Kuta Beach Surfing
The
fabulous south coast of Lombok, with sweeping bays and craggy headlands
protected from
the full force of the Indian Ocean swells by colourful coral reefs, finds its
most 'urban' expression in the little community of Kuta (or Kute: this side of
the Wallace Line the spelling is optional), around 30 kilometres south of Praya
in the Central Lombok lowlands.
It is the major centre of tourism development on the south coast, but
still a
sleepy place of only a few permanent residents. It's a great place for
Lombok-made clothing and artefacts. And it is also the base for
exploring Lombok's southern beaches and the many points of interest
in the region.
An
easy 90-minute drive from Senggigi, Kuta makes for a wonderful day trip from
other points in Lombok, or indeed an
alternative holiday destination for sun lovers. The four-star Novotel Lombok is
there to provide a definitive range of creature comforts.
Kuta and the surrounding region also has an international reputation for some
of the best surfing destinations in South-East Asia and it is here that the
Indian Ocean's regular big swells form great surf breaks and offer fantastic
vistas of cliffs, headlands and beaches carved out of the southern coastline.
Driving
down to the south coast, you pass through small farming villages and notice the
different geography of this part of the island.
The north is more lush and green, with mountain ranges to catch the clouds and
trap the rain, whereas the south is much drier, with smaller mountains and
large areas of flat land.
Fields of tobacco, corn and peanuts line the roadsides and farmers till the
fields using ploughs pulled by large water buffalo.
Just
before arriving in Kuta (the final section is through coastal hill country that
abounds with Lombok's east-of-the-Wallace Line
wildlife), the road passes two traditional Sasak villages, Sade and Rambitan.
On the east side of the road is Rambitan, a village that caters to tourists and
has authentic clusters of thatched lumbungs, traditional rice barns. On the
west side of the road is Sade, an authentic hilltop village with the oldest
mosque in Lombok, Mesjid Kuno.
Both
villages are interesting examples of traditional Sasak architecture and
communal living within the compounds, where life continues as it has for
centuries.
Residents, who act as guides for a small fee, encourage walks through either of
these villages and are happy to share their lifestyles with visitors.
The south coast itself provides plenty of opportunities for exploring beaches
and coastal scenery of breathtaking beauty.
Surfers
congregate in Kuta to be near the great surfing spots in the region. It is easy
to hire a board and surf guide from here to learn surfing or, for experienced
surfers, to access the more challenging surf breaks in the area.
There is a good variety of hotels and restaurants for all budgets in Kuta to
make a stay enjoyable.
Steeped in history and legend, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit,
whether your interests are historical, cultural, or just for the opportunity to
see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
Here some surfing point in kuta area you should visit.
Desert Point | Belongas | Mawi | Mawun | Air Guling | Kuta Segar | Aan Gerupuk | Ekas | Labuhan Haji
