The sights
Kuta beach and Mandalika
Kuta’s own bay is broad and shallow, framed by rocky hills, with a landscaped promenade and the oversized “Kuta Mandalika” sign. The sand is curious — coarse, round grains like peppercorns. It is better for a stroll and a sunset drink than for swimming.
ℹ️ Free. Walkable from anywhere in town. Persistent child bracelet-sellers are common; a kind, firm refusal is best.
Tanjung Aan
Two bays divided by a rocky point. One has fine white powder, the other the same peppercorn sand as Kuta, and both have clear, calm, turquoise water protected by an offshore reef. Simple warungs rent loungers and serve fresh coconuts.
ℹ️ About 15 minutes east of Kuta. Small parking fee. Shade is limited — bring a hat. Combine with Bukit Merese next door.
Bukit Merese
A rolling, grass-covered headland between Tanjung Aan and the open ocean. A ten-minute walk from the car park brings you to the crest, with cliffs to the south, bays on either side and grazing cattle for company. At sunset half of Kuta is up here.
ℹ️ Free; small parking fee. Go an hour before sunset. No railings on the cliff edge — mind children.
Selong Belanak
A long, even crescent of pale sand with a small river mouth, fishing boats at one end and a line of board-rental shacks along the back. The waves break gently over sand, ideal for beginners. Late in the day a herd of water buffalo is often driven along the beach.
ℹ️ About 30–40 minutes west of Kuta. Parking fee; board rental and lessons on the spot. Best surf for learners around mid-tide.
Mawun
A near-circular bay enclosed by two green headlands, with deep blue water and a steeply shelving beach. It is quiet even in high season. The shore break can be strong and the bottom drops away quickly, so swim with care.
ℹ️ About 20 minutes west of Kuta. Parking fee; a few warungs with shade and cold drinks.
Sade and Ende villages
Two Sasak hamlets on the road from the airport, kept in traditional form: houses of bamboo and thatch with floors of clay polished with buffalo dung, and tall bonnet-shaped rice barns, the lumbung that is Lombok’s emblem. Residents guide visitors round and sell handwoven cloth.
ℹ️ Sade is about 15 minutes north of Kuta. Entry by donation and guide tip. Allow 45 minutes. It is touristy; Ende is usually a little calmer.
Sukarara weaving village
Central Lombok’s weaving centre, where women work backstrap looms on their verandas, producing songket shot with gold and silver thread. Cooperatives let you try the loom and explain the patterns, each of which belongs to a particular occasion.
ℹ️ About 40 minutes north of Kuta, near Praya. Free to visit; cloth for sale at a wide range of prices. Allow 45 minutes.
