Kuta Lombok 1-day itinerary

Start early at Tanjung Aan, 5km east of Kuta — a double bay of pure white sand with unusually round, pepper-grain-shaped sand grains found nowhere else in Indonesia. The bay is sheltered and the water turquoise and calm, ideal for a morning swim. Then ride 15 minutes west to Selong Belanak, a long crescent of soft sand with gentle surf that makes it the best beginner surfing beach in Lombok. Board rental is 50,000 IDR/hour and local instructors offer lessons for 200,000 IDR.

Explore Kuta village — a small, still-developing town that feels like Bali 30 years ago. Walk the main street with its surf shops, warungs (small restaurants), and yoga studios. After lunch (nasi campur for 25,000 IDR at a local warung), ride to Merese Hill east of Tanjung Aan. A short hike up the grassy headland rewards you with a sweeping 360-degree panorama — Tanjung Aan's turquoise bays to the west, the wild south coast stretching east, and the open Indian Ocean to the south.

Watch the sunset from Kuta Beach itself — the main beach right in town faces south-southwest and catches golden evening light. Afterwards, eat at one of the beachside warungs where fresh grilled fish, squid, and prawns are served with sambal matah (raw shallot and lemongrass sambal) and steamed rice for 40,000–70,000 IDR. El Bazar is a popular spot for travellers with excellent smoothie bowls, while Warung Bule serves authentic Sasak food at local prices.