Kuta Lombok is a hidden gem for surfers of all skill levels. While Bali gets much of the attention, the surf in Kuta Lombok is equally impressive—offering uncrowded waves, stunning beaches, and consistent swells. Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle waves or an advanced surfer chasing world-class breaks, Kuta Lombok has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best surf spots in and around Kuta Lombok, along with tips on surf lessons, board rentals, and insider advice to make the most of your surfing adventure.
Best Surf Spots for Beginners in Kuta Lombok
For beginners, the soft, rolling waves of Kuta Lombok provide the perfect environment to practice your skills. Here are the top spots to start:
1. Selong Belanak Beach
Selong Belanak is the ultimate beginner surf spot in Kuta Lombok. With its long stretch of sandy beach and gentle, consistent waves, it’s ideal for those just starting out. The waves here are soft and forgiving, making it a great place to practice paddling, standing up, and catching your first wave.
- Surf Lessons: Several surf schools operate at Selong Belanak, offering private and group lessons.
- Board Rentals: You can rent boards right on the beach, with prices starting around IDR 100,000 per day.
2. Tanjung Aan Beach
Tanjung Aan is another fantastic spot for beginners and offers a more laid-back vibe than Selong Belanak. The bay provides a safe environment, and the waves are gentle, making it a perfect place for those new to surfing.
- Insider Tip: Combine your surf session with a hike up Bukit Merese, which offers stunning panoramic views of the bay.
Best Surf Spots for Intermediate Surfers
Once you’ve gained some confidence on the board, Kuta Lombok offers a range of intermediate breaks to challenge your skills. These waves are more powerful but still manageable for surfers looking to step up their game.
1. Mawi Beach
Mawi Beach is one of the most popular surf spots for intermediate surfers. The waves here can be powerful, and the left-handers are ideal for those looking to improve their technique. However, the road to Mawi is rough, so be prepared for a bumpy ride!
- Insider Tip: The road to Mawi is notoriously bumpy, and many people fall off their scooters on the way. Drive carefully, or hire a driver to take you there.
- Best Time to Surf: Mid to high tide offers the best conditions for catching waves at Mawi.
2. Gerupuk Bay (Outside Break)
Gerupuk Bay is a famous surf spot with several breaks for all levels. The Outside Gerupuk break is perfect for intermediate surfers looking for more powerful, consistent waves. It’s a boat-accessible break, which makes the experience even more fun.
- How to Get There: Hire a local boat from Gerupuk village for around IDR 250,000 (to share with 4-5 people) to take you to the different breaks.
Best Surf Spots for Advanced Surfers
For experienced surfers looking for challenging waves and world-class barrels, Kuta Lombok doesn’t disappoint. These spots require skill, but the rewards are unmatched.
1. Desert Point (Bangko Bangko)
Desert Point, located a bit farther from Kuta, is often considered one of the best left-hand barrels in the world. This advanced break offers fast, hollow waves that are perfect for experienced surfers seeking a challenge.
- What to Expect: Desert Point is known for its long, fast barrels, but it breaks over a sharp reef, so it’s recommended only for skilled surfers.
- Insider Tip: Desert Point is about a 2.5-hour drive from Kuta Lombok, so plan to spend the day there. It’s best during the dry season (May to September) when the swells are most consistent.
2. Ekas Beach (Outside Break)
Ekas is another top spot for advanced surfers. Located about 40 minutes from Kuta, this spot offers two main breaks: Inside Ekas (for intermediates) and Outside Ekas for advanced surfers. The waves here are powerful and consistent, making it a must-visit for experienced surfers.
- Best Time to Surf: Mid to high tide provides the best waves, but make sure to check the conditions before heading out.
Surf Lessons and Surf Schools in Kuta Lombok
Whether you’re a beginner or just want to refine your skills, Kuta Lombok has a range of surf schools offering lessons for all levels.
- Kimen Surf School: One of the most popular surf schools, Kimen Surf School offers private and group lessons, as well as surf trips to spots like Gerupuk Bay and Selong Belanak.
- Nalua Surf School: Another excellent option, Nalua Surf School focuses on beginner and intermediate lessons, and their instructors know the local waves well.
Surfboard Rentals in Kuta Lombok
If you didn’t bring your own board, don’t worry. Kuta Lombok is full of surf shops and rentals, offering a wide range of surfboards for every level.
- Average Rental Costs: Expect to pay around IDR 50,000 to 100,000 (USD 3-7) per day, depending on the type of board.
- Where to Rent: Popular beaches like Selong Belanak and Gerupuk Bay have board rental stands, or you can rent from surf shops in Kuta.
Best Time to Surf in Kuta Lombok
While Kuta Lombok is surfable year-round, the dry season (May to September) is the best time to catch consistent waves. The winds are offshore, and the swells are more reliable, especially at spots like Mawi, Ekas, and Desert Point. During the wet season (October to April), conditions can still be good, but the wind and swell patterns can be less predictable.
Tips for Surfing in Kuta Lombok
- Check the Tides: Many of the surf spots in Kuta Lombok are tide-dependent. For example, Mawi and Ekas work best at mid-to-high tide, while Selong Belanak is more forgiving and can be surfed at any tide.
- Bring Reef Boots: Some of the breaks, like Desert Point and Ekas, have sharp reefs, so reef boots are highly recommended, especially if you’re not used to surfing over coral.
- Respect Local Surfers: Kuta Lombok has a growing surf culture, and it’s important to respect the locals and follow standard surfing etiquette. Always wait your turn, don’t drop in on others, and be mindful of the lineup.
FAQs About Surfing in Kuta Lombok
Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan are the best beaches for beginner surfers due to their gentle, consistent waves and soft, sandy bottoms.
The dry season (May to September) offers the best conditions for surfing, with consistent swells and offshore winds. However, many spots remain surfable year-round.
No, there are plenty of places to rent surfboards. Most surf schools and beaches like Selong Belanak and Gerupuk offer rentals at reasonable prices.
Ready to Catch a Wave in Kuta Lombok?
Whether you’re just starting out on the soft, rolling waves of Selong Belanak, working on your skills at Mawi, or chasing world-class barrels at Desert Point, Kuta Lombok offers a variety of surf experiences for all levels. The area’s uncrowded beaches and consistent swells make it an ideal surf destination in Indonesia. With year-round surf, plenty of surf schools, and affordable rentals, it’s the perfect spot to hone your surfing skills or challenge yourself with more advanced breaks.
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know, it’s time to pack your board (or rent one locally) and hit the waves. Whether you’re here for a few days or a long stay, Kuta Lombok will give you some of the best surf experiences in Southeast Asia.
Get ready for the ride of your life, and don’t forget to explore all that Lombok has to offer beyond the surf, including its rich culture, stunning beaches, and hidden gems.