Want to Surf Near Bali — Without the Chaos?
Bali is the undisputed gateway to Indonesian surfing. But let’s face it: the secret is out. If you are craving cleaner lineups, less traffic, and that authentic “island energy” that Bali lost a decade ago, it is time to look just beyond the spotlight.
Luckily, Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, and some of the best waves in the world are just a short hop from Denpasar.
Here is our breakdown of the best islands near Bali for surfers, and why Lombok is the escape you have been looking for.
1. Lombok – The Unspoiled Surf Frontier
The Vibe: Bali’s quieter, wilder cousin. Getting There: 30-minute flight or 2-hour fast boat.
Lombok takes the top spot because it offers the perfect balance. It has the infrastructure you need (great cafes, fast WiFi, comfortable villas) but none of the over-tourism. The southern coast is a playground of bays and reefs that cater to every level:
- Mawi: A punchy, A-frame reef break that offers barrels for advanced riders.
- Gerupuk Bay: A massive bay with multiple peaks accessible by boat, offering fun walls and long rides.
- Selong Belanak: A sandy beach break that is hands-down the best place to learn to surf in Indonesia.
- Desert Point: One of the longest, most legendary left-hand barrels on the planet (for the experts).
The Verdict: Lombok has everything Bali offers—just with more space, more authenticity, and way less noise. It is the ultimate “surf trip within a surf trip.”
2. Nusa Lembongan – Calm and Compact
The Vibe: Laid-back and scenic, but small. Getting There: 40-minute fast boat from Sanur.
This small island southeast of Bali is a popular weekend escape. It’s beautiful, with crystal clear water and a view of Mount Agung. The surf here is concentrated around a few main breaks: Playgrounds (fun, easier left/right), Lacerations (hollow and sharp), and Shipwrecks (a quality right-hander).
The Verdict: It’s a great 1–2 day side trip, but the “surf zone” is very small. Because there are only 3 main breaks, the lineups get crowded very quickly—sometimes even worse than Bali because there is nowhere else to spread out.
3. Sumbawa – Remote and Rugged
The Vibe: Hardcore surf mission. Getting There: Flight to Bima/Sumbawa Besar or a long ferry journey.
Located just east of Lombok, Sumbawa is home to serious surf legends like Lakey Peak, Yo-Yo’s, and Scar Reef. This is not a place for smoothie bowls and coworking spaces; it is a place for serious tube time. The terrain is rugged, the accommodation is often basic, and the waves are powerful.
The Verdict: World-class if you are an advanced surfer with time to travel and don’t mind roughing it. It’s less “vacation” and more “expedition.”
4. Gili Islands – For Recovery (Not Surfing)
The Vibe: Party, dive, relax. Getting There: Fast boat from Bali or Lombok.
You will often see the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air) listed on travel guides. While they are stunning, they are not consistent surf destinations. There is a fickle break on the south side of Gili Trawangan that works on big swells, but it’s sharp, shallow, and inconsistent.
The Verdict: Go here to snorkel with turtles, party on the beach, or recover between surf sessions—but don’t bring your board expecting daily waves.
5. Final Word: Why Lombok Wins
If you are looking to surf near Bali without the crowds, Lombok tops the list. It sits in the “sweet spot”: accessible enough to get to easily, but wild enough to still feel like an adventure. You get the wave quality of Sumbawa with the comfort of Bali—minus the traffic.
Ready to start your surf escape? Book your stay at LMBK Surf House. We’ll help you navigate the best breaks, avoid the masses, and reconnect with the reason you surf in the first place.
6. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The easiest way is to fly. Wings Air and Citilink fly daily from Denpasar (DPS) to Lombok (LOP). Surfboards are allowed but usually incur a small baggage fee. Alternatively, fast boats leave from Padang Bai, but make sure to check their surfboard policy as space can be limited.
Absolutely. In fact, many argue Lombok is better for beginners than Bali because of spots like Selong Belanak, which has a soft sandy bottom and gentle waves, unlike the rocky reef breaks often found in Bali.
If you only have 24 hours, Nusa Lembongan is closer by boat. But if you have 3 days or more, Lombok offers far more variety, fewer crowds, and a much bigger coastline to explore.
The dry season (May to September) brings the biggest swells and offshore trade winds, making it prime time for advanced surfers. The wet season (October to April) offers cleaner conditions at different spots and smaller, more manageable waves for intermediates.
If you have a magic board, bring it. But if not, LMBK Surf House stocks a high-quality range of diverse boards, from performance shortboards to fun longboards, so you can save on airline baggage fees.
