Lombok Surf Travel Guide
Lombok offers a more chilled out vibe with fewer tourists than its closest neighbour Bali. The best-known wave in Lombok is undoubtedly Desert Point located on the southwestern tip. This has repeatedly been called the best wave in the world, but it is a fickle beast that is always crowded when it is on. On the flipside a single wave at Deserts can change your life. Elsewhere the reef breaks around Kuta and the Gili Islands offer real quality and a vibrant mix of tourist energy, beautiful untouched coasts and epic diving.
Where to surf
Desert Point
A long walled and incredibly hollow left hander that on its day can break up to 300 meters. The wave grows as it goes down the line from the easy take-off to the very shallow end. It has been called the best left hander in the world, mainly on account of the 20-second tube rides that are regularly ridden.
Belongas Bay
This is a typical Indo reef break, with two main peaks that are better during the wet season’s NE winds.
Gerupuk
This is a huge bay about 7 km east of Kuta and on a big day it offers a few easy to surf and different breaks around the bay.
Air Guling
Is a right that works best on low tide. It has a fast, hollow inside section. It is exposed to wind and swell. Surf before 9.00am or the wind needs to be more N than W. Also there is a short, rippy, hollow left on the higher tide at the reef gap mid bay.
Ekas Bay
Is located on the east side of Kuta. A reef break, it has two spots.
Outside Ekas
A shifty, powerful left-hander swell-magnet that breaks close to the entrance of the channel. It can run for up to 200 meters on the right day.
When to go
More than any other island in Indonesia, Lombok is a year-round surf destination. Peak season is April to October as per the rest of Indonesia when consistent 4-12ft SSW – WSW swells and ESE trades are common. This is the best time to catch the mythical Desert Point. Smaller, but relatively consistent 3-6ft swells from the same quadrant continue throughout the wet season and as winds tend SE/SW in November and then more W and NW until March. In this season Lombok has a stack of hidden gems and sheltered options with very little crowds.
Attractions
The star attractions of Lombok are the Gili Islands – three gorgeous tropical paradises, each with its own unique atmosphere, incredible diving and vibrant party scenes. On Lombok Island itself, Selong Belanak is among the most beautiful beaches while the village of Sukarare offers a fascinating glimpse into local handicrafts and lifestyles. Don’t miss the Fountain of Youth in the historic Narmada Park, either.
The Country
With over 255 million people, Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populated country. Consisting of thousands of islands, Indonesia is rich with tropical oceans, delicious fruits, and impressive volcanoes. Even with the nation’s large population, there are many opportunities to escape the crowds by visiting the country’s outer islands, rainforests, and beaches. Over the millennia, Indonesia has been controlled by many world superpowers – including the Dutch, French, British, and Portuguese. Since the end of World War II, Indonesia has remained a free nation with a constitutional government. Because of this diverse history, Indonesia has a unique blend of island culture, Western Colonialism, and Islamic lifestyle – making it a unique experience for any world traveller. If you enjoy respectfully meeting new people, you will undoubtedly find the people to be as beautiful as the oceans.
Getting There
Most Lombok travellers arrive from Bali (DPS). From there you can either board a connecting flight to Lombok International Airport (LOP) or head to Padangbai port for a cheaper public ferry to the ports of Mataram and Lembar.
Travel Information
Time Zone
GMT +8
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah
Calling code
+62
Electric
230 Plug type V, C, F