Best Surf Spots in Lombok
Introduction
If you're searching for the best surf spots in Kuta Lombok, you've likely heard the pitch: fewer crowds than Bali, consistent waves year-round, and breaks for every skill level. Here's the thing—it's all true, but the story is changing fast.
Lombok earned the #1 World's Best Tourist Destination title for 2025, and the surf scene has grown significantly over the past year. Gerupuk Inside, once a mellow reef break where you'd share waves with a handful of surfers, now sees 50-100+ people when swell is small. Surf schools have multiplied. The Mandalika development has brought real infrastructure investment.
But here's what matters: Lombok still offers something Bali can't. Even on crowded days, lineups here feel manageable. And if you're willing to go a bit further—Ekas Bay, Are Guling, Serangan—you'll find yourself surfing alone.
This guide covers eight surf spots near Kuta Lombok, from the sand-bottom waves where most people catch their first ride to world-class barrels that draw experts from around the globe. We'll give you specific conditions (not vague "works most days"), honest crowd assessments, and the local knowledge that only comes from actually living here.
Seasonal Overview: Dry season (May-October) brings bigger, more consistent swells—prime time for Desert Point, Ekas, and Gerupuk. Wet season (October-April) delivers glassy conditions with smaller waves, ideal for Seger and Are Guling. Water temperature stays a warm 27-30°C year-round—no wetsuit needed, but a rashguard protects against sun and board rash.
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Quick Reference: Lombok Surf Spots at a Glance
🏄 Selong Belanak Beginner | Year-round | Paddle access | First waves, sand bottom
🏄 Tanjung Aan Beginner-Intermediate | Dry season (Apr-Oct) | Paddle/Boat | Beautiful bay, mixed groups
🏄 Gerupuk Inside Beginner-Intermediate | Dry season | Boat only | Consistent reef, progression
🏄 Gerupuk Outside Intermediate-Advanced | Wet season | Boat only | Barrels, power
🏄 Seger Intermediate | Wet season | Paddle | Quick sessions, sunset views
🏄 Are Guling Intermediate-Advanced | Wet season | Paddle/Boat | Barrels, fewer crowds
🏄 Ekas Bay Beginner-Advanced | Year-round | Boat only | Remote beauty, two breaks
🏄 Desert Point Expert ONLY | Dry season | Drive/Boat | World-class barrels
🏄 Serangan Intermediate-Advanced | Wet season | Boat/Paddle | Empty lineup, right-handers
1. Selong Belanak — Where First Waves Happen
📊 Quick Stats
Level: Complete Beginner
Best Tide: Mid to high
Best Swell: SW to S, 1-4 ft
Best Season: Year-round (most consistent May-October)
Access: Paddle from beach | Parking 5-10k IDR
Selong Belanak is where most surfers in Lombok catch their first wave—and for good reason. This is the only pure sand-bottom beach break in the area, which means one crucial thing: no reef anxiety.
The waves here crumble slowly, giving you plenty of time to scramble to your feet. The bay is protected by headlands, so even when bigger swells hit South Lombok, only a fraction of that energy makes it inside. Most first-timers are standing by the end of their initial session.
The Scene: Warungs line the beach offering board rental (soft-top foamies are everywhere), surf lessons, cold Bintangs, and fresh grilled fish. The vibe is relaxed and beginner-friendly. You'll see everything from complete novices to intermediates working on longboard cross-stepping.
Practical Details: Surf lessons run around 300,000 IDR (~$20 USD) for private instruction—prices drop the further you walk from the main entrance. Sun loungers are free if you buy food or drinks.
Insider Tip: Every day around 5pm, local farmers bring their water buffalo down to the beach to cool off in the shallows. It's become a Selong Belanak tradition and makes for an unforgettable photo. Stick around for sunset—it's spectacular.
Watch Out For: Peak season (July-August and Christmas) brings crowds of learners, which means boards flying in all directions. Hawkers can be persistent—a polite "tidak" (no) usually works.
2. Tanjung Aan — The Stunning Bay with Waves for Everyone
📊 Quick Stats
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Tide: Mid to high
Best Swell: S to SSW, 2-6 ft
Best Season: Dry season (April-October)
Access: Paddle from beach or boat taxi (25-50k IDR)
Tanjung Aan offers multiple surf spots within one stunning horseshoe-shaped bay—making it ideal for mixed-ability groups where everyone wants to surf together but needs different waves.
The main A-frame in the middle of the bay is one of the most forgiving reef breaks in Lombok. It peels slowly and softly on smaller days, perfect for beginners transitioning from beach breaks to reef. On bigger swells, it develops nice walls with more push for intermediates to work with.
Breaking It Down:
Left Point (East Side): Soft left-hand waves over sand and scattered reef—great for beginners
Right Point (Center Bay): Slightly faster, more consistent right-hander for intermediates
Tanjung Aan Right (Advanced): Near Merese Beach, only works on larger groundswells (5-8 ft). Fast, bowly, expert-only. Requires a 20-minute walk or boat access.
Practical Details: Board rental runs 50-100k IDR/hour from beach warungs. Parking is around 10k IDR. The beach itself is one of the most beautiful in South Lombok—pristine white sand and turquoise water—making it perfect for non-surfing companions.
Insider Tip: Climb Bukit Merese (Merese Hill) nearby for the best panoramic sunrise and sunset views in the area. It's become one of Lombok's most photographed spots, and the climb takes just 15 minutes.
3. Gerupuk Bay — Lombok's Surf Hub (5 Breaks in One Bay)
📊 Quick Stats
Level: All levels (different breaks for different abilities)
Best Season: Year-round (different breaks favor different seasons)
Access: Boat required from Gerupuk village (50-100k IDR)
Setting: Traditional fishing village with growing surf tourism
Gerupuk Bay is the epicenter of Lombok surfing—five distinct breaks accessible by a short boat ride from the village dock. This is where you'll find the most consistent waves on the island, which is both a blessing and a challenge.
Inside Gerupuk (Inside Right)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Best Tide: Mid to high (rising preferred) | Best Season: Dry
The headline wave of Gerupuk and arguably the most consistent break in Lombok. Works whenever there's 2-8 ft in the forecast. The forgiving takeoff onto a bowly shoulder makes it ideal for learning on reef.
The Honest Truth: Inside Gerupuk is now the busiest break in Lombok. On small swell days, expect 50-100+ surfers—many from surf camps, many on foam boards with limited control. The vibe stays generally friendly, but watch for flying boards and give beginners space.
Don-Don
Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Best Tide: All tides (best on outgoing) | Best Season: Dry
Probably the most fun wave in Gerupuk Bay. This A-frame offers longer rides than the other breaks here, with both left and right options giving regular and goofy-footers equal opportunities. Great for creative surfing with bottom turns and switchbacks.
Outside Gerupuk (Outside Right)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced | Best Tide: Mid to high | Best Season: Wet season (October-April)
More exposed than Inside, this powerful right breaks on the southern headland. Steep takeoffs lead into fast, hollow sections with barrel potential. The setting is spectacular—twin sculpted coastal mountains with green terraced farms behind you. Sharp reef and strong currents mean this one's for surfers who know what they're doing.
Outside Left & Kiddies
Outside Left is the least-surfed break—a fast, hollow left for goofy-footers seeking solitude. Kiddies only works when everywhere else is maxed out, offering a safe haven on big swell days.
Practical Details: Negotiate boat rates at the village dock—captains will either wait in the channel or join you surfing. Board rental is available in the village but quality varies; inspect before you commit.
Accommodation options include Inlight Lombok (stunning infinity pools, direct boat access) and Surf Camp Lombok (beachfront with a skate bowl). Note: staying in central Gerupuk means 5am mosque wake-up calls.
Insider Tip: The Shake and Bake bakery serves legendary homemade multigrain sourdough and vegetarian meals—worth the visit alone. Beat the crowds by staying in Gerupuk (not Kuta) to reach the waves before surf camp boats arrive. Midday sessions can be quieter when camps break for lunch.
4. Seger — The Quick Session Spot with the Best Sunset Views
📊 Quick Stats
Level: Intermediate (right), Beginner-Intermediate (left)
Best Tide: Mid to high
Best Swell: SSW, 2-6 ft
Best Season: Wet season (October-April)
Access: Paddle directly from beach—no boat needed
Seger is the closest surf spot to Kuta town—you can be from your accommodation to the lineup in 15 minutes. No boats, no logistics, just grab your board and go.
The Waves: Seger Right is the more consistent option—a short, punchy wave with a fast takeoff that can barrel on the right swell. It's known to be shifty with strong currents when waves get bigger. Seger Left is mellower and more forgiving, a favorite with local groms learning their craft.
Important Limitations: This is a small-to-medium swell spot only. When waves get too big, Seger closes out and becomes a messy shore break. It easily picks up swell, so it's often the first spot in the area to max out. Best treated as an option when other spots are smaller or flat.
Safety Note: Sharp reef with sea urchins—reef shoes recommended, especially at lower tides. The exposed position means wind affects it easily; best on calm days or with offshore winds.
Insider Tip: After your session, climb Seger Hill for the most iconic panoramic view of the entire Kuta coastline. Grab a cold Bintang from the warung below and watch the sun go down—this is THE spot for sunset in South Lombok. The area also holds cultural significance for local communities who gather here for ceremonies, so treat it with respect.
5. Are Guling — The Wet Season Gem with Barrel Potential
📊 Quick Stats
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Best Tide: Low to mid (right), mid to high (left)
Best Swell: SSW, 3-8 ft
Best Season: Wet season (October-April)
Access: Paddle from beach or boat drop-off
When Gerupuk's trade winds blow wrong in wet season, Are Guling often turns on. Located 20 minutes west of Kuta (the first bay heading that direction), this spot offers a genuine alternative to the crowds—and barrel potential for those ready to find shade.
Are Guling Right: The more forgiving option that can hold both big and small swells. On mellower days, expect long playful rides with rippable walls for practicing turns. When swell and tide align, fast barreling sections appear—find yourself in the shade of that warm Lombok sun if you score a good one.
Are Guling Left: Shorter, faster, more hollow—a more intense ride over shallower, sharper reef. Usually less crowded because it's pickier about conditions and more hazardous. Intermediate-advanced surfers only.
Hazards: Sharp coral on both breaks (the left is shallower and more dangerous). Strong currents develop on bigger swells. The access road can get rough, especially the last stretch.
Practical Details: Owa Lodge nearby puts you first in the water. The wave can hold swells up to 8-10 ft when conditions are perfect, but it's best at 4-6 ft. Consider this your go-to when Gerupuk is crowded or the winds aren't cooperating.
6. Ekas Bay — The Remote Paradise Worth the Journey
📊 Quick Stats
Level: Beginner to Advanced (two different breaks)
Best Season: Year-round, peak April-November
Access: 30-40 min drive to Awang port + 15-20 min boat ride
Crowd Factor: Much less crowded—the journey filters people out
Ekas Bay sits in the southeast corner of Lombok, and the effort required to get there is exactly what makes it special. You might be the only boat out.
Ekas Inside
Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Best Tide: Pushing (not too full) | Best Swell: SSW
One of the safest reef breaks in Lombok—and one of the most fun. The wave breaks over a deep reef, minimizing the risk of hitting bottom that makes other reef breaks intimidating. The A-frame offers both rights and lefts, with rides running 150 meters on good days at low-mid tide.
The wave is slower and fatter than most reef breaks—heaven for longboards, funboards, or high-volume fish. Perfect for beginners transitioning from beach breaks to reef, or intermediate surfers wanting mellow, forgiving conditions in a stunning setting.
Ekas Outside
Level: Intermediate to Advanced | Best Tide: Higher | Best Swell: SE preferred, SW also works
Usually 2-7 ft bigger than Inside, Ekas Outside delivers a steep, hollow left breaking at the base of dramatic cliff faces. This is where the better surfers gather when it's on. The wave wedges and steepens, producing almond-shaped barrels before spitting you off. Can handle 6-12 ft when SW swells arrive.
Why It's Worth the Journey: The combination of beginner-friendly Inside and challenging Outside in the same bay is rare. Mixed-ability groups can share the experience while everyone gets appropriate waves. The setting—dramatic cliffs, emerald waters, authentic fishing village—feels genuinely remote.
Practical Details: Stay at Ekas Surf Resort (boutique option with included boat to Inside and restaurant) or Innit Ekas (design-focused luxury with sunset views). Nearby: Kiteboarding at Kaliantan Beach, Pink Beach day trip (coral-colored sand), island hopping.
7. Desert Point — One of the World's Best Waves (Experts Only)
📊 Quick Stats
Level: EXPERT ONLY
Best Tide: Low tide ONLY
Best Swell: Large SW groundswells (10+ ft needed)
Best Season: Dry season (May-October)
Access: 2-3 hour drive from Kuta (rough final stretch, 4x4 recommended)
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Desert Point is not for beginners or intermediates. This is a genuinely dangerous wave that has caused serious injuries. If you're not comfortable with critical takeoffs over shallow reef and heavy barrels, this wave is not for you. No exceptions.
The Wave: Desert Point is consistently ranked among the world's best lefts. When firing, it produces mesmerizing barrels that can peel for up to 300 meters, with tube rides lasting 20 seconds or more. Many experienced surfers consider it superior to G-Land or the Mentawais.
The wave is severely tide-sensitive—during big swell at high tide, it can be dead flat. A few hours later on low tide, it's double-overhead and absolutely shacking. The drop puts you into heavy barrel sections almost immediately; you need to be looking down the line from the moment you stand.
The Reality: Ultra-fast, ultra-hollow, ultra-shallow, ultra-dangerous. Breaking over razor-sharp coral with bone-breaking power. Sketchy sharks in the area. Strong currents and dangerous rips. When it's firing, crowds of competitive barrel-hungry surfers from around the world converge on a single takeoff point. The atmosphere is serious. Tensions can escalate. Respect local surfers and understand proper etiquette before paddling out.
Practical Details: Most serious surfers base in Kuta and make day missions when conditions align (monitor forecasts at Surfline or Surf-Forecast). Limited facilities at the beach itself—bring everything you need. Kokomo Villa nearby offers luxury accommodation for those with budget.
8. Serangan — The Secret Right-Hander Near Selong Belanak
📊 Quick Stats
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Best Tide: Low to mid
Best Swell: SE swells, big periods
Best Season: Wet season (October-April)
Access: Boat from Selong Belanak (~50k IDR) or paddle
Serangan Reef is Lombok's popular secret—a right-hand wave that peels like a point break, running 100 meters or more into a deeper channel. When it's on, you might have it to yourself.
The Wave: Fast, steep takeoffs with excellent opportunities for practicing turns. Under 5 ft, it's a cruisy longboard trimmer. Over 8 ft, it becomes fast and hollow with long, powerful walls.
The Catch: Serangan is fickle. The slightest wind ruins both the waves and creates difficult currents. It must be surfed at low-mid tide—strong currents develop higher up. You need specific conditions for it to work properly, which is exactly why it stays uncrowded.
Practical Details: Hitch a boat from Selong Belanak beach (around 50k IDR). A great combination is to start with a morning warmup at Selong Belanak, then boat over to Serangan if conditions align. Park near the villa area to be closer to the break.
Practical Information for Surfing Lombok
Getting Around
Scooter rental is the standard option—around 70,000 IDR/day (~$4.50 USD). Most have surfboard racks available. Roads between the main spots are generally good, but access to Are Guling and Desert Point can get rough.
International license is technically required. Watch for gravel, potholes, and construction zones. For longer missions (Ekas, Desert Point), consider hiring a car with driver (~$15-25/day)—less stress, and you can nap between sessions.
Board Rental vs. Bringing Your Own
Recommendation: Rent locally. Airlines charge up to 1,000,000 IDR (~$60) per board each way, and damage during flights is common. Quality rental shops in Kuta (Rama Surf, Nalua) and Gerupuk (Banyu Surfboards) have solid selections. Soft-tops are everywhere for beginners. Shortboards and longboards available for experienced surfers.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen — Expensive and low-quality locally
Rashguard/surf shirt — Water is warm but sun is brutal
First aid kit with antiseptic/hydrogen peroxide for reef cuts (infections spread fast in warm water)
Reef shoes for sharp reef spots (Seger, Are Guling, Gerupuk Outside)
Dry bag for boat rides
Travel insurance that covers surfing (often classified as "adventure activity")
Surf Schools & Camps
The scene has grown significantly over the past year. Individual lessons run 300,000-500,000 IDR (~$20-35 USD). Week-long camps range from $400-800 including accommodation and meals.
Notable options:
Surf Camp Lombok (Gerupuk) — Beachfront, skate bowl, 2-week programs
LMBK Surf House (Kuta) — Central location, video analysis
Xanadu Surf & Yoga (Kuta) — Boutique luxury, yoga included
Camps handle boat logistics for Gerupuk and Ekas breaks, give priority on crowded lineups, and provide video feedback—worth considering if you're progressing on reef.
Safety Essentials
No lifeguards at most beaches. Reef cuts are common—clean immediately with antiseptic. Respect rip currents at exposed spots. Know your limits on reef breaks. Stay hydrated—heat is intense, especially during dry season.
Final Thoughts
Lombok delivers something increasingly rare: world-class waves without world-class crowds. Whether you're catching your first whitewater at Selong Belanak or hunting barrels at Desert Point, there's a break here suited to where you are in your surfing journey.
The scene is growing—that's undeniable. But even as surf schools multiply and lineups fill, Lombok maintains an accessibility that Bali lost years ago. Head to Ekas or Serangan when Gerupuk feels too busy. Chase conditions to Are Guling when the winds swing. The options exist if you're willing to explore.
Bring reef shoes, pack antiseptic for the inevitable cuts, respect local surfers who've been riding these waves for generations, and you'll have an incredible time.
Looking for more? Check out our guides to Ultimate Lombok Travel Guide, Where to Eat in Kuta, and Coworking in Kuta.
