East of the island of Bali you will find another paradise that is definitely worth visiting during your holiday in Indonesia. We are talking about the island of Lombok, which still retains its authenticity despite the high development of tourism. Compared to Bali, it is a quieter and less explored island, but it has a lot to offer to tourists.
One of the most popular parts of Lombok is the south of the island, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, great surfing conditions and an amazing atmosphere. We are talking about Kuta, which is often compared to the Canggu area on the island of Bali. However, it has two main differences – you won’t find crowded roads here and instead of polluted black sand beaches, you will find white sand beaches with clear water. In this article you’ll find detailed information on how to get here, where to stay, what to do + bonus tips for great gastronomy.
How to get by air to Kuta Lombok?
The easiest way to get to Kuta is to fly into Bandar Udara Internasional Lombok International Airport, which is just 20 minutes by car from the city. It operates daily domestic flights from Bali or Jakarta, as well as international flights from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
How to get from Bali to Kuta Lombok?
The second way to reach Lombok is by boat from Bali or the Gili Islands. In this case, you will probably arrive at Bangsal port, from where it will take approximately 2-2.5 hours to get to Kuta, depending on traffic. You can book a private driver or take a taxi, which will be offered by dozens of locals at the port. Another option is to rent a car or motorbike directly at the port. If you want to avoid the hassle of transport, you can conveniently book a complete transfer from Bali to Kuta (boat + minibus) via this link.
Best time to visit Kuta, Lombok
The best time to visit Lombok is during the dry season, which begins in March and ends in October. However, the weather can be very unpredictable during March and April, so be prepared for unexpected showers. The advantage, however, is that after the rainy season you will find beautiful green nature and rolling hills everywhere.
Where to stay in Kuta, Lombok?
The best area to live in for tourists is the centre of Kuta. In this case, you will have everything at your fingertips, whether we are talking about shops, restaurants or cafes. A great choice for accommodation is Cewin’s Homestay, for which you will pay about 20€ per night.
The other alternative is to live directly on Kuta’s urban beach. A great alternative is, for example, the Bungalow and Restaurant Anda. If you are travelling to Kuta mainly for surfing, you may want to consider staying at a surf camp so you can have your community close by. A great place is for example LoTide Surf Camps Lombok.
You can find the whole offer of accommodation in Kuta on this link.
The most beautiful beaches around Kuta
The most beautiful beaches of Lombok are located on the southern coast, which is why Kuta and its surroundings can be considered a popular tourist destination. Although Kuta’s urban beach is nothing special, if you have a car or motorbike, you’ll see some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia. Most of them are within 30 minutes from Kuta. Here’s a list of our favourites:
Tanjung Ann
You can get here in about 15-20 minutes from the centre of Kuta. You’ll find great local warungs along the beach and enjoy undisturbed relaxation.
Selong Belanag
A crescent-shaped beach with fine white sand and clear water. To get here you will have to take a 40 minute scooter ride. You will pay IDR 10k for parking here. Surfing enthusiasts will also find their place here, as the conditions are ideal for beginners. Right on the beach you will find local warungs and also many surf schools and rental shops.
Mawun Beach
Located 20-25 minutes from Kuta. It is a quiet bay with ideal conditions for swimming. The beach is also surrounded by hills, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can buy snacks or cold coconut on the beach.
Mawi Beach
It is located west of Kuta. It will take you about 45 minutes to get here. The access to the beach is a bit more complicated than it was with the previous beaches, so you need to drive carefully (especially if it rained the day before your visit, because there will be mud everywhere). This beach is less developed, so those looking for untouched nature will find it particularly appealing. The sea is also a bit rougher here, so you have to be really careful when swimming.
Other activities in Kuta and its surroundings
Of course, beaches aren’t the only thing you’ll find in the area. Also worth mentioning is the peak of Bukit Merese, which is a popular place to watch the sunset in particular. It is located next to Tajung Ann Beach. So you can spend the day relaxing or surfing on the beach and then move on to the magical end of the day. It is a viewpoint surrounded by rolling green hills. If you visit this place after the rainy season (i.e. in March, April, May), you will really enjoy all shades of green here.
To get to the top, you only need to walk about 5 minutes from the parking lot. We dare say that almost the whole city goes to this place to watch the sunset! We were here every night. You will pay IDR 10K for parking and there are also a few small stalls or vendors offering chilled drinks and souvenirs.
Pink Beach Kuta Lombok
You can also take a trip to the so-called Pink Beach. However, this beach is located quite far away, so if you go here on a scooter, you should be prepared for a journey of about 1.5 hours (one way). If you don’t feel up to it, you can also come here as part of group trips, which you can book for example on this link.
On the beach you will find beautiful clear water and pink sand, but it may not be quite as pink as you may have seen in the photos on Instagram. We also had the opportunity to visit the pink beaches in Komodo National Park, which were definitely more beautiful. However, if you have enough time in Kuta, you can choose this as an alternative.
Tetebatu Lombok
From Kuta, you can also explore other parts of Lombok Island. Very popular is e.g. a trip to the central part of the island, specifically to the area of Tetebatu. Read more about what to see in Tetebatu in the article 7 places you must visit in Tetebatu, Lombok! You can check out the excursions on offer from Kuta at this link.
Gastronomy in Kuta Lombok: the best restaurants and cafes
Kuta is the most developed area of the entire island of Lombok. In addition to local warungs, you will find many international restaurants and beautiful fancy cafes where you can enjoy not only a great coffee but also an all-day brunch. It is worth mentioning, for example, Munchies, or Kenza Café Lombok, which are located almost next to each other. Both cafés have a spacious, air-conditioned interior where you will meet many digital nomads on a daily basis. If you’re looking for something cosier, then definitely visit Mushroom Espresso Mandalika.
Among the local restaurants, we recommend visiting Warung Bude or Warung Ombak. If you’re travelling “low cost” then be sure to visit Boom Burger, where you can enjoy a chicken burger for a whopping €1.2.
Kuta really has everything one can expect from a holiday in Indonesia. Great holiday atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, beaches and many possibilities for activities and excursions. So if you are going to Lombok, this part is definitely not to be missed!
Travel Guide Lombok
If you are a lover of nature, authentic culture and less crowded places, the island of Lombok in Indonesia should definitely not be missing from your travel itinerary. Looking for more inspiration for your trip around Indonesia? In our travel guide you will find more than 150 places of interest and lots of practical tips on how to travel around Indonesia and save money at the same time. The e-book can be found at here.
In our e-book you will find everything in one place:
- Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Lombok to the fullest and save money
- More than 150 places to visit
- Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions around the island
- 4 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
- Google map with all locations
Still not sure whether to travel to Asia on your own?
Don’t worry, we’re happy to help! We will prepare a complete itinerary tailored to your needs, from flights, transfers, accommodation, activities, relaxation and much more. to enjoy your trip to the fullest and without stress. For more information please visit this link or message us on IG @2troubletravelers.
* All links in this article including accommodation through booking are affiliate. All in one place. It won’t cost you any extra money or effort, it will make your planning easier and save you time. We would be delighted if you booked your dream holiday through them 🙂
