Gunung Tunak National Park: Coastal Trail and Old Lighthouse in South Lombok
Gunung Tunak is a compact national park on a headland in South Lombok, with a 3km coastal trail leading to an old lighthouse and good sea views — 30 to 40 minutes from Kuta.
Gunung Tunak is a small national park on a forested headland that juts into the sea on Lombok's south coast. It is compact by national park standards — the protected area covers a few hundred hectares — but the coastal trail, the relative quiet, and the views make it a good half-day outing from Kuta.
The park sits in the Taman Wisata Alam category (Nature Tourism Park), managed by BKSDA (the Indonesian conservation authority). The main draw is the 3km trail that runs along the headland's coastline to a colonial-era lighthouse at the tip.
The Coastal Trail
The main trail is straightforward — roughly 3km one way, mostly flat with some gradual elevation change as the headland rises above the sea. The vegetation is a mix of dry coastal scrub and secondary forest. Views out to sea open up at multiple points along the route.
The lighthouse at the end is a decommissioned colonial structure. It is no longer operational but the structure is intact. The headland at this point gives wide views across the Indian Ocean to the south and the South Lombok coastline in both directions.
The return is on the same trail. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip at a relaxed pace.
The Viewing Platform
Within the Taman Wisata Alam section of the park there is a metal observation tower — an open-frame structure that can be climbed. From the top, the view covers a broad sweep of South Lombok: the coastline, the interior hills, and on clear days the profile of Rinjani to the north. It is a functional structure rather than a scenic one, but the views from the top are worth the climb.
Practical Info
- **Distance from Kuta:** Approximately 25–35km west of Kuta, around 30 to 40 minutes by motorbike or car
- **Getting there:** Rented scooter or hired car. Road is paved to the park entrance.
- **Entry fee:** National park entrance fee applies — typically IDR 5,000–15,000 per person
- **Best time:** Early morning for cooler temperatures and better light. Dry season (May–October) for clearest conditions.
- **What to bring:** Water, sun protection, closed shoes for the trail
- **Time needed:** 2 to 3 hours for trail, lighthouse, and viewing platform
Combine With
Gunung Tunak is on the western side of South Lombok, making it easy to combine with Mawun Beach (one of the quieter bays on this stretch of coast) or Selong Belanak. It is in the opposite direction from Tanjung Poki and the eastern beaches, so plan your day accordingly.
The Spot in Kuta is the natural base for this visit — under an hour away and well-positioned for an early morning start. See [other South Lombok guides](/blog/surf-spots-in-south-lombok) for more options in the area.
