Kuta (Lombok)
From Wikitravel
Contents
Kuta is a town in the south of the island of Lombok in Indonesia.
[edit] Understand
The scenery is spectacular, with cliffs and mountains reaching the coast creating jugged and awe inspiring landscapes and views. The beaches are also some of the best in Indonesia, with pristine white sand and transparent blue greens in the water. Kuta has some of the best surfing in the world, so naturally many of the tourists are surfers.
But Kuta also has a wide variety of accommodations and restaurants for back packers to wealthy travelers. So many travelers come to Kuta just to unwind, relax on the beach, rent a motorcycle, read a book or take a nap in the afternoon.
The village of Kuta provides all the basic necessities for a traveler, such as toiletries, tropical clothing,souvenirs, fruits and bottled water. However, closest place where you can buy pharmacy supplies, luggage, develop photos, and make travel reservations is in the city of Praya. Praya is also the nearest place with a bank and ATM machine to take local money. Praya is approximately 30 km from Kuta. If you hire a driver for a day tour of the area, the driver can arrange to pass through Praya. Alternatively, Praya can be reached via local public transport. The trip is about an hour ride so prudent travelers bring enough local currency for their stay.
[edit] Get in
[edit] From Bali
There are many shuttle bus companies which have scheduled transport from Bali. Expect to pay around Rp. 150,000 per person (one way) from main Bali departure centers such as Kuta or Ubud. The price will include the ferry and connecting shuttles. The popular Perama[1] bus company and will charge only an additional Rp. 10,000 per surfboard. The one-way trip by bus and ferry usually requires more than 12 hours of travel to reach Kuta. It is a slow, but inexpensive and comfortable way to travel if that fits your style.
[edit] From Lembar or Mataram airport
From the airport, a special desk has been established to purchase a taxi voucher to set locations throughout Lombok. The taxi fare from the airport to Kuta is approximately Rp 150,000.
From Lembar the price to Kuta must be negotiated in advance, or you may insist the taxi driver uses a meter. Competition is fierce and porters will often place your luggage in a taxi prior to settling the price. Assertive behavior can insure you choose the taxi and the price the suits your needs.
[edit] Get around
In the village of Kuta, all local facilities are within a reasonable walking distance.
A complete, but complex, public transport system runs throughout all of Lombok. The standard mode of public transportation is the bemo, a small, covered, pick-up truck, with narrow benches.
The bemo is designed to transport local people; tourists will find them confusing and difficult to use. Public transport is not recommended for the uninitiated traveler, especially if traveling with luggage (ie, surfboards) and unable to speak Bahasa Indonesia. To reach almost any destination requires several transfers. True backpackers wishing to save money by conquering the bemo system should carefully get advise about the route in advance and write down the name of the destination to show the driver. Expect numerous stops, transfers, and sometimes very crowded conditions. Traveling on a bemo is certainly one way to experience local culture.
The most efficient way to get around is by renting a local driver with comfortable cars. They are readily available at most hotels to transport you around the island at the rate of Rp 300,000 per day (valid 7/2009).
If you wish to explore the area surrounding Kuta (ie, South Lombok), the preferred way is by motorcycle. Motorcycles can be rented at rates of about Rp 50,000 per day, without petrol. Insist the bike be in new condition, then carefully inspect and make note of the bike for scratches, dings, etc.(ask for a surfboard rack if desired). Never give your passport as security to rent the bike.
[edit][add listing] See
Around Kuta there are some tremendous beautiful beaches. Kuta offers you the private white beaches you have seen on travel posters and always dreamed of experiencing.
Most of Kuta retains its natural character as a typical fishing village. The local people live in housing clusters (called kampungs) and are largely unaffected by tourist activity. Travelers can walk along dirt roads and see the normal day's activities by the villagers. Food is cooked over a wood fire; the children live a carefree life of playing on the beach, climbing trees, etc. The people are exceptionally friendly to foreigners. Although most do not speak English, they will often welcome you onto their porch for glass of local Lombok coffee.
[edit][add listing] Do
[edit] Surfing
Kuta is a surfers Mecca, with world class shore, reef and point breaks along the coast. Personal transport is the best way (if only way) to access the surfing spots. Since there have been reports of thefts in Southern Lombok, you should expect to pay a few thousand Rupiah to a local to guard your bike during your time in the water. Board can be hired at the Kimen surf shop [2] in Kuta town, or at the Gerupuk village.
Popular surf breaks around Kuta:
- Seger reef: the closest break to Kuta village, Seger provides a heavy right hander and is excellent under most conditions. It's a popular spot during the afternoon tide shift, and especially after the big rains in the wet season. Ride past the Novotel, then turn right after the small bridge and continue taking right turns until the road becomes unsealed. There is free parking at the very end, with a small hill that onlookers can climb for a phenomenal view of the surroundings.
- Air Guling: Air Guling is a beach to the West of Kuta village. The break is a fair paddle from shore, and is a strong right hander, which can become very hollow during a large swell. Continue West from Kuta, up the mountain and over the other side. There is a view of the beach when coming down, and don't be deceived when the road swerves away from the coast. Eventually on the left there will be an unsealed dirt road which can be very difficult to handle (unadvisable to ride when wet). Continue the road to the beach, and pay Rp 3,000 to watch your bike.
- Gerupuk: The most popular break in Kuta. There are two main breaks here, although some others pop up in the right conditions. You need to hire a boatman from the village to access the breaks (Rp 50,000 for 1 person, Rp 25,000 per person for 2-3, and Rp 20,000 each for more). The boat will wait 2-3 hours while you surf. To get here, take a ride East for 7km (about 10-15 min), and pay the Rp 1,000 parking fee.
- Inside Gerupuk: Insides is located in a sheltered bay and is good for beginners. The floor is a soft reef bed which doesn't cause much damage. The wave breaks both left and right here, and can get busy.
- Outside Gerupuk: Cannot be seen from the village, it's a short boat ride away. Outsides is generally the most reliable bet for a surf - there is nearly always something to surf here (even in low swell conditions). The wave is a right hander and can be quite heavy.
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
Most of the Hotels and Bungalows served breakfast which is included on their room rates. Kuta beach area restaurant has many option of food, most of the restaurant served Indonesia, European and international cuisine.
- Astari Cafe.. located on the hill with most fantastic view along the south coast. Relax and enjoy daily fresh menu, It's great place for vegetarian.
- Cafe Cherry.. a simple sort of cafe offers you main Indo's and western food, sea food on order ,such Lobster and prawn.
- Ocean Life Cafe.. A bamboo and wooden cafe, gives you a bit of option in the Menu they offer and only local shop for your choice of imported drink and wines.
- Family Cafe.. a cafe with space, Enjoy and select your favorite sea food, western food, chinese and Sasak food (Lombok food).
- Stella Cafe .. a simple cafe with boutique gives you different atmosphere, daily food menu, sea food on order.
- Bong's Cafe.. wooden oven pizza and tacos for a different taste in this area.
- Purnama Cafe.. maybe another a simple cafe to enjoy your meal...
- Cafe Seger.. A skillful lady chef offers a tasted Sasak food just next to beach view, best fish in Kuta.
[edit] Local Food
- Warung Melati.. Good Indo food in a real beach side warung.
- Alang-alang Cafe.. cafe's on the beach with berugak (small, open sitting area with grass roof).
- Warung Murah Meriah.. Run by local couple with Indo's selected food.
[edit][add listing] Drink
- Riviera Cafe.. Food and beverages offered with live acoustic every Wednesday night...
- The Shore Bar..[3] the only real bar in town, cold beer, cocktails, a talented local band will entertain you on Saturday night, other night disco DJ show.
- Warung Bule. A simple cosy place which faces the sea. Run by a local man, with a selection of Western and Sasak food. Highly recommend the Ayam Taliwang (might be a little spicy). edit
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Budget
- Anda Restaurant & Cottages the best food in town
- Pondok Sekar Kuning
- Cockato Kuta
- Pondok Rinjani Agung
- Seger Reef Homestay
[edit] Mid-range
- Anda Restaurant & Cottages . Local owned hotel, however situated on the wrong side of the town.
- Hideaway Bungalow, [4] Kuta Lombok, South Lombok, tel. +62-370-655270. E-mail support@explore-lombok. A single, private bungalow located close to town, on a large lot, gated, and right on Kuta Beach. Built in the traditional local style of bamboo walls and grass roof - it offers first class interior amenities, including a super-king sized bed, hot water and air conditioning. The bungalow is a short walk to surf shops, restaurants and shopping. Rates: US$15/night, with discounts for extended stay booking. Perfect for honeymooners and eco-tourism.
[edit] Splurge
- Novotel Lombok, [5] Mandalika Resort Pantai Putri Nyale Pujut, Central Lombok, tel. +62-370-653333, Fax +62-370-653555. Formerly Novotel Coralia, this is the best hotel on the south coast & friendly for travelling with children - with interesting swimming pool design, good playing and sport areas for kids. The resort is located near Kuta, approx. 1h drive from Mataram. Rates: US$66-77/night.
[edit] Get out
Transport to/from Lembar, the port for connecting ferries to Padangbai in Bali, costs Rp. 60,000. From further North, prices from Senggigi and the Gili islands should be Rp. 100,000 and Rp. 150,000 respectively.
Airplane travel from Lombok to Bali is the same as the "Get in" section described above. Flights can also be booked to other large Indonesian cities (Jakarta, Sumbawa, etc.). Silk Air flies the only non-stop flight to Singapore. Virtual all inter-island airline travel departs from Bali.
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