Sustainable surf guide to Lombok: Best surf spots + eco-friendly places to stay
- EcoOceanEscapes
- Sep 30, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 19
Planning a sustainable surf trip to Lombok? Discover all the best surf breaks, no matter what your skill level, plus eco-friendly Lombok surf camps and resorts.
Forming part of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda chain, Lombok is a sun-drenched volcanic island to the east of Bali. The scenery here is nothing short of spectacular, with rolling terrain leading down to dreamy white sand beaches - all backed by the dramatic peak of Mount Rinjani.
Consistent waves peel along the southern coastline, drawing in a steady stream of surfers hoping to escape the crowds of Bali. While Lombok has well and truly been "discovered" by wave-chasing tourists, it still has a relaxed vibe that we love.
Considering Lombok's naturally stunning setting (and a desire to NOT end up as the next Bali), many of the accommodations operate according to eco-conscious principles. This makes the island a really easy place to plan a sustainable surf vacation in Indonesia - you don't have to look far to find eco-friendly Lombok hotels!
In this sustainable surf guide to Lombok, we’ll explain all the best places to surf (broken down by experience level), as well as eco-friendly hotels and resorts in Kuta, Lombok.
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Planning a sustainable surf vacation in Lombok
While similar in size to its more well-known neighbour, Lombok boasts a distinct shape, with a long, south-facing coastline that opens up to the Indian Ocean. It is this southern coastline that plays host to the majority of Lombok's best surf spots, scattered across a series of picturesque bays.
Most of Lombok's surf breaks cater primarily to beginner and intermediate surfers, with the exception being "Desert Point" - a legendary left that fires up on rare occasions. While the quality and intensity of Lombok's surf spots may not quite match those found in Bali, it’s the island’s unspoiled beauty that contributes to its allure.
The central hub for surfers visiting Lombok is the town of Kuta, though reaching the island's full range of surf breaks requires a bit of travel, whether by road or boat. Most surfers rent a scooter to access the breaks themselves, although there are plenty of surf schools that offer transport in minivans as part of their packages. At some of the breaks, it's a long paddle out, but there are always locals with boats to get you there for a small fee.
In Kuta, you’ll find a growing number of globally-inspired restaurants and cafes where you can refuel in between sessions, as well as stores selling surf-inspired clothing and accessories. Scooter rentals are readily available on the main drag, not to mention surf guides offering everything from boards to lessons.
Best places to surf in Lombok for beginner surfers
Selong Belanak
Selong Belanak is a breathtaking beach that offers the ideal setting for beginner surfers just starting out. The sand underfoot is soft and forgiving, providing a gentle surface to practice popping up, and the waves (while not long) are usually consistent.
Framed by palm-studded hills, Selong Balanak’s idyllic setting makes it one of the best places to learn to surf in Lombok.
Tanjung Aan
Located a short boat ride (or a long paddle) from the beach, this reliable wave is particularly popular with longboarders. At around waist to chest high, the A-frame peak offers a long, open wall that breaks left and right, providing the perfect canvas for gentle turns and nose riding.
In recent years, Tanjung Aan has become incredibly popular with surf schools, so head out early if you want a session without the crowds.
Ekas
Featuring two distinct peaks, Ekas provides an enticing blend of mellow waves alongside more challenging breaks. The inside left and right peaks are particularly well-suited for beginners, with their long, gentle walls allowing for smooth turns and confidence-building rides.
In contrast, the outside left comes alive on higher tides, when it transforms into a more powerful wave - best for those with a little more experience.
Sustainable surf guide to Lombok
Best places to surf in Lombok for intermediate surfers
Mawi
This A-frame peak is blessed with two rideable faces - a quality right-hander that provides a long, open wall for carving turns and an even more impressive left that is the real star of the show. Mawi's allure extends beyond just its wave quality - it's also a pretty consistent spot, working remarkably well year-round thanks to the area's unique swell windows and offshore winds.
While the backdrop is undeniably spectacular, the road to Mawi is in poor condition, so take care getting there and back.
Are Guling
Are Guling comprises both a left-hand and right-hand reef break, each of which has something to offer. While the right tends to be longer, it’s also more crowded, making the left a good alternative if you don’t mind a short but fast ride.
At Are Guling, the waves break in the middle of the bay, with boats available to ferry you out if you don’t want to endure the long paddle.
Seger Reef
This picturesque stretch of coastline not only delivers some incredibly fun and snappy waves, but also offers one of the most magical sunsets in southern Lombok. Accessible via a quick paddle from the shore, Seger Reef features both a powerful left-hand wave and a more consistently breaking right-hander that is the main draw for most surfers.
While Seger can handle a decent amount of swell, it tends to perform best on small to medium-sized days.
Gerupuk Inside
Situated within the sheltered confines of Gerupuk Bay, this right-hander is renowned for its consistency, with reliable 2-8 foot sets rolling through whenever the conditions are favourable. It's a peaky wave with a forgiving takeoff that transitions into a bowly, bending shoulder, making it an ideal wave for surfers of all abilities.
If Gerupuk Inside has a downside, it’s the sheer volume of surfers in attracts - it’s not uncommon to see over 100 people in the lineup!
Best places to surf in Lombok
Best places to surf in Lombok for advanced surfers
Gerupuk Outside
Gerupuk Outside is the more exposed counterpart to Gerupuk Inside, located at the southernmost end of the bay. When the swell is pumping, the waves come barrelling in, curling around nearly 200 metres of coral and rock to create several high-performance take-off zones.
On the inside section of the reef, where the water is more shallow, the waves tend to be fatter and more crumbly, offering up rippable sections for intermediate surfers.
Desert Point
This renowned left-hand reef break has lured countless wave-riders over the decades, from seasoned professionals to daring thrill-seekers. What is everyone chasing at Desert Point? Three words: long, hollow barrels.
When the swell and wind conditions align just right, Desert Point can transform into a surfer's paradise, offering up waves of truly colossal proportions that challenge even the most skilled and experienced. But that doesn’t happen too often, so it’s best to plan your trip around the forecast if you have your heart set on surfing Desert Point.
Eco-friendly hotels and resorts in Lombok
Eco-friendly hotels and resorts in Lombok
Best sustainable yoga retreat in Lombok
With multiple yoga classes (in a diverse range of styles) held throughout the day, this eco-friendly Lombok resort is ideal for travellers who want to stretch as much as they want to surf. There’s accommodation to suit all budgets, from community dorms to luxurious cabanas, plus two swimming pools and an onsite spa offering massages, scrubs and facials. Despite being within walking distance of Kuta’s restaurants, the atmosphere is blissfully tranquil.
You can discover more amazing surf and yoga retreats in Lombok here.
"Mana is one of those places you don't forget.” - Elizabeth (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly resorts in Lombok
An aerial view of Mana Eco Retreat in Lombok (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly self-catering villas in Lombok
Comprising a handful of bungalows and fully-equipped villas, this eco-friendly Lombok villa is located just outside Kuta Town. Its gorgeous design combines local and Mediterranean elements, with an inviting swimming pool and a restaurant serving healthy fare among the highlights.
"This is one of the most beautiful villas I have ever stayed in! The entire aesthetic of the place is just perfect.” - Rebecca (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly hotels and resorts in Lombok
Best eco-friendly Lombok hotel for couples
This sustainable Lombok resort features just a handful of eco-friendly bungalows (constructed primarily using bamboo) and incorporates rainwater harvesting and eco-conscious products into its operations. The views across the surrounding jungle are nothing short of spectacular and the private plunge pools add a luxurious touch. Breakfasts are available and there’s a snack bar on site. Keep in mind you’ll need a scooter or taxi to reach Kuta’s restaurants.
"Magical place, incredible view, perfect place to relax and escape.” - Karen (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly hotels and resorts in Lombok
Bungalows with private pools at Kalma Bamboo Eco Lodge in Lombok (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly, adults-only hotel in Lombok
Established in 2015, this adults-only boutique resort is one of the longest-running accommodations in Kuta, Lombok and boasts an enviable location within walking distance of all the restaurants. It features 38 beautifully appointed rooms and two swimming pools, as well as a restaurant serving healthy meals (including lots of vegetarian and vegan options). We know from first-hand experience that the spa is definitely worth a visit - we also hear a sauna and ice bath are in the works!
“Hidden gem in the middle of Kuta.” - Sara (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable resorts in Lombok
An inviting swimming pool at the heart of Rascals - an adults-only hotel in Kuta Lombok (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best time to surf in Lombok
Lombok is a tropical destination that experiences distinct dry and wet seasons, with the dry season typically running from June through September and the wet season from October to May. This seasonal shift in weather patterns can greatly influence the surf conditions at Lombok's various breaks, as well as the crowds in the lineup.
The wet season is the ideal time to target certain Lombok surf breaks like Gerupuk and Are Guling, as these spots tend to perform best when the rainfall increases and the winds drop. An added bonus of visiting during the wet season is the reduced crowds, giving you more opportunity to ride the waves you want.
The dry season is when waves like Mawi and Desert Point come into their own, offering world-class conditions for more experienced surfers. That being said, you'll still find surf at most of Lombok's other spots but the windy conditions can play havoc. When the breaks are firing, you should expect crowds, so get out early in the morning (tides permitting) if you want a quieter session.
FAQs about surfing in Lombok
Does Lombok have good surf?
A simple answer - yes! The surf spots in Lombok offer a refreshing alternative to the often-crowded lineups found in Bali. Within just an hour's drive of Kuta, there are no less than a dozen waves to explore, each with its own unique character and appeal. Whereas Bali tends to draw huge crowds to its famous surf breaks, the waves of Lombok tend to have smaller lineups but they definitely aren’t uncrowded! The word is well and truly out about Lombok having good surf, so don’t expect solo sessions.
When is the surf season in Lombok?
Lombok’s surf conditions are heavily influenced by the distinct seasonal weather patterns, which can be divided into the “dry” and the “wet”. During the dry season, which typically runs from June through September, the breaks at Mawi and Desert Point really come alive. This is the busiest surf season in Lombok when Northern Hemisphere tourists are on their long summer break and Australians are escaping the winter back home.
In contrast, the wet season, which runs from October through May, brings a shift in the surf conditions, with breaks like Gerupuk and Are Guling performing at their peak. The increased rainfall leads to reduced winds, as well as smaller crowds.
Sustainable surf guide to Lombok
Do I need to stay at a surf camp in Lombok?
Staying at a surf camp in Lombok can be an incredibly rewarding experience for those looking to focus entirely on surfing, with everything from lessons to video analysis on offer. By opting to stay at a dedicated surf camp, you'll not only have easy, direct access to the best surf spots, but you'll also benefit from the expertise and guidance of experienced instructors who can help you improve your technique, read the conditions and safely navigate the often-unpredictable ocean.
That being said, there are several surf shops and schools in Kuta where you can organise all of the above while staying at an independent homestay, hotel or resort. This is a good option if you want to explore southern Lombok beyond just its waves, with opportunities to discover the island's lush interior and waterfalls or visit traditional villages. When you opt to stay independently, you won’t get the camaraderie of a surf camp, although depending on your preferred travel style, you might embrace the freedom.
How much experience do you need to surf in Lombok?
Surfing in Lombok can be enjoyed by surfers of all skill levels, with waves that are suitable for beginners, intermediates and experienced wave riders. The level of experience required to surf in Lombok depends largely on the specific surf spot and the swell conditions that day.
Sheltered breaks such as Selong Belanak provide the perfect introduction for those new to the sport, with gentle, manageable waves. As you progress, there’s the opportunity to develop your technique and confidence at Inside Gerupuk or Are Guling before tackling the lefts and rights at Mawi. It’s important to keep in mind that Desert Point should only be surfed by those with a lot of experience, who are well-versed in reading the ocean and managing dynamic conditions.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
