Lombok is one of Indonesia’s hidden gems, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Bali. But for us, Kuta in southern Lombok stole the show during our time in all of Indonesia. With its stunning beaches, great surf spots, and laid-back vibe, it has everything you could want without the crowds. Whether you’re up for an adventure, looking to unwind in a secluded spot, or even ready to hit the local hotspots, Kuta has it all. We share with you the best things to do in Kuta, Lombok, and why it became our favorite place on the island.
Table of contents
- How to get to Kuta, Lombok
- How to get around in Kuta, Lombok
- Things to do in Kuta, Lombok
- Where to stay in Kuta, Lombok
How to get to Kuta, Lombok
From Bali
The most affordable way to get to Lombok from Bali is to take a ferry. Depending on the type of boat, this journey takes between 3 to 5 hours. People looking to save a bit of time can also look into flying from Denpasar to Praya (LOP airport). Flights take less than an hour.
A ferry will take you to Bangsal Pier on Lombok, from here it’s a 2 hour drive to Kuta. You can reach Kuta with a Grab (500,000 IDR, around € 30) or by hopping in a shared minivan from Bangsal Pier to Kuta (€ 2). If you’re flying, you will land in Praya. From here you can take a Grab (200,000 IDR – 300,000 IDR, € 12 – € 18) or negotiate with a local taxi driver (150,000 IDR+, € 9+). Since Grab prices were around 300,000 IDR when we visited in June 2024, we negotiated with a taxi driver and paid 200,000 IDR.
From Java
People that want to visit Lombok from Java have a few options. The least expensive one is a bus ride, but we want to warn you: it will be a long one. A bus from Jakarta to Lombok will take almost two full days. Traveling from Semarang to Lombok takes about 30 hours, while traveling from Malang to Lombok takes around 23 hours. The most reasonable bus option is from Surabaya to Lombok, which will take you approximately 15 hours.
The more comfortable (and only slightly more expensive) option is to fly. There are a few airports on Java, the main ones can be found in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.
The bus will drop you off in Mataram on the west side of Lombok. From Mataram it’ll take you around 1 hour (depending on traffic) to get to Kuta, and the ride will cost around 300,000 IDR (€ 18) with Grab. If you’re flying into Praya, you can take a Grab for 200,000 – 300,000 IDR or try to score a better deal with a local taxi driver.
How to get around in Kuta, Lombok
The absolute best way to get around in Kuta, Lombok is to rent a scooter. We rented a scooter via our accommodation Nucifera Kuta Lombok for 70,000 IDR a day (around € 4). We don’t know if they rent to people that aren’t staying there, though. Good alternatives that post prices on their website are The Blue Marlin Bike and Tora Rental Scooter.
Good to know
You won’t find any “real” gas stations (Pertamina) near Kuta, you can just stop at a shop on the side of the road to fill up the tank.
Things to do in Kuta, Lombok
1. Sunrise at Bukit Merese
One of the best things to do in Kuta is visiting Bukit Merese, also known as Merese Hill. Just a short 15-minute drive from the town center, this spot offers some of the most stunning views overlooking Tanjung Aan Beach. While many people come here for sunset, we found sunrise to be a way better time to visit. It’s so peaceful in the early morning, you’ll only spot a few locals around (if any). Even though the sunrise itself wasn’t the most spectacular, the scenery was breathtaking. On top of that, sitting on the hill together, soaking it all in, was incredibly romantic!
We paid a small parking fee of 10,000 IDR (around € 0,60). It takes about 10 minutes to get from the parking lot to the hilltop, so be sure to head out early to catch the first light of day. Just remember to bring some water since the stalls along the way open later in the morning.
2. Relax at Tanjung Aan Beach
After enjoying the beautiful sunrise, we suggest heading to Tanjung Aan Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in Kuta. The soft sand and clear blue water make it the perfect place to relax, whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or even surfing! More on that later.
There’s a small parking fee of 10,000 IDR. The only downside we found was the amount of trash at the entrance, which was really disappointing. Please remember to hold onto your trash until you find a bin, it helps keep this beautiful place clean for everyone!
3. Learn how to surf
Kuta is a surfer’s paradise! Waves that cater to every skill level make it an ideal spot to catch your first wave. As beginners, we found Selong Belanak Beach to be perfect. It features soft, clear sand and gentle beach breaks that are great for those just starting out. The beach is lined with surf shacks where you can rent a board or take a lesson, so getting started is a breeze. Unlike Bali’s bustling surf spots, Kuta in Lombok offers a more relaxed vibe. There’s beautiful scenery and fewer crowds, making it a wonderful place to learn and enjoy surfing.
4. Unwind at Pantai Tomang-Omang
Our favorite beach in Lombok was Pantai Tomang-Omang. It’s this incredible hidden spot that feels like your own slice of paradise, far from the usual tourist crowds. The drive there is a bit of an adventure, taking you over dirt paths and through grassy fields with palm trees and cows scattered around. When you finally get to the beach, you’re greeted by soft white sand and crystal-clear blue water. So beautiful! The waves can be pretty strong, so it’s not the best for swimming, but it’s ideal for sunbathing, taking a dip, and enjoying the peaceful, untouched beauty of this little paradise!
5. Visit Goa Bangkang Prabu (Bat Cave)
If you’re up for something a bit out of the ordinary in Kuta, don’t miss a visit to Goa Bangkang Prabu, also known as the Bat Cave. While the cave itself isn’t very large, it offers a unique experience with thousands of bats flying overhead. It can be a bit challenging due to the strong smells, humidity, and darkness, so it’s not for everyone. The entrance fee is 60,000 IDR per person, which includes a local guide to show you around. For the best experience, visit between 11:30 AM and 2 PM to see the light beams streaming into the cave!
6. Day trip to Gili Air
If you’re looking to experience a little slice of paradise, a day trip to Gili Air from Kuta is just what you need. Start by taking a 2-hour drive from Kuta to Bangsal Port, booking a cab through Grab is the easiest way to get there. Once at the port, hop on a ferry, and in just 15 minutes you’ll arrive on the idyllic island of Gili Air. With its crystal-clear waters, laid-back vibe, and stunning beaches, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and explore. For more tips on making the most of your visit, check out our Gili Air guide!
Book your ferry from Lombok to Gili Air here.
7. Eat your way through Kuta
If you enjoy good food, Kuta has a lot of cool restaurants to check out. Bush Radio is a coworking-friendly spot where you can enjoy international dishes like Pad Thai and falafel rolls. We totally loved the vibe here! KRNK is the go-to place for some of the best burgers around. If you’re after affordable local flavors, Chili Restaurant is just perfect. Their lemongrass and garlic dishes were our favorites, and the prices are unbeatable at around € 5 for two dishes and drinks. And for a taste of Mexico, Cantina Mexicana offers delicious food and refreshing cocktails. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it in Kuta!
Where to stay in Kuta, Lombok
More helpful Indonesia posts
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- The ultimate glamping experience in Bali at Camani Glamping
- 1 month in Indonesia: Budget Breakdown for Bali, Java, Lombok, and Gili Air
- The perfect Gili Air guide
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