Kuta Lombok: 17 Beaches and Things to Do

Kuta Lombok and the surrounding area are among the most beautiful and most popular regions of Lombok. Kuta has developed incredibly fast in recent years and is currently going through major changes. The roads in the surrounding area are being expanded, more and more hotels are being built, and the beach promenade at Kuta Beach has been completely renovated. All of this is part of the “Mandalika Project,” which affects huge areas around Kuta. There’s even a MotoGP race track by now, where the Indonesian Grand Prix has already taken place.

The Most Beautiful Beaches and Things to Do in Kuta and Southern Lombok

But even though the Indonesian government wants to turn Kuta into a new tourism hotspot. The town and especially the surrounding area have largely kept their charm. There are still countless quiet, sometimes even deserted beaches and an unbelievable amount of land that hasn’t been developed yet. In this article, we’ll introduce you to a few dream beaches around Kuta that you should definitely visit. Most of the places mentioned here are easy to reach on your own by scooter.

Accommodation in Kuta Lombok – Our Hotel Tips

In Kuta Lombok, you’ll now find a large selection of accommodations of every kind: from budget homestays to luxurious resorts, everything is available. A resort that’s especially popular with vacationers is, of course, the Novotel. If you’re looking for an affordable homestay just a few minutes from Kuta’s center and the beach, we can recommend Sawe Homestay.

Another great place to stay is Batu Bambu, which was opened by the German expat Elisa. If you’re looking for a truly special place to stay in Kuta, you’ll definitely find it here. You can find even more hotels in Kuta and the surrounding area here.

1. Kuta and Kuta Beach

Kuta is the main town in southern Lombok, and you’ll find plenty of hotels, homestays, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and more. The tourist infrastructure improves almost from month to month. There’s also a bit of nightlife in Kuta, for example at The Bus Bar or the Surfers Bar. A small market takes place in town, among other times, every Sunday.

The newly built promenade at Kuta Beach is a matter of taste, but personally I find the area very nice. The typical beach vendors in Kuta (mostly kids) are still around and very active. But you can chat with them a bit and even have some fun. Kuta Beach itself is a very beautiful beach where you can also swim and bathe well. It’s rarely overcrowded, but there are only a few shady spots.

2. Tanjung Aan and Bukit Merese

Tanjung Aan is definitely one of Kuta’s most beautiful beaches, and even one of Lombok’s. Even five years after my first visit to Tanjung Aan, the bay with fine white sand and turquoise water still impresses me every time. By now, there’s a long row of warungs right on the beach where you can order a cold drink and delicious Indonesian dishes. Warung Turtle is especially popular here. And of course, you’re also allowed to use the loungers. Tanjung Aan is an absolute must-visit!

At the western end of Tanjung Aan is Merese Hill, known in Indonesian as Bukit Merese. From there, you’ll have an impressive view over the bay, and there’s also a small secret beach at the end of the hill.

Another attraction near Aan is Batu Payung. A rock right by the water with a distinctive shape. The easiest way to reach it is by boat from Tanjung Aan, but you can also ride there from the other side by scooter and walk a short stretch (but only at low tide).

3. Mandalika Beach, Seger Beach, and Viewpoint

Mandalika Beach became well known thanks to one of the biggest resorts in Kuta, the Novotel. The Pullman Hotel is currently being built here as well. From Mandalika Beach, there’s a small bridge that takes you to Seger Beach and Putri Nyale Beach. Once a year (around February), thousands of people come to this beach when the Bau Nyale Festival takes place. It’s definitely a highlight in Kuta, and if you’re on Lombok at that time, you shouldn’t miss it.

There’s also a nice viewpoint here that you can reach on foot up the hill in just a few minutes. A dream if you watch the sunset from up here in the direction of Kuta Beach!

4. Gerupuk and Goa Kotak

Gerupuk is about 9 kilometers east of Kuta, and the small fishing village is especially popular with surfers. More and more homestays and hip bars are popping up. You can really feel the change here too, as traditional village life mixes with tourism. However, Gerupuk isn’t really worth it for a beach day.

A little bit south of Gerupuk, you’ll also find Goa Kotak. A special cave with a nice view over the bay.

5. Mawun Beach

Mawun Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches on Lombok for me and a must-see in Kuta. You can easily reach the beach by scooter and park right there. While Mawun is becoming better known and more and more tourists are finding their way here, there’s still a good chance. Especially early in the morning, you’ll have this dream bay almost to yourself. You’ll only have to deal with a few young beach vendors.

Right in front of Mawun Beach is the small village of Mawun. A small market is also held here every Tuesday.

6. Selong Belanak and Viewpoint

Without a doubt, Selong Belanak is one of the most popular beaches on the island and sometimes even makes it onto lists of the most beautiful in Indonesia. The bay is very popular with beginner surfers, but it’s also worth visiting for swimming and bathing. Along the beach, you’ll find surf lessons, as well as bars and warungs. In short, you have to go!

At the northwestern end of Selong Belanak Beach, there’s a small hidden stretch of beach tucked between two rocks. You can reach it by simply walking all the way to the end of the beach. The farther you go in that direction, the quieter and more deserted Selong Belanak Beach becomes.

Another must-visit nearby is the (unofficial) Selong Belanak Viewpoint. You’ll find it a few minutes north of the main intersection, shortly before the beach, heading toward Praya. First, you’ll pass through a small village, and then the road goes a bit uphill. At the top of the hill, on the left, there’s a very inconspicuous entrance that looks a bit like it leads to a construction site. You can drive in there, park, and enjoy the view over Selong Belanak. There are more viewpoints if you continue along the road and then turn left toward Aura Lounge (see the next point).

7. Aura Lounge (Selong Selo Resort)

The Selong Selo Resort is one of the luxury resorts in Kuta Lombok. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Kuta town, but a visit is definitely worth it. Especially if you combine it with Selong Belanak. The highlight is the view from Aura Lounge over Kuta, and there’s also a swimming pool. Prices are a bit higher, but everything is still affordable.

8. Mawi Beach and Semeti Beach

Mawi Beach is one of the most popular surf spots in Kuta Lombok and, above all, attracts surfers. The beach is only partially suitable for swimming, but it’s still worth a visit. Between the two Mawi bays, there’s a small hill that you can climb in 5 minutes, and from there you’ll have a wonderful view of the surroundings.

The road to Mawi is currently not paved and you should only ride it if you’re confident on your scooter. Or you can hire a driver who’ll take you on a tour in the south, including to Mawi Beach. We can definitely recommend Rahman, who knows the area very well and is a great, friendly driver with fair prices.

Want it even more adventurous? Then instead of turning toward Mawi Beach, just turn left and follow the sandy track, past herds of cattle and lonely hills. At the end of the road, you’ll find Semeti Beach and next to it, its “pyramid rock.” A place that’s completely off the beaten path and sees hardly any tourists.

9. Lancing Beach and Tampah Beach

This very long bay has two names and is called Lancing or Tampah Beach. Depending on which side you’re on. Both sides of the beach have one thing in common: they’re still very quiet, and there are no beach vendors here to bother you. You’ll find loungers and small warungs on both beach sections, and the views are really beautiful.

I wouldn’t really call Lancing and Tampah a hidden gem anymore, but they’re a great, very relaxed alternative to the main beaches in Kuta Lombok. You should visit them while they’re still undeveloped, because some parts of the land are already up for sale.

10. Ashtari – Horizon Restaurant

Ashtari Restaurant and Yoga Loft offers a great view over Kuta and the surrounding area. The food is also very good, though noticeably more expensive than at Kuta’s warungs and restaurants. Ashtari also offers yoga and cooking classes, and other events take place regularly as well. It’s located right on the main road from Kuta to Mawun and Selong Belanak (Jalan Mawun).

11. Nambung Beach and Batu Bereng Beach (Waterfall Beach)

Nambung Beach is actually more part of the Sekotong area than Kuta. Still, you can visit it on a scooter tour if you plan a bit more time. It’s definitely still a hidden gem, and it doesn’t see that many visitors. The highlight is clearly the “waterfall beach” at the eastern end of Nambung Beach (Pantai Batu Bereng).

When the waves hit the rocks, it creates an impressive natural spectacle and a small waterfall forms. To get there, it’s best to wait for low tide and walk a short stretch over the rocks until you see larger rock formations. Visiting at high water levels is not recommended.

You can get to the beach by taking the road at the intersection shortly before Selong Belanak, which also leads you to the Sempiak Villas. It’s about 17 kilometers to the village of Nambung, and the road temporarily heads north and then back south. Along the way, you’ll get gorgeous views of the coastline, including Torok Beach (see below). At some point, Nambung is signposted, and in the village you can finally park to reach the kilometers-long beach on foot.

12. Are Guling

Are Guling is another still relatively quiet beach near Kuta. There are already a few cafés, restaurants, and accommodations on site, but Are Guling is still far from mass tourism.

Even from the main road from Kuta to Selong Belanak (Jalan Mawun), you’ll have a view of Are Guling, and visiting the beach is also worthwhile if you’re looking for a more secluded beach.

13. Bat Caves: Goa Bangkang and Goa Sumur

In the area around Kuta, there are also a few caves you can visit. They’re not a must, but definitely a nice change from all the beaches. Most caves are almost right on the main road, and you’ll recognize them by the small signs along the roadside. For some of the caves, there’s a small entrance fee, but it isn’t too expensive.

Goa Sumur is very well known and makes for a great photo opportunity when the beams of light shine into the cave. Alternatively, on a tour from Kuta to Mawun or Selong Belanak, you can also visit Goa Bangkang, which is a bat cave. However, don’t expect too much here. Near Goa Bangkang, there’s also a great viewpoint with a view over Are Guling.

14. Bumbang Beach and Tunak

Another hidden gem and a completely empty, remote beach. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Gerupuk, and there are even a few places to stay here, such as Bumbangku Beach Cottage. Ideal if you’re looking for total peace and seclusion.

Right next to Bumbang Beach is Tunak Hill (Gunung Tunak), which you can explore. The roads are still mostly gravel tracks, but you’ll get some great views and a remote area that only a few tourists dare to visit. Because of that, it’s best to go only in larger groups or by car, since robberies can unfortunately still occur in the area around Kuta.

15. Sasak Villages Sade and “Ende”

For a small dose of culture. The island’s best-known Sasak village, Sade, is pretty much a tourist trap these days, but you’ll still get an interesting insight into the culture of Lombok’s residents. And if you’re looking for a nice souvenir from Lombok, you’ll definitely find one in the Sasak villages.

16. Batu Berang Beach

Another hidden gem and a new “tourism object” (Objek Wisata), as the locals like to call it. Batu Berang Beach is located north of Gerupuk in a mangrove area, and what makes it special is the small sandbar. Here too, we recommend contacting the driver Rahman, who can take you there.

17. Torok Beach and Torok Hill

Torok Beach (Pantai Torok) is a large bay west of Selong Belanak and the last tip in this article. This beach is also still largely undeveloped and natural. Don’t miss the view from Torok Hill (Bukit Torok), either. You can simply follow the coastal road instead of turning left down to the beach. The newly built road takes you up the hill, where you can easily stop along the roadside. By the way, if you follow it all the way to the end and then drive south again, you’ll reach Nambung Beach (see point 11).

You’ll find more attractions and activities on Lombok in our Lombok things to do.

Lombok: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Lombok in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Lombok.

How to Get to Lombok

When it comes to getting to Lombok, there are basically only two options: plane and boat. Flights operate from many cities in Indonesia to Lombok. But the international airport also already welcomes flights from abroad, for example from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

To find the best and cheapest flights for your trip to Lombok, we recommend taking a look at Skyscanner. There you can easily compare prices, departure times, flight duration, and the different airlines.

Boats to Lombok run, for example, from Bali, the Gili Islands, or Sumbawa. You’ll need to distinguish between speedboats and local boats, because not only prices but also travel times can vary significantly. You can find an overview of different boats on 12go.asia.

Have you ever been to Kuta Lombok? How did you like it, and which beach in Kuta was your favorite?