The surf town that Bali used to be — Kuta Lombok's crescent beach, long swells, and a handful of beach bars running until midnight make it the quieter southern island alternative.
Kuta Lombok occupies a curved bay on the south coast of Lombok, 36km from Mataram by road, with a surf break that attracts intermediate and advanced surfers from April through October when the swells from the Indian Ocean arrive consistently. The town has developed slowly compared to Bali's south coast: a main road, a beach strip, and a cluster of hostels and guesthouses concentrated within 1km of the sea. The evening scene runs on a small number of beach bars — Melon Beach Bar, Arya Bar, and the terrace at Tastes of Italy among them — rather than clubs. DJ sets on Saturday nights run until midnight or 1am. Bonfires on the beach are the more common alternative to a sound system.
The monthly full moon gatherings at Kuta Lombok's main beach have built a modest reputation on the backpacker circuit between Bali and the Gili Islands. They are informal — a sound system, fire spinners hired for the night, and the beach bar staying open late — rather than organised events. The crowd is a mix of surfers who have been in the water all day, travellers passing between Bali and Lombok on the ferry, and a small contingent of longer-stay visitors attracted by the relative quiet. Bintang beer from the beachside warung costs IDR 25,000–35,000. The nearest ATM with reliable connectivity is on Jalan Pariwisata, 400 metres from the beach.
Party hostels within reach of 's main celebrations. Ranked by guest rating.
Day-by-day breakdown
The main Kuta beach break is a right-hander suitable for intermediate surfers. Surf hire from Kimen Surf or the guesthouses along Jalan Pariwisata costs IDR 50,000–80,000 per day. The beaches east of Kuta — Seger Beach (2km) and Tanjung Aan (6km) — are significantly more beautiful and less developed; the crescent bay at Tanjung Aan has green water over a white sand floor. A scooter hire costs IDR 60,000–80,000 per day and is the only practical way to reach the eastern beaches.
The beach bars along Kuta's main strip open from around 4pm. Sunset is best from the western end of the beach where the headland frames it. Melon Beach Bar is the most consistent for music and a social atmosphere; the terrace has bean bags and low tables facing the sea. On Saturday nights and full moon nights, a sound system and fire spinners run from 9pm. The whole scene winds down by 1am most nights. There are no taxis — everyone walks.
Getting to Kuta Lombok Beach Party Scene from Bali