The sights
Kuta beach and the Mandalika promenade
The town’s own bay has a long sweep of sand backed by a landscaped promenade, with headlands at each end. Swimming is possible in calm conditions; at sunset the whole town seems to come out.
ℹ️ Free. Facilities along the promenade. Watch for currents.
Tanjung Aan
A double bay east of Kuta with very fine, pale sand and clear turquoise water, sheltered by headlands. Boatmen offer rides to Batu Payung, a sea stack nearby.
ℹ️ About 15 minutes by scooter. Parking fee; sunbeds and warungs for rent.
Bukit Merese
A rolling grassy headland between Tanjung Aan and the circuit. From the top you see bay after bay, the islets offshore and, on clear days, Rinjani. It is Lombok’s favourite sunset spot.
ℹ️ Short uphill walk from the car park; small fee. Crowded at sunset; come early.
Pertamina Mandalika circuit
A 4.3-km street circuit winding between the hills and the sea, opened in 2021 and used for MotoGP, World Superbike and other events.
ℹ️ On race days tickets are sold through official channels; at other times the area can be seen from the roads and viewpoints around it.
Gerupuk bay
A fishing village on a deep bay with several surf breaks out on the reefs, reached by small boat. Even non-surfers enjoy the ride out and the views back to the hills.
ℹ️ About 20 minutes from Kuta. Boat to the breaks for a negotiated fee.
Seger beach
A small bay with a rocky headland and a statue of Princess Mandalika, the heroine of the Bau Nyale legend. Locals gather here before dawn on festival days to catch sea worms.
ℹ️ About 10 minutes from Kuta. Free or small parking fee.
