Ahoy, our next Lombok adventure is Kuta Beach, Lombok. Initially, we planned to embark on a journey to Komodo Island. However, Lapore who has sea-sickness cannot live aboard for 3 consecutive days. The plan was then changed to Kuta Beach, Lombok for god knows how long.
After we split from the group, we took a yellow van to Kuta Beach, Lombok for which we paid IDR50,000.00 each. We took what seemed to us, a village road before we entered proper highway leading to the new international airport of Lombok. Then, we were back on the bumpy road. Later, it occurred to us that the driver did not know where Kuta Beach was as he continuously stopped and asked for directions.
As we trudged through the village road, it was pretty much alive even at 1p.m. Kids were playing just by the road side, sometimes on the elevated bamboo hut watching the vehicles passing by. The daring daredevils would cross the road at their whims and fancies. In fact, there was one time when my heart stopped beating for seconds as one teenager suddenly ran and slept on the road while our van was approaching him. Close escape as the van driver had to manoeuvre the van to the other lane. To me, it was not bravery. It was plain stupidity.
Again, half built mosques lined the road and this question of why most mosques were built half way is still left unanswered.
I also saw Cidomo, the horse cart used by the local as a means of transportation. Alongside the road, women walked head up with carriers on top her head.
And a bright coloured pick up with people seating on top of it! It was a shot rarely seen in Indonesia, but common in India.
Finally, we reached Kuta Beach, Lombok at 2.00pm. Scorching hot sun, white sand, turquoise sea water, and abandoned beach were what welcomed us in Kuta Beach, Lombok. There was no one on the beach, except, kids selling bangles and necklaces and salesmen and saleswomen pushing us to buy their products. Apart from us, we did not see any tourists when we first arrived.
The sun was unbearable we decided to hunt for room. The first few that we walked in were way beyond our budget. The next cottage, Segare Anak Bungalow & Restaurant was within our budget. The cheapest room was the standard fan room – IDR120,000.00 per room. Standard AC room at IDR250,000.00. And cottage at IDR150,000.00 per room. I did the usual room inspection and endorsed the stay. We settled in for the standard fan room – suited us well as backpackers.
As my friends were fast asleep in the rooms, I sneaked out in search of a book to read. I ended up soaking in the sun while walking past the bamboo shops. Then, I stopped by the tourism centre inquiring the Kuta’s famous activity, surfing.
Lombok has been the ideal surfing destination apart from Mentawai Island and Bali. Although it is isolated, it has been the target of Australian surfers who regard Bali as a mere starting point to something more rewarding. Lombok has arguably the best left hand wave at Dessert Point or Bangko-bangko.
Near the Kuta Beach area (Lombok, not Bali), there are good surf locations athough a good left but not at low tide. The locals prefer Mawun and Gerupuk. Gerupuk is a right and left. However, Gerupuk is only accessible by boat.
As for snorkelling, it has been advised that Tanjung Aan and Mawun are the best place. However, when we reached Tanjung Aan the next day, the horse shoe bay was deserted, not even a human life was seen. It is advisable to arrange snorkelling trip with your guesthouse in advance.
Surfing lesson is not recommended if you do not know how to swim. That’s pretty much the requisite of surfing activity.
We went to Tanjung Aan the next morning. A horse shoe bay with a stunning view. Secluded and deserted. And again, we had the beach to ourselves. After breathing the fresh air, we quickly returned to Segare Anak Restaurant & Bungalow for breakfast. We packed our bags and said sayonara Lombok, till we meet again!
Shopping tips:- Please please buy the batik and shirt at the bamboo shops near Kuta Beach. Once you reach Mataram, the prices double up.