Best Things to Do in Kuta, Lombok – Kuta Lombok 2024 Guide

Whenever someone hears about Kuta, what comes to their mind first is Bali. Not many people are aware that Lombok also has its own Kuta.

Lombok, an island in West Nusa Tenggara province is not far from Bali. In fact, they are only separated by Lombok Strait. It represents a distinct rendition of the Indian society and culture that is characterized by leisure tempo when compared to the well visited Bali.

Most of the tourists who escape the Bali crowd do end up at Lombok. This has made Kuta Lombok to be among the islands up and coming tourist hotspot.

In this article, we will be taking you through an overview of Kuta Lombok and best things to do during your next visit.

After a few trip to Bali, I wanted to discover something different . So I went to the east Java, Nusa penida and the Gili’s islands. Those Islands are part of Lombok actually . The year after I decided to go to Lombok ( as there is direct flights from Perth Australia ) . and I have to say I was not disapointed . The vibe is exceptional , raw, genuine and perfect for adventure !

PLAN OF THE ARTICLE :

• Overview of Kuta Lombok
• Cool Off at Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall
• Go For a Snorkel Trip at the Secret Gili
• Enjoy the Sunset at Bukit Merese
• Tour the Traditional Sasak Village
• Enjoy Surfing at Selong Belanak Beach
• Eat Some Food at the Hip Cafes and Restaurants
• Pass By At the Tanjung Aan Beach
• Hike Mount Rinjani
• Drive along the Senggigi Coast Stopping at the Cliff Restaurants and Beaches
• Take a Tour to the Bat Caves
• Go Diving
• Go Surfing
• Go For a Walking Tour to Senaru
• Visit the Weaving Village

What to Do In Kuta Lombok

I wrote many articles about Bali, Indonesia, and Lombok ! Check it out !

• What to do in Lombok ?
• Where to stay in Kuta Lombok ?
• Trekking and hiking Rinjiani 
• Where to stay in Senggigi Lombok ?
• Best beaches and surfing beaches in Lombok
• What to do in Kuta Lombok ?
• Full guide on Gilis Islands

Overview of Kuta Lombok

Kuta Lombok Island is home to the newly launched Mandalika MotoGP circuit. The government had to invest most of its budget in upgrading the infrastructure, hotels and accommodations in preparation for the Mandalika MotoGP circuit back in 2021.

Kuta Lombok is also known to be home of several beaches. There are several white sand beaches making them a great tourist attraction.

Most people planning to visit Kuta Lombok are advised to do so between the Months of May and June. This is because it is mostly sunny and not that hot during these months. Nature will also be much greener guaranteeing the best views. You can get to Kuta Lombok by either boat or plane. It will take you a 20 minutes’ drive from the airport to Kuta.

Top Things to Do In Kuta Lombok

There are several things you can do during your vacation in Kuta Lombok. In this section, we will list only the top things to do in Kuta Lombok to ensure you have a memorable and unforgettable experience. Some of those experiences can be done while your base is in Lombok. You can go for a day trip and come back in the evening .

Cool Off at Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall

Roughly one hour drive from Kuta Lombok

Both Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel are located in Geopark Rinjani. This is just an hour drive from Kuta Lombok offering a great opportunity for those who want to explore the Lombok’s inland.

Benang Kelambu waterfall is quite unique and worth visiting. Waters flowing from the epic wall of vines and bushes hides several waterfalls that flow along the wall. It is amazing to witness. Benang Stokel waterfall is a collection of two to three waterfalls. Despite it not being that huge and powerful, it is still amazing to see.

Go For a Snorkel Trip at the Secret Gili

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Roughly two hours drive from Kuta Lombok. Better stay overnight for more time and no rush . Check our full guide on Gilis Islands

Very few visitors are aware there are over 26 Gilis around Lombok. Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air are the most popular. However, the other Gili islands are also great places to explore. Ensure you book a full day snorkel tour during your vacation in Kuta Lombok.

Be sure of enjoying the great marine life at the secret Gilis that are characterized by turquoise blue waters, tiny sandbars and remote vibes. It is advisable to use a tour guide since most of them offer lunch stops, snorkeling gear and water.

Check my full guide of Gili Island HERE

Enjoy the Sunset at Bukit Merese

Roughly 30 min drive from Kuta Lombok

Bukit Merese also referred to as sunset point Kuta Lombok is an ideal spot to witness the sunset. Despite being a short hike, it is an epic hill that overlooks Tanjung Aan bay. There are several spots where you can watch the sunset.

Since Merese Hill is quite big, you can have a place for yourself by walking all way to the end of the hill. You can always grab a beer or coconut whenever you are thirsty. However, ensure you bring the trash back with you.

Tour the Traditional Sasak Village

Roughly 30 min drive from Kuta Lombok

During your vacation to Kuta Lombok, it’s always important that you learn about the traditional culture over there. Visiting Sasak and Beleq villages will offer you a perfect environment to learn the traditional sasak culture.

Beleq village has been in existence since 14^th century meaning it has rich history. The most interesting things about these villages are that they have not changed over the decades. In fact, they are today considered as tourist villages meant for educating tourists about the traditional Sasak culture.

I wrote more than 70 articles about the Island of Bali :

Bali on a budget

Is it safe to travel to Bali ?

Best temples in Bali

Cheapest time to visit Bali

Best waterfalls in Bali 

AND WAY MORE !

Enjoy Surfing at Selong Belanak Beach

Roughly 30 min drive from Kuta Lombok

One of the best things you can do during your tour to Kuta Lombok is surfing. Selong Belanak beach is considered to be among the best surfing spots in the world. The Indian Ocean sand bottom and soft waves makes Selong Belanak beach an excellent place to learn surfing.

There are several surf schools where you can register for a surfing lesson. However, if you are interested in advanced waves, consider going to Desert point or Mawi beach.

Eat Some Food at the Hip Cafes and Restaurants

In Kuta Lombok

Have you been to Bali and specifically Ubud, Canggu or Uluwatu areas? Then you have definitely experienced the amazing tasty and healthy restaurants. When you visit Kuta Lombok, although there are not several hotels and restaurants like Bali, you still get some best places to eat some food. Some of the popular restaurants and hotels in Kuta Lombok are: Bush Radio, Bamba restaurant, El Bazar and Milk and Espresso.

Pass By At the Tanjung Aan Beach

Roughly 30 min drive from Kuta Lombok

Measuring 1km long, Tanjung Aan is a beautiful pristine beach that has bays sweeping along both sides of the peninsula. This stunning beach is situated halfway between Gerupuk and Kuta Lombok. It is advisable you always park at the restaurant instead of the main parking lot when you arrive at Tanjung Aan Beach. This is because your parking will be free when you purchase beer or water at the restaurant. You can also use the beach chairs to relax after enjoying your surf.

Hike Mount Rinjani

Roughly one hour and a half drive from Kuta Lombok. check our full guide on trekking Rinjani

It is common to find trekking at mount Rinjani in almost every Kuta Lombok visitors’ list of things to do. For sure, trekking Mount Rinjani is among the most epic adventures you can ever have not only in Lombok but the entire South East Asia. The rim of the volcano is breathtaking and you will get spectacular views of the Crater Lake. This will make you feel like you are in another world.

Full guide about Rinjani trekking HERE

You will have to climb 3000 meters in altitude to get to the summit. The track is 36 kilometers long meaning hiking to the summit will be an intense physical challenge since most of the hiking will involve walking fairly steep slopes. Due to the volcano sand, be prepared to walk up two steps and slide down one.

Drive along the Senggigi Coast Stopping at the Cliff Restaurants and Beaches

Roughly one hour and a half drive from Kuta Lombok

a little bit of a drive from Kuta, but totally worth it !

Senggigi beach is situated in south of Lombok. It is full of cliff restaurants and nice Lombok beaches with great views over the sea. One of the memorable things you have to do during your vacation in Lombok is going to a nice restaurant or bar in the afternoon for some beer. If you are not a fan of beer, you can watch the sunset at the Hindu temples located on the Pura Batu Bolong cliffs.

Some of the best accommodations in Lombok are on the mountains a few kilometers from the beach. Most of these accommodations are villas containing great infinity pools and offers a great view over the sea and the nearby tropical forest.

Take a Tour to the Bat Caves

Roughly 20 min drive from Kuta Lombok

Despite it not being a very common thing to do whenever you are on vacation in Kuta, Lombok, doing not fail to take a tour to the Bangkang Cave popularly referred to as the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave. The caves are a small system of caves situated on the hillside behind Lombok. In fact, there are up to three different caves; Goa Sumur, Goa Puwun and Goa Bangkang Prabu. All these caves are positioned in one small area and regardless of which one you choose, you will get to smell and see thousands of bats.

When visiting the caves, ensure you create a picture with the magical light trays. The light trays only appear during specific times when the sunlight passes through the roof gap. It is magical to witness and capture with your camera.

Go Diving

In Kuta Lombok

Although going diving while on vacation in Kuta Lombok might not be the first thing that will come to your mind, it is an adventure worth experiencing! There are unspoiled reefs with a wide array of marine life that makes diving favorable. However, the conditions do vary as there are times when the south east cost of Lombok experiences rough seas. Hence, the best time to go diving depends on the weather condition of the dive site you go to.

You can dive all year round in Kuta Lombok although the first half of the season is considered to be the best time to go diving. This is because the sea is calm and the visibility is between 10 and 15 meters. If you are not a professional in diving no need to worry, there are several diving schools in Kuta Lombok where you can book for diving lessons.

Go Surfing

Roughly 10 min to 1 hour drive from Kuta Lombok

Do you like surfing? It does not matter if you are a professional or a beginner, Kuta Lombok boast of several perfect beaches with best waves for both the expert surfers and those who are learning surfing.

Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Kuta Lombok with best surf spots:

Pantai Tanjung Aan: It is a spacious beach full of untouched sand and crystal clear water. Be sure of having a relaxing day at the Pantai Tanjung Aan beach either lounging on the sun beds, surfing or swimming.

Selong Belanak Beach: This beach is a perfect place to relax, swim and for those who want to learn surfing to start their journey. You can subscribe for surf lessons, surf camps, rent surfboards at the surf shops and enjoy some delicious local foods in the warungs.

Pantai Mawi Beach: This is among the best Lombok surf spots. It is a great beach for intermediate surfers and advanced surfers. It will take you 45 to 60 minutes to get to the Pantai Mawi Beach from the airport.

Go For a Walking Tour to Senaru

Roughly one hour and a half drive from Kuta Lombok

Are you tired of doing lots of things and just need to do something that is a little bit slow paced? You can consider going for a walk along the main road at Senaru. You can start your walk at the Senaru town though the beautiful green jungle to the coffee plantation. At the coffee plantation, you will have a great view of the surrounding mountains. From this point, you can also catch a glimpse of the Tiu Kelep waterfalls.

When using a travel guide, ensure you request for some Lombok coffee and fresh avocados from the trees. Ensure you also visit the rice fields during your Senaru tour. During your walking tour, you will get the opportunity of interacting with the locals, taking photos and having the real Kuta Lombok experience.

Visit the Weaving Village

Roughly 45 min drive from Kuta Lombok

Kuta Lombok is well known for weaving. Majority of the Sasak women learn weaving from a young age. The art of weaving has been passed down through many generations. According to Sasak tradition, any woman who does not know how to weave will not get married.

There are several villages or places where you can come across women weaving during your tour to the island of Lombok. However, to have a greater weaving experience, visit the Sukarara village. This is where weaving tours happens. You will experience the production phase and have the opportunity of asking questions about the tradition. They will dress you up in the traditional costume and let you take pictures in front of the Sasak house. Despite it being a little touristy, the money you give out will go directly to the community and not through any third party tour company.

Conclusion

Although Kuta Lombok shares lots of resemblances such as verdant jungles, favorite beaches, crystal clear turquoise water and a cluster of traditional villages, with other Islands in the Indonesia, its tourism scene still maintains a more understated demeanor. When traveling to Kuta Lombok, you should anticipate a more immersive experience that will require a proactive effort to help you uncover the popular destinations of the island.

You will find the best beaches in Indonesia , panoramic views, scuba diving and a surfer’s paradise. It is a good choice if you want to discover amazing places, small villages and natural beauty .

I wrote more than 70 articles about the Island of Bali :

Bali on a budget

Is it safe to travel to Bali ?

Best temples in Bali

Cheapest time to visit Bali

Best waterfalls in Bali 

AND WAY MORE !