After a relatively smooth journey from Bali to Lombok, arriving in Lembar brought a different kind of chaos. The harbor was overrun by taxi drivers demanding inflated fares, but after checking Grab and hearing it wasn’t allowed, I still managed to order one. When it arrived, however, it was quickly dismissed. Apparently, Grab is boycotted here. Luckily, I found my way to Kuta with the help of a friendly private driver.

Once in Kuta, I dropped off my laundry and enjoyed some downtime at my hostel. In the afternoon I decided to go out with some tourist. Though it was busy in the streets, people seemed more reserved here, so I headed back early and made plans to go surfing the next day.

From my personal experience, surfing around Kuta was thrilling but nerve-wracking. Despite a few accidental collisions, including a memorable wave caught hand-in-hand with another surfer, I got back into the groove. I managed to ride a few good waves, and the cheers from the local surf crew added to the excitement.

Hoping my tactic would succeed, I went out for dinner on my own, and it kind of worked! Wandering around, I managed to get a seat at a very busy restaurant, where after a few seconds, I was invited to join a friendly mix of locals and foreigners. Many of them had settled in Kuta long-term, and I learned more about the island's unique vibe. We ended the evening with ice cream at a new local spot before I returned to my hostel, preparing myself for my next adventure!

Overall, Kuta has left a lasting impression with its breathtaking scenery. If Grab or Gojek were available in Kuta, my experience would have been much different. With easier, fair-priced transport, I could have explored more freely without haggling or depending on taxis. Since I don’t drive a scooter, I missed out on many nearby sights and scenic spots, which these apps would have made accessible.

But to be honest, now that I live on Lombok, my opinion about Kuta has changed. Having visited Kuta several times now with local friends, I’ve been able to enjoy the city in a new way, especially since I now drive a scooter myself. Being able to explore independently has opened up so many beautiful spots I hadn’t discovered before. While Kuta is still more touristy than I’d ideally like, I've gradually found some hidden gems and quieter areas that offer a different side of the city. With each visit, I feel like I get to know Kuta a little better, appreciating its charm beyond the busy tourist areas.