Are you looking for a tropical destination that has it all? Stunning beaches, world-class surfing, authentic culture, and relaxing vibes? Then you need to visit Kuta Lombok, a charming town on the south coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Kuta Lombok is not to be confused with Kuta Bali, which is a crowded and touristy spot. Kuta Lombok is a hidden paradise that offers a more laid-back and natural experience.
In this travel guide, you will find everything you need to know about Kuta Lombok, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and how to get around. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something for everyone in Kuta Lombok. Read on to discover why Kuta Lombok is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
How to Get to Kuta Lombok
There are two main ways to get to Kuta Lombok: by ferry or by plane. The ferry option is cheaper and more adventurous, but also longer and less comfortable. The plane option is faster and more convenient, but also more expensive and less eco-friendly. Here are the details of each option:
- By ferry: You can take a ferry from Bali to Lombok, which takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the weather and the type of ferry. There are two types of ferries: the public ferry and the fast boat. The public ferry is cheaper (around $5 per person) and more frequent (every hour), but also slower and less comfortable. The fast boat is more expensive (around $25 to $35 per person) and less frequent (a few times a day), but also faster and more comfortable. You can book the ferry tickets online or at the port. The ferry will take you to the port of Lembar in Lombok, which is about an hour and a half drive from Kuta Lombok. You can take a taxi, a shuttle, or a public bus from the port to Kuta Lombok, which will cost you around $10 to $20 per person.
- By plane: You can fly to Lombok from Jakarta or other destinations in Indonesia, which takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the flight. There are several airlines that operate flights to Lombok, such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, and Citilink. You can book the flight tickets online or at the airport. The flight will take you to the Lombok International Airport, which is about 20 minutes drive from Kuta Lombok. You can take a taxi, a shuttle, or a public bus from the airport to Kuta Lombok, which will cost you around $5 to $10 per person.
Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok
Kuta Lombok has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, to suit every taste and budget. You can find hotels, resorts, villas, hostels, and homestays in Kuta Lombok, with prices ranging from $10 to $200 per night. Here are some of the best places to stay in Kuta Lombok, according to the category:
- Budget: If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay in Kuta Lombok, you can check out Kuta Baru Hotel, Kuta Garden Homestay, or Bamba Capsule Hotel. These places offer clean and comfortable rooms, with basic amenities such as wifi, air conditioning, and hot water. They also have friendly staff, convenient locations, and good reviews from previous guests. You can expect to pay around $10 to $20 per night for these places.
- Mid-range: If you are looking for a more comfortable and stylish place to stay in Kuta Lombok, you can check out Mana Retreat, Puri Rinjani Bungalows, or Kies Villas. These places offer spacious and modern rooms, with more amenities such as pools, gardens, and restaurants. They also have excellent service, beautiful views, and high ratings from previous guests. You can expect to pay around $30 to $60 per night for these places.
- Luxury: If you are looking for a luxurious and indulgent place to stay in Kuta Lombok, you can check out Novotel Lombok Resort and Villas, Harmony Villas, or Selong Selo Resort and Residences. These places offer elegant and lavish rooms, with premium amenities such as spas, gyms, and bars. They also have impeccable service, stunning views, and outstanding ratings from previous guests. You can expect to pay around $100 to $200 per night for these places.
Note: Kuta Lombok is a developing area, and some of the accommodation options may not have consistent wifi or electricity. You may also encounter some construction noise or dust in some places. However, this is part of the charm and authenticity of Kuta Lombok, and you will still enjoy your stay there.
The Best Beaches in Kuta Lombok
The main attraction and highlight of Kuta Lombok is its amazing beaches, which are some of the best in Indonesia. Kuta Lombok has over a dozen beaches, each with its own features, characteristics, and attractions. You can find beaches that are perfect for surfing, snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing. You can also find beaches that are secluded, crowded, or somewhere in between. Here are some of the best beaches in Kuta Lombok, that you should not miss:
Tanjung Aan: Tanjung Aan is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Kuta Lombok, and for a good reason. It is a long and wide beach, with soft white sand, clear blue water, and green hills. It is also a great spot for surfing, as it has consistent waves and a sandy bottom. You can rent a surfboard or take a lesson from one of the local surf shops. You can also find some warungs (local eateries) and beach bars along the beach, where you can enjoy some food and drinks. Tanjung Aan is about 15 minutes drive from Kuta Lombok, and you can access it by scooter, car, or taxi.
Selong Belanak: Selong Belanak is another popular and beautiful beach in Kuta Lombok, and it is also one of the best places to learn surfing. It is a crescent-shaped beach, with fine white sand, turquoise water, and gentle waves. It is also a lively and social beach, where you can mingle with other travellers and locals. You can rent a surfboard or take a lesson from one of the many surf schools on the beach. You can also find some warungs and beach bars along the beach, where you can enjoy some food and drinks. Selong Belanak is about 30 minutes drive from Kuta Lombok, and you can access it by scooter, car, or taxi.
Mawun: Mawun is a secluded and peaceful beach in Kuta Lombok, and it is ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some tranquility. It is a small and curved beach, with soft white sand, crystal clear water, and green hills. It is also a good spot for swimming, as it has calm and shallow water. You can also find some warungs and beach huts along the beach, where you can enjoy some food and drinks. Mawun is about 20 minutes drive from Kuta Lombok, and you can access it by scooter, car, or taxi.
Mawi: Mawi is a surfers' paradise in Kuta Lombok, and it is suitable for those who want to challenge themselves and catch some big waves. It is a rocky and rugged beach, with coarse sand, deep water, and powerful waves. It is also a scenic and dramatic beach, where you can admire the views of the cliffs and the ocean. You can rent a surfboard or take a lesson from one of the local surf shops, but be aware that the surf conditions can be tricky and dangerous, so only surf if you are confident and experienced. You can also find some warungs and beach huts along the beach, where you can enjoy some food and drinks. Mawi is about 40 minutes drive from Kuta Lombok, and you can access it by scooter, car, or taxi.
Gerupuk: Gerupuk is a surfers' haven in Kuta Lombok, and it is suitable for those who want to explore different surf spots and levels. It is a fishing village and a bay, with several beaches and islands, each with its own surf break and difficulty. It is also a friendly and fun place, where you can meet other surfers and locals. You can rent a surfboard or take a lesson from one of the local surf shops, and then take a boat to the surf spot of your choice. You can also find some warungs and beach bars along the bay, where you can enjoy some food and drinks. Gerupuk is about 20 minutes drive from Kuta Lombok, and you can access it by scooter, car, or taxi.
Things to Do in Kuta Lombok
Besides visiting the beaches, there are many other things to do in Kuta Lombok that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. You can explore the town, do yoga, watch the sunset, experience the nightlife, and take day trips to nearby places. Here are some of the best things to do in Kuta Lombok, that you should not miss:
- Explore the town: Kuta Lombok is a small and charming town, where you can experience the local culture and lifestyle. You can walk or cycle around the town, and see the traditional houses, mosques, markets, and shops. You can also interact with the friendly and hospitable locals, who will greet you with a smile and a "hello". You can also buy some souvenirs, such as handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry, from the local artisans and vendors. You can also visit the Kuta Lombok Cultural Park, which is a museum and a park that showcases the history and culture of Kuta Lombok and Lombok in general.
- Do yoga: Kuta Lombok is a great place to practice yoga, as it has a serene and relaxing atmosphere, and a beautiful natural setting. You can join a yoga class or a yoga retreat at one of the many yoga studios and centers in Kuta Lombok, such as Ashtari Yoga, Mana Yoga, or Yoga Garden. You can also do yoga on the beach, on the hill, or in your hotel. You can choose from different styles and levels of yoga, such as hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, or yin. You can also enjoy some meditation, massage, and healthy food along with your yoga practice.
- Watch the sunset: Kuta Lombok has some of the most stunning and romantic sunsets in the world, and you should not miss the opportunity to witness them. You can watch the sunset from the beach, from the hill, or from a boat. You can also watch the sunset with your loved ones, with your friends, or with yourself. You can also capture the sunset with your camera, or with your eyes. You can also enjoy some drinks and snacks while watching the sunset, or just listen to the sound of the waves and the birds. Some of the best places to watch the sunset in Kuta Lombok are Bukit Merese Hill, Tanjung Aan Beach, and Gerupuk Bay.
- Experience the nightlife: Kuta Lombok may not have a wild and crazy nightlife, but it has a fun and lively nightlife, where you can enjoy some music, drinks, and dancing. You can find some bars, pubs, and clubs in Kuta Lombok, where you can mingle with other travellers and locals, and have a good time. You can also find some live music, karaoke, and DJ nights, where you can sing, dance, and party. Some of the best places to experience the nightlife in Kuta Lombok are Bus Bar, The Bus, and Surfers Bar.
- Take day trips: Kuta Lombok is a great base to explore the rest of Lombok, as it is close to many other attractions and activities. You can take day trips to nearby places, such as the Gili Islands, the Rinjani Volcano, the Sasak Villages, and the Waterfalls. You can also take day trips to other beaches, such as Pink Beach, Senggigi Beach, and Ekas Bay. You can book a day trip with a tour operator, a driver, or a guide, or you can arrange your own day trip with a scooter, a car, or a boat. You can also enjoy some snorkeling, diving, hiking, biking, or cultural tours along with your day trips.
Note: Kuta Lombok is a diverse and dynamic place, and there are always new and exciting things to do and see. You can always ask the locals, the hotel staff, or the tour guides for more suggestions and recommendations on what to do in Kuta Lombok. You can also check online or offline sources, such as blogs, magazines, or brochures, for more information and inspiration on what to do in Kuta Lombok.
Where to Eat in Kuta Lombok
Kuta Lombok has a variety of food and drink options, from local, Indonesian, Western, Asian, and vegetarian cuisine, to coffee, juice, and alcohol. You can find delicious and affordable food and drink in Kuta Lombok, with prices ranging from $1 to $10 per meal. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Kuta Lombok, according to the category:
- Local: If you want to taste the authentic and traditional food of Lombok, you can try some of the local dishes, such as ayam taliwang (grilled chicken with spicy sauce), sate rembiga (skewered beef with peanut sauce), plecing kangkung (water spinach with chili and tomato), and nasi goreng (fried rice with egg and vegetables). You can also try some of the local snacks, such as lontong tahu (rice cake with tofu and soy sauce), pisang goreng (fried banana), and onde-onde (glutinous rice balls with sesame seeds). You can find these dishes and snacks at some of the warungs (local eateries) and street stalls in Kuta Lombok, such as Warung Turtle, Warung Bule, and Warung Nana.
- Indonesian: If you want to try some of the other regional and national dishes of Indonesia, you can try some of the Indonesian dishes, such as gado-gado (mixed vegetables with peanut sauce), nasi campur (rice with various side dishes), rendang (spicy beef stew), and bakso (meatball soup). You can also try some of the Indonesian desserts, such as es cendol (green rice flour jelly with coconut milk and palm sugar), klepon (coconut-filled rice balls), and martabak manis (sweet pancake with chocolate and cheese). You can find these dishes and desserts at some of the restaurants and cafes in Kuta Lombok, such as El Bazar, Kenza Cafe, and Milk Espresso.
- Western: If you want to have some familiar and comforting food, you can try some of the Western dishes, such as pizza, pasta, burger, salad, and sandwich. You can also try some of the Western breakfast and brunch options, such as pancake, waffle, omelette, and granola. You can find these dishes and options at some of the restaurants and cafes in Kuta Lombok, such as Bamba, The Bus, and KRNK.
- Asian: If you want to have some variety and spice, you can try some of the Asian dishes, such as pad thai (stir-fried noodles with egg and peanuts), curry (spicy stew with meat and vegetables), sushi (rice with raw fish and seaweed), and dumpling (steamed or fried dough with filling). You can also try some of the Asian drinks, such as tea, coffee, smoothie, and bubble tea. You can find these dishes and drinks at some of the restaurants and cafes in Kuta Lombok, such as Spice Market, Sushi K, and The Corner.
- Vegetarian: If you want to have some healthy and ethical food, you can try some of the vegetarian dishes, such as tempeh (fermented soybean cake), tofu (soybean curd), salad (mixed greens and vegetables), and soup (liquid with vegetables and herbs). You can also try some of the vegan and gluten-free options, such as smoothie bowl (blended fruit with toppings), burger (plant-based patty with bread and vegetables), and cake (sweet baked good with plant-based ingredients). You can find these dishes and options at some of the restaurants and cafes in Kuta Lombok, such as Kombucha Cafe, Verve, and The Bus.
Note: Kuta Lombok is a diverse and delicious place, and there are always new and exciting food and drink options to try. You can always ask the locals, the hotel staff, or the tour guides for more suggestions and recommendations on where to eat and drink in Kuta Lombok. You can also check online or offline sources, such as blogs, magazines, or brochures, for more information and inspiration on where to eat and drink in Kuta Lombok.
Getting Around Kuta Lombok
Kuta Lombok is a small and easy place to get around, and you have several transportation options to choose from. You can rent a scooter, a car, a bicycle, or use a taxi, a shuttle, or a public bus. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences, budget, and skills. Here are the details of each option:
- Scooter: Renting a scooter is the most popular and convenient way to get around Kuta Lombok, as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace and style. You can find many scooter rental shops in Kuta Lombok, where you can rent a scooter for around $5 to $10 per day, depending on the quality and condition of the scooter. You will also need to pay for the petrol, which costs around $1 per liter. You will also need to have a valid driver's license and an international driving permit, or you may face a fine or a bribe from the police. You will also need to be careful and confident when driving a scooter, as the roads in Kuta Lombok can be bumpy, dusty, and busy, and the traffic rules can be chaotic and unpredictable.
- Car: Renting a car is another option to get around Kuta Lombok, especially if you are travelling with a group of people, or if you want more comfort and safety. You can find some car rental shops in Kuta Lombok, where you can rent a car for around $20 to $40 per day, depending on the type and size of the car. You will also need to pay for the petrol, which costs around $1 per liter. You will also need to have a valid driver's license and an international driving permit, or you may face a fine or a bribe from the police. You will also need to be careful and confident when driving a car, as the roads in Kuta Lombok can be bumpy, dusty, and busy, and the traffic rules can be chaotic and unpredictable.
- Bicycle: Renting a bicycle is another option to get around Kuta Lombok, especially if you are looking for a more eco-friendly and healthy way to explore the area. You can find some bicycle rental shops in Kuta Lombok, where you can rent a bicycle for around $2 to $5 per day, depending on the quality and condition of the bicycle. You will also need to pay for the maintenance and repair of the bicycle, if needed. You will also need to be fit and energetic when riding a bicycle, as the roads in Kuta Lombok can be hilly, steep, and rough, and the weather can be hot and humid.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi is another option to get around Kuta Lombok, especially if you are looking for a more convenient and comfortable way to travel from one place to another. You can find some taxi stands in Kuta Lombok, where you can hail a taxi or call one by phone. You can also use some online apps, such as Grab or Gojek, to book a taxi or a ride-hailing service. You can expect to pay around $0.5 to $1 per kilometer for a taxi, depending on the distance and the traffic. You will also need to negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in the taxi, or you may face a scam or a rip-off from the driver.
- Shuttle: Taking a shuttle is another option to get around Kuta Lombok, especially if you are looking for a more affordable and reliable way to travel to and from the airport or the port. You can find some shuttle services in Kuta Lombok, where you can book a seat or a van for a fixed price and schedule. You can also use some online platforms, such as Klook or Viator, to book a shuttle service. You can expect to pay around $5 to $10 per person for a shuttle, depending on the destination and the availability. You will also need to book and confirm your shuttle in advance, or you may face a delay or a cancellation from the service provider.
- Public bus: Taking a public bus is another option to get around Kuta Lombok, especially if you are looking for a more authentic and adventurous way to experience the local culture and lifestyle. You can find some public buses in Kuta Lombok, where you can hop on and off at any stop along the route. You can also use some online apps, such as Moovit or Transit, to find the nearest bus stop and the best route for your destination. You can expect to pay around $0.5 to $1 per person for a public bus, depending on the distance and the frequency. You will also need to be patient and flexible when taking a public bus, as the buses can be crowded, noisy, and slow, and the schedules can be irregular and unpredictable.
Note: Kuta Lombok is a fun and easy place to get around, and you can always find a transportation option that suits your needs and preferences. You can always ask the locals, the hotel staff, or the tour guides for more suggestions and recommendations on how to get around Kuta Lombok. You can also check online or offline sources, such as blogs, magazines, or brochures, for more information and inspiration on how to get around Kuta Lombok.
Conclusion
Kuta Lombok is a hidden paradise that offers stunning beaches, world-class surfing, authentic culture, and relaxing vibes. It is a perfect destination for travellers who want to experience the beauty and diversity of Indonesia, without the crowds and hassle of Bali. In this travel guide, you have learned everything you need to know about Kuta Lombok, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and how to get around.
Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something for everyone in Kuta Lombok. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Kuta Lombok today, and discover why it is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
