After an epic six weeks exploring Bali and its coastline, I was, admittedly, feeling a little burnt out. As big and beautiful as Bali is, it’s chaotic beaches and GTA style roads have a way of wearing you down after a while.
So there I was, on a boat to Lombok, hoping to investigate the not-so-discreet rumour of Lombok being a Bali of 20 years prior. I was intrigued – could you blame me?
What I found was a world away from the likes of Canggu or Uluwatu. Dramatic volcanic landscape, small undiscovered bays and a surf scene that could seriously give Bali a run for its money. I was starting to realise how people got stuck here.
Not all beaches in Lombok are created equal though. Some are for surfing, others for snorkelling and only a select few can make you feel like you’ve really gone off the beaten path.
So what are the best beaches in Lombok? I’ve done some SERIOUS beach bumming and have compiled some of my favourites so you too can find your own spot in paradise.
Let’s dive on in.
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- When Lombok’s Beaches Are at Their Best
- Selong Belanak Beach: The Heart of Lombok’s Coast
- Tanjung Aan: White Sand Paradise
- Tampah Beach: The Most Beautiful Beach in Lombok
- Gerupuk: The Holy Grail For Surfing
- Pandanan Beach: The Hidden Gem
- The Gili Islands: The Snorkelling Stunner
- Nipah Beach: A Slice of Local Life
- Mawun Beach: The Quiet Escape
- How I’d Choose Between These Beaches
- Beaches That Aren’t Worth the Effort
- What Actually Helped Me Enjoy Lombok’s Beaches More
- Why I’d Choose Lombok for Beaches Again
When Lombok’s Beaches Are at Their Best
The beaches in Lombok are drop-dead gorgeous all year round. However, if you want to enjoy them with maximum sunshine and minimum rainfall, timing is everything.
Is Dry Season the Golden Season?
The dry season between July and August is the peak time for travelling in Indonesia and Lombok is no different. While Lombok is much quieter than its wild neighbor (looking at you, Bali), the tourist hotspots like the bustling town of Kuta on the south coast and Senggigi on the west do get pretty packed.
The Sweet Spot
Shoulder seasons reign here. My top tip is to go slightly earlier, May-June or later, September-October to enjoy the clear weather but also avoid the crowds that Bali’s beaches also suffer from. My favourite time is to go slightly earlier in May and June as at this time, the rainy season has just finished up so the greenery is LUSH and plentiful… which just adds to the magic.
Surf and Sea Conditions
The ocean changes its tune depending on the month, which is worth noting before you pack the board:
- Dry Season (May–Oct): This is the prime time to visit Lombok for experienced surfers. Consistent southwest swells hit the coast, and offshore winds create those clean, glassy faces at legendary spots like Mawi and Desert Point.
- Wet Season (Nov–April): Don’t write off the ‘off-season. The winds shift and the swells mellow out, making the sheltered bays like Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak perfect for beginners and longboarders. Plus, you’ll often have massive stretches of white sand entirely to yourself.
Pack your snorkel, your surfboard, a good book, suncream and whatever else you enjoy doing at the beach and head to Lombok to soak in their God damn AMAZZZZING beaches.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Selong Belanak Beach: The Heart of Lombok’s Coast
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Best for: Surf newbies
- Vibe: Surfy / Family-friendly / Busy
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Good for snorkelling? No
- Good for surfing? Beginner
- Area: Kuta south coast (West)
- How long to spend: You could easily blink and spend a whole day here
At the heart of Lombok’s thriving surf scene lies a beach that looks like it’s been plucked straight from Jurassic Park. Selong Belanak Beach is basically the poster child of Lombok’s beaches, with long stretches of white sand and a killer beach break drawing in surfers from around the world. Its popularity comes at a cost – it’s one of the few spots in Lombok that can give Bali crowds a run for its money.
It’s true that Selong Belanak is far from a secret. You’ll be sharing the water with a small army of surf schools and blue-shirted local instructors. But, crowds aside, it really is a haven for newbies just starting out on a board. Beginner’s waves crash straight on the beach here, so no boat ride is needed! Because the bay is protected and the bottom is pure sand rather than jagged reef, it’s easily the most forgiving place in Indonesia to catch your first wave without fear of a coral-induced face-peel.
There are loads of local warungs ready to serve you a cold coconut (or a cheeky bintang) and nasi goreng (fried rice). Honestly, a post-surf, beachfront nasi goreng brings me so much joy. <3
- What to do here: Grab a foamy surfboard and go and play on the baby waves that crash onto the shore. If you’ve never been surfing before, HERE is where you’ll want to go. There are loads of surf schools that line the beach, so you’ll easily find someone to teach you the ways of the ocean!
- Why it’s worth the effort: It’s a good 30 min drive from Kuta, but the ride here is bloody gorgeous. You get to see some insanely beautiful landscapes and loads of local life.
- What to know before you go: If you’re on the hunt for more intermediate waves, there are boats that can take you out to more advanced breaks. Just ask around at the surf schools and they will let you know what spots are on that day.
Pro Tip: On your way back to Kuta, stop in at Ryan’s Cafe for sunset. It’s a local spot with the BEST views over the mountains and the beach. 10/10 would recommend!
Selong Holiday
This homestay is just a short walk from Selong Belanak Beach and the staff who run it are absolute angels. You’ll get free spacious rooms, fast Wi-Fi and a free breakfast to keep you fuelled before your surf session.
Ola Ola Lombok
This really is boujey on a budget. This boutique hotel boasts a garden, swimming pool and a bar terrace to enjoy breakfast or to work from inbetween surf lessons (that they also offer!)
Tanjung Aan: White Sand Paradise
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Best for: All-rounder beach day
- Vibe: Lively / Surfy / Social
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Good for snorkeling? Not really
- Good for surfing? Beginner / Intermediate
- Area: Kuta south coast
- How long to spend: Full day
Tanjung Aan is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Lombok’s south coast, serving up a dazzling horseshoe of white sand that caters to almost every type of traveller. If you’re staying in Lombok and are into surfing… head here. If you’re into beach bars… this is the place for you. If you froth a good sunset or sunrise… yep, you guessed it, you’ll love it here too.
Whatever you’re into, Tanjung Aan probably has it. Plus, it’s only 10 minutes from the bustling town of Kuta, so travellers swam here like moths to a flame. Although it can be busy, it’s a big stretch of beach with a shit load of warungs (local restaurants) to choose from so it never feels too crowded. Find yourself a nice lounger and umbrella to relax under and lap it all up.
- What to do here: Grab a boat out to the break to ride one of the longest, mellowest waves you’ll ever encounter, then hike up Bukit Antara to watch the sunset.
- Why it’s worth the effort: It’s the ultimate low-stress destination where you can pivot from active surfer to professional sunbed-dweller in about thirty seconds without having to move your bike.
- What to know before you go: The surf lineup can get hella busy and a bit chaotic, so play nice and brush up on your lineup etiquette so you don’t take someone’s head off with your board.
Best Place to Stay Near Tanjung Aan:
Turtle House 2 Lombok
Just a 5-minute scooter from Tanjung Aan and outside of the bustling Kuta central, this budget-friendly spot has air conditioned bungalows and a beautiful roof terrace with lovely views.
Cena Homestay
This homestay allows you a small insight into traditional Indonesian living, far away from Kuta’s tourist hassle. The owner is incredibly kind, warm-hearted, and attentive and the rooms are clean and comfortable.
Tampah Beach: The Most Beautiful Beach in Lombok
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Best for: Living your best beach bum life
- Vibe: Quiet / Remote
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Good for snorkelling? Yes
- Good for surfing? No
- Area: Kuta south coast
- How long to spend: Half day
Tampah Beach is unlike any beach I’ve ever been to, especially in the Kuta Lombok area. It made me feel as if I had been transported into a beach version of Jurassic World. The sand went on for DAYS with lush green mountains surrounding each side. It’s a simple beach and strangely, not as popular as the others! It can feel pretty remote which is a breath of fresh air (especially if you’ve just come from Bali, like I had).
The beauty doesn’t just start when you get to the beach, the road to get down is also pretty mind-blowing. Full of rice paddy fields, local life and majestic, green hills. It’s the kinda view that gives you goosebumps and makes you feel fucking grateful to be there.
- What to do here: It’s one of those rare beaches in Lombok where you can actually go and do some snorkelling! Rent a snorkel from one of the local warungs and check it out for yourself – a friend of mine even saw a turtle here!
- Why it’s worth the effort: The locals really look after the beach. You’ll also escape the usual swarms of kids selling you bracelets (which if you’ve been to Kuta Lombok, you’ll know what I mean).
- What to know before you go: Unlike Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak, Tampah boasts only a few small local restaurants that can offer you a cold coconut, local food and a shaded lounger.
Best Place to Stay Near Tampah Beach:
The Mawun Lombok
Located next to Tapah beach, these bungalows are on the small side, but the views surely make up for it. You’ll be surrounded by nature in a quiet corner of Lombok’s south coast.
A Frame Farmstay
Reconnect with nature and find a calm moment on this farm with mountain views. A unique stay so close to the beach – what else could you want?!
Gerupuk: The Holy Grail For Surfing
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Best for: Surfers of all levels
- Vibe: Surfy / Local
- Good for swimming? No
- Good for snorkelling? No
- Good for surfing? Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
- Area: Kuta south coast (East)
- How long to spend: Half day or use as an overnight base for a zero commute surf in the AM
If you’re into surfing… head to Gerupuk. But, if you’re down to chill on the beach… DON’T head to Gerupuk. There is nowhere to lounge on the beach here, instead, it’s just a spot where surfers rent and prep their boards before heading out to surf breaks by boat.
Tucked away just behind the popular Tanjung Aan, surfing here is broken up into two main spots: Gerupuk inside (intermediate) and Gerupuk outside (advanced). There are also two other beginner breaks that are sometimes on depending on the swell, these are Don Don and Kiddies. So, yep Gerupuk is ALL about the surf my friends… there is not a lot else to do here.
- What to do here: Surf, surf, and surf. You can rent a board from the shops in Gerupuk Village and take a boat from there.
- Why it’s worth the effort: You’ve got breaks for beginners all the way up to the pros. It’s super accessible from Kuta too, so getting here isn’t a schlep.
- What to know before you go: A few of the locals have set up a business taking drone footage, so if you see a drone following you on a wave… go and find them to check it out after your surf! They sell the footage for a pretty reasonable price.
Best Places to Stay near Gerupuk:
Jepun homestay
If you’re after chill surfy vibes and a nice clean space to come home to, this is your spot. Close to the sea, surf rental shops and local warungs… this is a great budget spot to stay for surfers.
Dome Lombok
This unique spot is built in a dome, so not only will you be SUPER close to some of the best waves on the island but also have an EPIC dome to recoup and recover in!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Best for: Fresh seafood and chill swims
- Vibe: Local / Quiet
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Good for snorkelling? Mostly
- Good for surfing? No
- Area: West coast (North of Senggigi)
- How long to spend: Half day
If you’re tired of being harassed by vendors in Senggigi, Pandanan is the place to run away to. It’s where the locals hang out, the water is actually calm, and the fish is bloody delish. Although the beach is quiet in terms of tourists, there are still a few local warungs that grill up some delicious fresh seafood and eggplant. Get chatting to the locals and find out what’s on the menu today!
It’s a long, shady stretch of sand lined with coconut trees and calm waters perfect for dipping. You get a front-row seat to Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno across the water, but without the ‘party island’ vibes. It’s the kind of place where ‘doing nothing’ is the primary activity, and honestly, you’ll be damn good at it.
- What to do here: Pick a fresh fish from a warung, wait for it to be grilled to perfection, then rent a kayak to paddle around the glassy bay while you wait for a sunset that rivals anything in Bali (I think it’s clear where I sit on the Bali v Lombok debate).
- Why it’s worth the effort: It’s the ultimate low-key escape that offers a genuine taste of Lombok’s local life, giving you a quiet afternoon away from beaches often swarmed with surfers.
- What to know before you go: It’s a scenic 20-minute ride north of Senggigi, and while it’s usually pristine, the rainy season can wash up some plastic, so keep your expectations in check if you’re visiting in the wet months.
Best Places to Stay Near Pandanan Beach:
Lala Salama Backpacker
This backpackers is the ideal spot for those on a budget. The rooms are clean and modern, the staff are EPIC and there is a pool to lounge around while you’re not at the beach.
Anugrah Hotel Teluk Nara
Rooms here run on the simple side but absolutely make up for it with stunning sea views. Although it’s a bit remote, it’s super convenient if you’re hopping on a ferry to Bali or the Gilis in the early morning.
The Gili Islands: The Snorkelling Stunner
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Best for: Snorkelling with turtles and island hopping
- Vibe: Lively (Gili T) / Local (Gili Air) / Remote (Gili Meno)
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Good for snorkelling? Yes
- Good for surfing? Beginner (Gili T)
- Area: Northwest coast
- How long to spend: You should dedicate at least a couple of days on your chosen island
I know, don’t come at me. There are loads of beaches on the Gili Islands and I’ve lumped them all into one. While each island has a distinct social frequency, they share the same physical traits: white coral sand and shallow turquoise waters teeming with green sea turtles. Unlike the rugged, volcanic cliffs of mainland Lombok, the Gilis are flat, low-lying, and surrounded by a fringing reef that makes them a dream for aspiring mermaids like myself.
Whichever island you choose – the beaches on Gili Islands are all the BOMB when it comes to snorkelling… especially if you want to see turtles! There are always snorkelling boat tours going between the islands so don’t worry, you won’t have to miss out on any. In my opinion, the coral and sea life on Gili Air was the BEST. However, the sheer number of turtles on Gili Meno blew my mind! I saw three at one time… not trying to set your expectations too high, but it was mad.
- What to do here: Rent a mask and fins to hover over turtles on the north end of the islands, then bike the perimeter to find a stretch of sand where you don’t have to listen to anyone else’s Bluetooth speaker.
- Why it’s worth the effort: The diving here is seriously insane. Even with a snorkel and fins you’ll be able to see world-class marine life and corals in near-perfect condition.
- What to know before you go: While the sand is soft, the shoreline is often littered with coral chunks washed up by the tide – bring reef shoes if you have sensitive feet.
Best Places to Stay on the Gili Islands:
M Box Gili Trawangan
A classic backpacker institution, M Box is all about connection, good vibes, and good times. Lounge in the pool in the day before gearing up for an (often) messy night on the town…
The House Hostel
Located on Gili T, this is the ideal backpacker place to crash between snorkelling. Unlike most of the island, this hostel is not a party hostel but offers a more mellow, social vibe. PS the pancakes for breakfast are THE BEST.
Nipah Beach: A Slice of Local Life
- Best for: Sunset seafood dinners
- Vibe: Super local
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Good for snorkelling? Yes
- Good for surfing? No
- Area: West coast (North of Senggigi)
- How long to spend: Half day / Quick stop
Nipah Beach is another beautiful alternative to Senggigi Beach, actually just next to Pandandan Beach so you could easily hit both of these in a day! Nipah is calm, relaxing and mostly, pretty quiet. With white sand, swaying palm trees and clear blue water…it’s all you can ask for from a tropical beach. The water is calm for swimming, and, for the more adventurous, you can climb up the top of Nipah Hill for some seriously stunning views for sunset. You’ll get panoramic views looking across the beach on one side and out to the three Gili’s on the other.
The beach is lined with simple warungs that serve up some of the best grilled fish in Indonesia. You pick your snapper or grouper straight from the ice box, and they grill it over coconut husks while you go for a dip. Plus, there’s some serious people watching to be done with locals fishing and hanging out. Don’t be surprised if you find you’re the only foreigner – you’ll get a real slice of local life here.
- What to do here: Grab a mask and explore the reef at either end of the bay for some surprisingly decent snorkelling, then settle into a plastic chair for a sunset seafood feast that you forked out a couple bucks on.
- Why it’s worth the effort: It offers a slice of the real Lombok – quiet, tasty, and unpretentious. There’s definitely no smoothie bowls or avo on toast here.
- What to know before you go: The water is generally calm and safe for a proper swim, but keep an eye on the clock. The road back to Senggigi or Bangsal is a winding beast, and navigating it after dark is not for the faint of heart.
Best Places to Stay Near Nipah Beach:
Lendang Eco Lodge
This place will immediately feel like home. Free breakfast, lush greenery, family vibes – you’re own slice of peaceful paradise.
Living Asia Resort and Spa
For a resort this boujey, it’s surprisingly affordable. The pool with panoramic coastal views is seriously epic, and the staff bring a warm hospitality that Indonesia is so famed for.
Mawun Beach: The Quiet Escape
Photo: Samantha Shea
- Best for: Swimming in a postcard
- Vibe: Quiet
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Good for snorkelling? Not really
- Good for surfing? Beginner / Intermediate
- Area: Kuta south coast
- How long to spend: Half day
If you’re after a secluded, quiet beach away from the crowds of Kuta Lombok, Mawun is where you need to go. Mawun is basically a giant, turquoise swimming pool enclosed by two massive green headlands that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a Jurassic Park set. It’s a near-perfect horseshoe bay that’s managed to dodge the high-intensity development of Kuta, despite being only 20 minutes away.
The middle of the bay is deep and calm, making it a dream for a proper swim, while the edges near the headlands sometimes throw up a fun little wave for surfers who aren’t afraid of a bit of a paddle. Sand here has the usual unique texture that many of the beaches around Kuta have! It’s almost like tiny little peppercorns. If you’re looking for a spot where the water is clear enough to see your toes and the sand is soft enough to nap on, this is your winner.
- What to do here: Watch the experts take on the fast, hollow barrels from the safety of a shoreline warung, or explore the rocky goat paths on the headlands for a panoramic view of the coastline.
- Why it’s worth the effort: It strikes that elusive balance between being easy to reach and feeling totally secluded. It’s a MUCH more peaceful alternative to the social circus of Tanjung Aan.
- What to know before you go: You might get unlucky and catch Mawun when it’s not looking so peachy. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok, however, it broke my heart to see the amount of rubbish covering the beach and washing in from the sea. It’s a sad experience to see the reality of the plastic pollution problem. This is your reminder to be a responsible traveller, we need to take care of our environment.
Best Places to Stay Near Mawun Beach:
Crispycool Homestay
This is a great spot to escape the chaos of Kuta – you’ll get a real insight into local life. After a day of hitting the surf, a clean and comfortable room awaits you.
The Local Are Guling
Spacious rooms, gorgeous views and a pool to dip in when the heat gets too much. This spot is all about slow living surrounded by lush greenery.
How I’d Choose Between These Beaches
Don’t have time to scour through every beach on Lombok’s coast? Here’s how I’d choose if I wanted maximum beach bum time with minimum effort.
- If I only had one beach day near Kuta: Tanjung Aan
- If I wanted the prettiest, calm beach: Tampah
- If I wanted to learn to surf: Selong Belanak
- If I wanted a quieter beach near Kuta: Mawun
- If I cared most about serious surf: Gerupuk
- If I wanted local vibes: Pandanan or Nipah
- If I wanted a family-friendly, calm beach: Nipah or Mawun
- If snorkelling was my top priority: the Gili Islands
Beaches That Aren’t Worth the Effort
Unfortunately, not all beaches in Lombok are created equal. There are plenty of times I’ve embarked on a big ol trip down sketchy roads (my fault for having blind faith in Google maps) just to find a beach that sooooo wasn’t worth the effort.
Worst of all, some beaches on Google show promise of ellusive hidden gem status, only to find that the road leading to it is downright dangerous. I’m all for an adventure, but sometimes it’s just not worth the risk.
Here are some beaches I think are worth a skip so you can dedicate time to other more worthy spots.
Pink Beach
Consider me intruiged when I first heard there was a beach in Lombok offering pearlescent pink sand. Alas, it was too good to be true. I’m sure, years ago, the sand may have been pink if you squinted hard enough, but a recent trip concluded that whatever made the sand pink back in the day is long, long gone.
It’s still a perfectly fine beach to give a reckky, but considering how far you have to travel to reach it from Kuta, I’d give it a miss.
Mawi Beach
This isn’t one I’ve done myself from reviews alone that say that the road is, for lack of a better word, a nightmare. Fortune doesn’t even favour the brave that make it successfully down to the beach, as you’ll be greeted with a shoreline that is more trash than sand. Save yourself the 10k in a ‘parking fee’ and head to nearby Selong Belanak instead.
Kuta Lombok Beach
The most accessible beach in Kuta, I was surprised at how disappointing I was when I first touched down in Kuta. The water is murky, the sand full of trash, and even a quick lap along the water will find you the centre of attention to young kids asking for money or trying to sell you bracelets. This is one of those cases where it’s absolutely worth hopping on a scooter and venturing further out.
What Actually Helped Me Enjoy Lombok’s Beaches More
Rent a scooter. It’s the only way to reach the best southern bays like Mawi or Tanjung Aan without getting fleeced by private drivers as there’s no Grab or Gojek down in Southern Lombok. Compared to the chaos that characterised roads in Bali, driving in Lombok is a dream. You won’t see nearly half the amount of traffic, the roads are in good nick, and you’ll be swapping bikes for buffalo causing traffic down rural roads.
Don’t underestimate how big Lombok is. Sure, most of the beaches you’ll want to see litter the south and west coast, but there’s no way of comfortably going from south to west and back in one day without spending half the day on a bike. Kuta is the main base for people wanting to set up camp along the south coast, but if you want to check out the west coast, Sengiggi is your best bet. For the gilis, you should definitely dedicate at least a few days on one or more of the islands.
Pack your own snorkel. Most beach rentals are questionable at best, with leaky masks and a mouthpiece that’s seen way too many strangers. Having your own gear bypasses the faff of renting one at every beach AND skips worrying about what’s growing on the rented rubber. Been there, done that, not for me.
Lombok rewards flexibility more than a rigid checklist. If you go in with a ‘must-see’ list of 10 beaches, you’re going to spend your whole trip stressed out on a motorbike.
As travellers, we know that sometimes shit doesn’t go to plan.
Some days the swell is too big for a swim at one spot, or the wind is blowing trash into another. If a beach doesn’t feel right, don’t force it just to tick a box – hop back on the bike and find the next one. The joy of Lombok is that its beaches aren’t too spread out from one another. If you let the conditions, not an itinerary, decide where you’re hanging your hammock, you’ll get the most out of Lombok’s beaches.
The Plastic Pollution Problem in Lombok
I can’t conclude this article without talking about the plastic pollution problem in Lombok. We saw it on nearly every beach… PILES of plastic. It’s heartbreaking and a reminder to everyone that we need to look after our earth. Say no to plastic.
Buy yourself a water bottle (Grayl Geopress is my ULTIMATE favourite), dine in instead of getting plastic takeaway containers, and be a sustainable traveller. The impact of your decisions literally lines the beaches in Lombok…
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Saying that, checking the season before you commit is a great way to try to avoid disappointment. During the rainy season (December to February), the western-facing beaches can get hit with ‘trash tides.’ It’s depressing, but it’s the reality of ocean currents and the current state of plastic on Lombok. Check recent Google Reviews or ask a local which side of the island might be affected so you don’t end up swimming in a plastic soup.
Hotels and restaurants that are located on the beach often organise beach clean-ups that you can join. Or, just take a bag down with you on your walk and pick up a few pieces. Travel responsibly peeps, your small actions make a difference.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Lombok
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Lombok.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Why I’d Choose Lombok for Beaches Again
Lombok is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world. I loved every minute of exploring them; from soaking in the local life and majestic hills on the scooter rides to each of them to marvelling at the underwater worlds. No matter what you’re into, there is a beach on Lombok to suit.
One day you’re on a scooter winding through the majestic hills of the south to find a spot like Tampah Beach where keeping your humans spotted number as low as possible is the name of the game. The next, you’re (attempting) to shred some waves on Selong Belanak Beach. It’s that contrast between the rugged, wind-swept coast and the crystalline underwater stillness that makes it worth the trip every single time and is SUCH a welcome switch up from its neighbour, Bali.
Not every beach can do it all, so knowing whether you want to surf, snorkel or beach bum is up can easily make your decision of what beach is on the agenda that day.
What sets this island apart from the more overrun spots nearby is how it rewards you for actually slowing down and going a bit off the beaten path. Finding your favourite beach will require you to put your adventure hat on and accept your fate that you’ll often be sharing the road with a buffalo or two. It’s what this island is about after all.
Lombok is a very special place. Enjoy it and look after it <3
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Find the best corner of the island for you with our guide on where to stay on Lombok.
- Check out this guide to staying safe in Indonesia to enjoy tour trip to the fullest.
- Embrace your backpacker spirit and stay at the best hostels on Lombok.
- Our in-depth Indonesia packing list has all the info you’ll need for your trip.
