Kuta (Lombok)

Kuta is a coastal town in the south of the island of Lombok in Indonesia. The scenery is spectacular, with cliffs and mountains reaching the coast to create jagged and awe-inspiring landscapes and views. The beaches are some of the best in Indonesia, with pristine white sand, and transparent blue-greens in the water. Kuta has some of the best surfing in the world, so naturally many visitors are surfers.

Understand


Kuta has a wide variety of accommodations and restaurants, ranging from backpacker offerings to a four-star resort for wealthier travellers. Many people come to Kuta just to unwind, lie on the beach, rent a motorcycle to look around or to just relax by reading a book or taking a nap in the afternoon.

Most of Kuta retains its sleepy, natural character as a typical fishing village. The local people live in housing clusters (called kampungs) and are largely unaffected by tourist activity. Travellers can walk along dirt roads and see the villagers going about their normal daily activities. Food is usually cooked over a wood fire and the children live a carefree life of playing on the beach and climbing trees. Most people are exceptionally friendly to foreigners, although a very small element have growing hostilities. With the High numbers of surfers coming to Kuta Lombok, some frustrations can lead to aggression and ugly incidents. Should you run into any trouble report it at the local police office on the bypass. Remain cautious and use common sense; particularly at night, around local surfer-dudes who are drinking.

Lombok International Airport is around 20 minutes away, and there has been a huge amount of land speculation in the Kuta area from high-end hotel operators and other investors.

To search in Google Maps, type Kuta Lombok to avoid confusion with Kuta Bali.

This area of Lombok has been designated as a tourist development area in Mandalika Beach, 2.6 km away from Kuta Beach and 300 m from Seger Beach. However, the area has been named "Kuta Mandalika" and has wide road boulevard.

From Bali
There are many shuttle bus companies which have scheduled transport from Bali. Expect to pay around Rp200,000 per person (one way) from main Bali departure centres such as Kuta or Ubud. The price will include the ferry and connecting shuttles. The popular Perama bus company will charge only an additional Rp10,000 per surfboard. The one-way trip by bus and ferry usually requires more than 12 hr of travel to reach Kuta. It is a slow, but inexpensive and comfortable way to travel if that fits your style.

From Lembar
From Lembar the price to Kuta must be negotiated in advance. Competition is fierce and porters will often place your luggage in a taxi prior to settling the price. If using a taxi you should ensure that the driver uses the meter. Assertive behavior can ensure you choose the type of transport and price that suits your needs. The taxi fare from Lembar to Kuta should be around Rp250,000. If using a hired car ensure that the price is clearly defined before you enter the vehicle and depart.

Perama will also run this route if there are two of more passengers booked beforehand (Rp125,000 per person). The Perama bus will be waiting for you when you get off the boat in Lembar Harbour.

By shuttle
Perama shuttle tickets can be booked at the Perama office at Segare Anak Bungalows from 07:00-22:00, They have daily departures to destinations on Lombok and Bali. Transport to Lembar, the port for connecting ferries to Padangbai in Bali, costs Rp125,000 per person. To travel further north, prices to Senggigi and the Gili Islands should be Rp150,000 and Rp180,000 respectively. There are also many other reliable shuttle companies which can be booked through the tourist information booths or through your hotel or homestay.

Get around
In the village of Kuta, all local facilities are within a reasonable walking distance. For local transport in and around Kuta you can use a ojek (motorbike with rider).

By bemo
An extensive, but complex public transport system runs throughout all of Lombok. The standard mode of public transportation is the bemo, a small, covered pick-up truck with narrow benches.

The bemo is designed to transport local people; tourists may find them confusing and difficult to use. Public transport is not recommended for the uninitiated traveller, especially if traveling with luggage or surfboards and unable to speak Bahasa Indonesia. To reach almost any destination, expect numerous stops en route, bemo changes, and sometimes very crowded conditions. True backpackers wishing to save money by conquering the bemo system should carefully get advice about the route in advance and write down the name of the destination to show the driver. Traveling on a bemo is certainly one way to experience local culture.

Public bemo's are located at the junction and also on the beach road.

Wisata Car
In Kuta arfatourindo operates transport from Kuta beach to other beaches, e.g. mawun, tanjung aan, mawi, seger, selong belanak where surfing, diving and snorkling could be done. It costs Rp15,000-50,000 for one way. The passengers are at least 4 people. You may reserve this transport via arfatourindo@gmail.com or call +6278739518019.

By car
Many visitors consider the most efficient way to get around is by renting a local driver and a comfortable car. They are readily available at most hotels to transport you around the island at the rate of Rp350,000 for a half day

By motorcycle
If you wish to explore the South Lombok area surrounding Kuta, the preferred way by many is to do so by motorcycle. Motorcycles can be rented at rates of about Rp50,000 per day, without petrol. Insist the bike be in as new condition, then carefully inspect and make note of the bike for scratches and any other damage. Ensure the bike is in proper mechanical condition including the lights, brakes and tyres. Ask for a surfboard rack if desired as some rental operators have them available. Never give your passport or drivers licence as security to rent the bike and ensure the current STNK – Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan (Certificate of Registration) is with the motorbike.is.

Should you suffer an accident and damage the bike beware that local renters may ask for over the top compensation. It is always safest to rent from your hotel who do not want to have a problem with their reputation and will ask for fair and reasonable compensation. There are no bikes with insurance in Kuta.

By boat
Local boatman may be available to take you for an outing but be careful to negotiate the price and details to common agreement before boarding or determining a final price. Do not automatically expect the boat to have adaquate or possibly any safety equipment at all. Ensure you check such equipment for yourself prior to agreeing to the charter. Some traditional perahu boat operators cannot swim so do not expect them to be able to save you should difficulties arise. Also ensure that the price includes fuel and where you will be travelling and for how long a time. Ensure you will return to shore well before dusk. Do not expect the boat operator to be able to communicate with you fluently in English or even Bahasa Indonesian.

Beaches
Around Kuta there are some beautiful beaches. Kuta offers you the private white beaches you have seen on travel posters and always dreamed of experiencing. There are six main beaches in and around Kuta:



Other
Visitors can make day trips from Kuta to the pottery village of Penunjak and to the weaving village of Sukarare.

Surfing
Kuta is a surfers destination, with world class shore, reef and point breaks along the coast. Personal transport is the best way if not the only way to access the surfing spots. Since there have been reports of thefts in Southern Lombok, you should expect to pay a few thousand Rupiah to a local to guard your bike during your time in the water. Board can be hired in Kuta town or at the Gerupuk village.

Surfing can get busy, with locals and boatmen all joining in. Be aware that some locals can become aggressive following any mishaps in the surf, regardless of who is at fault. This is usually to cause intimidation (and demands for money) but can lead to physical threats. Stay respectful, handle any incidents calmly and fairly, and other locals will almost always look out for you.

Popular surf breaks around Kuta:


 * Seger reef: the closest break to Kuta village, Seger provides a heavy right hander and is excellent under most conditions. It's a popular spot during the afternoon tide shift, and especially after the big rains in the wet season. Ride past the Novotel, then turn right after the small bridge and continue taking right turns until the road becomes unsealed. Entrance to Seger costs Rp5,000 for motorbikes and Rp10,000 for cars. There is a small hill that onlookers can climb for a phenomenal view of the surroundings, especially popular at sunset.
 * Air Guling: Air Guling is a beach to the West of Kuta village. The break is a fair paddle from shore, and is a strong right hander, which can become very hollow during a large swell. Continue West from Kuta, up the mountain and over the other side. There is a view of the beach when coming down, and don't be deceived when the road swerves away from the coast. Eventually on the left there will be an unsealed dirt road which can be very difficult to handle (unadvisable to ride when wet). Continue the road to the beach, and pay Rp5,000 to watch your bike.
 * Gerupuk: The most popular break in Kuta. There are two main breaks here, although some others pop up in the right conditions. You need to hire a boatman from the village to access the breaks (Rp80,000 for 1 person, Rp50,000 per person for 2, and Rp30,000 each for more.). The boat will wait while you surf, however the boatmen will often join you out on the surf, which can cause frustrations when crowded. To get here, take a ride east for 7 km (about 10-15 min). There is a common parking area for surfers and tourists, which the locals monitor. Parking is usually free (although the standard fee is Rp1,000 if you are asked to pay).
 * Inside Gerupuk: in a sheltered bay, it's is good for beginners/intermediate. Absolute beginners (first time on a board) may find this intimidating, during large swell and crowded conditions, and should look for a simple beach break (like Tanjung Aan). The floor is a soft reef bed which doesn't cause much damage. The wave breaks both left and right here, and can get busy. Ocean Bar is located a short paddle away from the break (floating on the sea) and offers cold drinks, fruit and basic food.
 * Outside Gerupuk: Cannot be seen from the village, it's a short boat ride away. Outsides is generally the most reliable bet for a surf - there is nearly always something to surf here (even in low swell conditions). The wave is a right hander and can be quite heavy.
 * Tanjung Aan: Beach break in between Kuta and Gerupuk, for absolute beginners. Take the usual route out to Gerupuk, and take a right hand turn into Turtle Warung - before the football field (around 2 km outside Gerupuk). There are a series of Warungs on the beach, which you will need to drive past. You can park at or near the Turtle Warung, and take a short walk over the hill to see the surf behind. Tanjung Aan can get blown out during afternoon wind, so better to hit it in the morning. The hill will give you one of the best views of Kuta's beaches and inlets, and the sunset is particularly good (with beers from the Warungs).

Fishing
There is excellent sport fishing to be had in waters off Kuta. Unfortunately, the only charter boats available locally are local wooden outriggers and these are not always ideal for the challenging fishing conditions. You can though get a decent day's fishing by hiring one of these boats with a captain from the local guys on Kuta Beach.

Diving
There are only two or three scuba dive shops in operation.

Tanjung A'an, around 4 km east of Kuta beach, is a pleasant place for snorkelling.

Races

 * is a motor-racing circuit hosting Grand Prix and other big events. The next MotoGP races are 13-15 October 2023.

Buy
The village of Kuta provides all the basic necessities for a traveler, such as toiletries, tropical clothing, souvenirs, fruits and bottled water. You can buy some medical supplies and antibotics in Warung Kita and Warung Virgin, Diapet is a local medicine for Bali Belly which you are advised to try before taking a trip to the overcharged clinic. Warung Jabar in Kuta village can process photos.

There are 5 ATMs in Kuta. They are well lit at night, but use caution if withdrawing cash after all the shops close and you've had a few beers. If you are paying per transaction fees the best place to withdraw money is the CIMB ATM located at Novotel reception where the maximum withdrawal is Rp3,000,000. The ATM at Warung Virgin has a maximum withdrawal of Rp1,000,000. The one at Tastura Rp1,250,000 and Sekar Kunning aka Yellow Flower Rp1,500,000. There is also an ATM inside the premises at Segara Anak Bungalows.



Eat
Most of the hotels and bungalows serve breakfast which is included in their room rates. Kuta beach area restaurants have many food options. Most of the restaurants serve Indonesian, European and international cuisine.


 * Cafe Cherry, a simple cafe offering Indonesian and western food, seafood on order including lobster and prawns.
 * Ocean Life Cafe, a bamboo and wooden cafe, gives you a bit of option in the menu. Incorporates shop providing imported drink and wines.
 * Bong's cafe, wood oven pizza and tacos for a different taste in the Kuta area.
 * Purnama Cafe, a simple and enjoyable cafe.
 * Cafe Seger, a skillful lady chef offers tasty Sasak food next to the beach with views of the sea, best fish in Kuta.
 * Alang-Alang Cafe, cafe on the beach with Beruga style seating in a small, open sitting area with grass roof.
 * Warung Murah Meriah, run by a local couple.
 * Cafe Cherry, a simple cafe offering Indonesian and western food, seafood on order including lobster and prawns.
 * Ocean Life Cafe, a bamboo and wooden cafe, gives you a bit of option in the menu. Incorporates shop providing imported drink and wines.
 * Bong's cafe, wood oven pizza and tacos for a different taste in the Kuta area.
 * Purnama Cafe, a simple and enjoyable cafe.
 * Cafe Seger, a skillful lady chef offers tasty Sasak food next to the beach with views of the sea, best fish in Kuta.
 * Alang-Alang Cafe, cafe on the beach with Beruga style seating in a small, open sitting area with grass roof.
 * Warung Murah Meriah, run by a local couple.
 * Warung Murah Meriah, run by a local couple.

Sleep
Kuta has a good range of accommodation from cheap and slightly shabby huts all the way up to the 4-star Novotel. Most accommodation is located along the beach strip. Listed prices for budget and mid-range accommodation can change by a factor of 100% depending on the season. Even within one hotel complex the price of rooms can vary greatly depending on amenities, such as air conditioning, hot water and a television. The prices listed are only provided as a guide. In low season, you can bargain for discounted rates, in high season you may be thankful to get a room for any price. Call or check the hotel website directly for availability and/or reservations. Third party reservation agents are sometimes not reliable.

Budget




Hospitals
Several hospitals are in the main city of Mataram including the islands main public hospital Rumah Sakit Umun, Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluaga and the Risa Hospital in Cakranegara near Mataram mall.


 * Please see the Lombok main article for a list of medical facilities available in Mataram.

Emergency service

 * Ambulance In emergency dial - 118


 * The reality is that unless within the confines of the main city of Mataram/Ampenan/Cakranegara an ambulance is normally too far away to provide prompt transport in the case of a true emergency. Most often a taxi, police vehicle or a private car is used to get someone requiring urgent medical attention to a hospital. The ambulances in Lombok are more often used in the role of assisted patient transport rather than for first responder/paramedic supported emergency assistance and transport.

Go next

 * Gili Islands - for more sand, sea and diving (but no surf to speak of).
 * Mount Rinjani National Park - Lombok's magnificent active volcanic peak.
 * Bali - next stop to the west in the Indonesian archipelago.
 * Senggigi - the principal tourism town on the west coast of the island
 * Mataram - the main city on the island and the provincial capital, not a lot to see there, has a mall, and an interesting museum