Kuta is a small village located in the south of Lombok. It attracts many surfers, yogis and backpackers looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by pristine beaches, which are as close as 10-minutes away.

What to expect from Lombok?

If you expect the hustle and bustle of Bali, never-ending parties and fancy beach clubs, this is not the place. Kuta may at times be a bit dusty, loud scooters passing by but remember you are in rural Indonesia, it’s no Cote d’Azur. However, it is a very charming village with a lot of great restaurants serving all types of food (Indonesian or international) and many happening bars with live music and a friendly, chilled crowd. There are places to dance and party, too.

The crowd coming to Kuta is mostly easy-going travellers and surfers who are attracted by the still untouched raw beauty of south Lombok.

When is the best time to go to Lombok?

All-year-round. The high season in Lombok is June, July and August. It is a dry season with plenty of sun and a cool breeze throughout the day. You can compare this season to a European summer. Dry season starts in May and finishes in September. Lombok’s wet season starts in September and finishes in May but don’t be alarmed. It is much drier than Bali’s wet season and it doesn’t rain so much in Kuta. You can still enjoy the sun and the temperatures are higher than in the dry season, partially because of higher humidity. Wet season is when Lombok is in full bloom and you can enjoy lush greenery all around. In addition to that, this is the perfect season for surfing – warm water, no winds and glassy conditions – every surfer’s dream. Many surf breaks, such as Areguling or Seger awaken during the wet season. Surprisingly, there are no crowds on the waves even though it is the best time for surfing in Lombok. Oops, we may have given away a secret.

Things to do in Kuta, Lombok

As already mentioned, there are just enough bars and restaurants in Kuta to keep you happy and the number is continuously growing. For such a small place, you’d be amazed how many great food options we have here. We do have our top favourites, though.  Restaurants The Patio – our absolute winner. They offer fantastic tapas-sized dishes (beef tataki, croquetas, clams and many more), home-made pasta and delicious daily specials. The Patio is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During lunch, you can also choose healthy options from their salad bar. Markisa (in Rawa Hotel)  –  another culinary treasure open for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a cosy rooftop space and bar area. Seafood, meat and pasta dishes.  Bush Radio – great for a morning smoothie or lunch bowl. Many vegetarian options and great coffee.  The Mexican In Town – as the name implies – Mexican food. Fantastic nachos and baja fish tacos, and for vegetarians – jackfruit burrito. Bus Bar – best pizza in town from 6pm. Delivery available. KRNK – great gastropub type of food. Good pizza and amazing burgers. Always full.  Bars Milk – lively atmosphere and live music several times a week just on the main street of Kuta. Bus Bar – DJ and drinks after 6 pm every Wednesday and Saturday Surfers Bar – party by the beach every Friday. Expect old-school hip-hop and old-time favourites.

Beaches

There are many stunning beaches around Kuta, perfect for a lazy day on the beach or sunset watching. Here are some of our favourite beaches.

Selong Belanak

Beautiful long white sand beach 30-minutes away from Kuta. There are many warungs (local food outlets) along the beach so you can easily spend the whole day there. It’s also the beach where beginners go surfing.

Seger

Seger Beach is just 10 minutes away from Xanadu and is a perfect place to watch the sunset from one of the hills just right next to the beach. There is a couple of chilled bars with bean bags and sometimes you may see locals dancing with fire.

Tanjung Aan

Stunning long white-sand beach only 15-minutes away from Kuta. There you will find many local restaurants (warungs) with sunbeds and bean bags. Great for swimming, SUP and surfing. Our favourite place there are Warung Dede, Warung Turtle and the Pink Swing.

Mawi

A little more difficult drive – it takes around 30-minutes to get there, but totally worth the hassle. Small beach cove surrounded by hills and very quiet. A break for more advanced surfers.