Lombok’s surf coast has paradise beaches and some of the best beginner waves in Indonesia

If Bali’s a little much these days – and it very much is too much for us – then Lombok might just be your answer. Sitting just across the strait, it’s long been touted as the quieter cousin — though let’s be real, Kuta Lombok isn’t exactly a secret anymore. That said, it still trades in a much slower pace: think sunset beers on beanbags, scooters with board racks, and warung feasts for under a fiver. The beaches are jaw-dropping, the hills are still wild, and the surf scene leans more log-and-funboard than high-performance circus.

The island’s south coast is the main draw. That’s where you’ll find the best beaches, best breaks, and a growing line-up of stylish surf stays, from boutique cliffside villas to affordable homestays. The climate is tropical, with a distinct dry season from April to October, which doubles as the best time to visit for surf and sunshine. Expect 30°C days, light winds, and warm-water paddles.

Getting to Lombok is simple. The local airport (LOP) has direct flights from Bali (30 mins), Jakarta, and sometimes even Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. It’s a half-hour taxi from there to Kuta town. That’s a new addition to things – 10 years ago when I came here I had to fly into the island’s capital and drive like four hours to get to the surf coast.

Alternatively, hop a fast boat from Bali (Padang Bai to Bangsal), then it’s about 2.5–3 hours down the coast by car. Once you’re settled, scooters are the go-to transport — cheap, nimble, and essential if you’re chasing waves or beaches on your own steam. Just rent em at your own risk OFC.

Why Lombok is a dream for beginners (and fun for everyone else too)

Lombok might not be the secret surf haven it once was, but it’s still one of the best places in Indonesia to learn to surf. That’s largely thanks to Selong Belanak, a crescent of soft white sand where mellow whitewash peels into a flat-bottomed bay. Add a backdrop of green hills and cows wandering across the beach, and you’ve got an ideal classroom for total first-timers.

Then there’s Tanjung Aan, just 15 minutes from Kuta. It’s a split bay, with a long shelf of reef and sand that sends in slow rollers ideal for early-stage progression. Even intermediates will find something to nibble on here when the swell’s running.

Things get more exciting at Gerupuk Bay, a sprawling estuary packed with reef breaks. Most of them are boat access only (the local fishermen will sort you out for a few dollars), but that keeps the crowds down and the vibe chilled. Inside Gerupuk is an easy left; Don-Don is a fatter right that works well on bigger swells. It’s a great step-up zone once you’ve found your feet on the beachies.

For more advanced surfers, there’s always Mawi, a punchy A-frame west of Kuta, and Ekas, a remote corner with a couple of reef points and barely anyone around midweek. Go there if you’re a goofy. I am an it’s HEAVEN.

Want the full lowdown on Lombok’s surf spots? Check out our complete surf guide →

Oh, and yes — the famed Desert Point is out west, but that’s a mission in itself and definitely not for beginners. In fact, it’s not even for advanced surfers. When it’s on it will be charged by the best in the biz. Avoid. Just spectate.

Best season? Dry season (Apr–Oct) brings the cleanest conditions, but you’ll find waves year-round. Wet season mornings can be glassy, and surf schools run daily regardless.

Post-surf beach hangs that could rival any tropical island

Surf or no surf, Lombok’s beaches are world-class. And we’re not just talking “nice for Southeast Asia” — they’re up there with the best on the planet. Seriously. Long bays of blinding white sand, water so blue it hurts your eyes, and hardly any development outside a few warungs and a shack selling coconuts.

Tanjung Aan is the local’s favourite for lounging. Actually, scratch that. It’s not just a local’s fav. We recall plentyyy of post-surf beer sunsets here that make our, hmmm, top 5 sunset beer sessions. That good.

The sand is so fine it squeaks, and the double curve of the bay gives it a postcard look from any angle. There’s swimming, sunbathing, and even a short hike up Merese Hill for one of the best sunset views on the island. Good bars with cold Bintang too.

Mawi Beach is a bit more remote, reached by a rickety dirt track west of Kuta. It’s got a heavier wave, sure, but also some of the most chilled beach hangs you’ll find — with hammocks, bamboo warungs, and the odd impromptu bonfire when the evening sets in.

Selong Belanak, meanwhile, is the people-watching beach — beginner surfers, local fishermen, wandering cows, and travellers soaking it all in. You’ll find a few surf shacks here offering boards and beach chairs, plus grilled fish and mango shakes to keep you going between dips.

And don’t forget the Gili Islands, just a hop away from Lombok’s north coast. They don’t have lots of surf but come packed with good snorkelling, sandy beaches, and cocktail bars on the shore. Gili Air is my fav <3. Easy to reach for a couple of days if you want to extend your trip with a change of pace.