'''Kuta''' is a town in the south of the island of Lombok in Indonesia. 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 Lombok, with pristine white sand and transparent blue greens in the water. Not many travelers find their way to Kuta if they aren't surfing.

The village of Kuta can provide all the basic facilities for a traveler. However, closest place where you can buy electronic equipment, develop photos, and take money from an ATM is in the city of Praya Praya is approximately 30 km from Kuta. If you are taking a driving tour of the area your 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 cash for their stay.

Get in

A vast majority of the visitors to Kuta use a public taxi. The cost from the airport or harbor by taxi is Rp 230,000 (valid 3/2008). Private shuttles also serve the airport on an infrequent basis at a cost of Rp. 120,000.

Public transport throughout Lombok is designed to transport local people, not tourists. A traveler will find it seemingly complex, and difficult to use. Public transport is not recommended for the uninitiated, especially if traveling with luggage (ie, surfboards) and are unable to speak Bahasa Indonesia.. To reach South Lombok requires several transfers. True backpackers wishing to conquer the bemo system (covered pick-up trucks with narrow seats) should carefully study the convoluted route in advance and expect numerous stops and bemo transfers.

Once in Kuta, local drivers with comfortable cars will transport you around the island at the rate of Rp 300,000 per day (valid 7/2008).

From Bali

By far the most convenient and rapid way of reaching Lombok is via local airlines. Many airlines make the 20 minute hop from Bali to Lombok (airport near Mataram). In general, a flight leaves Bali once every hour or two, from early morning until late afternoon. Any travel agency will make a flight reservation up to the day before departure. Tickets can be purchased at the airport, but you may not get the flight you want and you will likely pay a higher price. One-way fare can cost between Rp350,000 to Rp500,000 per person. Luggage regulations and security inspections are seldom a problem.

There are many shuttle bus companies which have scheduled transport from Bali. Expect to pay around Rp. 150,000 per person from main Bali departure centres such as Kuta or Ubud. The price will include the ferry and connecting shuttles. The popular Perama[http://www.peramatour.com] bus company and will charge only an additional Rp. 10,000 per surfboard. The one-way trip by bus and ferry usually requires more than 12 hours of travel to reach Kuta.

From Lembar or Mataram airport

From the airport, a special desk has been established to purchase a taxi voucher to set locations throughout Lombok. The taxi fare from the airport to Kuta is approximately Rp.150,000.

From Lembar the price to Kuta must be negotiated in advance, or you may insist the taxi driver uses a meter. Competition is fierce and porters will often place your luggage in a taxi prior to settling the price. Assertive behavior can insure you choose the taxi and the price the suits your needs.

Bemo (covered pick-up trucks with narrow seats) transportation is available throughout the island, however not recommended for the uninitiated, especially if traveling with luggage and unable to speak Bahasa Indonesia.

Get around

In the village of Kuta, all facilities are within a reasonable walking distance.

However, if you wish to explore the area, the preferred way by motorcycle. Motorcycles can be rented at rates of about Rp. 50,000 per day, without petrol. Insist the bike be in new condition, then carefully inspect and make note of the bike for scratches, dings, etc.(ask for a surfboard rack if desired). '''Never''' give your passport as security to rent the bike.

See

Around Kuta there are some tremendous beautiful beaches. Kuta will offer you the private white beaches you always dreamed of.

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 normal day's activities by the villagers. Food is cooked over a wood fire; the children live a carefree life of playing on the beach, climbing trees, etc. The people are exceptionally friendly to foreigners. Although most do not speak English, they will often welcome you onto their porch for glass of local Lombok coffee.

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 at the Kimen surf shop 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). Continue the road to the beach, and pay Rp 3,000 to watch your bike.
  • '''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 (Rp 50,000 for 1 person, Rp 25,000 per person for 2-3, and Rp 20,000 each for more). The boat will wait 2-3 hours while you surf. To get here, take a ride East for 7km (about 10-15 min), and pay the Rp 1,000 parking fee.
  • * '''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

    Eat

    Most of the Hotels and Bungalows served breakfast which is included on their room rates. Kuta beach area restaurant has many option of food, most of the restaurant served Indonesia, European and international cuisine.

  • '''Astari Cafe'''.. located on the hill with most fantastic view along the south coast. Relax and enjoy daily fresh menu, It's great place for vegetarian.
  • '''Cafe Cherry'''.. a simple sort of cafe offers you main Indo's and western food, sea food on order ,such Lobster and prawn.
  • '''Ocean Life Cafe'''.. A bamboo and wooden cafe, gives you a bit of option in the Menu they offer and only local shop for your choice of imported drink and wines.
  • '''Family Cafe'''.. a cafe with space, Enjoy and select your favorite sea food, western food, chinese and Sasak food (Lombok food).
  • '''Stella Cafe''' .. a simple cafe with boutique gives you different atmosphere, daily food menu, sea food on order.
  • '''Bong's Cafe'''.. wooden oven pizza and tacos for a different taste in this area.
  • '''Purnama Cafe'''.. maybe another a simple cafe to enjoy your meal...
  • '''Cafe Seger'''.. A skillful lady chef offers a tasted Sasak food just next to beach view, best fish in Kuta.
  • '''Local Food'''

  • '''Warung Melati'''.. Good Indo food in a real beach side warung.
  • '''Alang-alang Cafe'''.. cafe's on the beach with berugak (small, open sitting area with grass roof).
  • '''Warung Murah Meriah'''.. Run by local couple with Indo's selected food.
  • Drink

  • '''Riviera Cafe'''.. Food and beverages offered with live acoustic every Wednesday night...
  • '''The Shore Bar'''..[http://www.kuta-lombok.net/weblog/?p=130#comments] the only real bar in town, cold beer, cocktails, a talented local band will entertain you on Saturday night, other night disco DJ show.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Anda Restaurant & Cottages '''
  • '''Pondok Sekar Kuning '''
  • '''Cockato Kuta '''
  • '''Pondok Rinjani Agung '''
  • Mid-range

  • '''Anda Restaurant & Cottages '''. Local owned hotel, however situated on the wrong side of the town.
  • '''Hideaway Bungalow''', [http://www.explore-lombok/Hideaway] Kuta Lombok, South Lombok, tel. ''+62-370-''655270. E-mail support@explore-lombok. A single bungalow located on a large lot, gated, and right on Kuta Beach. Built in the traditional local style of bamboo walls and grass roof - it offers first class interior amenities, including a super-king sized bed. The bungalow is a short walk to surf shops, restaurants and shopping. Rates: US$15-20/night, with discounts for extended stay booking.
  • Splurge

  • '''Novotel Lombok''', [http://www.novotel.com/novotel/fichehotel/gb/nov/0571/fiche_hotel.shtml] Mandalika Resort Pantai Putri Nyale Pujut, Central Lombok, tel. ''+62-370-''653333, Fax ''+62-370-''653555. Formerly ''Novotel Coralia'', this is the best hotel on the south coast & friendly for travelling with children - with interesting swimming pool design, good playing and sport areas for kids. The resort is located near Kuta, approx. 1h drive from Mataram. Rates: US$66-77/night.
  • Get out

    Transport to/from Lembar, the port for connecting ferries to Padangbai in Bali, costs Rp. 60,000. From further North, prices from Senggigi and the Gili islands should be Rp. 100,000 and Rp. 150,000 respectively.

    Airplane travel from Lombok to Bali is the same as the "Get in" section described above. Flights can also be booked to other large Indonesian cities (Jakarta, Sumbawa, etc.). Silk Air flies the only non-stop flight to Singapore. Virtual all inter-island airline travel departs from Bali.