Kuta Lombok Is the Bali Alternative Travelers Are Quietly Choosing

Kuta Lombok is one of those places I immediately pulled up at and thought, “Hmm, I could see myself living here.”

When I lived in Indonesia, I spent almost eight months on the Gili Islands, and whenever I craved something a little different (AKA somewhere with more restaurants, more surf energy, and a bit more going on) I’d hop over to Kuta Lombok for a few days. 

Where the Gilis feel slow and salty and wonderfully simple, Kuta has a growing café scene, a friendly expat community, and some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen anywhere in Indonesia.

What I love most is that it gives you everything people adore about Bali—great food, soft sand, warm water—but without those heavy crowds that can make Bali feel overwhelming. 

And it’s so easy to get to. If you’re based in Bali, you can fly to Lombok in around half an hour, then head straight down to the south coast. 

Or if you’re coming from the Gilis like I used to, just jump on a fast boat to the mainland and ride down to Kuta for a quick escape. 

In this guide I’ll take you through my favorite beaches, the best things to do and where to stay, all from the perspective of someone who kept coming back (because it really is that special).

Kuta Lombok sits on the southern coast of Lombok, just a short drive from Lombok International Airport. It’s part of the chain of Indonesian islands that run east from Bali, but it feels noticeably different. Quieter, less built up, and far more spread out. 

Most people end up here for the beaches or the surf, but the town itself has grown into a little hub with cafés, yoga studios, and restaurants dotted along the main road.

One of the reasons I kept going back to Kuta Lombok was for the beaches. They’re nothing like the ones in Bali or the Gilis. Here, the coastline feels wild and dramatic, with rolling hills, turquoise water, and long stretches of sand that often feel completely untouched. 

Some are great for swimming, some are better for surfing, and some are simply the sort of places you sit in silence because the view is just that beautiful. 

Tanjung Aan is the beach I always picture when someone mentions Kuta Lombok. It’s actually two bays side by side, both with that perfect turquoise water and soft white sand that squeaks under your feet. I used to come here on my scooter early in the morning when the light was soft and the hills were still cool, then spend hours swimming, reading, and wandering between the two curves of the bay.

There are simple warungs along the sand where you can grab a fresh coconut, grilled fish or nasi goreng, and if you feel like stretching your legs you can walk up Bukit Merese for one of the best viewpoints in the area.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf, this is the beach. Selong Belanak was my go-to whenever I wanted a slow, gentle day in the water. The bay is shaped like a long crescent with shallow, soft-breaking waves that are perfect for beginners. I’ve watched people stand up for the very first time here, grinning like they’ve just discovered a superpower.

What makes it even better is the backdrop: rolling green hills, wide open sand, and a mix of local surf schools who are genuinely friendly rather than pushy. I’d often come down just to float and watch the surfers, then settle into one of the simple beach cafés for fried noodles and a cold drink.

Mawi is the total opposite of Selong Belanak, and that’s exactly why I loved it. It’s a rough, bumpy drive to get there, and the beach feels raw and dramatic the moment you arrive. The waves here can be serious, which makes it a favorite among more experienced surfers, and I’ve spent ages just sitting on the sand watching them dance across the water.

Even if you’re not surfing, Mawi is worth the trip for the scenery alone. The cliffs frame the bay beautifully, and the sunsets here can be unreal: deep orange skies, silhouetted hills and that wild, windy energy that makes you feel very alive. 

Mandalika is one of the easiest beaches to reach from Kuta town, and it’s the one I’d often pop down to when I wanted a quick swim without committing to a full beach day. The sand is clean, the water is usually calm, and the promenade makes it feel a bit more polished than some of the wilder bays further out.

It’s also the beach closest to the MotoGP circuit, so the whole area has been developing over the past few years. Still, it hasn’t lost its laid-back feel. It’s not the most dramatic beach in Lombok, but it’s convenient, calm, and perfect for a low-effort beach escape.

Gerupuk is a little surf village that completely won me over. The bay itself isn’t really a swimming beach, but it’s the jumping-off point for several offshore surf breaks that you reach by boat. 

Even if you’re not surfing, the vibe is so friendly—a mix of local fishermen, long-term expats, and travelers who came for a week and stayed for months. I loved grabbing breakfast here after watching the first boats head out at sunrise. It’s one of the most down-to-earth corners of Kuta Lombok.

Mawun is the beach I’d escape to when I wanted somewhere quiet but still easy to reach. It’s a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay with calm, clear water and hills curling around both sides, which makes it feel naturally sheltered. 

I’d usually come here for a slow afternoon swim and a bit of shade under the trees, then just watch the light shift across the hills. There are a couple of simple warungs, but not much else (which is exactly why it’s such a peaceful spot).

Seger is the beach I’d go to when I wanted somewhere close to town but not crowded. It’s small, rugged, and usually pretty empty, with clear water and a few shaded spots to tuck into. I often came here in the mornings because it’s one of the best sunrise beaches in the area, especially if you climb up the little hill beside it. The view of the coastline from the top is gorgeous and feels far more remote than it actually is.

Bukit Merese isn’t a beach in the traditional sense—it’s a hill overlooking several of the most beautiful bays in the area—but it’s one of the places I returned to most. 

The walk up is quick, and the payoff is huge: rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and ocean views that stretch for miles. Sunset here is incredible, and you can wander along the ridgeline to find your own quiet lookout. It’s a simple experience but one that really sticks with you.

One of the things I love about Kuta Lombok is how easy it is to shape each day around whatever mood you’re in. Some days I’d be up early, scooting between beaches and surf spots. Other days were all about slow breakfasts, exploring the hills or finding a quiet cove to read in. Here are the things I always recommend to anyone visiting.

Lombok is a dream for surfers, whether you already know what you’re doing or you’ve always wanted to try. I’m not the world’s best surfer, but even I loved the vibe of surfing here: early starts, glassy water, and that satisfying post-surf hunger that only Indonesia can cure.

Kuta’s coastline is one of the most beautiful I’ve explored in Indonesia, and hopping between beaches is half the fun. I’d usually just follow the road until a new bay appeared below me—long stretches of white sand, bright turquoise water, and rolling hills that look like they’ve been painted. 

Each beach has a slightly different feel, so it’s easy to fill an entire day without even realising how many hours have passed.

If there’s one thing you do in Kuta Lombok, let it be this. Sunset from Bukit Merese is magic. I used to go up with friends, climb to one of the hilltops and just sit there watching the sky turn orange over the beaches below. It’s simple, free, and unbelievably beautiful. Even on busier evenings, you can always wander a little further along the ridgeline to find your own quiet spot.

Some of my favorite memories aren’t from the beaches at all, but from the little roads leading between them. Riding through the hills feels like seeing the real Lombok—sweeping views, tiny villages, kids waving from doorways, the occasional herd of cows being guided across the road. It’s so peaceful compared to Bali’s traffic, and you can stop anywhere for a photo or a breath of fresh air.

Kuta has changed so much over the past few years, and I really love the little creative community that’s grown here. 

There are yoga studios, smoothie bowl spots, co-working cafés, and restaurants with menus that wouldn’t look out of place in Canggu, just without the queues. I used to spend slow mornings here with a coffee before heading out to the beach. It has that easy, welcoming vibe that makes you feel at home quickly.

If you want something cultural, make time to visit one of the traditional Sasak villages nearby. Lombok’s Indigenous culture is incredibly rich, and these villages give you a glimpse into traditional weaving, architecture, and daily life. It’s a nice contrast to the beach days and helps you understand a bit more about the island beyond the coastline.

Evenings in Kuta are relaxed, and that’s exactly why I enjoy them. There are plenty of great places to eat: KRNK for fun, colourful dishes, Kenza for something lighter, Bush Radio for live music and cocktails. I’d often wander between a few spots, catching up with friends or meeting travelers who, like me, ended up staying longer than planned. It’s social without ever feeling overwhelming.

Kuta Lombok has a great mix of places to stay, and I’ve tried everything from simple guesthouses to boutique hotels over the years. 

Rascals Hotel is a favorite of mine for its tropical design and peaceful pool area, perfect if you want somewhere stylish but still affordable. 

For something more luxe, Origin Lombok has beautiful rooms surrounded by greenery, and it’s only a short scooter ride from the beaches. 

If you prefer being tucked into the hills with a view, the villas at Tampah Hills are stunning, especially at sunset. And for surf-focused stays, Gerupuk Homestay and the eco-friendly Drop In Surf Lodge are ideal bases.