From Wikitravel

Kuta is a town in the south of the island of Lombok in Indonesia. 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 Lombok, with pristine white sand and transparent blue greens in the water. Not many travellers find their way to Kuta if they aren't surfing.

There are very few facilities in Kuta, and the closest ATMs are in Praya, a one hour motorbike ride away, so bring enough cash for your stay.

[edit] Get in

Public transport in the South of Lombok is complex, and difficult to handle (especially when traveling with surfboards). True backpackers who like to conquer the bemo system should expect an incredibly convoluted route with numerous stops and bemo changes. It is far more convenient and comfortable to either use a public taxi. Once in Kuta, local drivers with comfortable cars will transport you around the island at the rate of Rp.300,000 per day (valid 7/2008).

[edit] From Bali

There are many shuttle bus companies which can organise transport from Bali. Expect to pay around Rp. 150,000 per person from main Bali centres 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.

A far more convenient and rapid way of reaching Lombok is via local airlines. Many airlines make the 20 minute hop from Bali to Lombok (airport near Mataram). In general, a flight leaves Bali once every hour or two, from early morning until late afternoon. Any travel agency will make a flight reservation up to the day before departure. Tickets can be purchased at the airport, but you may not get the flight you want and you will likely pay a higher price. One-way fare can cost between Rp350,000 to Rp500,000 per person. Luggage regulations and security inspections are seldom a problem.

[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.

Bemo (covered pick-up trucks with narrow seats) transportation is available throughout the island, however not recommended for the uninitiated, especially if traveling with luggage and unable to speak Bahasa Indonesia.

[edit] Get around

The only feasible way to get around in Kuta is by motorcycle. Rates are about Rp. 30,000 - 35,000 per day, without petrol. Insist for a brand new bike and ask for a surfboard rack attached).

[edit][add listing] See

Around Kuta there are some tremendous beautiful beaches. Kuta will offer you the private white beaches you always dreamed of.

[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 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

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Anda Restaurant & Cottages
• Pondok Sekar Kuning
• Cockato Kuta
• Pondok Rinjani Agung

[edit] Mid-range

• Anda Restaurant & Cottages

Local owned hotel, however situated on the wrong side of the town.

• Hideaway Bungalow at Jungle Bay [2]

A single, unique bungalow located right on the beach in the heart of Kuta. Built in a local Sasak style with grass roof and woven bamboo siding (pagar), it features full amenities and a super-King sized bed. Very private for one or two people. Rp.175,000 per night.

[edit] Splurge

• Novotel Coralia[3] Best hotel on the south coast.

[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 Sengiggi 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.

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!