My honest opinion of Kuta, Lombok. Time to go.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ม.ค. 2025
- Today is my last day in Kuta, Lombok before catching the ferry back to Bali tomorrow morning so i take one last walk throught town while offering my opinion on who might be best suited visiting here.
Whether it be surfers looking to cut loose on one of the many breaks around the town, avid fisherman looking to catch a marlin, tuna or any other number of magnificent fish, or just someone looking to drop out in a very affordable place to write or take part in their hobby, Kuta, Lombok, will suit them.
I give my thoughts on the people who live here and how they are considerably different to those from Bali. I suggest that certain expectations may need to be adjusted as Kuta, Lombok hasn't fully grasped the nuances of tourism.
Another great walk through Kuta, Lombok.
I think that was a very fair, unbiased review. Warts and all because you cannot hide the facts. Keep doing what you do mate.
Thank so much, Phil. Appreciate it.
Thanks for the review. Agree the Balinese set the bar so high with their charm, good looks and kindness. Always smiling and positive and so connected to their spirituality and their community. Cheers
Their spirituality has a lot to do with it, I think.
I’m really enjoying your videos, much more relatable than most of the beautiful young people with the ‘first impressions’ videos which are all the same. Plus the fact that you have taken the time to learn the language.
Thank so much, Paula. I appreciate it.
Honest and informative as always, cheers
Thanks, Craig.
Hi Wayne, I really enjoy your videos, they always make me feel that I am there with you. Keeping it real. Best wishes, safe travels.
Cheers, Tony. Appreciate it.
Loved following your journey to Lombok, looking forward to your next adventures
Thanks, TAG. Me too.
As an old lady, I would not visit. Have watched your time there and I thought it was very unappealing. I understand how younger people would love it though. Safe travels.
I am not really that old, however, would agree with you - certainly not somewhere I would want to go. x
@@karenkershaw6324 Agree
I've lived in Lombok for 16 years but on the west coast of Lombok. My workers and wife say to me they would never move to the south even want to visit. They are both from Lombok barat. In my experience working in the south, it's unlike the west of Lombok. I'll say no more
It can be unpalatable at times but it has some redeeming features, I think.
You explained it quite well for folks who travel and know Indonesia. All friendships I had there ended when I saw it was all about money. But I understood their circumstances. It just becomes uncomfortable. It is a wonderful country.
I think you have to consider people's situation, and by doing that you're better able to respond in a more understanding way.
Thanks mate for all your efforts . I look forward to your channel everyday . Wonderful and delightful 🙏
Wes
Appreciate that, wes. Cheers.
Very interesting view on the interaction of foreigners with the locals there. I've visited there several times also many other islands in Indonesia including a wonderful visit to Java where the locals were very helpful and nice. Thanks for the video 😊
Thanks, David. Appreciate you taking the time.
And 8k subscribers, respect. As others have said, a balanced and realistic response to the different cultural norms - for all the overdevelopment, bogan tourism and insane traffic, Bali is exceptional in the warmth offered to visitors (though even there, there are occasional instances of lack of grace). Lombok seems typical of the rest of Indonesia, mostly very graceful, warm and welcoming, just not as much as Bali is!
I think that's the point, Kevin. Lombok, (or Southern, Lombok) when compared to somewhere like Bali might come off looking quite poorly but Bali is a huge opponent to be put up against. Thanks for the 8K congratulations.
You pretty mych summed up why Ive never been to Lombok. Bali has a very unique and beautiful culture which is why i go there. Much more scope for a clash of cultures in Lombok. You look much happier when youre reporting from Bali. My guess is youll be happy to get back there.
I am looking forward to being back in Bali. You can sometimes take the place for granted after a while, I think.
All ways good to get out of ya comfort zone, thats living. No offence just saying.
Love ur channel , only need to be longer,
Thanks so much, Joanne. I'm really glad you like the little vids. Cheers.
Thank you for your honest opinion, I visit regularly, yes it's definitely different
How good is Wayne. Out there having a crack. Next cappuccino on me mate.
Hey, tw. that is a very kind gesture. Thanks so much.
Rent a scooter in Kuta! A comprehensive as well as honest review. Nice one.
Thanks, blue.
Followed you because of your name here 😄 I will check it later to see if it is what I think it is (I speak Portuguese). Also interested about Indonesia so will hear your thoughts about it, enjoy it there
Wayne hope you're feeling much better now. Some challenging ties you went through back witrh the boat biz and then the unpleasant man with the motorbike thing. Looking back at the fiasco in Vrindavan, Indiafor me, it's best to let the anger go asap so one's day, week or stay isn't spoiled. Cheers mate.
Gotta let it slide as quick as possible for sure.
Lombok people normally live simple, moderate life with less formality, but they do love and respect people
Has been 16 years since i was last in Kuta lombok, just brought a new honda 3 days ago and looking forward to head back there on the bike for a few nights, great vid and reivew Wayne, keep em coming🙏
The rides are going to be great for you, Jonesy. Some great vistas!
Also the people on the west of Lombok and Mataram are very sweet and nice . South Lombok again I'll say no more.
Every few videos u say its 'time to go", yet here u are.
Always going somewhere so it's likely you'll see it again. :)
If you’d like to support the channel.
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sent you 4$ for a coffee on me.
@@briechilli4496 Thanks so much, Brie. That's really generous of you. :)
Hello hello 👋🏻 hope the next adventure is amazing 🙏🏻 take care ✨
Thanks, Cherie. See you there. :)
Wayne enjoy the blogs. Beem to bali. Over 70 times many. Many. Once in Lombok was enough for ku.. i had booked tourist guide with 4 star hotel thinking i be look after hahsha. Unbelievable .. never again .. go back there been in solo jogka Jakarta. Bandung. Many cites. Never wil go back. . to Lombok.. people make bali. It is the best. Aa long u do the rite thing !
Bali is definitely the jewel in the crown I think, Stephen.
Another great episode
Thank you, Georgie.
@@fiascodagama1 I do have a challange for you as I am not back in Bali until 2026, if a local shop owner is up to it how many a sales a day do they need to survive?
@@heygeorgiecomau I'll try remember.
@@fiascodagama1 Finally got Hey Georgie - It's all in the converstion up an running
The Chaos can be quite interesting, I watched a guy unload a brand new mitsubishi truck/ ute the black ones from a barge on planks of wood as ramps. This was near the yellow bridge at nusa lembongan that at the time had collapsed. It was interesting to watch all these women run around moving planks, and this bloke cigarette in his mouth back the truck down the planks on huge incline onto the sand and not even get the rims wet, what a boss? Back there in 3 weeks can't wait
That would have been an interesting little watch, i reckon.The madness is one of the attractions. :) cheers.
I am going there next time cause it reminds me of what bali use to be like .
It does have a bit of Bali about it, for sure.
You dont use a bike from Bali? Go to Flores, you'll love it. If you go to Seram I want to know how cool it is. On my last trip I bought a used scooter in Pontianak, then sold it 3 months later in Wei Island.
I have been through Flores a couple of times back in the day. Sounds like you travel smart.
Mate thanks for your vids, I am really enjoying them. I been to Kuta Lombok in September was really dry, how was the rain the last week or so? I want to go back to surf soon but not sure on floods and how annoying it is to travel, i will take scooter from bali, thanks
Rain has been consistent with roads approaching beaches quagmires in places - no actual flooding that I saw.
@@fiascodagama1 thank you
Great observations, Wayne! 🎉
Suggestion for the title of your fishing video ... "The Barra-Kuda that got away!" 😂😊
Ouch 😢, I'm so sorry to hear about the targeted thefts to your boat!
All part of the ride, Sudden Cheers.
Thanks for your honest thoughts. As a surfer I think I need to visit the place. I am also a mad keen fisherman, so what is available in that space then? Have some of the locals taken up from where you were encouraged to let it go? Another great insight to the area. Cheers Wayne
You can hire local boats with a local guide, yes.
Its just a bit feral 😅
Even my long term Balinese assistant wont go there…much distrust I feel.
I personally have found the people to be friendly but there is some sort of barrier/block , perhaps they need more time to warm to foreigners as i have several friends who have moved there and are very happy. Its certainly a couple of decades behind Bali but perhaps that is what gives it its charm
I actually agree with you and think the longer you were in Lombok the easier it would become.
Some of us gravitate towards Bali, especially Ubud, however we still need regular change of environment and return for a reset in a comforting place like a warm hug. However,there will always be that drive for change and as an introvert I would struggle on my own in Lombok. I do feel though other areas of Lombok may be more my speed&U would be more inclined to eat at more established places to reduce getting sick as 35 years ago I got very sick in Bali& thankfully times have changed. In Bali,the crime and anti social behaviour is mostly from people not from Bali who are opportunistic I dislike Kuta in Bali but cannot comment on a place I have not visited, however just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz,there is no place like Bali. Enjoy your time back home and look after yourself, thankyou Wayne ❤
Hi Stephanie. Southern Lombok isn't for everyone, and can sometimes be challenging. But it also has a lot to offer. You're not in Kansas now Toto. :)
@fiascodagama1 Hi Wayne,I wouldn't mind seeing it before it vanishes&becomes generic,however apart from supermarket, I doubt you have seen many middle age solo travellers in Kuta.I am aware there are expats around somewhere in Lombok,however solo would be a struggle for me and for sure it is mostly surfie rypes&deemed the next Bali,however vibe cannot be replicated. Ciao for now
I am interested in seeing what you see,and as an elderly lady living in NYC, and originally born, and raised in Birmingham England the places you have shown since I found your channel are not for me. The walk you did on this one through the wet street with the shacks is incredibly depressing, the beach’s might be nice, the fishing good, but seeing how these people live, and work is very sad in my mind. It may just be me as I am a city person, but as I said this place would just depress me. I am however looking forward to seeing where you go next. Thank you for the insights.
Hi Janet. Some people do find it hard to understand how anyone could be happy living in some places.
would you say it is ok for someone who doesnt ride a motorbike to ride on there or is it easier to hire a driver to take you around the island
Do not, I repeat do not ride a motorcycle in Bali.
@@daniellerichard1385 i know i was talking about lombok
You need some form of transport and it's a much better place for using a scooter than Bali.
Cheers 👍
Hi Wayne, thanks for sharing your videos of Kuta Lombok , i’m so happy that this place is a lot better off than what it was a friend of mine and myself we’re gonna go to Lombok years ago and we were warned about the paedophiles. They used to go over there quite often but I’m glad you didn’t say any of that stuff I can’t stand it myself. I think it’s absolutely sick anyway thank you once again I really love Indonesia as a whole I think it’s a fantastic place. Specially if you can speak a little bit of the local language and they will have a bit of fun with you. Thank you once again Cliff from Logan city Queensland Australia. I’m in the big island
I've been going to Lombok a long time and not heard of those types of stories.
Mkasih untuk video lagi Pak. Saya belum pernah berbiznis di Indonesia tapi say kira orang Bule tak punya hak sama dengan orang lokal!
Maksudnya?
@@edstraker8451 Kalau orang Bule tinggal di Indonesia dia tak punya Hak sama dengan orang lokal - misalnya, orang Bule tak bisa hak punya tanah.
Oh and this YT biz is growing steadily and will hopefuly come to the point where you get a ;ittle more jingle for the ride through life. You don't have to worry about anyone stealing stuff from you or sabotaging your rig.
Slowly, slowly, Ed. It's long term proposition.
Yeah. Take the rough with the smooth. Stand your ground , let em know youve been around and not a soft tough.
It is a bit preman gangsterish , getting a taxi from the southern port 2010 / 2011 was an ordeal , the bullies hanging round wouldnt allow taxies in , insisted on hiring their car/minivan. But we had Blue Bird vouchers so they were stuffed. Now we have Gocar and Grabcar I dunno if things have changed. No welcoming or respectful at all. Sinister infact. Having lived in some hardknock places in my time its easy to walk the walk n talk the talk so they tend to back off a bit , but its not nice to have to play the wide boy.
Having said that , there are some genuine friendly people too.
When you coming to Yogyakarta Mr Wayne ?
Hi Kris. Yeah, I think it's that being forced to stand up occasionally which is a little annoying after a while. A few trying to be a bit standover-ish whether it be on parking or some other small thing doesn't really help. I'm not sure when I'll be back in Jogya, not too long I hope.
@fiascodagama1 yes. Life is machanical to those who have been spoonfed every step of their lives. No understanding of love for nature , fellow humans, , appreciating the wonderful environment they were blessed to be born into , and looking after it. Empathy. The folks in the kampungs in bordering areas of Yogya have no need for ego , they live in their hearts. Wonderful not agro.
Been very interesting with your impressions from Lombok. I can say, it’s not for me
Try East Java, Wayne. It's an amazing place.
I'll be back there agin for sure, Ed. Cheers. You can buy me a beer. :)
with all the good things you are telling future visitors I just want to add that most "secluded" beaches are full of trash which is quite shocking for those who expect paradise like conditions.
Hi Wayne really enjoying the Kuta, Lombok vlogs.... Just out of interest when you set up the boat business with your partner was business registered and did you have a work visa?
All the correct procedures were followed.
@@fiascodagama1 that's a shame you got treated like that 😕
Maybe when you started to make money with the boat they wanted to get a piece of the action. Sounds like a shakedown to me. When you didn't get the message they escalated.
In Indonesia, the further you get from areas of the religion of peace, the better. Lombok is much more like Malaysia. Westerners often face racism and discrimination. The most warm and friendly places are Bali and parts of East Java, like Yogyakarta.
👍🇺🇲
My honest opinion about Bali in general - give it a miss
It's not for everyone. I'd be curious if you just stuck to the heavily touristed areas.
As I said the other day not very impressive with money only interest for locals
I live in Lombok. It’s economically depressed once you leave Mataram
Beaches and surf sound like New Zealand. Bottom line Hindu culture always trumps Islam everytime 👍
You sound like a barrel of monkeys. Take the blindfold off and breathe. You have no idea what you're talking about.
Surprised at how many white people where going by you on scooters as you walked and talked. I had no idea that many tourists were already there.
It's not the hidden or removed place it once was - changing quickly.
Not to disparage the Javanese, but I find that the most aggressive and difficult interactions I have had in Bali are people from Java not the local Balinese.
You're not allowed to say Balinese are Hindu and Lombokans (?) are Muslim?
I think you are. It's just some people attach certain connotations to the latter.
Hi Wayan
I fear you have overlooked the most significant cultural difference which I observed some 30 years ago while visiting Lombak. Their dominant culture is Islam. As a western tourist you are ‘tainted’ being non-Muslim and as such you are at best tolerated and to be exploited for your tourist $.
Bali is predominantly Hindu and they are governed by the Law of Karma. Hence their generosity of spirit is aimed at achieving a good ‘rebirth’.
Well explained
Maybe I read that too quickly. I think the Balinese spirituality plays a significant part in their being calm and friendly, for sure.
Following your non white washed videos I dont think I will ever go to Lombok and its also doubtful I would return to Bali either. I will stick to the more remote areas, I find the Indonesian people in general quite friendly. To make a point about Bali, they they are welcoming and friendly towards Westerners but I have witnessed them acting very badly towards Indonesians from other parts, but that was a while ago so maybe thats changed.
People are people with situation and circumstance bringing out the worst in all of us at times, I guess.
You bring up some very important issues. We could talk about this subject all WEEK. You can only imagine the stories I have since travelling to that part of the world since 1975.
I was one of the originals of G-Land. Caution is required. Thats all I will say about that subject out of respect for you being there at the moment.
I will probably never go to Lombok, too many other places I have been & seen that are a lot more beautiful and a lot more friendlier, but you seem to be happy there and thats all that matters.
Thanks for being brave enough to bring up a very touchy subject matter.
Of course ANY BODY wanting to further explore business in that part of the world, my advice is "DO NOT DO IT" unless you are married to a local...and even then...DONT DO IT!!!
We have a business in Southern Pinas and we have been fine and shall continue to be so...but there is a price that one pays.
Yeah, thanks Daniel. i could have elaborated a great deal more (as you know) but hope my little tale might be a bit of a hint. Cheers.