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Surfing in Lombok – Best Breaks and Top Tips
Bali may be Indonesia’s best-known surf destination, but just across the water, Lombok is quietly building a reputation as the beginner surf mecca of Southeast Asia. With consistent waves, mellow reef breaks, and surf camps offering all-inclusive packages, it’s one of the best places for would-be surfers to catch their first wave.
There’s plenty on offer for intermediate and advanced surfers too, with breaks to suit all levels. Plus there’s a welcoming surf culture and gorgeous scenery to boot!
This guide combines practical tips with first-hand experience to help you plan your surf trip to Lombok. From choosing the right surf camp to understanding the local breaks, what to bring, and how to stay safe, here’s everything you need to know.
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Lombok, Indonesia: Surf Guide 🏄
When to Surf in Lombok ☀️
It’s possible to surf year-round in Lombok. The dry season (May–September) is generally the best time for beginners. Swells are reliable, winds are favourable, and conditions are usually clean.
For seasoned surfers, there are spots working in both wet season (October to March) and dry season, so there’ll always be swell whatever time of year you visit. There are also fewer crowds during the wet season, which is a big bonus as Lombok’s breaks are becoming increasingly busy.
Why Lombok is Great for Learning to Surf ⭐
The combination of consistent swell and beginner-friendly surf spots makes Lombok an ideal location for learners. The reef breaks are mellow and forgiving, but still powerful enough to allow you to quickly develop your skills. Add to this a plethora of affordable surf camps and a welcoming surf community, and it’s easy to see why Lombok is one of Southeast Asia’s best learn-to-surf destinations!
“The surf in Lombok far exceeded my expectations. Living on the Australian coastline, I’m spoilt for choice when it comes to quality surf breaks. However, the beginner-friendly spots are a little harder to come by. Lombok, on the other hand, is a beginner surfer’s dream. On small swells, the waves are mellow and forgiving. They are mostly reef breaks with channels allowing you to paddle safely back to the line-up. A far less demanding experience than some of the dumpy, beach breaks back home.” Jessie Innis, South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
Lombok’s Surf Breaks 🌊
Selong Belanak
This sweeping crescent bay is the perfect spot for first-timers. It’s a beach break (most breaks on Lombok are reef breaks), which is soft and safe for learners, and the small waves are ideal for catching those first rides.
Best in: dry season ☀️
Gerupuk
Gerupuk Bay, about 15 minutes east of the main surfer town of Kuta, is home to several waves:
- Inside Right (Insides): The main learner spot. On small swells, this is the only workable break, which means it can often get overcrowded.
- Kiddies: Less consistent but sometimes suitable for beginners, depending on conditions. It only works when there are bigger swells.
- Don Dons: Beginner-friendly on small swells, Don Dons is an A-frame break, meaning it’s good for both regular and goofy-footers.
- Outside Left and Outside Right: These left- and right-hander waves are better for intermediate to advanced surfers. Outside Right is the most popular and good for intermediates. Outside Left is the farthest from Gerupuk Bay and a quieter spot — best left to more advanced surfers.
Best in: dry season ☀️
“Gerupuk Bay has largely become dominated by surf schools. And whilst that’s annoying for more experienced surfers trying to get waves, it’s a friendly atmosphere for anyone starting out. It’s far less intimidating when the surfers around you are on a similar playing field. Plus, you all appreciate the tiny increments in progress (like nailing your first bottom turn) and can share the stoke with each other!” Jessie Innis, South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
Tanjung Aan
A dreamy sandy bay with an offshore reef break that’s great for longboarding. Tanjung Aan’s long, mellow waves are a good place for learners and intermediates to build confidence in the water on bigger boards. It’s one of the most popular spots with surf camps, so it can get crowded in the water.
Best in: dry season ☀️
“Tanjung Aan is one of my favourite places to surf. It’s a great break for progressing, and the rides can be really long too! The only downside is that paddling back to the line-up feels even longer! The entire bay is now being developed into a luxury resort area. Wiping out the natural beauty here is a huge loss to the island, and who knows how it will impact the surf culture in future. Surfers, enjoy this great spot while you can!” Lisa Barham, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker
Ekas
Ekas, to the east along Lombok’s south coast, offers both beginner-friendly (Ekas Inside) and intermediate (Ekas Outside) reef breaks. A great spot for a day trip from Kuta.
Best in: dry season ☀️
Seger Reef
One of the most accessible and closest spots to Kuta, Seger is particularly popular with locals. It’s a versatile break suitable for all levels. The faster right-hand break is better for experienced surfers, while the left-hander is a good option for beginners to intermediates. Seger is well known for its stunning sunsets, so if you time your session for sundown you’re in for a treat!
Best in: wet season 🌧️
Mawi
Mawi is a 45-minute scenic scooter ride west of Kuta. It’s best for intermediate to advanced surfers. The wave breaks both left and right, and in the right conditions it can even form barrels. (Getting to the beach involves driving up a very rocky dirt track and is recommended for experienced scooter drivers only!)
Best in: dry season ☀️
Are Guling
A 20-minute drive from Kuta, Are Guling provides some nice, challenging waves for experienced surfers. Expect fast rides and barrels on big swells. There’s a strong current and rip tide here, so caution is advised!
Best in: wet season 🌧️
Desert Point
On the far western tip of Lombok, Desert Point is the place for expert surfers. Known for its long, fast barrels, it’s the most challenging surf spot on the island!.
Best in: dry season ☀️
Surf Camps in Lombok 🛌
If you’re a confident surfer, you can rock up, book your own accommodation in Kuta or Gerupuk, rent a board and hit the surf.
However, if you’re a beginner, it is well worth signing up for a surf camp. They take care of absolutely everything for you: accommodation, meals, surfboard rentals, transport to the surf, and often even waxing your board for you! Many camps include yoga classes, surf theory and the occasional in-house massage.
Plus, you have the opportunity to surround yourself with other travellers at the same point in their surf journey. Surfing is always way more fun when you can share the stoke with friends!
Camps aren’t just for beginners either! If you’re looking to level up, surf camps offer surf guiding packages for intermediate and advanced surfers designed to help you elevate your skills.
Surf Camps vs Surf Schools 🆚
If you’d rather sort your own accommodation but still want some surf lessons, check out one of Lombok’s surf schools. Unlike camps, which provide accommodation and food, surf schools are non-residential options that provide lessons, either with a group or one-on-one. You can book a one-off or a block of lessons. We can recommend booking a session with our friends at Happiness Lombok!
How to Choose a Surf Camp
As surf tourism in Lombok booms, the number of surf camps on the island is rapidly increasing. Choosing the best camp for your needs can be a little overwhelming.
Here are the key factors to consider:
- Qualified instructors: The more years in the water, the better. Eager to capitalise on the surf industry, many young locals are wisely pursuing jobs as surf instructors. However, sometimes these instructors are only intermediate surfers themselves and have not had any proper training. When the line-up is busy, it can be dangerous if your coach isn’t skilled in wave selection and surf safety.
- Small groups: Aim for camps that keep groups to around 8 people or fewer. This means a lower guest-to-instructor ratio, more waves for you, and less chaos in the water.
- Surf theory classes: Learning poor techniques when you begin surfing can be detrimental to your future progression. The more established camps will include theory sessions on popping up, positioning, ocean safety, and surf etiquette.
- Reviews and word of mouth: Pay close attention to what guests say about the coaching itself, not just the vibe or the food.
👉 Read more: Lombok’s Best Surf Camps
“I spent a week at Drop In surf camp. It was my first time booking a package holiday experience; usually I would opt for the cheaper DIY option. But I’m so pleased I forked out a little extra this time. As a relative beginner, and a first-time visitor to Lombok, it was such a relief to have all of the surf planning taken care of for me. I didn’t have to worry about checking the surf reports, planning my sessions, or getting out to the surf breaks. Plus, I got to relish in the luxury of a dreamy little villa and incredible home-cooked, post-surf feasts.” Jessie Innis, South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
Top Tips for Surfing in Lombok 🤙
Getting to the Waves 🚣
In Gerupuk, you need to access the surf breaks by boat. The surf camps will take care of this for you. But you can also hire one yourself for 150,000–200,000 IDR (approx. $9–12 USD) for 2–3 hours. The price is per boat, so split it with friends or other surfers to save money. You’ll also need to take a boat out to the break at Tanjung Aan, which is around 100,000 IDR (approx. $6 USD) for a return journey. (If you have any energy left after your session, it is possible to paddle back to shore in Tanjung Aan if you prefer to save a few rupiah!)
Managing Crowds 🫣
Whilst the villages in Lombok are still largely undeveloped, the surf scene is growing rapidly. At Gerupuk Insides, it’s common to see 50+ surfers in the water when the swell is small. That many people in a tight lineup can be chaotic and sometimes dangerous if instructors are pushing learners onto waves without much regard for etiquette.
The wiser surf camps try to manage this by staggering lesson times or capping guest numbers. If you’re surfing independently, try heading out around midday. Most camps schedule morning and late afternoon sessions, so you’ll often find the breaks a little quieter.
Renting Boards in Lombok 💰
Unless you’re an experienced surfer attached to your board, it’s best to rent one on the island. Airlines flying into Lombok can charge up to 1,000,000 IDR (approx. $60 USD) per board, and are notorious for causing damage.
There are several quality board rental stores in Kuta and Gerupuk, and surf camps include boards in their packages. Try Banyu Surfboards in Gerupuk or Rama Surf in Kuta.
What to Bring 🩱
Surf camps will usually offer surfboard rentals, with leashes and wax included. Here are the must-haves for packing for your trip:
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Some shops in Lombok sell sunscreen, but it tends to be expensive and lower-quality.
- Surf shirt or long-sleeve bathers: The water is warm enough to forego a wetsuit, but you still need quality sun protection. (Also known as a rashie, rashguard or rashvest.)
- Water bottle: Some homestays and surf camps provide drinking water.
- Dry bag: Useful for keeping your belongings safe on boat rides to the breaks.
- Basic first-aid kit: Pack antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide for reef cuts — infections are common in warm water.
- Travel insurance: Surfing is classed as an ‘adventure activity.’ Double-check that your travel insurance policy covers it.
Surf Photography 📸
The popular surf breaks will often have local photographers sitting on boats in the channel, capturing drone footage. If you want to check out their shots, let the photographer know, and they will meet you at your accommodation that evening. Prices vary, but expect to pay upwards of 100,000 IDR (approx $6 USD) for each video.
Surf Safety in Lombok 🚨
Lombok’s surf is beginner-friendly, but not without risk. Here are a few tips for staying safe:
- Practice safe falling: Fall flat, starfish-style. Don’t dive headfirst.
- Avoid stepping on the reef: It damages coral and risks painful cuts.
- Learn surf etiquette: Wait your turn, don’t drop in on others.
- Be aware of the reef depth: Some breaks are shallow, especially at low tide.
- Clean any cuts immediately: Reef cuts and scrapes happen. Disinfect thoroughly, and monitor for infection. Even small wounds can get nasty in the warm water and tropical climate.
Final Thoughts on Surfing in Lombok 💭
Lombok has everything a surfer could need: clear blue water, mellow reef breaks (for learners), pumping barrels (for the experts), plus cold coconuts and big plates of nasi goreng awaiting you post-surf. If you’re looking for an affordable destination to hone your surfing skills, Lombok should be high on your list.
The crowds can be intense, so be considerate, respect others and remember that everyone is out there to have a good time!
Have you surfed in Lombok? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
Contributors
South East Asia Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank the following for their input to this article…
🙏 Lisa Barham | Writer at South East Asia Backpacker
Jessie Innis | Daytrips
Jessie is an Australian travel writer who spends part of the year hiding out in a little surf village on Morocco’s coast. She writes unapologetically biased travel guides on her blog, Daytrips. Think of it as part surf diary, part existential musing, and part love letter to Morocco’s coastline.
