Kuta Lombok Indonesia, Lombok a Sister of Bali Island
Kuta Lombok Indonesia also has a wide variety of accommodations and restaurants for back packers to wealthy travelers. Many people come to Kuta just to unwind, lie on the beach, rent a motorcycle to look around or just relax reading a book or taking a nap in the afternoon.
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 villagers going about their normal daily activities. Food is usually cooked over a wood fire and the children live a carefree life of playing on the beach and climbing trees. The people are exceptionally friendly to foreigners. Although most do not speak English, they will often welcome you onto their beruga (porch) for a glass of local Lombok coffee.
Get in
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 bus company 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.
From Lembar
From Lembar the price to Kuta must be negotiated in advance. Competition is fierce and porters will often place your luggage in a taxi prior to settling the price. If using a taxi you should ensure that the driver uses the meter. Assertive behavior can ensure you choose the type of transport and price that suits your needs. The taxi fare from Lembar to Kuta should be around Rp 250,000. If using a hired car ensure that the price is clearly defined before you enter the vehicle and depart. Perama will also run this route if there are two of more passengers booked beforehand (Rp 125,000 per person). The Perama bus will be waiting for you when you get off the boat in Lembar Harbour.
From Mataram airport
A special desk at the airport has been established to purchase a taxi voucher to set locations throughout Lombok. The fixed Airport taksi fare from the airport to Kuta or Tanjung A'an is Rp 225,000. The travel time is a little more than an hour.
Beaches
Around Kuta there are some beautiful beaches. Kuta offers you the private white beaches you have seen on travel posters and always dreamed of experiencing. There are six main beaches in and around Kuta:
- Kuta Beach, Kuta village. This is where most of the accommodations and restaurants are located.
- Pantai Putri Nyale (Novotel Beach), (about 3km east of Kuta Beach). This is where the Novotel Lombok is located. It's a beautiful beach, but at low tide it gets almost completely dry and is no longer suited for swimming.
- Pantai Seger (Seger Beach), (about 3.5km east of Kuta Beach). Beach suited for surfing, not for swimming because of the very strong currents. There are some drink stalls. Climb the hill here to watch the sunset.
- Tanjung A'an, (about 7km east of Kuta Beach). Tanjung A'an comprises of two white sand bays, A'an to the west and Pedau to the east, separated by a rocky outcrop. Smooth turquoise waters offer safe swimming and snorkeling. The only facilities are a few drinks stalls.
- Mawun, (about 8km west of Kuta Beach). Mawun beach is a secluded half-moon bay with crystal clear water and pristine sand. There's one big tree where people congregate in the shade. An awesome place for relaxing, save swimming and surfing. The only facilities are a few drinks stalls.
- Selong Belanak, (about 12km west of Kuta Beach, about 6km over the steep hill). Beautiful bay bordered by two rocky promontories. Nearby is a surf beach called Mawi.
Sleep
Kuta has a good range of accomodation from cheap and slightly shabby huts all the way up to the 4* Novotel. Most accommodation is located along the beach strip. Listed prices for budget and mid-range accommodation can change by a factor of 100% depending on the season. Even within one hotel complex the price of rooms can vary greatly depending on amenities, such as air conditioning, hot water and a television. The prices listed are only provided as a guide. In low season, you can bargain for discounted rates, in high season you may be thankful to get a room for any price. Call or check the hotel website directly for availability and/or reservations. Third party reservation agents are sometimes not reliable.
Source : http://wikitravel.org/en/Kuta_%28Lombok%29