Surfing Lombok: Indonesia’s Hidden Surf Paradise
Just a short hop from the buzz of Bali lies Lombok, an island paradise that’s quickly becoming a must-visit for surfers seeking uncrowded waves, laid-back vibes, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a beginner planning your first surf trip or a seasoned surfer hunting for perfect barrels, Lombok delivers—and often, without the crowds.
Where is Lombok?
Lombok is part of the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, located just east of Bali and west of the Sumbawa islands. While Bali gets most of the global attention, Lombok has quietly earned its stripes as a world-class surf destination, thanks to its consistent swells, warm water, and variety of surf breaks for all skill levels.
The Culture: A Slower Pace of Life
Unlike its party-loving neighbour, Lombok is predominantly Sasak Muslim, which creates a more relaxed, respectful, and soulful atmosphere. Expect traditional villages, prayer calls echoing at sunset, and smiles from locals who are proud of their island.
You won’t find big beach clubs here—but you will find incredible sunsets, surfboard shapers, reggae bars, and healthy food spots that cater to the surf crowd.
Travel Tip: Dress modestly when off the beach and be respectful of local customs—especially during religious holidays like Ramadan.
Why Surfers Are Flocking to Lombok
Lombok offers everything a surf traveler dreams of:
World-class reef breaks like Desert Point and Mawi
Beginner-friendly waves at Gerupuk and Selong Belanak
No surf mobs — you’ll often share the lineup with just a handful of people
Affordable surf lessons, guiding, and accommodations
Year-round swell with multiple surf zones for every level
Add in warm water, palm trees, and epic road trips, and it’s no wonder surfers are choosing Lombok over Bali for their next Indo mission.
Where Do Surfers Stay?
The epicenter of the surf scene in Lombok is Kuta—not to be confused with Kuta in Bali. This charming town is home to cafes, surf shops, scooter rentals, and some of the island’s best surf guiding services (like us, Surfing Banditos )
Kuta offers easy access to a variety of waves in every direction—from mellow inside reefs to heavy hollow lefts.
Coming Up Next Week…
Ready to book your flight or ferry? Our next post will guide you through how to get to Lombok, including budget travel options, ferry vs. flights, what to expect when traveling with surfboards, and local tips to save money.
Stay tuned—and if you’re planning a trip already, check out our surf guiding packages and lessons here:
👉 www.surfingbanditoslombok.com