Ultimate Guide to Kuta, Lombok

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Looking for laidback beach vibes, world-class surf breaks, local Indonesian vibes but also some of the best coffee you’ve had? Looking for a more relaxed version of Bali that isn’t quite as developed but has everything you could possibly need? Then Kuta, Lombok could be the perfect spot for you.

We’ve spent a lot of time in this gorgeous little village and have begun to call it home. We’d visited the island previously, but hadn’t ventured to southern Lombok. The first time we did, we fell in love with the place. After travelling around Southeast Asia for years, we have spent a lot of time planning how we can be here as much as possible since then!

This guide will give you a tourist perspective and an insider's guide to where to go, what to eat, and what to expect during your stay in Kuta, Lombok.

How to Get to Kuta, Lombok

Flying to Lombok

If you’re arriving from outside of Indonesia, you’re in luck. Lombok has an international airport know as Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport. However, it doesn’t have many destinations connected to it. If you’re arriving from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, you can usually get direct flights into Lombok. But if you’re coming from elsewhere, you’ll need a connection (either internationally or domestically).

Lombok International Airport is connected to many domestic airports. It is a short 45-minute flight from Bali. We’ve also had international journeys that connected through Jakarta or Surabaya.

A note for Surabaya: The domestic and international terminals aren’t connected, so you may need to get a taxi between them if you don’t book a connecting flight. This caused me a bit of stress the first time I did it, but there is a Bluebird taxi stand that can take you from one to the other. Just be aware that you’ll need some additional time here to make the transfer!

Ferry to Lombok

If you’re coming from Bali or Sumbawa, you also have the option to take a ferry. We’ve written a full breakdown of everything you need to know about the Bali to Lombok ferry here.

From Bali, there are two options: Fast and Slow. Slow truly lives up to its name. It’s a local ferry that you can bring your scooter on board. The loading and unloading on either end take a while, but it’s a relatively smooth journey as it’s a large boat.

The Fast option travels quickly, but it’s not that much faster. Loading and unloading passengers still takes a while. The boat will stop at the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan and possibly Nusa Lembongan and Gili Air, too). Once you reach Lombok, it’s a two-hour car journey to Kuta. Be prepared for a long travel day.

If you arrive at Bangsal port in the north, you can hire a scooter from the port vendors if you prefer to make your way. Remember it is a relatively long drive (but the roads are good).

Transfer to Kuta, Lombok

Most people will choose to arrange a car transfer to Kuta if you’re arriving at the airport, Lembar (slow boat) or Bangsal (fast ferry). You can do this when you arrive or pre-arrange. We usually prefer to pre-arrange our transfers as it can be hectic with many drivers trying to get your attention when you arrive. I’m not a fan of trying to negotiate when I’ve just got off a flight or a boat, and I’ve got all my luggage with me.

Our friend Baron is a reliable and safe driver. His WhatsApp is +62 821 4424 6776. He (or someone from his team) can collect you from your arrival point and take you to Kuta. He can also arrange tours if you want to go further afield.

Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok

There are so many different types of accommodation available in Kuta so no matter your travel style (or budget!) you’ll find the perfect spot.

Airbnb: Paul and Kaz are fantastic Airbnb hosts that have a range of private villas available to rent. They’ve got small one beds, through to three bedroom homes. What we love about them is their down-to-earth nature and that you feel like you’re meeting up with old friends when you inevitably bump into them down at one of their coffee shops. They’ve been around a while and can help answer any questions you have about Lombok.

Hotel: Tika Hotel is the perfect option if you’re after a hotel vibe. It’s just off the main street, so you get a little more peace and quiet but can still walk into town for dinner and drinks. They have an elevated restaurant, which is rare in town so you slightly shielded from the road noise. Even better is their onsite co-working space, perfect for digital nomads.

Hostel: I haven’t personally stayed at a hostel in Kuta, but I know that Pipes Hostel is a popular option. I’ve also stopped by Mad Monkey and it looks super fun!

Surf Retreat: If you’re looking for somewhere that will help you take your surfing to the next level, you have to heck out Xanadu Retreat. They have two locations, one in town and one further up the hill with epic views. Their retreats offer yoga, daily surf lessons, video reviews and shared meals. If I was a better surfer I would definitely be booking myself in!

Where to Eat in Kuta Lombok

Kuta, Lombok, has some of the best restaurants. It is rare to have a bad meal here, and there is a wide variety of food to choose from. We eat lunch and dinner out daily (and sometimes breakfast, too), so we’ve done a full breakdown of all the best restaurants in Kuta. Here’s a quick list to get you started.

Best Warungs in Kuta, Lombok

If you’re looking for cheap local food, you want to make friends with your nearest warung owner. They are spread out all over Kuta, but it can be tough to know where is good and where is suitable for Western tastes. Indonesians take their spice level seriously, so if you have a low spice tolerance, tread carefully.

The Warung: Great burgers, wraps, lalapan, pizzas. We’ve tried almost everything on their menu and haven’t found anything we don’t like. They’ve got a good mix of Western and local options, which is great if you’re undecided about what you want.

Brotherhood: They have the best ayam (chicken) lalapan in town! They’re based in the fishing village, so it’s a great spot to see the local children playing. If you’re surfing Kuta, you can’t miss the restaurant as you get back to land.

Warung Ombak: Best gado-gado and fish of the day. The team here are delightful and it’s worth making the trip out of the centre of town. They can also organise surf lessons. This place gets busy later in the evenings, so don’t come too late!

Warung Nikmat: You have to try their lalapan terong (eggplant). Located right in town, this large warung is relatively new. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try the es campur for a mix of jelly, fruit and sweetness.

Best Non-Indonesian Food in Kuta, Lombok

Kuta is still quite compact, so you can wander along the streets near the main crossroads and find any sort of food you’re looking for. There are a few gems hidden further away, but our restaurant guide covers all of that.

Milk: This is my go-to spot for breakfast. They nail everything on the menu every time, but I’m obsessed with the Hot Honey. It’s haloumi, chilli honey and sourdough – the ideal breakfast. It’s also a great place to get some work done.

Elamu: This place nails the vibe. It’s laidback, has delicious Greek food and plays good music. They have an all you can eat brunch as well as weekly party nights. The cocktails are a bit hit and miss, but their non-alcoholic drinks are fantastic.

Jiang Nan: Dumplings and vibes. Even from the outside, you can see that a lot of effort has been put into making this restaurant feel special. The vegetarian dumplings are okay, but the mushroom and kimchi bao bun is fantastic.

Knalpot: When we’re craving a cocktail, this is our favourite place. The tables outside allow you to watch the world go by while you sip on one of their delicious offerings. Their non-alcoholic lemonades are delicious too!

Best Beaches in Kuta, Lombok

The southern beaches of Lombok are gorgeous and plentiful. But how do you know which ones to visit? Here are a few of our favourites.

Selong Belanak

Often voted one of the best beaches in the world, Selong Belanak is somewhere special with white sand, gentle waves, plenty of places to eat and drink. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax for the day, this is where you want to be.

Plenty of surf schools along the beach allow you to rent a surfboard or get a lesson. The waves can be fast and dumpy at times, but down the south end, the waves can be slower.

It is a forty-minute scooter ride from town itself but worth it for the drive alone. If you don’t drive, you can arrange a driver to take you across there for the day.

Tanjung Aan Beach

The two edges of the bay curve around so perfectly that they almost meet. There is a reef out near the opening, meaning that only gentle waves lap the shore. It’s a lovely, relaxing spot to swim.

This horseshoe-shaped beach is lined with warungs and features a few cool beach clubs that have recently emerged. We love Bumbum Warung for a relaxed coffee, lunch or beer. Aloha Beachclub is brand new, and we can’t wait to check it out.

There is a reef break here which is popular with beginner surfers. This means that a lot of surf schools come here, making the waves extremely busy at times.

You can rent boards and hire boats to take you out to the break. They’ll come back after about an hour and collect you again. It’s not far if you want to paddle out too.

There are a lot of women walking the beach selling sarongs and fruit. Be prepared to have your time interrupted a bit. Buy a pineapple or mango and have it sliced in front of you for the perfect beach snack.

Kuta Beach / Mandalika Beach

Some people will recommend you don’t check out Kuta Beach. Compared to a lot of the nearby spots, it’s not as stunning. There is a fishing village living on part of it, which means there is a lot of boats and rubbish around.

However, there is a promenade that runs from the town out to Mandalika Beach Club. In the evening, it has a delightful family-friendly atmosphere. There can be a lot of kids selling bracelets, but it’s a lovely place to walk and be around local Indonesian people, rather than just tourists at a lot of the other parts of town.

The promenade also makes for a good running track, as it doesn’t have a lot of traffic. Keep an eye out for monkeys closer to the beach club.

Are Guling Beach

We’ve recently started enjoying Are Guling more. It’s a short drive from Kuta, and the last part of the journey is a dirt road. You’ll wind through a local village, and it feels like you’re going back in time.

One of the great things is that there isn’t any hawkers here yet. No kids selling bracelets, no women selling sarongs. I’m all for supporting the local community, but some days you want a quiet, uninterrupted beach day.

There is a row of restaurants along the beach. The salads at Zinc aren’t cheap, but they are fantastic and good value for money. All the restaurants have hammocks out front, which makes a nice change.

These places are set back from the beach itself. It’s not a sunbathing beach; head to Selong Belanak if that’s what you’re after. They seem to be catering more to surfers coming in from the waves.

Best Sunset Spots in Kuta, Lombok

Seger Point

This is our favourite spot to sit and watch the sunset. It’s close to town and has fantastic views.

There are charges to come here. You’ll pay an entrance fee on your bike, and then at the base of the hills, there are often people charging another entrance fee. It’s minimal and supports the local community.

Bring some takeaways and eat dinner here. Or grab a fresh coconut from one of the local people selling them nearby.

Bukit Merese

This hill is a little further out of town than Seger Point (about a ten minute drive), so make sure you head off with enough time to drive, park and walk up the hill.

Like most places in Lombok, there is a charge to park here. It’s a small fee (usually IDR5,000 or 10,000) but the guys will usually have change.

Bukit Merese is the perfect spot if you’ve spent the day at Tanjun Aan as the hill is at the far end of the beach.

Ashtari

If you’re looking for something a little more indoors, head up the hill to Ashtari. This beautiful space is home to a yoga studio, a restaurant, and hosts various events like cooking classes.

I’ve often found it windy if you want to sit right on the edge, so make sure you bring something warm!

Where to Shop in Kuta Lombok

There isn’t a mall in Kuta, but there are plenty of places to get your shopping fix. Here are a few of our favourite places.

Lombok Eco Market: This pop-up market is hosting at varying places and times so check their Instagram for the most up-to-date information. They host a range of vendors selling everything from vanilla, to hand-dyed clothes, to recycled plastic combs. You’ll be able to get fantastic souvenirs to take back knowing your supporting local small businesses.

Nalua: This is my favourite shop to wander around and look at beautiful things. They have mostly items for women but there are some male clothing too. I love their jewelery, clothing and small items for home.

Flow: A go-to shop for all things surfing, including boards, rash-guards and reef safe sunscreen. They also have a range of clothing, footwear and jewellery.

Gift Shops: There are a few hidden gift shops in other businesses that I always love browsing. Stop by Milk, Mana and The Emporium as an excuse to combine delicious coffee with your shopping.

Best eSIM for Indonesia

If you’re heading to Indonesia for just a short break, or don’t want to deal with the hassle at the airport, it can be a good idea to get an eSIM sorted before you arrive. That way, you’ll be connected if anything goes wrong.

We’ve arrived at our accommodation before and not been able to get inside. If we didn’t have data, we would have had to find a nearby location to access Wi-Fi. Stressful, and the last thing you need when you’re coming off a long flight.

Instead, an eSIM can make sure you’re connected, and you can reach out to your accommodation if you hit any hiccups on your trip.

Getting Around Kuta, Lombok

Kuta is still relatively undeveloped and is growing rapidly. It is possible to walk around much of the central town, but there are few footpaths. Look to stay in the centre of town to make it easy to get to the restaurants.

The most common way to get around is to hire a scooter or motorbike. There are plenty of places on the main street to hire from or speak to your accommodation provider. Make sure you double lock your bike when leaving it anywhere, as they are occasionally stolen!

If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, you can easily get a driver to take you to the nearby beaches or around town. Our friend Baron (+62 821-4424-6776) can assist with all your bookings.

Day Trips from Kuta Lombok

Lombok is an island filled with adventure and beautiful places! If you’re staying in Kuta there are plenty of places you can add on to your trip or visit on a day trip.

Selong Belanak

This is our favourite day trip from Kuta, but it’s also a great place to stay for a night or two. The beach is wonderful, there are plenty of restaurants and it’s a great place to learn to surf for absolute beginners.

Torok Bay

If you’re looking for something more indulgent and all-inclusive, head a little further along the coast to Torok Bay. This strip of white sand is mostly undeveloped, except for the gorgeous Amber Lombok Beach Resort. You can sip cocktails in their beachfront restaurant without needing to be a guest. Check out their gorgeous day spa too.

The Secret Gilis

Many people are familiar with the Gilis in the north of Lombok - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. But the Secret Gilis in the southwest corner of Lombok are far more undiscovered and filled with hidden gems. You can do day trips out here to get your snorkling fix.

Tetebatu

Head away from the coast and into the centre of the island for a day trip spent wandering through lush rice paddies and visiting waterfalls. A day trip will usually include a visit to Benang Stokel and Kelambu, which is definitely worth it.

Travel Tips: What You Need To Know About Kuta Lombok

Does Kuta Lombok Have Grab?

Yes and no. Grab does exist, but it’s not like Bali. There are no bike taxis. You can get a Grab from the airport, if you manage to get past the throng of men offering you rides when you first exit the terminal.

A local taxi organisation often governs the cars and won’t pick you up from many locations, including a lot of the hotels. Instead, connect with a local driver. Our friend Baron (+62 821-4424-6776) is all set up to help you. A quick WhatsApp message is generally all you need to connect you with a reliable ride anywhere on the island.

Can You Swim at Kuta Beach, Lombok?

Yes, while not the most popular place to swim, you can definitely swim here. You want to move away from the fishing village and towards this spot for the best options.

The beach is really popular in the evenings with local Indonesians, so be respectful in your dress at or near the beach.

Is Lombok as Nice as Bali?

Depending on what you’re looking for, Lombok can be even better than Bali. Bali’s culture is unique and absolutely wonderful. If you’re looking for large beach clubs, Hindu temples or well-established tourism, Bali is fantastic.

However, Lombok is peaceful and uncrowded. If you want empty beaches and rice terraces and you’re not afraid of getting of the beaten path a little, you’ll love Lombok. You’ll still find the great food and coffee here, just fewer options than you have in somewhere like Canggu.

Is Kuta Lombok Worth Visiting?

Yes! Kuta Lombok is a favorite place of mine and I highly recommend visiting. It’s got laid back, surf town vibes, great food and coffee and beautiful beaches. There are mountains and rice paddies to the north, snorkling to the west and a huge variety of beaches. Kuta Lombok should be on your must visit list.

Is Kuta Lombok Safe?

Yes, I’ve never felt unsafe in Kuta. I sometimes walk home in the dark alone after dinner without any problems. I don’t stay out late though, so I can’t speak to the bars and clubs in Kuta.

There are plenty of street dogs that you need to keep an eye out for. While out running, a few times I have felt unsafe about the dogs, especially in wet season when I think they begin to encroach on each other’s territories. Just keep an eye out.

Is Lombok Cheaper than Bali?

We have definitely found Lombok cheaper to live in than Bali. But there are plenty of ways to spend a lot of money in Lombok.

For example, there is cheap local style food and expensive Western style options. The Western options are now close to what you’d pay in Australia or New Zealand. The cocktails are cheaper than at home but if you have a few a night, your holiday bill will add up.

Is Kuta in Lombok or Bali?

This is confusing! There is a Kuta in both Bali and Lombok. When searching for anything, you’ll most likely come up with Bali options first so always specify Kuta Lombok. For example, when searching on Airbnb, look for Kuta Lombok not just Kuta.