Bukit Merese Hill in Kuta Lombok (2023)

Bukit Merese Hill is an outcrop in the south of Lombok near Kuta with magical views of the surrounding beaches and a gorgeous sunset view. It is surrounded by white sand beaches on both sides. There are lots of small beaches in many nooks and crannies in the outcrop. You will find people driving to Bukit Merese Hill in the evening from Kuta to catch the sunset at the top. It is the best sunset spot in Kuta Lombok. There are multiple spots on the hill where you can watch the sunset. The hill faces the west and the view of the sun dipping behind the ocean is unforgettable.

Where is Bukit Merese?

Bukit Merese is situated on the southern coast of Lombok Island in Indonesia. It is a quick 10 minute drive from the town of Kuta. You can also walk along the beach to Bukit Merese Hill from Kuta and it will take you around 1 hour to reach here. You can find the exact location on Google Maps.

How to Get to Lombok

By Plane

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Lombok is by air. The Lombok International Airport (LOP) is well-connected with major cities in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. You can find direct flights from Jakarta, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

By Boat from Sumbawa & Bali

If you are already on one of the nearby islands you can opt for a boat journey to Lombok from either Sumbawa or Bali. Sumbawa, located east of Lombok, has ferry services that will take you to Poto Tano, a town in the western part of Lombok. From Bali, you can catch a fast boat or a traditional public ferry to various ports in Lombok.

Gili Islands Tours

Ferry From Bali to Lombok

There are two ports in Lombok where ferris dock, Bangsal and Senggigi. There are four ports in Bali. Only ferries from Serangan, Padang Bai and Sanur go to Senggigi. Ferries from Amed only go to Bangsal, not Senggigi.

The fast ferry takes around 1.5 to 3 hours. The slow boat takes 4 to 8 hours. You can only take your car and scooter across on the slow boat. If you book online there are tour companies that pick you up from your hotel in Bali and drop you off at the ferry for the included price.

Ferry with hotel pickup included

How to Get to Bukit Merese Hill in Lombok

Scooter

You can rent a scooter from various rental shops in Lombok for around IDR 50,000 – IDR 60,000 per day (approximately USD 4). Be sure to wear a helmet, and make sure your scooter is in good condition before you hit the road.

My Complete Guide to Renting a Scooter in Bali

Local taxi

Taxis are widely available in Lombok, and you can easily hire one to take you to Kuta beach in Lombok. Download My Blue Bird app which is the most widely used taxi app on the island.

Rent a car

Renting a car can be a comfortable and convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with a group. You can rent a car for around IDR 350,000 – IDR 500,000 for a full day. This will include pick up and drop off at your accommodation.

Directions to Bukit Merese Hill

From Kuta, the way to Bukit Merese Hill takes around 10 minutes. It is a scenic drive through lush greenery and rice fields. To get to the hill take Jl. Sengkol that leaves Kuta on the east. The road goes straight for a few miles before you come to a big roundabout. Take the 3rd exit from the roundabout. Take the first left after this. This road will take you straight to the parking spot for the hill.

Butkit Merese near Tanjung Aan Beach in Lombok

Experience at Bukit Merese Hill

When you reach Tanjung Aan Beach on the way to Bukit Merese Hill, you have to continue on the same road a little further up until you reach the place where the guys collect the parking fees for Bukit Merese Hill. Once you pay them you can drive up to the small parking lot below the hill. From here the first viewpoint is a quick 5 minute walk up the hill. From here you can see the sunset and it will look beautiful. But this is also the place where most of the people sit down to watch the sunset.

If you want to get away from the crowds, there is literally the rest of the hill. The hill slopes up to the left and if you climb for 20 minutes you will reach the very top from where you get a view of Tanjung Aan Beach and the bay to the east. From this height you can make out all the coral patterns and see all around you. This is the best place for sunset or if you want to fly your drone.

But this is just the sunset. If you come here during the day you will be able to explore all the small beaches situated around the hills and walk down to them. The hill literally has 5 or 6 beaches that I saw walking around it. It’s pretty fun to explore the area especially since most people only come here for sunsets and it tends to remain deserted otherwise.

Once you have explored the hill you can head down to one of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok which is right next to it. Tanjung Aan Beach has two warungs with really good food. There is a surf break right in front of the beach which is perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. Even advanced surfers will have fun on the waves. I had mad fun at this beach. It’s cleaner and much more chill than the beaches in Bali.

Best Bali Tours

Snorkel with Manta Rays Tour

Nusa Penida has some of the most amazing snorkeling with Manta Rays. Tours go to Manta Bay and Crystal Bay to swim with manta rays that come right up to you. Manta Rays are huge 5 meter long marine animals that gently glide along in the water. Swimming with them is one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

If you are in Bali you can do the manta ray tour from Bali on a speedboat or you can do the manta rays tour from Nusa Penida if you are already on the island.

Best Time to Visit Bukit Merese

To make the most of your trip to Bukit Merese Hill, it is recommended to visit during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. During this time, you can enjoy clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it the ideal time to watch amazing sunsets.

Entry Fee and Timings

To park your scooter at the parking lot for the hill you have to pay IDR 10,000. There is no entrance fee to climb the hill. The hill has no proper timings and you can come here anytime but it does get risky to climb a hill after dark so it’s not something I would recommend.

Things to Carry to Bukit Merese Hill

Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, as Bukit Merese Hill offers limited shade. It’s very easy to get sunburnt in Bali without realizing it.
Hat and Sunglasses: Keep yourself cool and shielded from the bright sun. The sun reflects off the water and your eyes start to hurt a lot squinting.
Comfortable Shoes: As you explore the area, be sure to wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized by carrying an ample supply of water and light snacks. There are a few warungs at Tanjung Aan Beach which are great for lunch.
Camera: Capture the jaw-dropping landscapes and stunning sunsets to cherish the memories later. If you have a drone you will capture some amazing shots here.

Bukit Merese Hill FAQs

Where is the best sunset spot in Kuta Lombok?

While Bukit Merese Hill is the go-to spot for sunsets in Kuta Lombok. Other areas like Batu Payung Beach and Tanjung Aan Beach also offer breathtaking views of the sunset.

Which beach has the best sunset in Lombok?

Besides Bukit Merese Hill, Mawun Beach and Selong Belanak Beach are popular choices for mesmerizing sunsets in Lombok. The combination of sandy beaches, blue waters, and stunning orange and pink hues makes these spots a photographer’s dream.

How to get to Bukit Merese Hill?

Bukit Merese Hill is very close to Kuta in Lombok. If you have a scooter it’s a quick 10 minute ride from the town to reach Bukit Merese Hill.

Places to Stay in Kuta

Luxury Hotel: Neptune Studios

Neptune Studios is Kuta near Bukit Merese is one of the best villas to rent in south Lombok. The villa is gorgeous and has a minimalist theme. There is a beautiful marble tub with a skylight in the bathroom. The bedroom is tastefully decorated and the outdoor pool is the perfect place to tan during the afternoon. The villa is just 1km from Kuta Beach and you can walk here in 10 minutes.

Price: From $150.
Booking.com link

Mid-Level Hotel: Porter Hotel – Jungle Retreat

The Porter Hotel is a beautiful hotel in the middle of the jungle. The pool overlooks the forest and you have views of the ocean from it. They have outdoor tubs where you can enjoy a peaceful soak after a day of sightseeing. They have a great terrace where you can do yoga and a garden where you can sit and relax. It’s the perfect base for a stay in Lombok.

Price: From $70.
Booking.com link

Budget Hotel: Mana Eco Retreat

Mana Eco Retreat is perfect for solo travelers and budget conscious travelers. It’s made for community and friends. There is a huge yoga studio with yoga classes, a beautiful outdoor pool with plenty of sunlight and lots of gardens. They have a vegetarian restaurant and play a movie 4 times a week so you have lots of entertainment.

Price: From $25.
Booking.com link

Things To Do Near Bukit Merese Hill

Tanjung Aan Beach

Tanjung Aan is my favorite beach in Lombok. It’s a white sand beach with a gorgeous coral reef a few meters in. The waves are very chill at the beach and perfect for swimming. If you paddle out 200 meters from shore there is a great surf break perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. You can spend the entire day at the beach surfing, swimming and snorkeling here.

Goa Buwun Prabu

Explore the mystical Goa Buwun Prabu, a cave located near Bukit Merese Hill. This ancient cave is believed to have historical and cultural significance and is definitely worth a visit for a unique experience. Goa Buwun Prabu has served as a spiritual site for generations. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by stunning stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the roof, making for a stunning view.

Bukit Seger & Seger Beach

On the opposite side of Kuta Bay, directly across Bukit Merese is Bukit Seger. Seger Beach is below this outcrop. Bukit Seger is often overlooked in favor of Bukit Merese but this means that there will be no crowd at Bukit Seger during sunset. It’s closer to town and there is barely a drive to get here.

Sky Mandalika Paragliding

For the adrenaline junkies seeking a bird’s-eye view of Bukit Merese Hill and its surroundings, paragliding is an exhilarating experience. Soar through the sky and witness the beauty of Lombok from a whole new perspective. Sky Mandalika Paragliding has tandem paragliding flights for both beginners and experienced thrill-seekers.

Conclusion

Bukit Merese is the best place for sunset near Kuta Lombok. A small crowd gathers here every day at sunset to marvel at the colors in the sky as the sun sets behind the ocean. If you come during the day, it’s an adventure walking up the hill and discovering all the different beaches and rock outcroppings here. Tanjung Aan Beach is right next door and is the perfect place to have lunch before or after your adventure here.