Kurt and I arrived in Kuta Beach, Bali after a 12-hour bus ride from Probolinggo, the jump-off point for Mount Bromo. We spent a good part of the night searching for a reasonably priced hostel; it wasn't peak season but the whole beach was packed. Exhausted, we took it easy on our first day and just relaxed on the beach.

Though Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, Bali Island is predominantly Hindu.

Bali is the largest tourist destination in the country.

Kuta Beach left a lot to be desired. Other backpackers I met before and after going to Kuta said the same thing. I didn't feel welcome to take a dip because I'd be swimming with plastic bags and beer bottles. I was surprised that some surfers still took the plunge despite the filth. The waves were perfect for beginners, perhaps that's why.

Kuta is the most touristy beach in Bali. Here you won't have trouble exchanging money or eating Western food, which could be a welcome respite after eating too much satay or nasi goreng. The clubbing scene in Kuta is also the liveliest in all of Bali. Clubs brimmed with Aussies (because they're nearby) and the Dutch (because of historical links).

The night would not have been complete without Bintang Beer, the "national" beer of Indonesia. The maker is a subsidiary of Heineken, a Dutch beer. Bintang tastes pretty much like water so before you know it, you've already had one too many. Each big bottle went for about US$2 inside the club. Thanks to Bintang Beer, we met some "characters" in Bountry Bar.

Initially a girl was dancing inside this neon cage. The people around her egged her to dance more. Out of the blue, this guy sneaks inside the cage and dry humped the girl from behind. She didn't notice it at the beginning but when she did, she played along. The crowd cheered louder.

Bounty Bar was definitely one of the more popular clubs in Kuta. Most of the people we randomly met on the streets ended up there even though they had other plans at the beginning. Bintang Beer hit the spot. Pretty good for a first night.