Surfing
Kuta is a surfers destination, with world class shore, reef and point breaks along the coast. Personal transport is the best way if not the only way to access the surfing spots. Since there have been reports of thefts in Southern Lombok, you should expect to pay a few thousand Rupiah to a local to guard your bike during your time in the water. Board can be hired in Kuta town or at the Gerupuk village.
Surfing can get busy, with locals and boatmen all joining in. Be aware that some locals can become aggressive following any mishaps in the surf, regardless of who is at fault. This is usually to cause intimidation (and demands for money) but can lead to physical threats. Stay respectful, handle any incidents calmly and fairly, and other locals will almost always look out for you.
Popular surf breaks around Kuta:
Seger reef: the closest break to Kuta village, Seger provides a heavy right hander and is excellent under most conditions. It's a popular spot during the afternoon tide shift, and especially after the big rains in the wet season. Ride past the Novotel, then turn right after the small bridge and continue taking right turns until the road becomes unsealed. There is free parking at the very end, with a small hill that onlookers can climb for a phenomenal view of the surroundings.
Air Guling: Air Guling is a beach to the West of Kuta village. The break is a fair paddle from shore, and is a strong right hander, which can become very hollow during a large swell. Continue West from Kuta, up the mountain and over the other side. There is a view of the beach when coming down, and don't be deceived when the road swerves away from the coast. Eventually on the left there will be an unsealed dirt road which can be very difficult to handle (unadvisable to ride when wet). Continue the road to the beach, and pay Rp 3,000 to watch your bike.
Gerupuk: The most popular break in Kuta. There are two main breaks here, although some others pop up in the right conditions. You need to hire a boatman from the village to access the breaks (Rp 70,000 for 1 person, Rp 40,000 per person for 2, and Rp 30,000 each for more). The boat will wait while you surf, however the boatmen will often join you out on the surf, which can cause frustrations when crowded. To get here, take a ride east for 7 km (about 10-15 min). There is a common parking area for surfers and tourists, which the locals monitor. Parking is usually free (although the standard fee is Rp 1,000 if you are asked to pay).
Inside Gerupuk: Insides is located in a sheltered bay and is good for beginners/intermediate. Absolute beginners (first time on a board) may find this intimidating, during large swell and crowded conditions, and should look for a simple beach break (like Tanjung Aan). The floor is a soft reef bed which doesn't cause much damage. The wave breaks both left and right here, and can get busy. Ocean Bar is located a short paddle away from the break (floating on the sea) and offers cold drinks, fruit and basic food.
Outside Gerupuk: Cannot be seen from the village, it's a short boat ride away. Outsides is generally the most reliable bet for a surf - there is nearly always something to surf here (even in low swell conditions). The wave is a right hander and can be quite heavy.
Tanjung Aan: Beach break in between Kuta and Gerupuk, for absolute beginners. Take the usual route out to Gerupuk, and take a right hand turn into Turtle Warung - before the football field (around 2km outside Gerupuk). There are a series of Warungs on the beach, which you will need to drive past. You can park at or near the Turtle Warung, and take a short walk over the hill to see the surf behind. Tanjung Aan can get blown out during afternoon wind, so better to hit it in the morning. The hill will give you one of the best views of Kuta's beaches and inlets, and the sunset is particularly good (with beers from the Warungs).
Surf shops
Kimen Surf, Jl Kuta Mawun, Pujut, Kuta (at the junction), ☎ +62 370 655064 (kimensurf@yahoo.com). The original surf shop in Kuta, operating since 2004. Also rent bikes. edit
Kuta Reef Surf Shop, Kuta Beach (on the beach, near Surfers Inn).
Breeze Surf - Located at Breeze cafe on the eastern end of town. Surfboard rental, wax, surf lessons and surf guide
Fishing
There is excellent sport fishing to be had in waters off Kuta. Unfortunately, the only charter boats available locally are local wooden outriggers and these are not always ideal for the challenging fishing conditions. You can though get a decent day's fishing by hiring one of these boats with a captain from the local guys on Kuta Beach. Those requiring a bigger, more comfortable boat will need to bring one around from the Senggigi area, or across the Badung Strait from Bali.
Kuta is a surfers destination, with world class shore, reef and point breaks along the coast. Personal transport is the best way if not the only way to access the surfing spots. Since there have been reports of thefts in Southern Lombok, you should expect to pay a few thousand Rupiah to a local to guard your bike during your time in the water. Board can be hired in Kuta town or at the Gerupuk village.
Surfing can get busy, with locals and boatmen all joining in. Be aware that some locals can become aggressive following any mishaps in the surf, regardless of who is at fault. This is usually to cause intimidation (and demands for money) but can lead to physical threats. Stay respectful, handle any incidents calmly and fairly, and other locals will almost always look out for you.
Popular surf breaks around Kuta:
Seger reef: the closest break to Kuta village, Seger provides a heavy right hander and is excellent under most conditions. It's a popular spot during the afternoon tide shift, and especially after the big rains in the wet season. Ride past the Novotel, then turn right after the small bridge and continue taking right turns until the road becomes unsealed. There is free parking at the very end, with a small hill that onlookers can climb for a phenomenal view of the surroundings.
Air Guling: Air Guling is a beach to the West of Kuta village. The break is a fair paddle from shore, and is a strong right hander, which can become very hollow during a large swell. Continue West from Kuta, up the mountain and over the other side. There is a view of the beach when coming down, and don't be deceived when the road swerves away from the coast. Eventually on the left there will be an unsealed dirt road which can be very difficult to handle (unadvisable to ride when wet). Continue the road to the beach, and pay Rp 3,000 to watch your bike.
Gerupuk: The most popular break in Kuta. There are two main breaks here, although some others pop up in the right conditions. You need to hire a boatman from the village to access the breaks (Rp 70,000 for 1 person, Rp 40,000 per person for 2, and Rp 30,000 each for more). The boat will wait while you surf, however the boatmen will often join you out on the surf, which can cause frustrations when crowded. To get here, take a ride east for 7 km (about 10-15 min). There is a common parking area for surfers and tourists, which the locals monitor. Parking is usually free (although the standard fee is Rp 1,000 if you are asked to pay).
Inside Gerupuk: Insides is located in a sheltered bay and is good for beginners/intermediate. Absolute beginners (first time on a board) may find this intimidating, during large swell and crowded conditions, and should look for a simple beach break (like Tanjung Aan). The floor is a soft reef bed which doesn't cause much damage. The wave breaks both left and right here, and can get busy. Ocean Bar is located a short paddle away from the break (floating on the sea) and offers cold drinks, fruit and basic food.
Outside Gerupuk: Cannot be seen from the village, it's a short boat ride away. Outsides is generally the most reliable bet for a surf - there is nearly always something to surf here (even in low swell conditions). The wave is a right hander and can be quite heavy.
Tanjung Aan: Beach break in between Kuta and Gerupuk, for absolute beginners. Take the usual route out to Gerupuk, and take a right hand turn into Turtle Warung - before the football field (around 2km outside Gerupuk). There are a series of Warungs on the beach, which you will need to drive past. You can park at or near the Turtle Warung, and take a short walk over the hill to see the surf behind. Tanjung Aan can get blown out during afternoon wind, so better to hit it in the morning. The hill will give you one of the best views of Kuta's beaches and inlets, and the sunset is particularly good (with beers from the Warungs).
Surf shops
Kimen Surf, Jl Kuta Mawun, Pujut, Kuta (at the junction), ☎ +62 370 655064 (kimensurf@yahoo.com). The original surf shop in Kuta, operating since 2004. Also rent bikes. edit
Kuta Reef Surf Shop, Kuta Beach (on the beach, near Surfers Inn).
Breeze Surf - Located at Breeze cafe on the eastern end of town. Surfboard rental, wax, surf lessons and surf guide
Fishing
There is excellent sport fishing to be had in waters off Kuta. Unfortunately, the only charter boats available locally are local wooden outriggers and these are not always ideal for the challenging fishing conditions. You can though get a decent day's fishing by hiring one of these boats with a captain from the local guys on Kuta Beach. Those requiring a bigger, more comfortable boat will need to bring one around from the Senggigi area, or across the Badung Strait from Bali.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Kuta_%28Lombok%29
Hi,
BalasHapusRecently I came across some great articles on your site. The other day, I was discussing (http://lombokparadise-island.blogspot.in/2012/05/surfing-and-fishing-in-kuta-are.html ) with my colleagues and they suggested I submit an article of my own. Your site is just perfect for what I have written! Would it be ok to submit the article? It is free of charge, of course!
Let me know what you think
Contact me at john26anderson@gmail.com
Regards,
John Anderson
off course..why not..and thanks for visiting my blog john, glad to hear that someone promoting my place.. :)
BalasHapusvery nice blog and article
BalasHapusvisit my blog as well, my blog is about hotels in lombok island. so... will be great if you can put my link in your blog and i put yours in mine" heard great isn't it ?
visit my blog here : http://lombokpleasure.blogspot.com
articles that are very useful, tapai if you want to find references to surfing the island of Java, you can visit the website http://g-land.asia/
BalasHapus