Top 18 Things to Do in Kuta Lombok (2025 Edition)
After living in Lombok for over a year, I have had the chance to explore every corner of Kuta and uncover the best spots. Whether you are drawn to top-notch surfing, beautiful beaches, or hidden local gems, Kuta offers epic adventures and unique experiences for every traveler. In this guide, I will give you a complete list of the 18 best things to do in Kuta, Lombok from incredible viewpoints to local treasures. Here is everything you need to make the most of your visit in 2025.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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Top 18 Things to Do in Kuta Lombok
A view of Kuta, Lombok’s beautiful ocean waters.
Wondering where to stay, when to visit, and how to get around? Scroll to the end of the article!
#1: Catch some waves
New surfers getting into the waters at one of the best beaches near Kuta, Lombok — Selong Belanak.
One of the best things about the surf in Kuta is that it offers a wave for every surfer level, whether you are a beginner who has never even touched a surfboard or someone who has been surfing before they could even walk. Almost every beach in Kuta has surfboards and instructors right on the beach, making catching some waves even easier.
If you are a beginner, you can sign up for one of the many surf camps in Kuta (i.e. Xandau) or head to Selong Belanak, where you can catch waves in waist-high waters to help you feel more confident and safe. The beach is lined with surf shops and instructors for you to choose from. You can book a lesson ahead of time here or book one on the beach the day of!
If you have had a few surf lessons before but want to level up a bit, you can try Tanjung Aan Beach, where the waves are still smaller but more challenging than Selong Belanak. Gerupuk is another option, but the water is quite dirty, and it gets packed with people.
For those with more experience, you can try checking the surf (here) for beaches like Mawi, Serangan, Ekas, or Areguling. Want the best beach, where you can chill on the sand between multiple sessions and grab some food? Try Mawi or Serangan. For the most beautiful waters, try Ekas–though it is a bit of a drive out from Kuta, and you will need to pay for a boat to take you out to the surf (400,000 IDR—it is best to go with a group so you can split the costs).
For my more daring surfers, try Desert Point–an epic spot with world-renowned waves.
#2: Have A beach day!
A photo of the beautiful blue waters at one of the best beaches near Kuta, Lombok—Ekas Beach.
As a coastal town known for its epic waves, Kuta has beautiful sands and ombre blue waters, making it the perfect spot for a beach day.
The best beach spot with every amenity you need to spend an entire day without leaving is Tanjung Aan. Warungs line the beaches, offering chairs, umbrellas, food, and coconuts. Surf instructors, surfboards, kite surfing, volleyball nets, and more are at this beach too.
Pro Tip: My favorite spot on this beach is Pink Swing!
Mawun Beach is also an excellent option for those who prefer a spot with minimal surfers. The drive from downtown Kuta to Mawun is breathtaking, so make sure to look around at the landscape as you drive.
If you want a more remote beach with the most beautiful waters and zero services, try Ekas Beach. Be sure to pack your water, food, towel, etc.!
Pro Tip: Lombok is much less developed than Bali, so yes, some beaches have trash lying around, and every so often you will see some floating in the water.
#3: The 4 Waterfall Trek
Me in front of Sesere Waterfall, the second waterfall along the trek to Benang Stokel and Kelambu Waterfall near Kuta, Lombok.
Benang Kelambu Waterfall, one of the best waterfalls near Kuta, Lombok.
One of the best things to do in Lombok is to venture to some of the waterfalls. Just a quick and beautiful 1-hour drive north of Kuta is a waterfall trek, which includes 4 falls! The ride to the falls runs through smaller local villages filled with farmland and rice terraces. You can see some authentic Lombok daily life here!
As for the waterfalls, trek through the jungle and discover 4 stunning and very different waterfalls, including Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu Waterfall, Sesere Waterfall, and Batu Janggot. You can choose a tour that includes just the first two waterfalls, but I recommend making the most of it by visiting all four!
If you prefer a tour with transport included, you can find one here!
Entrance Fee: 125,000 IDR (8 USD), including a guide
Pro Tip: Beware of the monkeys! It is recommended not to swim in the waterfalls in a bathing suit out of respect for the local religion.
#4: Watch a sunset from the hills
The sunset over Seger beach near Kuta, Lombok.
A view of the ocean and hills beside Ryan Cafe’s near Kuta, Lombok. One of the best places to watch the sunset.
Lombok sunsets may not be quite as epic as other places in Indonesia like Uluwatu, however, they are still worth enjoying. Kuta has many hills that are well worth climbing for a panoramic view of the ocean, beaches, surrounding hills, and stunning sunsets over them. Some of the best sunset spots include:
Seger Beach (Bukit Sunset Seger) - This is by far my favorite. When you park at the beach near the Bukiet Sunset Seger location, walk up the hill to the right of the Warung for the most insane views of the multi-colored water at Seger. You may even see some seaweed farmers working.
Bukit Merese - This is another well-known hill for watching the sunset— this one is closer to Tanjung Aan.
Ryans Cafe - This cafe sits on a hill over a valley and village in Kuta, offering some incredible sunset views over it. If you do not want to sit at the cafe and purchase something, you can park in the open area to the right of the cafe and choose a spot there! I prefer the sunset in this area.
#5: get batty
A photo of the bats from the bat cave flying in a mass over Kuta Villages in Lombok. By far one of the best things to do.
Located close by to Ryan’s Cafe is Goa Bangkang Prabu Bat Caves! You can join a tour of the caves and spot bats this way. However, I recommend watching the sunset from the open area beside Ryan’s Cafe (mentioned above) for a remarkable experience. Once the sun begins setting, you will see a mile-long line of bats exiting the cave and flying over the road and into the field. It is like a river of bats that never ends. With the river of bats, the skies painted by the sunset, and the smoky air drifting from the village below, you can capture some truly incredible photos. This is by far one of my favorite things to do in Kuta, Lombok!
#6: explore the secret gilis
A photo from the Secret Gili’s day trip, one of the best day trips to take advantage in near Kuta, Lombok.
There are many small “Gilis” or “Islands” around Lombok open for exploring and snorkeling. The best way to experience them is with a snorkeling tour along the magical sparkling turquoise blue waters. My favorite tour includes a stop in Gili Kedis, Nanggu, and Sudak. All of the islands are very small, with tiny populations, if any at all. Gili Kedis is the smallest of 3 and when you are standing on one side of the island, you feel like you can nearly touch the other side—that is how tiny it is.
On the tour, you will hop on a small fishing boat and explore each island and its waters teeming with life including triggerfish, cowfish, turtles, angel fish, corals, and so much more! You can find one of the best tour options here! Or, you can drive to the boat docking area here and hire one of the boat guides to take you out for around 350,000 IDR per boat (around 22 USD). The drive from Kuta is around 1.5 hours.
Bonus Tip: You can camp out overnight on one of the smaller islands like Gili Kondo and Gili Kedis. This is an incredible experience to meet other travelers and for stargazing. You can find the Gili Camping Experiences at one of the many tour shops in town!
#7: Gili Asahan
The picturesque view from Gili Asahan of Lombok and nearby islands. One of my top things to do near Kuta!
Gili Asahan is the perfect island to spend one night exploring its multicolored blue waters from above and below. It is more developed and larger than the islands mentioned above but is still quite small with only 3 or 4 accommodation options. Here, you can find a horse rescue, a Pearl Farm, Kayaking tours to the uninhabited Gilis nearby, scuba diving, snorkeling from shore, and so much more! Although this Gili is bigger, you can walk around the entire island during low tide in just under 2 hours.
Best Places To Stay:
Most accommodations offer transportation to the island.*
Pro Tip: Gili Asahan is near Desert Point, so it could be the perfect place for an overnight after surfing some of Lombok’s most insane waves.
#8: SPEnd the weekend gili hopping
The beautiful ombre waters of Gili Meno. Visiting Gili Meno, Air, and T are one of the top things to do near Kuta, Lombok.
Now, just 15 to 30 minutes west of Senggigi, Lombok, you will find the more famous Gilis: Trawangan (T), Meno, and Air. These islands offer incredible opportunities for scuba diving, free diving, and snorkeling, with an abundance of underwater life and shipwrecks waiting to be explored. You will see the usual marine life of Lombok, but you might also get the chance to encounter reef sharks, eels, MASSIVE turtles, and other unique aquatic creatures.
None of the islands allow motorbikes or cars, which makes them even more enjoyable for walking and cycling around.
Kuta, Lombok can feel a little small for long-term travelers, so heading to one of the three Gilis is the perfect quick getaway. If you are looking for a party and a lively atmosphere, Gili T is the place to be, with plenty of clubs and bars. Couples often gravitate toward Gili Meno, a smaller, less developed island, while Gili Air offers a balanced option—fewer crowds but not as intimate as Meno.
If you want to hop around all three islands in one day, you can find a great tour here!
Sustainability Tip: Please do not use the horses as transportation. It is highly unethical and inhumane.
#9: Mount Rinjani Trekking
A photo of Rinjani, the volcano located on Lombok.
Trekking Mount Rinjani is an unforgettable adventure and is often said to be one of the best things to do in Lombok, but it is not for the faint of heart. The hike typically takes 2 to 4 days, depending on the route and your pace. It is a challenging trek with steep ascents, rocky terrain, and high altitudes, so it requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Along the way, you will pass through flourishing jungles and forests, crater lakes, and incredible landscapes that make the tough climb worth it. The summit, at 3,726 meters (12,224 feet), offers one of the most epic views in Indonesia, but be prepared for early morning starts and long, demanding days.
The Sembalun Crater Rim route tends to be the most popular and “easiest” trekking path, taking you just below the summit. This is usually shorter (1 night) and the cheapest option–around 1.5 to 2.5 million IDR (95-150 USD)
From Kuta Lombok, most of the trek starting points are around 2.5 hours away. Some of the tours will include your transport to the starting point.
Some tour options include:
Crater Rim Trek: 2 Days, 1 Night (Not to the summit)
3 Days, 2 Nights Via Sembalun (Summit Rinjani)
3 Days, 2 Nights Plus Hot Spring (Summit Rinjani)
You can also wait to book your tour with one of the many tour guides or offices in Kuta. This is also a good way to ensure you are in perfect health for the trek. It is tough! Every person I know who has done it said they almost did not make it. The final hours of the trek are the toughest.
#10-11: Sembalun Village & Pergasingan Hill
A view over Sembalun Village, one of the best villages to visit from Kuta, Lombok. This is also where many of the Rinjani Treks begin!
Don’t want to trek up Rinjani but still want some unforgettable views of the volcano? Sembalun Village is the perfect place to go! A day trip to Sembalun Village is the perfect adventure in Lombok. Sembalun is a picturesque, rural community at the base of Mount Rinjani, known for its beautiful green landscape and mountain climate. It is also the starting point for many of the Rinjani treks.
For those who do not want to hike at all, you can watch the sunrise over Rinjani from your accommodation or Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint. Mornings offer the highest chance of a clear view of the volcano.
Me sitting in front of Mount Rinjani on Pergasingan Hill. The best trek to do after Rinjani.
For those who want a shorter, more manageable trek, try Pergasingan Hill. This trek offers some stunning views without the intense trekking on Mount Rinjani. The hike takes around 3 to 5 hours round trip, with a steep incline for the first mile, and a more gradual one following. It is manageable for most fitness levels—though it will still get your legs working! I found this trek much more difficult than I anticipated– I found Batur to be a walk in the park compared to this. The trail leads you up through terraced fields, with the reward of panoramic views over Sembalun Village and Mount Rinjani itself. This trek is best for sunrise views over Rinjani, and it makes for a great addition to any list of things to do around Kuta Lombok.
You can find a cute little reel of me walking around the viewpoint here for reference of how epic it is!
A complete guide to trekking Pergasingan Hill is finally here!
#12-13: Tiu Kelep & Sedang Gile Waterfall
Sedang Gile from peeking through Lombok’s jungle. This is the first of the two waterfalls along the trek near Rinjani.
Me wandering in front of Tiu KelepWaterfall, one of the best waterfalls near Kuta, Lombok to visit!
Not far from Sembalun Village are Sedang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls, two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lombok. Sedang Gile is an easy 10-15 minute trek down a long set of stairs to its 31-meter (100-foot) cascade pouring over a two-tier cliff. Tiu Kelep is then another 20-30 minute trek through a dense jungle and across a shallow river. Both waterfalls are perfect for those looking to experience Lombok’s natural beauty up close.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR (a little over 1 USD)
There is an additional fee for a guide if you prefer to have one. The pathway to the first waterfall is straightforward, but the second can be a bit confusing with the river crossing, especially if you are the only one there.
Pro Tip: Watch for wild monkeys! I saw an Ebony Monkey swinging from the trees above while I was there!
#14: The TeteBatu Rice Terraces
A view of some of the rice terraces in Tetebatu. They are a quick drive north from Kuta, Lombok and are well worth the visit!
Hey Bali! Lombok has some incredible rice terraces too! Tetebatu, a 1.5-hour ride from Kuta, is an absolute gem just south of Mount Rinjani, where you will find some of the most beautiful rice terraces on the island. The landscape here has an abundance of green rice fields pouring over Lombok’s hillsides. Walking around here is magical, and you can get a glimpse of the local farmers working the fields. If you are looking for a slower pace and a true taste of Lombok’s beauty, Tetebatu is the place to escape.
Pro Tip: There are two waterfalls nearby, Sarang Waltet and Tetebatu, both open for swimming in!
#15: see wild monekys
A photo of a wild Ebony Monkey in Lombok's monkey forest. An umissable thing to do near Kuta Lombok.
The Monkey Forest in Tetebatu offers a completely different experience from Bali’s more touristy monkey encounters. Here, the monkeys are truly wild and roam freely through the jungle, so you will not find them waiting for snacks or posing with you for selfies (thank goodness). To spot them, you will venture into the jungle, searching for them and jumping from tree top to tree top, high above you. It is much more rewarding. If you are looking for a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path monkey adventure near Kuta Lombok, the Monkey Forest in Tetebatu is the best place to visit!
Want a tour that includes transport from Kuta and includes the monkey forest, Tetebatu rice terraces, and the waterfalls? Head here!
#16: help save the stray dogs of Lombok
I think one of the most important pieces of travel is to find a way to give back to the place you are visiting. For me, that has always been helping the stray dog population. So, of course, I am including this as one of the best things to do in Lombok. 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!
#17: Project Hiu
The Project Hiu Shop in Kuta, Lombok. An amazing adventure and thing to do in town!
Searching for more ways to give back to the Kuta, Lombok community? Project Hiu is another amazing way to do this and gives you a full day of adventure on the water searching for sharks! The project focuses on shark conservation efforts and the day trip offers a unique opportunity to support the conservation efforts while exploring the incredible marine environment. By joining the trip, you engage in eco-friendly tourism that directly supports local fishermen in transitioning from shark fishing to sustainable tourism activities, all while exploring the reefs and wildlife of East Lombok. And for some of these shark fisherman, you could be saving their life!
Want to learn more about Project Hiu’s shark conservation efforts? Join one of their week-long trip where you can live like a shark fisherman on their repurposed boats. You will visit the shark market, the island where the fishermen live, and more! Head here for all the information on joining a Project Hiu trip!
#18: Get an epic view over Lombok
The view from Folk Cafe, an unmissable and memorable view near Kuta Lombok.
Calling all Adrenaline seekers! What better way to get the most epic views and your blood rushing than paragliding over Lombok’s cliffs? Soar over Kuta’s turquoise waters for a unique way to view this surf town and the surrounding areas from above. Feel the freedom of flying through the sky as you take in the stunning landscapes.
If you do not want to try paragliding, you can also head to the cafe just below, Folk Cafe, for some breathtaking views while enjoying a coffee, snack, or coconut!
You can find more information on booking a trip here!
Bonus #19!
General Information: Lombok
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Kuta, Lombok is anywhere within 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.
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 2.45 minutes (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 $11-12 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.
For the complete Bali to Lombok ferry guide, head here!
How to get around Lombok:
The best form of transport in Lombok is by motorbike. Points of interest, including beaches, are a bit spread apart, and the area is very hilly, so walking could take too long. Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 75,000/80,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. The larger the bike, the more expensive it will be. 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. My last monthly rental was 1,500,000 IDR per month (95 USD).
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 Kuta 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.
Where To Stay:
The best area to stay in Lombok if you are looking for surf, expats, kind locals, local and western food dishes, yoga, etc., is in Kuta. Most expats have moved to and live in Kuta. It is central to a lot of the beaches and points of interest. In my opinion, it is the best part of Lombok! However, many tourists enjoy staying in other areas, including Selong Belanak, Tampah Hills, etc.
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: Kuta, Lombok
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!
Where to eat:
Some of my favorite places include:
SeaSalt (for fish)
Mana (the best gluten-free and vegan food)
Ashtari (Indian)
Elamu (Mediterranean)
The Warung (local food)
Warung Bude (local food)
Warung Rezeky (local food)
The Well (Gluten-Free)
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 Worth Visiting?
YES! It absolutely is. Many people refer to Kuta 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. If Kuta, Lombok was not worth visiting, I would not have chosen to live here for over a year!
How many days do you need in Lombok?
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 to do, then I would suggest staying for 8-10 days.
Heading to Lombok for 5 days? Find the perfect itinerary, here!
