Lombok is a large island located between Bali and Sumbawa. Instead of the hustle and bustle which you would usually find in neighbouring Bali, Lombok is free from tourist congestion and traffic which makes it the perfect surfers paradise.
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How to get to Lombok?
The fastest way to arriving in Lombok is via plane. Flights run regularly from Bali, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The airport is then located a half an hour drive from Kuta.
You can also get a ferry to Lombok which is the most time consuming way to get to the island. Ferries depart from Sanur or Padang Bai in Bali or from Nusa Lembongan and are around 2.5 hours from there to Bangsal Harbour in Lombok. Bangsal Harbour is located 2 hours drive from the Kuta area. We would highly recommend organising a driver to pick you up before hand as the locals who hang around near the harbour and not great to deal with when trying to organise transport. Even if you already have a driver organised for you they can be very forceful.
Looking to stay in the Gili Islands? Make sure to check out Our Guide to Gili Air!
What to do in Kuta Lombok?
Learn to Surf
If you’re looking for somewhere to that is gentle and quiet for beginner surfers then Kuta Lombok is a perfect place. There are a range of different beaches to choose from depending on your experience which allows you to be able to start at a beginner surf beach and slowly work your way to a more advances break.
There are many different companies to be able to hire board from as well as get lessons from. When in Kuta Lombok we used Heart Beach surf lessons. Their team are so fun and enthusiastic about you learning to surf it is a real confidence boost when out on the waves.
Island Hopping
You may have come across Lombok when searching for the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands are actually a part of Lombok however from Gili to Kuta Lombok it involves a long journey.
If you are based in Kuta Lombok you may want to head to some of the other lesser known Gili Islands including Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal and Gili Lampu on snorkelling trip.
However if you are heading to the Gili Islands make sure you check out our guide on Which Gili Island is Best for you?.
Waterfalls
If you are heading to the North of Lombok before crossing over to the Gili Islands then you should check out the different waterfalls the island has to offer. This can be booked by either getting a driver for the day or going along on a North Lombok Waterfall Tour.
When you arrive at the different waterfalls they will ask you to pay an entrance fee and a fee to have a guide show you around the waterfalls, however don’t feel you need to take a guide around you can politely decline and walk the route on your own.
Best Beaches of South Lombok:
- Tanjung Aan Beach
- Mawun Beach
- Tampah Beach
- Mawi Beach
Where to eat?
Mama Pizza
££
For sourdough pizza straight out the pizza oven make sure not to miss Mama Pizza. This small chain, also located on Gili Air, packs a punch with flavour and the quick service to match.
Bush Radio
££
This creative industrial loft has amazing ambience and is the perfect place to kick back and get some work done. They don’t have a large menu however what they do offer something for everyone. They also have amazing coffee.
Sea Salt
££
If you’re looking for fish and chips on the beach (well slightly back) then this is it, however it is fish and chips near the beach. The restaurant is small and unassuming however all the food is caught locally and the menu changes depending on the catch of the day.
Mia Mia’s Kitchen
£
Mia Mias is a great cheap Indonesia restaurant great for that quick lunch time meal. They serve all the staple Indonesian options along with a few western options to please everyone.
Where to Stay in Kuta, Lombok?
Rascals – Adults Only
If we could recommend one place to stay in Lombok this would be it! We could not fault Rascals at all. The rooms were luxurious, the staff were amazing, breakfast was perfect and the location was great!
Mana Eco Retreat and Yoga
Mana Eco Retreat offers multiple different styles of rooms ranging from dorm rooms to your own Villa. They also offer 3 – 6 night retreats throughout the year and offer yoga teacher training. They also run a multitude of weekly classes for those looking to drop in even if you aren’t staying at the property.
Ku Villas
Ku Villas offers private living around a quiet garden setting. They also offer rooms with their own private pools.
*Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.
