A remarkable hillside lodge on the west coast of Sumbawa above Glampar Beach, Kertasari Lodge offers stunning views over the Lombok Strait toward Mount Rinjani. The restaurant serves excellent Indonesian and Western food and the remote location gives guests a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
Kertasari Lodge is a hillside property on the west coast of Sumbawa, one of the more remote and less-visited islands in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. The lodge sits above Glampar Beach near the village of Labuan Kertasari, with the Lombok Strait stretched out below and Mount Rinjani visible across the water on a clear day. The position is genuinely dramatic, offering some of the most expansive sea views available from any accommodation in the region.
The lodge's architecture is simple and locally inspired, with open-air structures making the most of the elevated setting and prevailing sea breezes. Accommodation comprises a small number of bungalows and private rooms designed for comfort without pretension, furnished with local materials. The surrounding landscape is largely undeveloped, with fishing villages and undisturbed coastline forming the backdrop to the property.
Kertasari Lodge is particularly well-regarded for its restaurant, which serves a well-rounded menu of Indonesian classics and Western dishes, with fresh fish and shellfish sourced locally from nearby fishing communities. The food is consistently praised by guests as a highlight of the stay. A swimming pool offers a refreshing retreat with views over the sea far below.
The lodge positions itself as a surf destination, with surf trips arranged to breaks off the Sumbawa coast that see far fewer foreign visitors compared to Lombok or Bali. Staff can coordinate transport, local guides, and equipment for surfing excursions. Whale sharks and manta rays have been reported in surrounding waters, and snorkelling off the beach below the lodge is possible during calm conditions.
The remote setting makes Kertasari Lodge a destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in West Nusa Tenggara. Access typically involves a combination of ferry from Lombok to Sumbawa and road transport through the western part of the island.
Amenities
- sea view
- restaurant
- wifi
- swimming pool
- surf trips
Location
Labuan Kertasari, West Sumbawa
-8.5944, 116.8300 View on map
Highlights
- Elevated hillside position with sweeping views over the Lombok Strait toward Mount Rinjani
- Surf trip coordination to uncrowded breaks along the remote West Sumbawa coastline
- Restaurant consistently praised for fresh local seafood and Indonesian cuisine
- Swimming pool overlooking the sea at the edge of undeveloped West Sumbawa
- Remote off-the-beaten-path location in West Nusa Tenggara away from main tourist circuits
Tips for visiting
- Access from Lombok requires a ferry from Kayangan harbour to Poto Tano then road transport south — plan for a half-day journey.
- Bring sufficient cash as there are no ATMs in Labuan Kertasari; exchange currency before leaving Mataram or Sumbawa Besar.
- Surf trips from Kertasari target quiet breaks best from April to October; confirm current conditions with the lodge before travel.
- Arrange transport to the lodge in advance as local taxis and ojeks can be unreliable in this part of Sumbawa.
- A basic command of Indonesian language is helpful as English may be limited among local guides and transport providers.
Accessibility
Kertasari Lodge is a hillside property with uneven terrain, steps, and sloped access between facilities. The elevated position and informal construction make the property difficult for wheelchair users or guests with significant mobility limitations. The remote location also means that medical facilities are some distance away.
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Frequently asked questions
How do guests reach Kertasari Lodge from Lombok?
The standard route is by ferry from Kayangan harbour in East Lombok to Poto Tano in West Sumbawa, a crossing of around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Poto Tano, road transport takes approximately 1.5 hours south to Labuan Kertasari. The lodge can help coordinate transfers on request.
Is Kertasari Lodge suitable for non-surfers?
Yes, the lodge welcomes non-surfers. The panoramic views, fresh seafood restaurant, and swimming pool make for a relaxing stay. Snorkelling in the bay and village walks are popular alternatives to surfing.
What is the surf like around Kertasari?
The coast around Labuan Kertasari faces the Indian Ocean and sees consistent swells during the April-to-October dry season. The breaks are largely undeveloped and suited to intermediate to advanced surfers looking for uncrowded waves.
Is WiFi available at Kertasari Lodge?
WiFi is listed as an amenity, though connectivity in remote areas of Sumbawa can be intermittent. Guests who require reliable internet access should verify current conditions with the lodge before arrival.