Are you interested in learning how to surf? Or maybe you’re a beginner surfer looking to level up your skills and gain more confidence in the water? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Surfing is a truly unique experience. There’s something so special about being out in the water, part of the unspoken camaraderie of surfers in the lineup, the thrill of catching a wave and riding it all the way to shore, the sun shining down, salty water on your skin, and that feeling of accomplishment after a session.
So let’s start from the beginning.
Before coming to Indonesia, I had surfed about a dozen times. I was a total beginner. I was only surfing softboards and mainly just trying to catch a wave and stand up—no turning, no control. Honestly, I was intimidated by surfing. I didn’t really see the fun in it yet, and I definitely didn’t feel confident.
Then I came to Kuta.
I arrived in Kuta still a beginner, unsure and nervous, and I left absolutely in love with surfing. In love with the vibe, the people, the energy in the lineup, the feeling of gliding on water, and everything in between. So let me explain why Kuta, Lombok, is such an incredible place to learn how to surf or to improve your skills and become a more confident surfer.
The Location & Atmosphere
Kuta is located on the southern coast of Lombok, an island just east of Bali. Although Lombok is a large island, Kuta is surprisingly easy to get to. The airport is conveniently located in the south, just a short drive from town, making it super accessible whether you’re flying in from Bali or other parts of Indonesia. You can also take a ferry from Bali or the Gili Islands to northern Lombok, and then take a shuttle or taxi down to Kuta—about a two-hour drive through lush, green hills and scenic countryside that will have you staring out the window the entire ride.
Now, what makes Kuta such a special place?
Kuta is beautiful. It’s small and laidback, but has everything you’d want from a surf town. There are endless cozy cafés and restaurants offering fresh, nourishing meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus plenty of local warungs serving up delicious, authentic Indonesian dishes.
The food here deserves a special shoutout. Whether it’s a plate of perfectly poached eggs on sourdough with roasted tomatoes and a vibrant smoothie packed with tropical fruit—or a flavorful dish of Gado Gado with warm tempeh and rich peanut sauce—you’ll find something that hits the spot. Nasi goreng, mie goreng, curries, smoothie bowls, grilled fish—it’s hard to go wrong. And the best part? You can enjoy it all while sipping a fresh coconut or a cold beer, sitting in the shade, and soaking in the chill vibes that make Kuta so magnetic.
The town is full of surf shops—whether you need to rent a board, take a lesson, or buy new gear, you’ll find everything you need. There are also plenty of boutiques, including big names like Rip Curl and Quiksilver, as well as locally owned shops selling sarongs, jewelry, surf wear, and souvenirs. It’s the perfect mix of authentic local charm and a welcoming, international surf culture.
And then there are the people. The kindness of the local community shines through in every interaction. That warmth, combined with the relaxed energy that surfing brings, makes Kuta feel like more than just a destination—it feels like a home. Most travelers I met in Kuta were either passing through to surf or staying long-term to live the digital nomad-surf lifestyle. It wasn’t the typical backpacker scene like in parts of Bali or Thailand. The vibe was more chill, grounded, and connected.
Also worth noting: there’s no Grab or Gojek in Lombok. You can either rent a motorbike—which gives you total freedom to beach-hop, explore, and find the best surf spots—or hire local taxis, which are also super friendly and flexible. The roads around Kuta are relatively quiet and scenic, so even riding a scooter is a fun part of the experience.
And let’s not forget the beach dogs. Everywhere you go—from Tanjung Aan to Selong Belanak—you’ll find adorable dogs lounging in the sand, playing in the water, or napping under beach chairs. Somehow, it just adds to the whole charm of this surf haven.
Where to Stay
One of the biggest reasons I fell in love with Kuta was the hostel I stayed at—Waiwas Hostel. Located just off the main road, this hostel was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.
For around $10 USD a night, you get your own full pod in a dorm that feels private and comfortable. There are plenty of clean, modern bathrooms, a pool that’s perfect for cooling off after a long surf session, a cozy game room, a gym space, and even an adorable golden retriever who greets you with a wagging tail every day. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel at ease.
But the best part? Free dinner every single night. These weren’t just simple meals—they were flavorful, home-cooked Indonesian dishes that brought everyone together. After a long day in the water, the hostel would come alive at dinnertime. People shared stories about the waves they caught, the wipeouts they took, and plans for tomorrow’s sunrise surf. It created a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The staff at Waiwas were incredible—so friendly, helpful, and always smiling. They knew everyone’s name by day two. They were always around to help book surf lessons or recommend places to eat. The hostel also had 24-hour security, which made me feel really safe, especially traveling solo.
Honestly, I still think about that hostel. It wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was a huge part of the reason I fell in love with Kuta.
The Nightlife
Kuta’s nightlife was one of my favorites in Southeast Asia. Each night there was usually one main bar that became the hotspot, but things never got too wild—unless it was Wednesday Turtle Rave night (a must if you’re around!). One of the most popular places is The Surfer’s Bar, which has a super laid-back surf vibe early in the night and then transforms into an energetic, sweaty dance party with great music and happy, smiling faces.
The nightlife, like everything else in Kuta, was shaped by the people. The energy here is infectious and uplifting, and it attracts the right crowd.
Let’s Talk Surfing
Kuta has multiple surf spots nearby for every level.
Selong Belanak is the most beginner-friendly beach. Located just west of Kuta town, it offers small rolling waves that break right at the shoreline, with a soft sandy bottom—perfect for first-timers. You can rent boards for super cheap or take beginner lessons from surf schools right on the beach. It’s a great place to get started, but once you’re feeling a bit more confident, I recommend progressing to other breaks.
My favorite? Tanjung Aan.
Tanjung Aan is not only stunning—with turquoise water, soft sand, and lots of warungs—but also an ideal wave for beginner to intermediate surfers. The break is a bit further out, so you’ll need to take a boat to reach it. But that adds to the adventure. Surf shops and restaurants will organize the boat, whether you’ve rented a board or booked a lesson.
The wave here breaks over a shallow reef, so it’s important to know how to fall safely. But the rides are long and smooth—especially perfect for longboarders to practice turns and footwork. Even on a shortboard, it’s a blast.
Then there’s Grupuk, another favorite. This area has several breaks (Inside, Outside, 4, and more), and it’s great for beginner to intermediate surfers depending on the conditions. The reef here isn’t as shallow, making it a bit safer. You’ll need to take a boat out, as the breaks are far from shore. But once you’re out there, the views are breathtaking—cliffs, palm trees, and endless green hills. Surfing here at sunset was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
Surf Lessons & Instructors
Kuta is full of surf instructors and schools offering every kind of lesson. You can book a full surf camp with two sessions a day, daily feedback, and professional photos. Or choose a shorter course with daily two-hour lessons. If you want to surf on your own but want local guidance, you can also hire a surf guide to help you get to the right spots and arrange your gear.
I originally booked three lessons through Sunset Surf School, which connected me with a local instructor named Ozan. We met every morning at Warung Turtle on Tanjung Aan, where they provided us with boards and a boat to the break. Our group was usually 2–5 people, with 2–3 instructors, so we always had help in the water.
After the first few sessions, we started booking directly with Ozan. He and his friends were incredible—skilled, patient, and so fun to be around. They helped us understand everything: wave reading, lineup position, avoiding the white water, board selection, how to turn, and how to improve after each session. By the end of the week, I had transitioned from a soft-top to confidently surfing on a 7.5 hardboard with control.
They even helped us connect with local drone operators to get footage of our sessions—great for both improvement and memories.
Beyond their skills, the instructors were amazing people. We ended up spending so much time with them—surfing, hanging at the beach, watching sunsets from Merese Hill, drinking rice wine, and singing karaoke. They became real friends. They made me laugh, pushed me to try harder, and always believed in me—even on the days when I doubted myself.
Their passion for surfing was contagious. They were so proud of their home breaks and genuinely excited to share them with us. I’ll never forget the way they cheered from the lineup when one of us caught a great wave, and the moments we took relaxing on the beach listening to music and just laughing together.
Kuta is more than just a surf town. It’s a place full of beauty, energy, and incredible people—locals and travelers alike. The laidback surf culture here is unmatched. Whether you’re learning to surf for the first time, trying to improve your skills, or just want to be part of a positive, welcoming community, Kuta is a place you’ll never forget.
And for me, I know I’ll be back—maybe even sooner than I expected.
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