat as a base to explore lesser-known corners of Bali.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Kulat's Serene Beaches
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing swim at one of Kulat's stunning beaches. The soft sand and gentle waves will invigorate your spirit as you soak in the sun's early rays. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachside café, savoring local fruits and traditional Indonesian dishes.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a walk along the coastline, where you can engage in water sports like snorkeling or kayaking. The vibrant marine life will captivate you as you explore the underwater world. Stop for a light lunch at a beach bar, trying out some freshly caught seafood.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find the perfect spot to watch the dramatic colors fill the sky. Enjoy a beach barbecue and mingle with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories over freshly grilled delights. The sound of waves crashing in the background will create a magical atmosphere as night falls.

day 2
Cultural Immersion in Traditional Villages
morning
:

Embark on a journey to the nearby traditional villages to learn about the local culture and heritage. Attend a morning workshop where you can try your hand at traditional crafts like batik or pottery. Witness the locals in their daily routines as you immerse yourself in their way of life.

afternoon
:

After your cultural experience, enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling authentic dishes prepared with recipes passed down through generations. Spend the afternoon exploring the village markets, filled with colorful handicrafts and fresh produce. Interact with friendly villagers to gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and customs.

evening
:

Return to your accommodation and reflect on the day's experiences while enjoying a relaxing dinner. Join a bonfire gathering with other travelers and locals, sharing stories under a starlit sky. The warmth of the fire and the rich aromas of local cuisine will make for an unforgettable evening.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🥗Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant)$25-45
Coffee or tea$2-4
🏠1-bedroom apartment (monthly, city center)$400-700
🚗Taxi start price (short ride)$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful beaches and scenic coastal views
  • Warm, welcoming locals and a relaxed pace
  • Affordable dining and lodging options
  • Good base for exploring lesser-known Balinese spots
  • Smaller nightlife and fewer high-energy venues
  • Crowds can increase in peak season
  • Traffic on main routes and limited public transportation
  • Some areas rely on cash; card acceptance can be spotty in markets
  • "Halo" - Hello
  • "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
  • "Terima kasih" - Thank you
  • "Tolong" - Please / Help me
  • "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
  • "Di mana kamar mandi?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Saya tidak bisa bahasa Indonesia dengan baik" - I don’t speak Indonesian well
  • "Bisakah Anda membantu saya?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Kulat

Visit one of these nice places.

Kulat Sunset Cliff

A dramatic cliffside overlook ideal for golden-hour photography over the ocean and the horizon.

Kulat Beach Dunes at Low Tide

Expansive beachscape with soft sand, shallow waters, and colorful silhouettes during sunset.

Rice Terraces on the Outskirts

Terraced fields framed by palm trees and distant hills, perfect for wide-angle and drone photography.

Coastal Temple with Ocean Backdrop

A small temple set against the sea, offering respectful compositions with sea spray and cultural context.

Traditional Fishing Boats at Dawn

Colorful fishers’ boats and nets along the shore, great for early-morning activity photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kulat

Kulat’s cuisine blends Balinese flavors with Indonesian staples, focusing on fresh seafood, coconut, and fragrant spices. Expect a mix of warung-style comfort food and modern cafe fare, with plenty of options for seafood lovers and vegetarians alike.

Kulat Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Nasi Campur Kulat

A balanced plate of rice with small portions of vegetables, meat or tempeh, sambal, and peanut sauce.

Must-Try!

Ayam Betutu

Slow-cooked chicken wrapped in spices and herbs, very fragrant and spicy when prepared with local peppers.

Sate Lilit

Minced seafood satay wrapped around lemongrass or bamboo skewers, served with a chili-soy dipping sauce.

Ikan Bakar

Grilled fish with lime, garlic, and traditional Balinese spices, often served with steamed rice and vegetables.

Lawar

A fresh mix of chopped greens, coconut, and herbs; often enjoyed with rice and other dishes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kulat Coastal Market

Seafood stalls, tropical fruit stands, and everyday snacks; great for tasting fresh catches and local produce.

Sunset Lane Food Stalls

Evening rows of grilled fish, satay, and sweet treats along the beachfront; ideal for casual grazing.

Pasar Malam Kulat

Night market offering quick bites, fried snacks, and regional desserts popular with locals and visitors alike.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kulat experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Typical highs range from the upper 20s to low 30s Celsius (80s Fahrenheit), with high humidity. The dry season brings abundant sunshine, while the rainy season features daily showers, usually in the afternoon or evening. Microclimates near the coast can be breezy and cooler at night.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple Etiquette

Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and use a sarong when entering temples. Do not point feet toward deities or sacred objects.

Greetings

Polite Indonesian greetings such as Selamat pagi (good morning). A smile and nod are common. Use both hands when giving items politely.

Dress and Behavior

Respect local customs, avoid public displays of affection in rural areas, and dress appropriately when visiting villages or religious sites.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially during ceremonies or in intimate settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Practice standard travel safety: keep valuables secured, especially on crowded beaches and markets. Be cautious of strong currents and reef hazards when swimming or snorkeling. Use reputable operators for tours and always wear a life jacket on boat excursions. Have local emergency numbers handy and carry travel insurance.

Tipping in Kulat

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In sit-down restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated. For street stalls and casual service, rounding up is common. Guide and driver tips of IDR 20,000–50,000 (roughly $1–$3) per day are typical.

Payment Methods

Cash in IDR is widely preferred, especially at warungs and markets. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and tourist spots, and mobile wallets (GoPay, OVO) are increasingly common in shops and cafes. Always carry smaller notes for tips and small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season

May through September brings warm, sunny days with low rainfall and clear skies. Water visibility is excellent for snorkeling and beaches are at their most inviting.

Rainy Season

October through April brings tropical showers and higher humidity. Lush green landscapes emerge, cloud cover can create dramatic lighting for photography, and occasional short-aired downpours require quick shelter.

Shoulder Seasons

April and May, as well as September, offer comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds and pleasant sea conditions for outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Kulat at Night

Kulat offers a relaxed nightlife scene with beachfront bars, live music, and sunset lounges. Expect casual venues rather than high-energy clubs, with a focus on seafood, cocktails, and shaded terrace seating. Late-night options are quieter than Bali’s busier hubs, making it a good choice for a peaceful end to the day.

Hiking in Kulat

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sunrise Ridge Trail

Coastal ridge walk with dramatic sea views, suitable for a morning trek.

Mount Kulat Summit (moderate)

Short mountain ascent offering panoramic views of the coastline and hinterland.

Rice Terrace Loop

Gentle loop through nearby rice fields, ideal for a scenic daytime walk.

Airports

How to reach Kulat by plane.

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) – Denpasar

Main international gateway to Bali; serves Kulat via road transfer of 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Banyuwangi International Airport (BWX) – Banyuwangi

Eastern Bali gateway option; longer overland transfer with possible ferry connections; useful for those combining Bali with Java.

Getting Around

Walkability

Kulat’s town center is compact and walkable, with most attractions within a 1–3 km radius. Sidewalks are present in developed areas but can be uneven near markets and older sections. For longer trips or beach-to-market hops, a scooter or short taxi ride is practical.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Balinese Hindu community

The majority local ethnic group in Bali with traditional customs and temple-centered life.

Indonesian migrants

Residents from other Indonesian islands contributing to the town’s diversity and markets.

Expat residents

A growing cohort of long-term visitors and remote workers drawn to Bali’s scenery and lifestyle.

Tourists

Domestic and international visitors seeking a quieter Balinese seaside experience.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing

Regional beaches host beginner to advanced waves; learn with local surf schools.

Scuba diving

Nearby reefs and marine life offer accessible dive sites for all levels.

Beach volleyball

Casual games along the shore attract locals and visitors during late afternoons.

Fishing

Traditional and recreational fishing options available from boats and jetties.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light to moderate outside peak hours, with scooters as the primary mode of transport. Public transit is limited; most visitors rely on taxis, ride-hailing apps, or rented scooters. Plan extra time during sunset and weekends due to beach traffic and market crowds.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kulat.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most warungs offer vegetable curries, gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), and tofu/tempeh options. Communicate no meat or fish and request cassava or rice as a staple; many places can accommodate dairy-free requests.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are private clinics and small hospitals in Kulat and nearby towns, with higher-level facilities in Denpasar. For emergencies, many travelers use private clinics or hospitals in Denpasar or Badung Regency. Ensure travel insurance coverage and bring any needed medications, along with copies of prescriptions.

Discover Indonesia

Read more in our Indonesia 2025 Travel Guide.

Indonesia Travel Guide