Craving warm water, crystal clear peelers and tropical heat? Then a trip to Indonesia is the answer. But instead of enduring the hustle and bustle of Bali or spending multiple days travelling to reach a distant atoll, you can enjoy the best of both worlds on the exquisite island of Lombok.
Located in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, Lombok is a charming and diverse island surrounded by beautiful beaches and an abundance of surf spots. From world-class point breaks to hidden reefs, Lombok has something for everyone – no matter your skill level.
In this short article, we’re going to break down the Lombok surfing experience, giving you all the info you need to know before you go in under 7 minutes. We’ll cover the top spots to surf, the best time of year to visit and other essential info about the island.
Now, let’s start planning your Lombok surf trip!
The best season to surf Lombok, Indonesia
From surf camps on Lombok to surf retreats and even quick missions from another Indo island, there are plenty of ways to enjoy those dreamy Lombok waves.
However, one thing you need to keep in mind when booking a warm water surf trip to Lombok is the fact that Indonesia is a tropical destination and experiences a dry season (June to September) and a wet season (October to May). This can affect the quality and consistency of the waves at a particular time of year.
Fortunately, Lombok has good waves for beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers all year round. With heaps of spots to choose from, you're never in danger of enduring a month-long flat spell (which also ensures you can fast-track your surf progression).
That being said, the wet season is when surf spots like Seger and Are Guling work best. It's also when there are fewer people around, which means more waves for you. As for the dry season, this is when Mawi and Desert Point turn on alongside Tanjung Aan, Gerupuk and Ekas.
The most popular surf spots on Lombok island
As we said earlier, there are tonnes of surf spots on Lombok that are fit for all skill levels. This is fantastic since groups with people at different levels can choose a break that's suitable for everyone.
It also works year-round, which means you can make the most of your surf trip no matter when you go. What are the most popular surf spots on Lombok though?
Here's a quick rundown of our favourites. Remember, we also have a few uncrowded and insanely good surf spots that we can share with you on our trip, so don't forget to ask!
If you’re not sure what level of surfer you are, check out this handy guide.
Beginner surf spots Lombok
Ekas
With two different waves and great wind protection, Ekas' inside and outside peaks offer long and mellow waves for beginners. The inside left and right work best with a mid-sized swell and low-to-mid tide, while the outside left is better on the higher tide.
Selong Belanak
A beautiful and long sandy beach, this spot is perfect for beginners seeking a super forgiving sand-bottom wave. And while it might be lacking in the length of ride, Selong Balanak makes up for it by being the number one place to practice your popups and catch green waves.
Tanjung Aan
While this can be considered a wave for all skill levels, we love watching Tribers surf it when it's smaller. At about waist to chest high, this A-frame (left and right breaking peak) is a really great longboarding wave with a nice wall. It's also located in a stunning bay with another long sandy beach that's just begging to be chilled on.
Seger Reef
This left and righthander is one of Lombok's most popular surf spots. It does break over a reef, but it's definitely manageable for confident beginners when the swell is around 2-3 feet. Short and shifty, it's a great Lombok surf spot for practising quick takeoffs.
Intermediate surf spots Lombok
Mawi
Probably the best and most consistent spot on the south coast, Mawi is an A-frame peak that has a decent righthander and an even better lefthander. It also works year-round (but is best in the dry season) and can hold mid to large-sized swells. A must-visit spot for intermediate and even advanced surfers.
Right and left (Are Guling)
Located in a large bay, Are Guling consists of both and left and righthand reef break. The righthander holds both big and small swells. And it can be wally with lots of rippable sections or a fast barrel. The left is also fast and hollow, but it's a shorter and more intense ride. Either way, you're going to find some shade from that warm Lombok sun if you score a good one.
Advanced surf spots Lombok
Outside rights and lefts (Gerupuk Bay)
Another left and right setup, Gerupuk Bay offers several peaks to choose from. Better suited to upper intermediates and advanced surfers, the reef is razor sharp and the takeoffs are steep. Again, these are both serious waves that can tube and present some very workable sections, so approach them with care.
Desert Point
Probably the most mythologised spot on Lombok, Desert Point has long been the focus of pro surfers and travelling shredders (like Torren Martyn) seeking long and hollow tubes. This lefthander can get huge and is definitely not for the faint of heart. That said, if you're an advanced surfer looking to test your skills, this is the spot for you. Notoriously fickle, it can be hard to pick the conditions. But when it's working, it's enough to make you forget any and all your responsibilities just to surf it!
Local tips on surfing Lombok
Ready to book an epic surf trip to the less-visited-than-Bali but equally as beautiful Indonesian Island of Lombok? Amazing, we can't wait to have you join us. Before you go though, here are a few tips for travelling to and surfing Lombok island:
- Pack a full surf kit, including boards and wetsuits, as there are only limited surf shops on the island and they may not have what you need
- Make sure to take the time to explore Lombok's stunning beaches and landscapes - it really is worth taking a day or two off from surfing to enjoy the island in between swells
- Respect the local surfers and be mindful of your behaviour when surfing - you'll likely find that they can offer great advice on where to go and what to expect in terms of conditions
- Be prepared for some stifling heat, especially during the dry season, so make sure to bring enough water and sunscreen
- Be aware of the riptides in some spots, as they can be strong, so stay alert when paddling out or around any breaks
- Respect the waves and respect nature - make sure to clean up after yourself, either on the beach or in town
Other than that, our last piece of advice is to simply enjoy yourself! We hope that you'll have an unforgettable time surfing Lombok's many beautiful spots. Have fun, be safe and see you out in the waves.
Join a surf trip with our local partners in Lombok, surf weeks available year-round!
