Kuta, Lombok Travel Guide – What to Do, Where to Stay
Long overshadowed by Bali, its popular neighbor to the west, Lombok is quickly becoming the next hot spot for travelers visiting Indonesia. With its pristine beaches, amazing waves, friendly locals, and dramatic landscapes, Kuta, Lombok is the perfect base to explore the southern part of this exquisite island.
Unlike the city in Bali, which shares the same name, Kuta in Lombok is far from overdeveloped and overrun by tourists. It maintains it’s natural beauty with cliffs and mountains reaching the coasts to create inspiring views. Kuta is more than just beautiful though; it boasts some of the best surfing in the world and has a rich, vibrant culture thanks to very friendly locals, the Sasaks.
-> Go to Where to Stay in Kuta, Lombok
Soaking up the sun at Selong Belanak, Kuta, Lombok
Whether you’re looking to kick back and relax or be more active and adventurous, here are some of my suggestions when you are in Kuta/ Lombok.
What to Do in Kuta, Lombok
Surf – Kuta is a surfer’s paradise. There are over 17 different surf breaks that can be accessed from Kuta including baby waves for beginners to epic barrels for pros.
All alone! Mawun Beach, Kuta, Lombok
The best beginner beaches are Selong Belanak (40km away), Tanjung Aan (5km to the east of Kuta), and Mawun Beach (12km away). Gerupuk (10km away) is good for both beginners and intermediate surfers, though you’ll need to take a boat to reach the spot. Pros flock to Desert Point, a legendary left-hand wave, though it only appears a few times a year.
Tanjung Ann.. only a short ride away from Kuta, Lombok!
Wander and explore Kuta and the rest of Lombok – If surfing is not your thing, the beaches listed above are all lovely to spend a day soaking in the rays. You can also spend some time snorkeling in Gili Naggu or Seger Beach or zip to the famous Pink Beach, which gets its color from the pink coral.
Pink sand! Pink Beach, Kuta, Lombok
Hopping on a scooter is always my favorite way to explore any place I visit. You can stop by local Sasak villages including the pottery village of Penujak and the weaving village of Sukarare. Keep an eye out for the bulls that will wander slowly across the road in front of you! You can also easily book a trip to climb Mt. Rinjani or to Flores via Komodo… if you dare!
-> Read Top 10 Things to Do in Lombok for more ideas.
Exploring south of Kuta, Lombok on a scooter
Where to stay in Kuta, Lombok
Kuta is now dotted with various homestays and budget accommodations. Booking.com is a good place to book your stay here as most of the bookings can be cancelled right up to the trip, allowing flexibility.
Agoda.com is another good choice to find the best deals as they have the most extensive hotel listings in Asia.
Mid Range (50 – 150 USD)
- Mawun Raya Resort
This resort comes with a view of rolling hills and the sea. The vie can be enjoyed from the terraces or the pool itself. This place is like a slice of paradise in Lombok.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * - Mana Retreat
With 12 minutes walk to the beach, this more resort comes with a zen atmosphere. You’ll find lush green gardens with a mix of modern and traditional architecture that blends into harmony. There’s a nice verandah for daily yoga and a private swimming pool too.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Budget (below 50USD)
- Maharani Homestay
For those who want authentic living on Lombok itself, this homestay has clean and modern rooms with terraces, garden, and a reportedly good breakfast. The owner is also known to be very helpful.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * - Ike’s Hostel
This really popular hostel in the hip and happening corner of Kuta is well loved by many. With just 18 minutes walk to the beach, the price is just too good to pass up.There are also bike hire available here and the place is a favourite for solo and backpackers. Prices starting from only 10 USD!
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Eat and Drink in Kuta, Lombok
Local specialty, gado-gado (mixed veggies with peanut sauce!) at Kuta, Lombok
Still, in its tourism infancy (which is a plus in our opinion!) the center of town is mostly made up of locally owned warungs, homestays *, and surf shops mixed in with a few restaurants serving Western cuisine.
To stock up on food after a long day of surfing, sitting in the sun, or scootering around the island, all which can be equally exhausting, I love grabbing some local food at Warung Flora, Nana’s Restaurant and Nugget’s Corner. If you’re looking for something more Western, but just as tasty, El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant is our top choice, though Riviera Bar & Restaurant and Warung Drifters are up there too.
Nothing beats the view from Ashtari. The cafe is located up on the hill above Kuta with panoramic views over the bay. They host a morning yoga class held on the patio and in the evening, it’s magical to sip on a drink while enjoying the sunset.
Views from Ashtari, Kuta, Lombok
After dark, I love going to Sunset Café, Reggae Bar, Gecko Lounge and Bar, and Surfers Bar for drinks and live music. Ask a local/fellow traveler where the hot spot is that night since there tends to be trade-offs depending on the night.
Beers at Sunset Bar, Kuta, Lombok on a scooter
Safety and Travel Tips for Kuta, Lombok
While Kuta, Lombok may be a slice of paradise, one should be aware of the perils coming through some of the port entries. There are rumors of Lombok being an unfriendly, dangerous island, which is in large part due to the terrible experiences people have had with the Bangsal Harbor Mob, a very unfriendly welcoming party waiting to prey on tourists arriving from the Gilis at Bangsal Harbour.
NEVER let anyone carry your bag, even if they claim to be a taxi driver or a restaurant worker. I’ve witnessed people being driven about 100 meters and asked for $20USD for the “trip” and traveled with a girl whose bag was driven around the island and held at ransom.
Some guys will also be walking around with receipt books identical to the tickets you may have purchased on Gili. Our suggestion is to either enter through a different port or have your hotel arrange everything beforehand in order to avoid stress and confusion.
Silly times at Reggae Bar, Kuta, Lombok on a scooter
I promise, though, once you make it past the harbor, you’ll enter paradise and you won’t regret your decision! If you have been to Kuta or anywhere else in Lombok, share with us your favourite things to do, food to eat, hang out places or general advices to travelers looking to spend some fun times in Lombok.
