Kuta and South of Lombok

Kuta is a town in the south of the island of Lombok in Indonesia.

Understand

The scenery is spectacular, with cliffs and mountains reaching the coast creating jugged and awe inspiring landscapes and views. The beaches are also 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 of the tourists are surfers.

Kuta also has a wide variety of accommodations and restaurants for back packers to wealthy travelers. Many people come to Kuta just to unwind, lie on the beach, rent a motorcycle to look around or just relax reading a book or taking a nap in the afternoon.

Most of Kuta retains its natural character as a typical fishing village. The local people live in housing clusters (called kampungs) and are largely unaffected by tourist activity. Travelers 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. The people are exceptionally friendly to foreigners. Although most do not speak English, they will often welcome you onto their beruga (porch) for a glass of local Lombok coffee.

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).

See

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:

* Kuta Beach, Kuta village. This is where most of the accommodations and restaurants are located.

* Pantai Putri Nyale (Novotel Beach), (about 3km east of Kuta Beach). This is where the Novotel Lombok is located. It's a beautiful beach, but at low tide it gets almost completely dry and is no longer suited for swimming.

* Pantai Seger (Seger Beach), (about 3.5km east of Kuta Beach). Beach suited for surfing, not for swimming because of the very strong currents. There are some drink stalls. Climb the hill here to watch the sunset.

* Tanjung A'an, (about 7km east of Kuta Beach). Tanjung A'an comprises of two white sand bays, A'an to the west and Pedau to the east, separated by a rocky outcrop. Smooth turquoise waters offer safe swimming and snorkeling. The only facilities are a few drinks stalls.

* Mawun, (about 8km west of Kuta Beach). Mawun beach is a secluded half-moon bay with crystal clear water and pristine sand. There's one big tree where people congregate in the shade. An awesome place for relaxing, save swimming and surfing. The only facilities are a few drinks stalls.</

* Selong Belanak, (about 12km west of Kuta Beach, about 6km over the steep hill). Beautiful bay bordered by two rocky promontories. Nearby is a surf beach called Mawi.

Other

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

Do

Surfing
Kuta is a surfers Mecca, with world class shore, reef and point breaks along the coast. Personal transport is the best way (if 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.

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. There is free parking at the very end, with a small hill that onlookers can climb for a phenomenal view of the surroundings.
* 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).
* 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.

Inside Gerupuk: Insides is located in a sheltered bay and is good for beginners. 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.

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.

Buy

The village of Kuta provides all the basic necessities for a traveler, such as toiletries, tropical clothing, souvenirs, fruits and bottled water. However the closest place where you can buy pharmacy supplies, luggage, develop photos, and make travel reservations is the city of Praya.

There are no ATM's in Kuta. Praya is the nearest place with a bank and ATM providing Indonesian Rupiah. Praya is approximately 30 km from Kuta. If you hire a driver for a day tour of the area, the driver can arrange to pass through Praya. Alternatively, Praya can be reached via local public transport. The trip is about an hour ride so prudent travelers bring enough local currency for their stay.

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.

* Ashtari Cafe, Kuta (on the main road west of Kuta village, about 1 km uphill). Open from 8:30AM till 6PM, no orders taken after 5:30PM. Closed on Mondays. Located on the hill with spectacular views of the south coast. You need transport to get there. Relax and enjoy the daily fresh menu. Delicious food and cheap prices. Suitable for vegetarians.

* Bamboo Cafe, (near the junction). Local food and fresh seafood. Still has waterfront views.

* Dwiki's Cuisine, Jalan Raya Kuta-Mawun, Kuta (150m west of the junction), +62 81 916456423/803680911. 8AM-10PM. Serves a variety of european and asian cuisine. The owners have a love for good food and for their customers. Highly recommended.

* Family Cafe, (near the junction, next to Matahara Inn). 10AM-11PM. A large restaurant with an Indonesian menu and some western dishes. Serves cocktails as well.

* Ilalang Cafe, Kuta Beach (at the beach, on the eastern edge of town). Local food, especially fresh seafood.

* Lombok Lounge, (near the junction, next to Matahara Inn). A reasonable restaurant with cheap prices. Indonesian menu and some western dishes.

* Stella Cafe. A simple cafe incorporated with a boutique gives you a different atmosphere, daily food menu, seafood on order.

* Warung Melati, Kuta (At the beach, on the eastern edge of town). Good Indonesian food in a real beach side warung.

* 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 (small, open sitting area with grass roof).

* Warung Murah Meriah, run by a local couple.

* Magic Lounge Bar & Restaurant, Kuta Beach Lombok (turn left at the junction, just a few metres across from Lombok Lounge), ☎ +62 370 653985. 7:00am-11:30pm. Provides a selection of western and Indonesian cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere. The only bar in town that serves you Illy coffee for cappuccino and espresso, also choices of tea. Good internet speed with free wifi provided and an onsite generator to assist with the frequent Lombok power outages.

Drink

* Riviera Cafe, Kuta (opposite Matahari Inn). Local cuisine, good quality sea food and beverages offered with live acoustic music every Wednesday night.

* Shore Bar & Restaurant, Kuta (at the beach, on the eastern edge of town). This beach bar is probably the only place that boosts somewhat of a night life in Kuta. Cold beers and cocktails. A local rock band playing covers will entertain you on a Saturday night, other nights disco DJ show. Happy hour from 4PM to 7PM. Also serves lunch and dinner. BBQ fish and any kind of seafood.

* Warung Bule. A simple cosy place which faces the sea. Run by a local man, with a selection of Western and Sasak food. Highly recommend the Ayam Taliwang (might be a little spicy).

Hospitals

Several hospitals are located in the main city of Mataram including the islands main public hospital Rumah Sakit Umun and also the Risa Hospital in Cakranegara near Mataram mall.

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

Clinics

* Klinik Risa (Risa Centra Medika Hospital), Jl. Pejanggik No.115, Cakranegara (just east of Mataram mall on the right hand side of the road), +62 370 625560. 24 hours Emergency room. Full hospital facilities available on site, specialist consulting rooms and Dentist.

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.