In an island nation with seemingly infinite, sublime coastline, the south coast of Lombok surely rates among the best. Kuta is the south coast's main town and center of tourism development, and is the hub for exploring the southern beaches. Around 60km (37 miles) south of Mataram and about 1 1/2 hour's drive from Senggigi, Kuta (sometimes spelled Kute) makes for a wonderful day trip from other points in Lombok, or as an alternative holiday destination in its own right. Kuta is a small haven of hotels, homestays, backpacker's hostels, and simple restaurants catering mainly to surfers. The small-scale development evokes Bali in the 1980s. Kuta and the surrounding beaches have gained an international reputation as some of the best surfing destinations in Southeast Asia.