Overwhelmed by the prospect of Bali’s crowds and not-so-authentic western enclaves? Then Kuta on Lombok is the perfect place to visit for some good surf, food and culture. This place is said to be the Bali of twenty years ago and let me tell you: it did not disappoint! After the gluten free debacle on Gili Trawangan, I was nervous to be in such a hotspot again, but Kuta surprised me with their long list of options they had for us gluten free travelers.
Curious about Bali’s mass tourism? Read my piece on Gili T where I give my thoughts on the dark side of tourism or read this guide where I talk about how to deal with the colonial past while traveling.
To help you find the best places to eat, I created this Kuta Lombok gluten free guide. Including how to get there, how to get around, the best hotel to stay at as a gluten free traveler, and twelve restaurants, this guide is jam-packed with the best tips that will make your Kuta trip unforgettable.
How to Get to Kuta, Lombok
1. By Plane
We got to Kuta by plane from Surabaya, which is the easiest way to get to Lombok by far. From there you can either book a minivan or taxi via 12go that will take you to Kuta, or just grab a Grab, which is East Asia’s version of Uber. We found the cheapest tickets via Skyscanner, which is one of my favorite travel tools. I personally love the flexible search function, so you can pick the day when flights are the cheapest.
2. By Boat
Another way to get to Kuta, Lombok, is by boat. Most people travel to Lombok from Bali. Here, you can take a fast boat from either Padang Bai, Sanur Port or Serangan Port to Bangsal Harbor. There is also the option of taking the public ferry from here. This option is cheaper but will take a couple more hours out of your day. On the flip side, the slower public ferry can be more comfortable, as the fast boat is known for ‘hopping’ across the water. You can find the cheapest fast boat tickets here, while you can just show up for the public boat at the port and buy your ticket there.
Tip! You never know what happens during a boat ride: your stuff might get soaked or your expensive camera might fall on the floor due to the rough waves. Having travel insurance is therefore key. Check out Heymondo’s plans here, to find the right fit for your travels.
If you are island hopping and coming from Sumbawa, besides flying, there are a couple of ferry and fast boat options that will get you to Lombok. From Poto Tano Harbor on East Sumbawa you can book both a fast and public boat to Labuan Kayangan on West Lombok, which is also the perfect harbor to visit Mount Rinjani from. The fast boat will take 1.5 hours and runs multiple times per day.
You could also sail from Sumbawa’s south-west coast, which is popular among surfers. The KSB fast boats go twice a day from Benete Port in Maluk, Sumbawa to Labuan Kayangan on Lombok. This boat ride will also take about 1.5 hours and costs around 135.000 Rp.
How to Get Around Kuta Lombok
If you have read my other Indonesia blogs, you know I love Grab. Similar to Uber, this app makes it incredibly easy to book a ride wherever you are. Ideal for both short and longer distances – although I recommend taking a bus when you need to get to another city. For Grab to work, however, you need reliable internet, which is where Airalo came in for us. This app allows you to purchase e-sims from nearly every country in the world. With their easy payment and set-up system we were up and running in no-time. I will be using it anytime I am traveling outside of the EU.
Tip! For the adventure lovers: you can also do a dirt bike tour around Kuta and catch some sunrise views.
Another way to get around Kuta is to rent a motorbike, which is what we did. This definitely is the most fun way to see the town and its surroundings, but also a little more dangerous than a Grab, so make sure you have some experience driving a motorbike. You can rent one for a single or multiple days around nearly every corner, just make sure that your bike has a license plate and a helmet that fits you. A full guide on how to rent a motorbike on Lombok is coming soon!
Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok Gluten Free
El Tropico Boutique Hotel is everything I look for in a hotel. With its rooms encircling the main pool, plenty of sunbeds around, and the most delicious cocktails and snacks: we were in vacation heaven. While we were expecting a normal room, our last-minute Genius booking via Booking.com got us upgraded to the Suite, which had its own terrace, the most comfortable king-sized bed and a massive outdoor bathroom with a bath.
However, for me, that was not the best part. As we checked in, I asked them whether they could provide a gluten free breakfast, which was included. Immediately, they called the chef who asked me everything he needed to know about my dietary requirements and even mentioned they made gluten free pancakes.
This was a welcome respite from Gili T, where I felt completely lost during every breakfast. At El Tropico, they did not have a buffet, but a menu from which you could choose two dishes and two drinks. I would say roughly 80% could be made gluten free! So, if you are a gluten free traveler, coeliac or intolerant, you need to stay at El Tropico when visiting Kuta, Lombok!
Gluten Free Travel Card
While there are plenty of gluten free places to eat at in Kuta and I feel confident enough to say you can find safe food, a gluten free travel card is still an absolute travel must-have for celiacs. This Bahasa Indonesia card explains everything about cross-contamination and ingredients that should be avoided. It is free, but you can donate something to keep the initiative up and running.
Tip! Visiting Java as well? Then check out my gluten free Malang guide for some food inspiration.
Twelve Gluten Free Kuta Lombok Restaurants
Below I have listed twelve restaurants that serve gluten free food in Kuta. While I have been to only half of these, the other six are worth a mention due to their raving reviews and the fact that I am incredibly sad to have missed them on my stay. Very few of these restaurants are dedicated gluten free, however, so make sure to bring your travel card and only eat at these restaurants if you trust them completely. My experience as a gluten intolerant traveler might be different from yours, so always stay cautious.
The Six Restaurants I Have Visited
Cantina Mexicana – Gluten Free Options
Located on Kuta’s main street, Jalan Raya Kuta, Cantina Mexicana not only has the right vibe, but they also serve gluten free tacos. We had some stellar nachos with guacamole here too and enjoyed the restaurants vibrant atmosphere. Expect colorful decor, a wide variety of tacos, including veggie toppings, and feisty margaritas.
Tribe Surf City – Gluten Free Options
If you want good food and some exercise after, Tribe is the place to go. With an indoor skatepark, you can take skate-surf lessons with your fries. Wessel and I had dinner here during our first night in Kuta and both ordered a smashed burger, mine without the bun of course, and finished with a delicious chocolate dessert. Even though it is not a 100% gluten free place, it is worth stopping by for a quick snack or drink!
Knalpot – Gluten Free Options
This was the best culinary experience we had in Kuta, by far. Knalpot is another restaurant located on Kuta’s main street and with their bistro-style menu, they showcase the skills of their Michelin-star experienced chefs against a backdrop of mid-century modern furniture and a tropical pool.
Tip! Learn how to make Indonesia’s delicious food yourself by doing a cooking class at Selong Belanak Beach. This way, you can take the countries food home with you, and cook it in a safe environment.
While you will pay a little more for your food here than at other restaurants in Kuta, it is worth the splurge. We sampled the Rendang bitterballen (which were unfortunately not gluten free), the ceviche and the pulpo, and paired it with a gin tonic. Every foodie needs to go here! And if you have not had enough of them yet, they even have a speakeasy where they serve delicious cocktails.
Cremoso – Gluten Free Options
While GF folks can only get a couple of things here, like the delicious gelato, Cremoso is worth a visit for that refreshing goodness. If you are traveling with a non-GF partner or friend, then they can try one of their pastries while you nibble away on their fab ice cream.
Jiang Nan – Gluten Free Options
Jiang Nan is the place to go for Chinese food. While not everything is gluten free here, they do demarcate the gluten free options on the menu, and these are worth a try. I tried the Sechuan spicy chicken, which was to die for, and not because of its hot peppers, but because its flavors were perfectly balanced. Pair it with one of their signature cocktails and you are bound to have a lovely evening.
Laut Biru Bar & Restaurant – Gluten Free Options
One of the best things to do in Kuta is to visit Selong Belanak Beach. Whether you are chilling on one of the sunbeds or enjoying the surf, both types of travelers will want to have lunch at beach club Laut Biru Bar & Restaurant. Their large menu has plenty of gluten free options and you can even build your own smoothie (be sure to make one with papaya!). I had the pad thai with a side of ocean views: I can 10/10 recommend!
The Six Restaurants I Have Not Visited
This list provides you with some options of restaurants I have not visited, but which do have great reviews. Expect gluten free bread, pancakes, pizza and pasta in here!
The Well – 100% Gluten free
This lunch and breakfast restaurant is not only completely gluten free, The Well also makes sure their dishes are free of seed oil, GMOs, and refined sugar. You can order protein shakes, pancakes, eggs and assemble your own bowls and platters. They even sell gluten free bread, crackers and muesli!
Granita – Gluten Free Options
Mainly a brunch and lunch spot as well, according to myriad reviews Granita offers delicious gluten free bread and bagels, and sometimes even has gluten free cheesecake. From paninis to ciabattas, special coffee and fresh juices, Granita is on my must-visit list for when we return to Lombok.
Sapori – Gluten Free Options
Sometimes, you can just feel it in your bones that you need gluten free pizza. If this happens to you when you are in Kuta, Lombok, then you are in luck, as Sapori offers both gluten free pizza and pasta. Make sure to reserve a spot, as it was packed most nights when we walked past it.
Oh! Crepes – Gluten Free Options
We walked past this place numerous times, but I never noticed the other side of their sign, which said they had gluten free, lactose free and vegan pancakes. I will definitely try the Nutella or coconut one the next time we visit.
Kenza Café and Terra – Gluten Free Options
These two restaurants, Kenza Café and Terra, are well-loved among gluten free reviews, and offer myriad gluten free options. Terra is even vegan and almost entirely gluten free according to some.
Final Thoughts on Kuta Lombok Gluten Free
All-in all, Kuta was one of the easiest places for me as a gluten free traveler. I had exceptionally good food and very little issues explaining my dietary needs. But above all I want to praise El Tropico Boutique Hotel again, as they were so thorough and kind about it. You know how being gluten free can sometimes feel like a burden for others, while you cannot do anything about it? Then such experiences can be a huge relief!
If you want more gluten free Indonesia content, I also wrote a gluten free guide to Malang on Java. More in the mood for some itinerary planning? Then check out my favorite things to do in Yogyakarta and Malang, or read up on two of the country’s major volcanos: Bromo and Rinjani. If you would like to stay up to date with all of my travel guides, then sign up to my newsletter, or follow me on Instagram.
