Best Beaches in Kuta Lombok (2025 Guide)
After living in Lombok for over a year, I have spent plenty of time exploring the beaches around Kuta. This area is packed with stunning spots, whether you are into surfing, sunbathing, or enjoying the incredible views. From hidden coves to stretches of soft sand that seem to go on forever, Kuta’s beaches have something for everyone. In this guide, I will share my favorite beaches in Kuta, Lombok, so you can experience the best of what this coastal paradise has to offer.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Beahces in Kuta Lombok
Pin it & save it for later!
Pro Tip: Kuta and the surrounding areas are still underdeveloped, and unfortunately, many beaches have trash on them. After living here for over a year, I have explored every beach—both the trash-filled ones and the cleaner spots perfect for surfing, swimming, and more. Just keep this in mind, and if you stick to this list, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of Lombok’s waters and beaches without trash getting in the way of your day.
#1: Tanjung Aan Beach
First on the list of the best beaches in Kuta, Lombok, is Tanjung Aan. This long stretch of beach features beautiful blue waters in varying hues and stunning hills lining the sides and peeking out of the water. Tanjung Aan is most beautiful toward the end of the rainy season when the hills are covered in lush green grass and plants.
The beach is perfect for swimming, offering shallow, calm areas. The surf break is not far from the shore, located to the left, and easily accessible by paddling on your board. Alternatively, you can hire a boat to take you out for 25,000 IDR (1.50 USD) each way. Surf coaches are available for hire at most warungs for around 350,000 to 400,000 IDR (20-25 USD) for two hours. The break is best suited for longboards and ideal for those just learning to surf.
Farther down on the right side of the beach is a volleyball net if you are up for a game.
Warungs line the back of the beach, selling delicious food, beverages, coconuts, surfboards, surf lessons, and more. My two favorite places are Pink Swing and Warung Turtle, which offer free chairs and umbrellas if you purchase food or drinks.
The popular Turtle Rave takes place on this beach, usually a few times per month. Here, you can enjoy house music, food, drinks, dancing, and more, from evening until the next morning.
Nearby Tanjung Aan is Bukit Merese, a fantastic spot to enjoy a sunset atop an island hill. This place is quite popular, so I recommend heading there a little early to secure a good spot.
Pros:
Everything you need to spend an entire day on the beach in terms of amenities is available.
Surf lessons and boards are accessible right from the beach.
Calm waters, perfect for swimming.
Toilets are available at some of the Warungs.
Only 15 minutes or so from downtown Kuta.
Cons:
Many people walk the beach selling bracelets, sarongs, t-shirts, mangoes, etc., which can be quite annoying when you are just trying to relax.
There are a few bits of trash sometimes floating in the water. More so during the rainy season.
Depending on the season, there can be a bit of seaweed around, taking away from the beaches’ serene beauty.
The beach can get busy during the high season, but nowhere near as busy as the beaches in Bali.
#2: Selong Belanak
The beginner surf break at Selong Belanak, perfect for those who have never surfed before.
Selong Belanak is one of my favorite beaches near Kuta, Lombok, having some of the cleanest, clearest, and most refreshing water for swimming in. The soft white sand is pristine due to the restaurants and hotels nearby to the beach. Therefore it is ideal for laying out on your towel unless you prefer a sunbed, which is available so long as you purchase food and beverages.
One of the best parts of Selong Belanak is the beginner waves in waist-high water here, perfect for those new to surfing. There is no better way to gain some confidence on your foam board than by trying to surf the waves in water you know you can stand in. The waves rarely go above 1 meter. Surf lessons here are around 350,000 IDR (around 20 USD) and include 2 hours, a coach, a foam board, and a rash guard.
You can book a lesson ahead of time here or book one on the beach the day of!
Pro Tip: People love to enjoy the local farmers who walk their bulls across the beach early in the day.
Pros:
The right side of the beach, which is usually less empty.
Everything you need on the beach in terms of amenities, to spend an entire day.
Surf lessons and boards are accessible right from the beach. This beach is ideal for first-timers.
This is by far the cleanest beach in Lombok.
There are some waves, but this water is perfect for swimming.
Laut Biru Bar and Restaurant has a toilet available.
There are many Warungs selling food and beverages aside from Laut Biru Bar.
Cons:
The beach can get busy during the high season, but nowhere near as busy as the beaches in Bali. The left side of the beach is the busiest–this is where the surfers are. Head to the right side to avoid them.
Further from downtown Kuta, around 25-30 minutes–although the ride is quite beautiful.
You will have to pay for parking (5,000 to 10,000 IDR—less than 0.50 USD) unless you enter through the Sempiak Resort/Laut Biru Bar and Restaurant entrance.
#3: Serangan
Serangan Beach is a vast stretch of sand framed by a breathtaking landscape, with a towering hill rising prominently to the left and sparkling, ombre-clear blue waters completing the view.
This beach is another ideal spot for swimming and surfing. Swimming is best during high tide, while surfing is best during low tide. There is no boat service to take you to the surf and no surfboard rentals available on the beach, but paddling out to the surf is manageable here.
The beach sees fewer visitors, aside from surfers, and there is almost no trash on the beach itself or in the waters (although some can be found behind the beach). On certain days, this beach offers the feeling of being on your own secluded island. Sunsets here are a must-see!
There is one surf cafe on the beach where you can grab a bite or a drink.
Pros:
Not many amenities, aside from one or two restaurants.
Great waves for all levels of surfer—aside from newbies.
Incredibly beautiful with sparkling blue waters, sitting within a cove-like space. The sand is a soft yellow and the water is great for swimming.
Not much trash on the sand and in the water itself (most of it is hidden amongst the grass behind the beach)
Free parking!
Cons:
Further from downtown Kuta, around 35 minutes–although the ride is quite beautiful. It is just after Selong Belanak.
Only 1-2 places for food and beverage, so be sure to pack your towel, snacks, and drinks!
No surfboard rentals are available on the beach, so you must bring your own or a rental from Kuta.
#4: Mawi
Mawi Beach is absolutely beautiful, with rolling hills in the backdrop and views stretching out toward Serenangan and Selong Belanak.
Swimming here is best during high tide, but watch out—the current can get pretty strong. If you are up for surfing, the break is further out and great for those with a bit of experience. The beach has some fun rocks to climb and so many gorgeous shells to collect. You can rent sun chairs, and there is a small warung if you need food or a drink. It is also a great spot to catch the sunset.
Parking costs just 10,000 IDR (0.61 USD).
Pros:
People love Mawi for the surf, it is a shorter wave.
A small beautiful cove-like beach with many shells to explore and much less trash.
You can spend an entire day here as well, as long as you pack your own food and drink or do not mind eating local food from the only Warung on the beach. You can even finish the day enjoying a beautiful sunset over the beach.
Cons:
Again, further from downtown Kuta, around 20 minutes–although the ride is quite beautiful until you turn onto the Mawi dirt road. The final road to Mawi Beach is brutal, taking an additional 15 to 20 minutes to ride down, if not longer. Being a confident motorbike driver is a must here. The road is dirt, rock, and a bumpy mess–even more so during the rainy season. If you plan to head here, I suggest deciding to spend the day.
Only one place for food and beverages, so be sure to pack your towel, snacks, and drinks! There is a toilet.
No surfboard rentals are available on the beach, so you must bring your own or a rental from Kuta. If a surf coach is needed, be sure to hire one ahead of time.
#5: Ekas
Ekas Beach is hands-down one of the best beaches around and truly feels like paradise. The water is unreal, shifting between turquoise, green, dark blue, and light blue—it is so clear, and there are only a few boats out on the water and usually even fewer people on the sand. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and hills, with a little cove off to the left that makes it even more magical.
You can rent a surfboard here, but it is best to bring along your own. There is a boat to take you out to the surf (around 100,000 IDR per person or 6 USD). If you do not want to drive all the way around to Ekas Beach, you can hire a boat in Awang Fishing Port to take you to the same surf break, or all the way over to the beach.
Swimming here is great too, and while there is a bit of trash here and there, the water itself is mostly clean.
When I visited, there was no parking fee (though it is usually 5,000–10,000 IDR, less than 0.60 USD). There is also so much to explore in the area if you are up for a little adventure.
Pros:
One of the most beautiful, peaceful, and secluded beaches near Kuta, Lombok.
A great surf break for many surf levels, with fewer people in the lineup at Outside Ekas.
Cons:
A long ride to the beach, around 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Kuta, so if you plan to go, you should make an entire day out of it.
No shops or food on the beach itself, so bringing your own snacks and beverages is key here! Do not forget your towel and umbrella or hat!
Minimal shade aside from one large tree.
#6: Mawun
Mawun Beach, in my opinion, is the best beach in Kuta, Lombok, for swimming and relaxing without the crowds. The water here is absolutely beautiful—clear and layered in different shades of dark and light blue. The hills surrounding the beach make it feel peaceful and tucked away. The sunset can be really nice here, even though the sun sets behind the beach. The colors over the water are still amazing to watch.
The water is clean, and the sand drops off just after entering the water, making it easy to swim and enjoy the waves close to shore.
There are a few warungs along the beach offering food, drinks, and chair rentals.
Surfing is not as popular here, but on some days, it is still possible to catch a wave.
Mawun Beach is much closer to downtown Kuta, about a 20-minute drive. The road to the beach is a bit bumpy, but nowhere near as bad as some other roads in the area. Parking is 10,000 IDR (around 0.50 USD). You can take your first left and park near the warungs under a wooden awning, or continue to the parking area further down the road.
Pros:
Perfect waters for swimming in, with a nice wave for body surfing.
Warungs, restrooms, chairs, umbrellas, etc. right on the beach.
A beautiful landscape around the beach, adds to its beauty.
Much quieter compared to Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan. There are still some children selling bracelets here.
Cons:
Not much surf is here.
Not too many places for chair rentals available, but still plenty of room to spread out if you bring a towel.
More local than Tanjung Aan, so if you prefer Western food, be sure to pack some with you.
#7: Seger Beach
Seger Beach has a lot to offer, starting with swimming. The best spot for that is on the Anne Beach section (which I still consider part of Seger). The water here is cleaner and easier to swim in compared to the left side where the surf school is—the rocks in the water can make swimming a bit tricky, especially at low tide.
If you are into surfing, there is a surf school right on the beach. I have not used it myself, so I am not sure about pricing, but there is a shaded seating area where you can hang out, grab a bite, or watch the surfers do their thing.
When it comes to sunsets, Seger Beach is hard to beat. The rock here is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over Lombok’s incredible landscape. If you look closely, you will see darker rectangles in the water from a small seaweed farm. Sometimes, you can even spot the farmers working around sunset.
There are not a lot of amenities on the beach, just a few small shops selling snacks and drinks, but that is part of what makes it feel so special—definitely more local than some of the other beaches around Kuta.
Pros:
Usually less busy than other beaches, with a few beach areas to explore and choose from.
Has a swimming area, a surfing area, and some soft sand to lie on.
Great sunset spot on the hill or even at the Gazebo nearby.
Only a 17-minute drive from downtown Kuta.
Cons:
Not too many food and beverage options.
No lounge chairs, etc. available on the beach.
Can be a tad confusing to get to.
Honorable Mention: Kuta Beach
The green gate you go through to get to the secret beach in Kuta Lombok.
Kuta Beach, the closest and most accessible beach from downtown, has definitely been improving every year. It is much cleaner now, thanks to the surrounding shops, day clubs, and accommodations working together to keep it that way. I would recommend avoiding the far right side where many fishing boats are docked in the water and instead head to the area to the left of the Mandalika Sign.
For now, Kuta Beach is best for jogging, walking, or having a picnic. But in a few years, I think it will become one of the top spots to spend a full day at.
If you are up for a little adventure, head down the road with the beach on your right until you find a green gate. Go inside the gate (either on foot or with your bike), take a right, and follow the trail that leads you to a secluded beach/mangrove area. Park your bike near the awning and cross over the rocks on the left side to find a small, quiet beach all to yourself. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or reading a book. Just be aware there is not much shade, so be sure to bring a towel, hat, and sunscreen.
Also, if you plan on bringing snacks, make sure not to take them out until you are at the secluded beach. There are monkeys around the parking area who will happily snatch your food! This hidden beach is best visited during low tide to make sure you can access it easily.
How To Get To Lombok
To get to Lombok, you can fly into the island at the international airport in Praya (LOP). The airport is around 30 minutes from Kuta, and local taxis and Grab Drivers are available to bring you to your accommodation. The cost should be around 150,000 IDR (9-10 USD). Be sure to counter the prices the local drivers give you—they will try to get you to pay more.
There are also numerous ferries daily from various ports in Bali to either the Bangsal/Senggigi Port in North Lombok. These ferries average around 3 to 4 hours (although the one I took felt much longer). I would not recommend this option to anyone who is easily seasick. They can be choppy the entire journey. The cost of the ferry varies from $12-30 USD, depending on the season. For the ferries, I always book ahead by searching on 12GoAsia or messaging the ferry companies directly on WhatsApp.
Public Ferries are an option for those who have more time and maybe want to pinch some pennies on their journey. The ferry is 4.5-6 hours long and departs from Padang Bai (Bali), sailing into Lembar (South-West Lombok). The cost is around 80,000 IDR (5 USD), and you can bring a motorbike onto the ferry with you. When you get to Padang Bai, you can ask the locals working at the ferry port where to buy a ticket for the public ferry to Lembar, and they should be able to direct you. There is no need to buy a ticket ahead of time for this option.
Where To Stay
Kuta is a small surf village filled with expats, friendly locals, a mix of local and Western food, yoga options, and more. Many expats have made Kuta their home—it is conveniently near several beaches and popular spots. In my opinion, it is the best part of Lombok! Some tourists prefer staying in other areas, such as Selong Belanak or Tampah Hills. However, I recommend Kuta if you want to be close to everything.
Pro Tip: If you are a light sleeper, check if your accommodation is near a Mosque—the first call to prayer is at 4:00 AM.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Botchan Hostel (Dorm) or Ebucu (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Yuli’s or Mengalung Bungalow
Best Mid-Budget: Twiny's or El Tropico Boutique Hotel
Best High-End Budget: Mana Eco Retreat (Yummy restaurant and yoga shala attached) or Rascals Hotel
Best Luxury Budget: Lina Boutique Villas and Spa or Jivana Resort (Great massages)
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links!
Where To Eat
Kuta:
SeaSalt (for fish)
Mana (the best gluten-free and vegan food)
Ashtari (Indian)
Elamu (Mediterranean)
The Well (Gluten-Free)
The Warung (local food)
Warung Bude (local food)
Warung Rezeky (local food)
Pro Tip: You can check out which food places have deals or discounts on the Lombok Lately Instagram.
How To Get Around Lombok
The best form of transport in Lombok is by motorbike. Points of interest in Lombok (and even in Kuta alone) are a bit spread apart, and the area is very hilly, so walking could take too long. It is also easier to cover more ground in 5 days when you can move about on your schedule.
Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 75,000/80,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. If you plan to have two people and bags on one bike, renting a bigger bike with more CC is best. The bigger the bike, the more expensive it will be, but you will have an easier time climbing hills, especially near Rinjani. You will find better deals for longer-term rentals versus daily. Be sure to negotiate pricing, as some places will throw out a more expensive price to see if you will take it.
Be sure to wear your helmet while riding.
Some roads around Kuta are not paved properly, so watch out for potholes, etc.
Be careful of trucks, especially once you are outside of downtown Kuta—they are reckless drivers.
Be careful of dogs crossing the street while riding!!
Local taxis are around, and you can usually hire one from your accommodation. Grab and Gojek are not as prominent in Lombok yet. You can hire a private driver for the entire day here. Or, many of the locals are happy to arrange a driver for the day for you as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Lombok is anywhere during the dry season, however, the surf tends to be better during the wet season (less windy). If you want to see Lombok at its greenest, you can visit during the wet season or right after (in March/April) if you prefer sunny skies and green hills. If you visit towards the end of the dry season Lombok’s terrain will be drier and brown. I have been in Lombok for every season, and it did not rain too much in November / December. It was mostly short showers or one full day of rain. January and February were very rainy, and March was somewhere in the middle.
If you plan to Trek Rinjani, keep in mind the trail is closed from January 1 to March 31.
Is Lombok Safe?
Lombok has always felt safe to me. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There have been recent cases of Dengue in the region.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Be careful with the street dogs. Due to previous abuse, some tend to be afraid of humans or feel the need to warn us off to protect themselves.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 110 | Fire: +62 (0)370 672013| Ambulance: 118
You can find a complete list of Lombok and Gili Island’s Emergency #’s here.
Is Kuta, Lombok Worth Visiting & Does it have nice beaches?
YES! It absolutely is. Many people refer to Lombok as the “old Bali,” referring to when Bali was better—less busy and less developed. The beaches are beautiful, the surf is less crowded, the viewpoints are incredible, and the landscape is picturesque.
Is Lombok better than Bali?
Everyone will respond to this question differently, but I prefer Lombok. It is less crowded, less Westernized, and has more of an authentic Indonesian feel. However, I think both are worth the visit!
Does Lombok have better beaches than Bali?
I think both the islands have quite beautiful beaches. It is really hard to compare the two. If you want fewer people on your beach, then Lombok is definitely the better option. However, I will say Bali (Uluwatu) has better sunsets than Kuta, Lombok.
I do feel like Lombok beaches are easier to access than Bali (mainly Uluwatu), where you often have to climb or hike down steps to get to the beach.
Which part of Lombok is the best?
My favorite parts of Lombok are the areas included in this itinerary: Kuta, Sembalun, Tetebatu, and the Gilis. Kuta is my preferred area and is where I spent my year living.
How many days do you need in Lombok? Is 5 days or a week better?
This all depends on what you want to do. If you only want to see Kuta and catch some waves, then 1-3 days is fine. Although, most people end up staying for an entire week. If you want to trek Rinjani, visit the waterfalls, and do all the best things, then yes, 5 days is fine, but 8-10 offers a more relaxed schedule.
You can find the perfect 7-10 day Lombok itinerary here!
There Are So Many Stray Dogs In Lombok, How Can I Help?
Lombok’s culture is MUCH different from Bali's, and the island is far less developed–therefore the dogs are treated very differently here.
Without getting into the nitty-gritty of what life is like for stray dogs, just know that you can make a positive impact on their lives in some of the simplest ways. This can be through something as simple as giving a street pup a meal, rice, and plain chicken is best, or something to drink like water or even coconut water! A lot of the dogs are terrified of human interaction here, especially as you get further out of downtown Kuta, so you can always place the food and water nearby to the dog and then give it some space to eat and enjoy. I promise you they will eat it once you walk away!
If you want to be more involved, you can volunteer with The Shelter for Lombok Dogs (my favorite place in the world) by helping with sterilizations, feeding the baby street pups, or helping at their shelter near Mawun Beach. If you want more information on how you can help, head here!
If you are thinking: ‘Feeding and volunteering is not for me,’ you can also donate money to their GoFundMe, donate items they need (usually collars, towels, medications, etc.), or purchase some of their merchandise from Flow or Elamu! Every donation makes a huge difference in the lives of the Lomdogs!
Heading to Lombok for only 5 days and wondering how to fit everything in? You can find the BEST itinerary here!
If you have more time to spend in Lombok, you can find a 7-10 day itinerary here to cover everything the island has to offer (including the Gili Islands)!
