Lombok is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s top surf destinations, offering a more laid-back and less crowded alternative to Bali. With its world-class waves, beautiful beaches, and variety of breaks suitable for all skill levels, this island is a true gem for surfers. Whether you’re a beginner learning to paddle out or an advanced surfer chasing hollow barrels, Lombok has a spot for you. This guide will cover everything from the best surf spots and seasonal conditions to safety tips and where to stay for easy access to the waves.
1. Best Beginner Surf Spots in Lombok
Lombok is a great place to learn how to surf, with plenty of mellow, forgiving waves for beginners. One of the best spots for beginners is Selong Belanak, where you’ll find soft, rolling waves that are perfect for learning. The beach is wide and sandy, making it an ideal spot to practice without the worry of hitting reefs. You can expect small, consistent waves that are easy to catch and ride, especially during the wet season when the conditions are calmer.
Another fantastic spot is Inside Grupuk, located near Kuta Lombok. This beach break offers slightly more challenging waves, but it’s still suitable for those who’ve had a lesson or two and want to start progressing. Tanjung Aan is another beginner-friendly beach, known for its picturesque views and easy waves during the wet season.
At LMBK Surf House, we often take beginners to these spots, offering personalized lessons and keeping the group sizes small. Our experienced instructors make sure you’re comfortable and progressing at your own pace.
2. Advanced Surf Spots in Lombok for Experienced Surfers
For more advanced surfers, Lombok has some world-class breaks that are both challenging and rewarding. Desert Point (also known as Bangko-Bangko) is one of the most famous surf spots in the world, renowned for its long, hollow barrels that can run for up to 20 seconds or more. However, Desert Point is not for the faint-hearted — it’s a wave best suited for experienced surfers who are comfortable with reef breaks and powerful swells.
Ekas Outside is another top spot for advanced surfers, offering powerful waves with the occasional barrel. This wave breaks over a shallow reef, making it thrilling but also challenging. The best time to surf Ekas is during the dry season, when the winds are offshore and the swells are bigger.
Mawi is a less crowded option for experienced surfers, with punchy waves that can get hollow on the right conditions. It’s a great spot for intermediates to advance their skills, but be cautious of the reef, as the wave can get fast and heavy when the swell picks up.
At LMBK Surf House, we guide experienced surfers to these spots when the conditions are right, ensuring you’re getting the best waves without the crowds.
3. Surf Seasons in Lombok: Best Times to Catch Waves
Lombok’s surf season is divided into two main periods: the wet season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October). Each season brings different conditions, so it’s important to know what to expect.
Wet Season (November to April): The wet season offers smaller, more consistent waves, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. The winds during this season tend to blow offshore at spots like Selong Belanak and Inside Grupuk, creating clean, surfable conditions. This is also the less crowded time of year, so you’ll have more space to yourself.
Dry Season (May to October): The dry season is when Lombok’s bigger, more powerful swells arrive, perfect for advanced surfers. Spots like Ekas Bay and Desert Point really come alive during this time, offering larger waves and more challenging conditions. The trade winds blow offshore on the southern and southwestern coasts, making this the best time for intermediate and advanced surfers looking to push their limits.
At LMBK Surf House, we adjust our surf lessons and guided sessions based on the seasons, ensuring that you’re always surfing the right spot at the right time.
4. Interactive Surf Map of Lombok: Explore the Best Surf Spots
Lombok’s diverse range of surf spots stretches along the southern coast, with each offering something unique. Here’s a breakdown of some key spots that you’ll find on our Lombok Surf Map:
- K – Selong Belanak: Ideal for beginners with soft, forgiving waves.
- G – Grupuk: A mix of beginner and intermediate waves. Inside Grupuk is beginner-friendly, while Outside Grupuk offers something more powerful.
- D – Ekas Bay: A popular spot for both intermediate and advanced surfers, with left and right-hand breaks.
- C – Desert Point: World-class, long, hollow barrels for advanced surfers.
- I – Mawi: Punchy waves, good for intermediate to advanced surfers.
While our current map isn’t interactive yet, it serves as a handy guide for anyone planning their trip to Lombok. At LMBK Surf House, we provide personalized guidance on which spots to surf based on your ability and the conditions of the day.
5. Surf Safety in Lombok: What Every Surfer Should Know
Surfing in Lombok can be an amazing experience, but it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards, especially around the island’s reef breaks. One of the main challenges is navigating the coral reefs, which can be sharp and unforgiving. Spots like Desert Point and Ekas break over shallow reefs, so knowing how to handle these conditions is essential for staying safe.
At LMBK Surf House, our instructors make sure every guest understands the importance of surf safety. Here are some key tips:
- Know the tides: Some of Lombok’s best waves break over shallow reef, so it’s crucial to surf at the right tide. Low tide can expose more of the reef, increasing the risk of injury.
- Respect the currents: Lombok’s southern coast is home to strong currents, especially at spots like Grupuk and Ekas Bay. Make sure to paddle out with awareness and avoid getting pulled into dangerous areas.
- Wear reef booties: Protect your feet from sharp coral at reef breaks. Booties are especially useful at breaks like Ekas and Desert Point.
We make sure to educate every guest at LMBK Surf House on surf safety, ensuring you can enjoy the waves while staying safe.
6. Where to Stay Near Lombok’s Best Surf Spots
If you’re planning a surf trip to Lombok, staying close to the best surf spots is key. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to more luxurious surf camps. At LMBK Surf House, we provide the perfect base for surfers looking to explore Lombok’s best breaks.
Located near Kuta Lombok, LMBK Surf House is just a short ride from spots like Selong Belanak, Grupuk, and Mawi. Our surf camp offers both private and shared accommodation, with a laid-back vibe and all the amenities you need after a day in the water. Plus, we offer guided surf trips to ensure you’re always at the right spot for the day’s conditions.
7. Surf Camps in Lombok: What to Expect and Where to Go
Choosing the right surf camp in Lombok can make all the difference in your surf experience. At LMBK Surf House, we pride ourselves on offering a relaxed yet immersive surf camp experience, perfect for surfers of all levels. Our surf camp includes daily surf lessons, guided trips to the best breaks, and comfortable accommodation. With a mix of experienced local instructors and international surf guides, we ensure you get the best of both worlds.
We focus on small group sizes to give personalized attention, whether you’re learning the basics or fine-tuning your technique. In addition to surfing, we offer yoga sessions, beach bonfires, and cultural excursions, giving you a well-rounded experience of what Lombok has to offer.
8. Lombok Surf Culture: What Makes Surfing in Lombok Unique
Surfing in Lombok is more than just the waves — it’s about experiencing a unique, laid-back surf culture that is still very much in touch with local traditions. Unlike Bali, which is known for its busy surf scene and high levels of tourism, Lombok’s surf culture remains more low-key, offering a more authentic and tranquil experience. You won’t find as many crowded lineups, and the vibe in the water is generally more relaxed and welcoming.
Local surfers here are known for their friendliness, and it’s not uncommon to be greeted with a smile or share waves with locals who are just as stoked about surfing as you are. The island’s emerging surf scene is centered around places like Kuta Lombok, where surf shops, cafés, and local warungs are popping up to cater to the growing number of surfers. Yet, despite this growth, Lombok retains a more traditional feel, with Sasak culture deeply intertwined in daily life. This cultural fusion of surf and tradition makes surfing in Lombok a uniquely rewarding experience.
At LMBK Surf House, we embrace Lombok’s local surf culture, fostering a sense of community among our guests while respecting the island’s heritage. We encourage surfers to immerse themselves in the culture, whether it’s by visiting local markets, taking part in beach cleanups, or engaging with local surf communities. By doing so, surfers gain a deeper appreciation not just for the waves but for the island itself.
Conclusion
Lombok offers an incredible variety of surf experiences, from beginner-friendly beach breaks to advanced reef waves. Whether you’re learning to surf or chasing world-class barrels, the island has something for everyone. By staying at LMBK Surf House, you’ll not only have access to the best surf spots, but also an immersive experience in Lombok’s unique surf culture, with personalized surf lessons, guided trips, and plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty and traditional heritage.
This Lombok Surf Guide provides everything you need to plan the perfect surf trip, including an overview of the best surf spots, seasonal conditions, safety tips, and where to stay. So grab your board and head to Lombok — we’ll see you out in the water!
