Lombok
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Positives
- Voted world's best wave
- Consistent year-round surf
- Great scenery
- No mass tourism
- Cheap lodging and food
Negatives
- Overcrowded Desert Point
- Only one outstanding break Hard access to eastern spots
- Lack of accommodation outside Kuta
Lombok surf travel guide
A mere stone’s throw away from Bali across the deeply cut channel is the Lombok surf zone, a different, drier world that is like an exploded version of the Bukit Peninsula on Bali, just without the 5 star hotels.
The real touristy feel is reserved for the Gili’s way up the north of the Lombok Strait, which feed off huge swells and NW winds, but there are further possibilities for surf along this west coast north of Sengigi and amongst the serene islands nestling behind Bangko Bangko. The south coast is cliffy and rocky, with lots of little islets and punctuated by a few really deep bays, which give Lombok way more flexibility in regards to swell size and beginners waves. It’s hard to suss the waves from the charter boats, who have their usual stops, but rarely find the time to explore, so there are some quiet corners along this coast for sure.
At its closest point, Lombok sits only 18km (11mi) east of Bali, yet major physical, cultural, linguistic and religious differences exist. The deep strait separating these islands links the Indian and Pacific oceans and is part of the “Wallace Line”, an established physical division between Asia and Australia. Bali is green with lush, tropical vegetation, while Lombok is drier, more rugged, with completely different flora and fauna. While the mountainous north rises to 3726m (12,224ft) at the top of Mount Rinjani, the south is a range of low inland hills spread behind the sweeping bays and pure white sands of the southern beaches. In terms of location, most surf breaks are truly breathtaking, but are generally regarded as of lower quality or intensity than Bali’s, with the notable exception of Desert Point, elected “Best Wave in the World” by Tracks magazine’s readers.
Surf spots in Lombok
Research the 19 surf breaks in Lombok and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 19 breaks in Lombok .
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Lombok
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Lombok .
Lombok Surf Trip Video Guide - 5 "best bet" spots for beginner intermediate & advanced
- SurfTravel
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 10,625,566
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- IDR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 14,080 IDR IDR
Cost of living
Communication
- Language
- Bahasa Indonesian (official) and other local dialects by island
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cf
Visas
Citizens of another 87 countries are eligible to obtain one of the following visas:
- Electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VOA/B213)
- Electronic Visitor Visa
- Social, Tourist, or Cultural Visa (B211)
- Free Visa Stamp
- Multiple Entry Visa
Some passport holders are eligible to apply for an online e-VOA or Visitor Visa, otherwise, you must obtain a visa in advance at an Indonesian embassy or consulate. If you get the e-VOA before you arrive, you have the option to extend by simply filling out a new Indonesia eVisa application form online, but must first leave the country in order to request a new visa.
Visas issued at the airport on arrival can only be extended through an immigration office, which should be done 14-7 days before expiry.
Visitor Visa is a single-entry visa valid for a 30-day stay in Indonesia with the purpose of Tourism, Government visits, Business Meetings, Goods Purchasing, or Transit only and is not extendable.
The B211 is a 60-day visa for visiting family, friends or an employment trial and can be extended 3 times by 30-days. More hoops to jump through including being sponsored by an eligible Guarantor. Cost IDR 2,000,000.
9 neighbouring countries get a Free Visa Stamp for stays of up to 30 days maximum with no extensions permitted (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam).
Multi Entry, investment, sport and journalist 60-day visas are available through the main portal.
The 30-day e-VOA & Visitor Visa fee is IDR 500.000. You may be asked for proof of your return flight details and proof of financial resources.
DO NOT overstay as the fines aren’t cheap (IDR 1,000,000/day) and they can stop you from re-entering for a period of time. As always, check for any updates before you book your trip, as visa policy has changed a few times in recent years.
Getting There
Visa: see Bali. Direct intl. flights from Singapore with Silk Air and KL with Garuda to Selaparang Intl. Airport (AMI) near Mataram. Garuda, Lion Air and Merpati have daily flights from Denpasar, Jakarta and Surabaya from $50/rt. Standard ferries run between Padangbai (Bali) and Lembar ($3 o/w, 4h). Many fast boat services (Gili Cat, Blue Water Express, etc), but are more expensive than flying ($30 o/w, 2h; from Benoa). Taxi to Kuta (1h; $23) or ride public bemos from Mandalika terminal in Mataram.
Getting Around
The road network is good although minor roads can be tricky; expect problems during wet season. Typical Indo bus and bemo services across the island – slow, rough but cheap. Rent a Suzuki for $35/d (insurance included) or a motorbike for $5/d. Charter a local fishing boat for around $12/d or get single 2-3hr rides to the waves in Grupuk bay for $2 per person (min 4). Week-long surf charters leave from Benoa Harbour, Bali to Desert Point and West Sumbawa, sometimes stopping in Grupuk and Ekas.
Accommodation
Basic rooms in Kuta cost under $5, for more comfort head to the Kuta Indah Hotel (fr $20) or the luxurious Novotel (fr $67). Very basic hut accommodation is available at Bangko-Bangko (Deserts) and Laut Surga (Ekas), where there are also new, expensive, surf tourist options. Lombok Surf Camp has all inclusive beginner packages from $550/wk in the soft Grupuk waves. For surf charters check Freeline, Surf Travel Online and dozens more offering a range of vessels, duration and price. Be aware only the purpose-built surf charters like Sri Noa Noa will sail the south coast in heavy seas; the local jukungs will go round the north. Lombok food revolves around poultry, meat and fish cooked with tropical veggies in spices and coconut milk sauce.
Activities
Trekking at least part of the way up Rinjani is the reason many tourists come to Lombok, take a packaged tour to join them. Activities include kite surfing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, cycling along the coastal road to appreciate the breathtaking cliff scenery, or even skateboard the bowl in Grupuk. Witness traditional culture in Relbitan and Sade, north of Kuta.
Hazards & hassles
Desert Point is a super-gnarly wave; rips, shallow reef and crowds of frothing surfers all contribute to the danger; wear a helmet. Other spots break softer, but medical attention is more than an hour away in Mataram. Bring some reef boots. Theft stories are common. Whilst surfing, it’s worthwhile tipping someone to be a security guard for vehicles and belongings. Unlike Bali, malaria is a serious threat. Nearest bank is Praya (1hr), so take enough cash.
Handy Hints
Boards can be fixed or rented from Kuta Reef Surf Shop or Kimen Surf in Kuta. It’s common practice to hire a local surfing guide. Unlike in Hindu Bali, Islamic Sasaks make up 90% of Lombok’s population. Many speak English, but appreciate any efforts to speak Bahasa Indonesian. Bring a regular shortboard and a semi-gun, especially for Desert Point.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.