The south coast of Lombok is a different world from the Gilis: wide bays, rolling hills, strong sun and a laid-back surf-town atmosphere. Kuta Lombok is the hub, a small village on a broad bay with cafes, guesthouses, surf shops and a busy beachfront. Tanjung Aan, about a twenty-minute drive away according to Indonesia's tourism board, is a roughly two-kilometer stretch of pearly coastline with swimming, snorkeling, surfing and photography on offer, and a row of cafes along the sand. Nearby Merese Hill is an easy walk from the beach, around eleven minutes, and is a favorite viewpoint for sunrise and sunset. The whole area is part of the Mandalika development zone, which also includes a street circuit used for race weekends, so facilities and roads are generally better than elsewhere on the island. Distances are modest, but you need transport: most visitors rent a scooter, hire a driver or join a tour.
How to spend a day
Start early at Kuta, when the beach is quiet and the light is soft, then take breakfast at one of the cafes in the village. Drive or ride to Tanjung Aan in the late morning, swim and rest in the shade of a beach warung, and finish with the short walk up Merese Hill for the sunset. If you want to try surfing, the area has several breaks, and surf schools in the bay and around Selong Belanak offer lessons for all levels.
What to know
The beaches are public and free to visit, though cafes and parking attendants may ask for small payments, and vendors can be persistent. Beach conditions change with the tide and the season, so check the water before swimming, and be careful of rip currents and rocks at the edges of the bay. In the dry season the hills turn golden and the sea is calm, while in the rainy season skies are changeable and the sea rougher.
Getting there
The area is roughly 45 minutes by car from Lombok International Airport, which makes Kuta a practical first or last stop. Many travelers base themselves here for several nights and visit nearby bays such as Selong Belanak, Mawun and Seger. Race weekends at the Mandalika circuit can fill hotels and raise prices, so check dates if you plan to visit at a busy time.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided beach day: Kuta bay in the morning, Tanjung Aan for swimming and cafes, and Merese Hill for the sunset.
Best time
Early morning for quiet sand and soft light, and the last hour of daylight from Merese Hill.
How long
Half a day for one beach, a full day to combine Kuta, Tanjung Aan and the hill.
Tips
Rent a scooter only if you are an experienced rider, otherwise hire a driver for the day. Bring sun protection, cash for warungs and sandals for the walk up Merese Hill.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beach lovers and anyone who wants a quiet south-coast day away from the Gilis.
- Families
- Calm sections of Tanjung Aan suit children, but watch the tide and surf at Kuta and keep younger swimmers close.
- Couples
- Sunset from Merese Hill, then dinner at a beachside cafe in Kuta.
- Pair with
- A surf lesson at Selong Belanak, a visit to Sade village or the Pink Beach boat trip.
- Time needed
- Four hours to a full day.
Good questions
How far is Tanjung Aan from Kuta?+
According to Indonesia's tourism board, Tanjung Aan is about a 20-minute drive from Kuta Beach. Many travelers combine both in a single day.
How far is the area from the airport?+
It is about 45 minutes by car or motorbike from Lombok International Airport, which makes Kuta an easy first or last stop on the island.
Is there anything to do besides swimming?+
Yes, you can snorkel, surf, photograph the coastline and climb Merese Hill for sunrise or sunset views. There is also a row of cafes along Tanjung Aan.
Do I need to pay to visit the beaches?+
The beaches are free to visit, though you will pay for food, drink, parking and any sunbed or surf rental.
Is it safe to swim?+
Conditions vary by tide, season and spot, so check with locals or a lifeguard and avoid swimming where waves break over rocks. Calm days in the dry season are best.
