Things to Do in Kuta Lombok (What’s Actually Worth Your Time)
After spending a month in Bali for my 300-hour yoga teacher training, all I wanted was rest. That’s exactly what I found in Kuta. No, not the one in Bali. But Kuta in Lombok.
Kuta isn’t quiet because there’s nothing to do. It’s quiet because nothing is pushed on you. No tour buses. No crowded viewpoints. No pressure to fill your days.
Days here are slow. I rode my motorbike without crazy traffic, swam at quiet beaches, and watched sunsets without squeezing into a crowd. It felt like Bali did when I first visited over ten years ago, before everything sped up.
I spent four days in Kuta, and if I didn’t already have plans in Gili Air, I would’ve stayed longer.
I didn’t try to do everything and that’s the point. This guide covers the best things to do in Kuta Lombok that actually mattered to me. Quiet mornings at Tanjung Aan. Yoga without distractions. Sunset walks. And the underrated art of doing nothing.
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1. Relax at Tanjung Aan Beach
If you only do one thing in Kuta Lombok, make it a visit to Tanjung Aan. I loved this beach so much that I stopped looking for others. I just kept coming back.
The sand is incredibly soft, even under shallow water. The water stays clear all day. The waves are gentle. The depth increases slowly, which makes swimming easy even if you are not confident in the water.
The beach stretches wide, so it never feels crowded. Most people you see are locals. Lombok is a Muslim region, and many locals relax near the rock formations instead of swimming. You will notice this especially on the far right side near the second parking area close to Bukit Merese.
You do not need perfect timing here. I visited in the morning, midday, and late afternoon. It was never busy. Plan at least half a day. Go early for softer light or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Pair it with Bukit Merese for sunset.
This is one of the most grounding things to do in Kuta Lombok.
2. Watch Sunset from Bukit Merese
I went back to Bukit Merese more than once. Sunrise. Sunset. Long walks in between.
The hill is wide and open, so people spread out easily. It never felt crowded. Instead of rushing up for sunset, take your time. Walk along the ridges. Look down at the changing colors of Tanjung Aan from above.
You can even walk down to a small hidden beach. On some days, you will see water buffalo grazing and hear the soft sound of their bells drifting up the hill. It’s one of those things to do in Kuta Lombok that feels special every time, no matter how often you come back.
I spent my birthday here with a journal. I wrote slowly while watching the ocean stretch endlessly in front of me. Birds flew low over the cliffs. The moment felt simple and complete.
From Tanjung Aan, the walk up is short and manageable.
3. Rent a Motorbike and Explore the South Coast
For me, this is the best way to experience Kuta Lombok.
The roads are wide. Traffic is light. Drivers are calm. The scenery changes constantly. Beaches sit far apart, so a motorbike gives you real freedom.
I can ride a motorbike, but I’d never do it in Bali. In Kuta, I felt safe and relaxed. Rentals cost around 100,000 IDR per day. You can pay less if you rent for several days. No deposit. No passport held. Just make sure you get a helmet.
My favorite routine was riding after yoga and breakfast from Mana Eco Resort to Tanjung Aan. Quiet roads. Morning air. No rush. This alone made the trip worth it.
If you don’t feel great about renting from a random shop, you can always check out BikesBooking.com. I trust it and use it myself when I want everything arranged in advance.
4. Go Paragliding Over the Coast
Seeing Kuta from above changes everything.
This was my first paragliding experience, and I am glad I did it here. The drive to the takeoff point already gives you sweeping views of Kuta and the surrounding coastline. Once in the air, you glide above forests, rice fields, and beaches.
I booked a private paragliding tour, and it was worth it. The experience included transportation, a visit to Selong Belanak, and a sunset stop. It removed the stress of navigating roads I did not feel confident driving myself.
Pro Tip: Sunset is the best time for paragliding. The light is softer. The colors are deeper. The wind conditions are better. Because the tour is private, you can request a later time and coordinate with the instructors.
This is one of the most memorable things to do around Kuta Lombok.
5. Spend a Morning at Selong Belanak Beach
I visited Selong Belanak in the afternoon, and it was too hot. We left early. Still, I could see why mornings work better here.
The bay curves gently, with long stretches of sand and calm water. Traditional fishing boats line the shore. Kids play near the water. The setting feels local and lived in.
This beach is known for beginner surfing. The waves roll in slowly and evenly. Even if you do not surf, mornings are ideal for walking, watching daily life, and enjoying the cooler air.
If you go, aim for early morning. It changes the entire experience.
6. Eat at Local Warungs in Kuta Lombok
Do this at least once.
Kuta Lombok still has real warungs. Simple places. Plastic chairs. Local dishes. No forced aesthetics.
In Bali, many warungs have been redesigned for tourists. Here, they still serve everyday Indonesian food at fair prices.
My favorite was Warung Selow, a short walk from Mana. Order the curry. Eat slowly. Stay longer than planned.
This is an easy and authentic answer to what to do in Kuta Lombok when you are not at the beach.
7. Stay at an Eco-Resort and Do Almost Nothing
This may sound ironic, but doing nothing is one of the best things to do in Kuta Lombok.
Many people travel to islands to rest. Then they rush through activities. Kuta invites you to do the opposite.
Choose the right place to stay. I stayed at Mana Eco Resort and did not regret it for a second. Breakfast was included.
The caramelized banana porridge and chocolate smoothie were daily favorites. Yoga classes ran every day. Pools stayed quiet. Even the outdoor bathtub felt private.
Doing less allowed me to feel more. More present. More rested. More connected. I felt something similar in quieter places like Munduk in northern Bali, where the pace naturally slows you down.
This is slow travel at its best.
8. Do Yoga in Kuta Lombok
Bali is famous for yoga. Kuta Lombok feels more honest.
In Bali, studios often feel rushed. Classes turn into content. People arrive late and leave fast. Cameras come out.
In Kuta, people arrive calm. They stay grounded. No one films. No one rushes. You can feel that people are there to practice.
My stay at Mana included unlimited yoga, and the experience felt genuine. I also heard good things about Ashtari Yoga and Rascals Yoga if you want to explore other studios.
Yoga here supports the slower rhythm of the place.
Other Things Worth Doing in Kuta Lombok If You Have More Time
Sade Village
If you are curious about local culture, Sade Village is an easy add on. You can walk around on your own without anyone pushing you to hire a guide.
The houses are interesting to see, but it is more meaningful if you get a guide to explain how people live there. Nice to visit, but I would not go out of my way for it.
Mawun Beach
This is a pretty, quiet cove surrounded by hills. The water is usually calm, so it is good for an easy swim or just floating around. It feels more low key than Tanjung Aan, but there is less going on, so bring snacks and water.
If you’re up for exploring Lombok’s hidden beaches, you can join a guided tour to places like Tomang Omang, Semeti, and Mawun, and just soak in how peaceful and untouched they are.
Surfing lessons
If you’ve ever thought about trying to surf, this is a good place to do it — especially if Uluwatu felt a bit intense your first time.
Several nearby beaches are beginner friendly, with gentle waves and sandy bottoms. Even a short lesson can be fun and low pressure.
Pink Beach Lombok
The sand really is pink, and it looks awesome in photos. It’s quite a long day trip from Kuta Lombok, though, so I’d only add this to your plans if you have some extra time and don’t mind a lot of driving.
If you do, booking the Pink Beach, Gili Petelu & Private Snorkeling Tour is the easiest way to see it all in one go.
Why Doing Less Is the Best Way to Experience Kuta Lombok
Kuta Lombok isn’t the kind of place where rushing makes sense. It’s better when you stay a little longer at the same beach. When you ride the same road twice just because you liked it the first time. When you let a morning unfold without a plan and realize… you actually don’t need one.
The best things to do in Kuta Lombok aren’t about checking boxes. They’re about doing less and being fully there for it. Swimming when the water feels right. Walking up the same hill for sunset because yesterday was already perfect. Saying no to all the “shoulds” and yes to rest.
If Bali has started to feel loud, crowded, or a bit performative, Kuta Lombok feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s quieter. Slower. More honest. The kind of place where you can settle into your body again and remember why you love traveling in the first place.
If that’s the kind of trip you’re craving, this is a place worth lingering in. And once you’re there, the best advice I can give you is simple: don’t try to do it all.
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