The Kuta Lombok Bat Cave, also known as Bangkang Cave, is a small system of caves on the hillside behind Kuta Lombok. Although it’s not the most popular tourist destination in Kuta Lombok, Bangkang Cave is still a cool spot to check out, especially if you’re on the way to the beaches up the coast.
In this blog post, I’ll go through how to get to the Lombok Bat Cave, what to expect, and some photos from my trip.
Featured in: Top Things to do in Lombok Indonesia
Kuta Lombok Bat Cave Location
Kuta Lombok Cave Price: 25 000 Ruipah
Motorbike Rental Price in Lombok: 50 000 Rupiah
What's strange about the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave is that there are actually three caves claiming the same name; Bangkang Cave.
The first is called Goa Bangkang Prabu, the second is Goa Puwun (or Mystical Neverland) and the third is Goa Sumur. You'll find them all in the same area and no matter which one you choose, you will get to see thousands of bats.
The Lombok Bat Cave which I recommend visiting is next to a building site for a new resort on the main road. The main cave system (Mystical Neverland) costs 60 000 rupiah to visit, while the Bangkang Cave I visited only costs 25 000 and includes a local guide.
From the main strip in Kuta Lombok, it's only a quick 10-minute scooter ride up the hillside to reach the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave. The easiest way to find it is to enter "Goa Bangkang Prabu" in Google Maps. Follow the directions and keep an eye out for a small wooden sign on the left.
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What To Expect at the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave
Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by friendly local guides who are immediately honest about the entry price. I was a little cautious and asked if the entry price included a guide, which he told me it did.
The first cavern is a tall and wide system leading into smaller, narrower tunnels. Unfortunately, these are shut off to the public. Here, you'll see thousands of bats resting on the roof.
Careful walking under as the bats use you for target practice. There are also bugs and cockroaches everywhere on the cave floor, but what did you expect from a bat cave?
Near the entrance, your guide will lead you into a larger cavern with a rickety bamboo staircase. Here, you'll also see thousands of bats and if you're lucky, some incredible light rays.
What's The Best Time to Visit
Best time to see cave light rays: 4 - 5 pm
Best Time to see bats fly: 5:30 pm - Sunset
The best time to visit the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave will depend on what you want to see. For the location that I mentioned, the spectacular light rays tend to occur later in the afternoon, around 4-5 pm. At the Mystical Nerland Cave, the best time to see light rays is around midday.
At both caves, you can watch the nightly spectacle of thousands of bats departing their caves for the hunt. It's a pretty incredible sight as you watch the setting sunset sky temporarily turn black from the sheer number of flying creatures.
Related: Bukit Merese Hills Sunset Viewpoint
Kuta Lombok Accommodation Near Kuta Bat Cave
Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok
- Rascals Hotel - Adults Only - the 3-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and terrace. It offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere being an adult-only hotel. With a great location, Rascals Hotel ticks the boxes for a great place to stay.
- Martas Windows - boasting authentic Indonesian bungalow villa-style rooms. This is any Instagrammer's dream place to stay. The rooms are large and the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to relax. Located in the heart of Kuta it really doesn’t get much better!
- Origin Lombok - Origin has a swimming pool with a sun terrace as well as lush gardens to relax by. This spot is centrally located and features an on-site restaurant. One of the best picks in Kuta Lombok for sure!
More Lombok Travel & Adventure Guides
I hope you've enjoyed this quick guide to visiting the bat caves in Southern Lombok, Indonesia. While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other adventure guides for more inspiration for your trip.
