Kuta, on Lombok’s south coast, is nothing like its namesake on Bali. Once a sleepy surf village, it is now the gateway to the Mandalika tourism zone, home of the MotoGP circuit — but the coastline either side is still spectacular: headland after headland enclosing wide bays of white or pepper-grain sand.
Highlights include Tanjung Aan, a double bay with fine white sand and a hill for the view; Mawun and Selong Belanak, the latter a gentle beach where many people take their first surf lesson; and Merese Hill at sunset. On the way from the north you pass Sade, a traditional Sasak village of thatched houses.
Top things to do at Kuta Lombok & the South Coast
Beach-hop the south coast
Hire a driver or scooter and work your way along Tanjung Aan, Mawun and Selong Belanak — each bay has a slightly different character.
Learn to surf at Selong Belanak
Soft sand and gentle waves make it one of Indonesia’s best beginner beaches. Surf schools rent boards and give lessons on the beach.
Sunset on Merese Hill
A short walk up the grassy headland next to Tanjung Aan for one of Lombok’s best sunset views.
Visit Sade village
Guided visits show the Sasak houses, rice barns (lumbung) and weaving. A donation or buying a woven piece is expected.
How to get to Kuta Lombok & the South Coast
- From Gili Air: boat to Bangsal, then roughly 2.5–3 hours by car across the island. It is better as a place to move on to than as a day trip.
- From Lombok International Airport: only about 30 minutes — handy if you fly out of Lombok.
- As a tour: a private south coast and Sade tour combines the highlights with a driver.
Insider tips
- Kuta is a good last stop before flying out of Lombok International Airport (LOP), which is nearby.
- Children selling bracelets are common on the beaches; a polite no is fine.
- Some beaches charge a small parking or entry fee.
Best tours & tickets for Kuta Lombok & the South Coast
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Kuta Lombok & the South Coast from Gili Air:
Private tour from $75 per group Sade Village, Kuta Lombok, and South Coasts: Private Tour
Lombok’s south coast is a world away from the Gilis — dramatic headlands, surf and huge bays like Tanjung Aan. This private tour pairs it with Sade, a Sasak village of thatched houses. The price is per car for up to two people, which makes it good value for couples.
- Traditional Sasak houses in Sade village
- Kuta Lombok and the white-sand bays of the south coast
- Private car and driver-guide
Day trip from $41 Benang Stokel & Kelambu Waterfalls: Culture, Beach & Sunset
A full, well-reviewed day on Lombok that mixes the waterfalls of central Lombok with Sasak culture and a beach at the end of the day. A good alternative to Senaru if you have already been north.
- Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls
- Sasak weaving and village culture
- Beach and sunset stop
