ULTIMATE TRAVEL & FOOD GUIDE FOR KUTA, LOMBOK
Lombok has been high on my travel list since I’ve only visited Gili Air & Trawangan outside from mainland Bali (except Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan of course). So I was super happy when I made this travel wish come true and went on a long weekend trip from Bali to Lombok.
In my ultimate travel guide you will find out how to get to Kuta in Lombok, where to stay, what to do, which spots I recommend for digital nomads/ getting work done, all my personal tips for speciality coffee, my favorite vegan food and (plant-based) dinner, where to get sweaty & practice yoga.
Lots of love,
Magda
how to get and Where to stay in kuta, lombok
If you’re wondering how to get to Lombok and Kuta, don’t worry it’s really easy and you can check all the options via Bookaway here. You basically can decide to take the boat or plane - of course a question of price and time. I took the ferry and was both times really happy with the service and speed (Wanderlust was operating from Sanur and really professional).
The choice where to stay in Kuta was quickly made to the serene paradise of Mana Eco Retreat and Yoga. With cozy eco-bungalows and stylish glamping tents in their lush garden with two pools, the stay is a blend of modern comfort and eco-friendly design.There are multiple yoga sessions per day (not included in the price though, at the point of writing it was 130k per class). One of the highlights for me was the included breakfast with many vegan choices (my favorite was the lentil skillet no-meat balls with a tasty tomato sauce) and their great coffee. Also the location is really central making it easy to explore the center of Kuta by foot too.
where to go for (vegan) breakfast, lunch & coffee in kuta, lombok
Jelajah Coffee Kuta
If you ask me where to get the best speciality coffee in Kuta, then I would send you straight to Jelajah! They are offering several beans (such as from Kintamani, Flores etc.) and the flavours are just really tasty! Also their breakfast menu should not be missed such as their tasty smoothie bowls which you can also enjoy in their cute little garden outside.
Mushroom Espresso Mandalika
You might know the famous Mushroom Espresso from Bali (Ubud, Lembongan etc.) and so we had to check it out here in Kuta of course too! There is an outside and small inside seating area with aircon inviting you to enjoy your speciality coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
MUNCHIES
If you’re looking for a great place to get some work done and enjoy great food then Munchies should be your choice! The menu includes a lot of delicious options - pumpkin salad and vegan sandwich were super tasty. Also their coffee, matcha and smoothies need to be tried!
Granita
This place just opened up when we visited Kuta and is a great combination of a small art gallery, shop and cafe. They’re offering vegan & vegetarian sandwiches which I haven’t tried yet but for sure next time!
Kenza Cafe & Restaurant
This is probably THE hotspot in Kuta where everybody is meeting up. No wonder as this culinary gem offers not only a delectable menu but also provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
where to go for (vegan) dinner in kuta, lombok
Terra - Plant Based Food
If you’re seeking a plant-based dinner experience, look no further than Terra. The menu celebrates the richness of fresh vegan ingredients embracing health, and, most importantly, flavor. I really liked their bowl but also their rice noodle soup and falafel plate are great!
NOHI (Restaurant ~ Fresh food & Pastry)
What an amazing dinner experience it was at Nohi! The vibe, team and - everything was simply perfect. The zucchini carpaccio was really something different and the freshly made pasta so so delicious!. I will for sure come back for their breakfast and also it was recommended to me for a great work spot.
Three Sisters
Located next to belanak beach this hidden gem is worth a short drive from Kuta! Their authentic vegan Chinese dumplings stuffed with shiitake were so delicious and also the tasty spicy cucumber salad was super tasty! The team was also so lovely so put it on your Lombok list for sure!
ASHTARI - Slow Food / Indian / Yoga / Loft
If you are a fan of Indian food (like me) then you need to check out Ashtari. The view from the beautiful spot is stunning as you can overlook Kuta bay from the restaurant. The vegan yoga thali and pumpkin curry where our favorites! They also offer yoga classes - will check them out next time!
further spots in kuta, lombok (which I will check out next time)
Milk Espresso - Kuta Lombok
El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant
KRNK Bar & Restaurant
Bara
Mama Pizza Kuta Lombok
Bush Radio
Gecko Kuta Lombok
Milky Wave Lombok
SAME SAME Hangout
what to do in kuta, lombok
Check out the beautiful beaches
I have to admit, I didn’t spend a lot of time at the beach during my stay in Lombok as I was mainly found in either the great coffee shops, restaurants or on the yoga mat. Still, there are amazing beaches to discover such as Areguling beach, Tampah beach or Pantai Tanjung Aan.Join a yoga class
As I was staying at Mana Yoga Retreat of course I was a guest to their great classes! You can also join as a outside visitor, just check their schedule on their website or Instagram page.
Be productive & get some work done
There are many great spots to work from in Kuta as of course more and more digital nomads are also coming from the busier neighbor island Bali & stay longer than maybe initially intended. My personal favorite work spots (so far) are Mana Yoga Retreat, Munchies and Nohi.
Get sweaty at XENO FIT
This impressive new gym with a beautiful bamboo arches architecture is the best place to get your sweat running! They are offering several fitness classes (check their schedule on their Instagram page) and you can also simply do your own workout in the open gym. At the point of writing this travel guide the recovery area including the ice bath, sauna as well as the restaurant was still in construction, so I’m curious to check it out next time I’m in Lombok.
