Pecatu at South Kuta District, Badung Regency is a resort area as Nusa Dua and also located in the Peninsula.
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Nusa Dua is located at the south-eastern end of the peninsula, whereas Pecatu is at the south-western part of the peninsula. Unlike Nusa Dua which is a mostly plain area, Pecatu is hilly with several cliffs that rise high overlooking small, short beaches.
For decades, beaches around Pecatu had been well known by surfers and also nudists due to its location behind the cliffs with limited access.[1] Some of the Macadam small roads were built before the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
After the Asian financial crisis (followed by the Bali bombings) the number of tourists dropped significantly, but it remained popular with surfers and they were among the first to come back. One of the beaches found to be very popular with Australian surfers was named Dreamland Beach. In order to reach this beach one had to hike down a small path. During that time some illegal simple 'warung's (shacks) were built on the beach and provided food and beverages for sale.[2]
Since 2007, one area developer Pecatu Graha Bali (Kuta Golf Links Resort)[3] owned by Tommy Suharto, son of the former Indonesian president who occupied the largest area in Pecatu up to 400 hectares, re-instated the projects begun before the Asian financial crisis.[4] Previously Tommy had 600 hectares of land in the early 1990s and then sold 200 hectares to third parties and the proceeds are now used to finance the project with the new partner, a Balinese businessman, Made G. Putrawan.[5] Indonesia and Bali were not affected by the Global financial crisis 2007, so these projects are well underway and growing rapidly.
Not only the name is changing. Where Dreamland used to be modest and simple, New Kuta Beach in Pecatu is the expression of hope and dreams come true with its luxurious clifftop views and unique remote location. It boasts being even more remote than Nusa Dua. With the narrow beach just below the cliff walls it is perfect for watching the sunset or the amazingly skilled surfers. This is a big attraction as these waves are not for beginners! The warungs have been moved from the beach and upgraded into nice shops though not as easily accessible from the beach they are much improved. [6] The Entry/Parking Fee has also increased.
After soft opening at December 2010, since the end of January 2011 a new waterpark called "New Kuta Green Park" has been in operation with ticket price discrimination for international tourists, national tourists and Balinese.[7]
For fulfilling of fresh water, the project has a desalination system with capacity up to 3,000 cubic meters of fresh water per day, but for the moment is only use a 1,000 cubic meters only. As a by product of the system, a high salt concentrate is produced and used on a pool in water park which everything will floating on it as in Dead Sea.[8]
Opened in February 2009, Klapa has been strategically built high upon the cliff tops with an absolutely amazing view of the Indian Ocean to enjoy first-class entertainment. Klapa means coconut, although there are no cocunut tree there. The entry fee is Rp.100,000 ($12) which fully redeemable toward drinks and foods. A bottle of water was Rp.15,000 ($2) and cocktails were around Rp.80,000 ($10).[9][10]
Balangan Beach is one of the Bukit Peninsula surf spots located just north of New Kuta Beach. With its clear blue waves, white sandy beach and easy access, Balangan is not as crowded as Kuta or other surfing beach in Bali. In the north coast, there is a rocky hill which we can see fishing boats returning from sea to shore of Kedonganan.
Located just one kilometer from New Kuta Beach to the south, the beach is not recommended for novice surfers due to its reef bed. The beach is loaded with surfers from around the world between May and October, but its pristine beach makes the beach more appealing for non-water activities than New Kuta Beach.[11]
Padang Padang Beach is located at Jalan Labuhan Sait, Pecatu village, not far from the famous Uluwatu temple. The entrance to the beach to pass through a kind of limestone cave inlet down provides its own nuance.[12] It is free to come here, the beach is smaller than New Kuta Beach and the sea is so calm, so some of the native with their family frequent to swim here, but still ample of space. Since Julia Roberts came for the film Eat Pray Love, the name of Padang-Padang Beach was the one who started the fore.[13]
| Comparison | Pecatu | Nusa Dua |
|---|---|---|
| Area | > 400 hectares | < 400 hectares |
| Access | Limited access | Free easy access |
| Area developer | Private company | Government |
| Luxury | More luxurious | Lux |
| Activities | Various | Mostly hotel |