Kuta Lombok: My Guide After Several Trips
I don't know if it's a quality or a flaw, but when I find a place I like, I find it very hard to change.
That's exactly what happens to me in Kuta Lombok.
Every trip, I tell myself I'm going to try a new cafe. In the end, I go back to Milk. I promise myself to try another restaurant. I end up at Mama Pizza. I look at hotels thinking I could change and I often book the same ones. It's the same for beaches, sunsets, massages, and even shops.
By going back again and again, I've built up a little list of addresses. Some are well-known, others much less so, but they all have one thing in common: I recommend them without hesitation as soon as a friend tells me they're going to Kuta Lombok.
You won't find an endless list of restaurants or beaches here, only the places I keep going back to. The ones that, for me, are part of the journey.
I hope this guide will save you some time. And if you discover an incredible place that deserves to be featured, write to me. I always have a good excuse to go back to Lombok.
🏄 Which Surf camp to choose in Kuta Lombok?
If you come to Kuta Lombok, chances are it's for surfing. Whether you've never set foot on a board or you surf regularly, you're sure to find a surf camp adapted to your level. I've tried several on my travels, but these are the two I recommend without hesitation.
Kura Surf Camp
If I had to choose a place to stay to really improve my surfing, it would be Kura.
The standard of the lessons is excellent, the coaching is truly personalized, and you can feel that the whole team is there to help you progress. This is the one I recommend to people who want to make surfing the focus of their trip.
The camp is beautiful. The individual bungalows are lovely, there are cold baths, a sauna, and the overall impression is more like a hotel than a simple surf camp.
Its only slight drawback, in my opinion, is its location. It's a bit out of the way, and after several hours in the water, you sometimes have to find the energy to get to the center of Kuta for dinner or a drink. The pool is also quite small and often remains in the shade.
LMBK Surf House
If you're traveling alone, I would probably recommend LMBK. Everyone gathers around meals, conversations flow naturally, and the atmosphere is very friendly.
I also really like its location, right in the heart of Kuta. You can do everything on foot: go for coffee, have dinner, do some shopping, or just take a walk at the end of the day.
The camp is very well maintained, the spaces are beautiful, the dormitory option allows you to travel on a tighter budget without sacrificing comfort, and the food is truly excellent.
🏖️ Which beaches to visit in Kuta Lombok?
It's impossible to be disappointed by the beaches of Lombok. They are all different and I would be unable to choose just one. It all depends on your mood, the weather, or simply what you feel like doing that day.
Selong Belanak
This is probably the beach I recommend most when discovering Lombok. If you're planning to take your first surf lesson, chances are you'll end up here. The waves (beach break) are perfect for learning and the beach is immense. Even when it's busy, you never feel crowded.
Tanjung Aan
This is the beach that makes you say "ok, I understand why everyone talks about Lombok". The water is an unreal blue, the sand is white and, yes, the photos you see on Instagram don't lie.
It's also one of my favorite spots for longboarding. The waves are long, gentle, and break perfectly. If you like cross-steps, you're in for a treat.
Mawun
I go there on days when I have no plans, no surfing, no agenda. Just a towel, a book, and a few hours to sunbathe in a paradisiacal setting. It's probably where I slow down the most when I'm in Lombok.
Mawi
Even if you don't surf, go there. The road alone is worth the detour. The waves are much more powerful than at Selong Belanak and watching the surfers from the beach is a spectacle in itself.
Fancy an afternoon at a beach club?
If you want to alternate between surfing and relaxing, Kuta also has some very good beach clubs. I like to go there in the late afternoon for a drink, some music, and to enjoy the view.
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Mandalika Beach Club is perfect for enjoying a poolside by the sea, having lunch, or simply a drink before sunset.
- If you're looking for a more festive atmosphere, BARA regularly organizes DJ sets and events in the late afternoon. It's a good option to extend the evening without leaving the beach.
☕ Cafes & Brunches
If there's one thing Kuta does as well as surfing, it's cafes. It's impossible to spend a week here without getting into the habit of starting the day with a coffee, a smoothie, or brunch. I've tried many (really many), but there are three I go back to every trip.
Bush Radio
My favorite cafe in Kuta, no doubt. I love its industrial decor, which is completely different from the more bohemian vibe of other cafes. The food is really very good. Special mention for the avocado toast, the yogurt with granola and fruit, the falafel roll, the veggie burger... and especially the potatoes. Don't leave without trying them.
Milk Espresso
It's impossible to come to Kuta without visiting at least once. I often go there on the first morning, to get into the mood. The coffee is excellent, the brunches too, and it's a bit of Kuta's meeting point. After a surf session, there's always someone you know... or someone you'll end up knowing.
Kenza
Kenza is one of my must-visit places. Until the end of lunch, the menu is dedicated to brunches. Everything is very good, but I have a soft spot for the pancakes and the smashed avocado.
From the afternoon onwards, the atmosphere changes: the menu becomes Italian, with a very large selection of pasta. That's what I like about Kenza. You can go there in the morning for coffee, come back in the evening for dinner, and feel like you're discovering a different restaurant.
🛍️ Shopping
You'll easily find (without my help) pareos, sarongs, or mass-produced t-shirts at very low prices in the many shops in Kuta or directly on the beach from street vendors. If you're looking for higher quality items, beautiful materials, and brands you won't find everywhere, here are the three addresses I return to every trip.
Nalua
This is probably my favorite shop in Kuta.
You'll easily find brands like Salted, but also a very nice selection of Indonesian designers and some lovely surprises from elsewhere (yes, even from France 😉).
I love their selection of clothes as much as their home decor items. It's the kind of shop where everything is well-chosen, where nothing seems to be there by chance.
I never leave empty-handed.
Green Surf Lombok
If you pass through Gerupuk, take five minutes to stop at Green Surf Lombok.
The shop offers a beautiful selection of brands with a surf and bohemian spirit. You'll find Pantai Pantai swimsuits, a lovely French brand I adore, as well as shell jewelry, crocheted beanies, Niné-Niné accessories, and many other designers not necessarily found in Kuta.
I particularly like this shop because it highlights small brands and international designers that you don't come across everywhere.
Niné-Niné
I can't not mention Niné-Niné. We've been collaborating since the beginning of Soré, and some of my accessories are made in their workshop.
You'll find magnificent bags, pouches, decorative objects, and accessories made from bendang, traditional Lombok fabrics, creatively upcycled.
Nine-Nine is a social enterprise working for women's empowerment in Lombok. You can find them directly in their two shops or at the Lombok Eco Flea Market, and if you have some time, I also recommend their excellent cooking classes.
💆 Taking care of yourself
I love vacations where I never stop. Surfing in the morning, exploring the island in the afternoon, walking, discovering new places... But I also like to slow down sometimes and take a few hours for myself.
If you're like me, here are the two places I return to every trip.
Matcha Spa
My favorite place in Kuta, without hesitation.
The place is magnificent, probably one of the most beautiful spas in Kuta. Everything is meticulously done, from the treatment rooms to the decoration. In the entrance, you'll also find a nice selection of local creations: jewelry, accessories, clothing...
I always book the 90-minute Deep Tissue Massage. After several days of surfing, it's exactly what I need. If you don't like abdominal massages, choose the 60-minute version, as that part is not included.
I should warn you though: it's not the gentlest massage you'll ever have. But after several days of surfing, I haven't found anything better.
Aura Aesthetic Clinic
I start almost all my stays in Lombok at Aura.
I always get gel on my hands and a semi-permanent on my feet. The prices are unbeatable compared to France, the products used are very good quality (which is far from the case at all nail salons) and the result holds perfectly throughout the trip.
And just before I go home, I go back again. A little freshening up, a nice tan, pretty nails... I think it's always nice to go home like that.
They also offer excellent facials if you want to treat yourself to a real break during your stay.
🌅 Admire the sunset
Sunsets are part of Lombok's identity.
Here, the day almost always ends outdoors. You hop on your scooter, head to a beach or a hill, sit down for a few minutes... and just watch the sky change color.
That's one of the reasons my brand is called Soré. These late afternoons in Lombok largely inspired its universe.
If I had to recommend two places to enjoy them, it would be these.
Bukit Seger
If you had to choose just one, this would be it.
The view of the beaches, hills, and ocean is incredible, but you have to earn it a little. The path to get there is part of the experience. Nothing difficult, but this small adventure makes the arrival even more satisfying.
I like to arrive about twenty minutes before sunset, settle in quietly, and watch the colors change with each passing minute.
For me, it's one of the most beautiful places in Kuta to end the day.
Josie's Sunset
A completely different atmosphere, but just as pleasant.
Josie's Sunset is a small, somewhat hidden spot, far from the most touristy areas. People come as much for the sunset as for the atmosphere. You can simply have a drink or share a pizza; the menu is very nice, even if the wait can be long.
Every time I go there, I feel like there are 90% locals. The atmosphere is simple, relaxed, the music is always well-chosen, and you're far from the crowded beach clubs.
This is where I go when I want to end the day quietly, watch the sun disappear, and extend the evening without having to change locations.
🍽️ Where to dine in Kuta Lombok
I could eat at a different restaurant every night for several weeks. Kuta is full of great places, and there's really something for everyone.
But, like everything else, I often end up going back to the same places. Those where I know I'll eat well, where the atmosphere is pleasant, and where I'm already looking forward to going back even before I've finished my meal.
Here are my favorite restaurants.
Mama Pizza
Every trip, I tell myself I'm finally going to try a new restaurant... and I almost always end up at Mama Pizza.
The pizzas are excellent, the pasta too, and it's one of the few places with a really good wine list. After a few days of drinking Bintang after Bintang, it's nice to treat yourself to a good glass of white wine with your dinner.
The atmosphere is friendly and it has become my "safe bet" restaurant in Kuta. The one I go back to without even thinking when I want to eat well.
Thaia
This is the place I choose when I want a long dinner.
I go there mainly for the sharing plates and the atmosphere. The decoration is superb, the restaurant is very pleasant in the evening with its dim lighting and intimate atmosphere.
The menu revisits Asian cuisine with Thai and Japanese influences. I particularly like to order several plates to share to taste a little bit of everything.
Jiang Nan
It's impossible to make a guide to Kuta without mentioning Jiang Nan.
When I crave steamed dumplings or fresh noodles, I don't even think. Everything is excellent and it's the kind of restaurant where you always order too much so you can try several dishes.
Every time I go there, the place is packed. Remember to book, especially in high season.
Elamu Greek Home Cooking
There's always a time during the holidays when I crave Mediterranean food. That's when I head to Elamu.
I love ordering several mezze to share, a well-filled pita, and taking my time. The products are fresh, the cuisine is generous, and the atmosphere makes you want to extend the meal.
🪩 Going out in Kuta Lombok
Days often start very early in Lombok. Between sunrise surf sessions, walks, and sunsets, you might think everyone goes to bed at 9 PM... and yet.
If you still have energy after dinner, here's where I most often end the evening.
Surfers Bar
Surfers Bar is the hangout for surfers, locals, and travelers. You dance barefoot in the sand, there are regularly DJ sets or live concerts, and the atmosphere lasts all night long.
A little tip: between two Bintangs, keep an eye on your belongings; thefts are unfortunately not uncommon.
Brothers Chill Out Bar
If you're looking for a quieter atmosphere than Surfers Bar, head to Brothers.
People mostly come to have a drink, listen to a live band, and chat without having to shout. The atmosphere is relaxed, regulars easily mingle with travelers, and it's the kind of place where you leave much later than planned!
Mad Monkey
If you're looking for a more festive evening, this is the place to be.
The atmosphere is much more international, with a clientele of backpackers from all over the world. There are regularly theme nights, DJs, and games organized by the hostel. Even if you're not staying there, you can still come have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
Personally, I prefer the Surfers Bar, which is more local and authentic, but Mad Monkey remains a good option if you're looking for a very lively evening and want to meet new people.
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Frequently asked questions about Kuta Lombok
How many days to spend in Kuta Lombok?
I recommend staying at least 5 days. If you surf, a week is ideal. This will give you time to enjoy the beaches, explore the surroundings, and not feel rushed.
Do you need to rent a scooter?
Yes, in my opinion, it's essential. The most beautiful beaches, cafes, or some restaurants are sometimes several kilometers from the center. The roads are in decent condition around Kuta, but if you're not comfortable on a scooter, it's better to hire a driver than take risks.
What is the best time to go to Kuta Lombok?
I usually go in May and September, and these are two periods I highly recommend. The weather is generally sunny, temperatures are pleasant, and there are slightly fewer crowds than in the middle of summer.
Can you pay by credit card?
Yes, most cafes, restaurants, hotels, and shops accept credit cards, and some are even cash free. I still always keep some cash on me, especially for small shops, some warungs, or beach parking lots.
Where to withdraw money in Kuta Lombok?
You will easily find several ATM machines in the center of Kuta.
Is Kuta Lombok a safe destination?
I've always felt perfectly safe there, even when traveling alone. What strikes me on every trip is above all the hospitality of the Indonesians. I have always found them incredibly kind, willing to help, and deeply respectful.
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If you enjoyed discovering Kuta Lombok, you might also like to discover what goes on behind the scenes at Soré.
Discover behind the scenes of how my accessories are made in Indonesia and India, the workshops I collaborate with, and the history of bendang, these traditional fabrics to which we give a second life.