Kuta Lombok travel guide: surf, beaches and where to stay

Kuta Lombok, not to be confused with its louder namesake in Bali, is the relaxed capital of southern Lombok's surf coast. A few years ago it was a sleepy village; today it is a growing hub of boutique stays, cafes and surf camps, still wrapped around some of the most beautiful bays in Indonesia. The beaches. Kuta sits at the centre of a string of wide, pale-sand bays. Tanjung Aan, with its soft sand and calm water, is the postcard; Selong Belanak is a long, gentle crescent perfect for beginners; Mawun, Seger and Tampah reward a short drive with space and quiet. The Mandalika area, with its MotoGP circuit, has brought new roads and development to the east. The surf. This is one of Indonesia's best surf regions, and the breaks are graded for every level. Selong Belanak is the classic beginner beach; Gerupuk Bay, reached by boat, has several breaks from mellow to punchy; Ekas and Mawi step things up for intermediate and advanced surfers. Lessons, board rental and surf camps are easy to arrange in town. Where to stay. Kuta town has the most options, from guesthouses and surf camps to a handful of design-led boutique hotels, within walking distance of cafes and the beach. For more seclusion, the bays to the west and east have quieter resorts and villas, though you will want transport. Getting around. The town is walkable, but the best beaches are spread along the coast, so rent a scooter if you are confident or arrange a driver. Roads have improved a lot but can still be rough off the main routes. Practicalities. Kuta is far quieter and cheaper than southern Bali, with a slower build of nightlife, more beach bars and live music than clubs. Bring cash, take the sun seriously, and give yourself longer than you think; most people who come to Kuta Lombok end up staying longer.