Kuta Lombok (not to be confused with Kuta in Bali) is a super relaxing place to stay a little longer during your trip in Indonesia. There is not a whole lot to do, but you can mainly enjoy the delicious food places, the coziness and the beautiful surroundings. Want to know what things to do in Kuta Lombok? Then read our 9 tips for activities in Kuta Lombok here.
Content of this blog:
1. Go surfing in Kuta Lombok!
The absolute number one activity to do in Kuta Lombok: surfing. It is a real surfer’s paradise and you can see that in many places: surf schools, motorbikes with a sidecar that fit your surfboard and many Aussies ‘best surf of the day mate’. Don’t have surfing experience yet? No problem. There is a beach where the waves are perfect for beginners, Selong Belanak. Kuta Lombok is suitable for all levels: beginners, intermediate and experienced surfers.
Most travelers stay in the town of Kuta itself, as this is where the fun can be found. The surf spots are then about a 15- to 30-minute drive away. Are you really only coming for surfing or a surf camp? Then choose to stay closer to one of the surf spots in the village of Selong Belanak. The very best resort located right on the beach is Sempiak Seaside Resort. Suku Lifestyle Hotel & Villas is also a fantastic choice, very close to Selong Belanak. Are you looking for a good budget option? Then Ripbowl Guest House is a very good choice: from €20 per night with still equally nice, luxurious rooms and comfort.
2. Surfing for beginners: Selong Belanak
Selong Belanak is full of surf schools where beginners can take lessons. You practice on the beach first, before going into the sea with a surf instructor. Step by step, they explain how to move your surfboard, how to lie on it properly, catch a wave and how to stand up. The waves are not too big and not too powerful. Perfect for learning to surf.
You can just drive yourself to Selong Belanak, about half an hour from Kuta Lombok. Upon arrival, you can walk into a surf school to take a lesson. Lessons for beginners often last 2 hours and cost around 500K (€30). We surfed with Ono ourselves at Aqui Surf School. You can reach Ono on WhatsApp at: +62853-3733-8112.
3. Advanced surfing: Mawi Beach
Mawi Beach is an ideal surf spot for average surfers. You are a bit deeper in the sea here, so you have to go there by boat. This can be done from the Selong Belanak beach mentioned above. After first taking a beginners lesson to get back into it, we were able to join the boat to Mawi Beach a few days later.
You pay 450K to 500K Indonesian Rupiah per person for this. This amounts to €26. This includes the boat and two hours of lessons on the waves of Mawi Beach.
4. Pay a visit to the Secret Gili’s
The islands in southwestern Lombok – Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, Gili Tangkong and Gili Bedis – are called the Secret Gilis because few tourists know of their existence. They are not nearly as well known as the Gili islands in the northwest – Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan – but just as beautiful.
From Kuta Lombok you can book an organized tour that includes a night’s sleep on the Secret Gili’s. Should you prefer to explore the Secret Gili’s on your own, you can take the motorbike or take a cab to this street where there are plenty of boats willing to take you to the Secret Gili’s. You can also book this day tour where you go snorkeling on the Secret Gili’s.
5. Tanjung Aan Beach
A paradise beach located just a 20-minute drive from Lombok. Tanjung Aan Beach is a wonderful destination to spend a day relaxing. Drink a cocktail, swim in the clear blue water and eat some good food at the fun beach bars.
6. Bukit Merese
Bukit Merese is one of the nicest places around Kuta Lombok to go early in the morning or at sunset. From this particular mountain/cliff you look over the beautiful sea and experience a special landscape. We found the whole region of Bukit Merese pretty similar to the Algarve in Portugal, with its beautiful cliffs and bright blue, wild sea. Just be aware of the many monkeys that roam here and sneak up close to you if you are carrying food or loose items.
7. Take the motorbike around Kuta Lombok
As mentioned, the area around Kuta Lombok is extremely beautiful. We ourselves felt that we were no longer in Asia but in Southern Europe. It is great to drive the motorbike around here and just enjoy the wind through your hair and the sun on your skin. The roads on Lombok are well paved, partly because of the nearby Pertamina Mandalika Circuit where the MotoGP is run.
8. Watch a MotoGP race at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit
Once a year the MotoGP is held at the Mandalika Circuit, which is 5 minutes from Kuta Lombok. Tickets can be purchased through the official site. There is also another motorcycle race almost every weekend. Check with your hostel or helpful locals what time the race starts this weekend and enjoy this cool activity!
9. Visit Tetebatu
Unfortunately, there are still travelers who only visit Kuta while traveling on Lombok. This is such a shame because there are many more beautiful places to be found. Use our detailed itinerary: Lombok in 2 weeks for all the best Lombok has to offer.
In addition, Tetebatu is, in our opinion, a place you really should not skip on Lombok. The insanely beautiful nature, green rice fields and the (not yet present) tourism is a perfect combination. Take a day hike with a guide, visit the waterfalls and drive right through nature. A wonderful off the grid destination!
