Imagine crystal-clear turquoise waters, consistent swells, and a laid-back vibe – that’s what surfing Kuta Lombok is all about! Unlike its busier Bali counterpart, Kuta Lombok offers a more tranquil yet equally exciting surfing experience, making it a favorite among those seeking untouched natural beauty combined with fantastic waves. Whether you’re planning to stand up for the first time or carve through powerful barrels, this southern coast gem has a spot for you.
Why Kuta Lombok is a Surfer’s Paradise?
- Diverse Waves for All Levels: From sandy bottom beach breaks perfect for learning to challenging reef breaks for advanced surfers, Kuta Lombok has it all.
- Less Crowded Lineups: Compared to Bali, the surf spots around Kuta Lombok are generally less crowded, giving you more waves to yourself.
- Stunning Scenery: Surf with a backdrop of rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and pristine white sand beaches. The natural beauty here is simply breathtaking.
- Warm Water Year-Round: No need for wetsuits! The water temperature in Lombok is always inviting, allowing for comfortable long surf sessions.
- Authentic Local Vibe: Experience the warm hospitality of the Sasak people and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this charming island.
Top Surf Spots for Surfing Kuta Lombok
The Kuta Lombok area boasts several fantastic surf spots, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular and accessible ones:
Selong Belanak Beach (Beginner-Friendly Bliss)
- Address: Selong Belanak, Praya Barat, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. It’s about a 30-minute drive west of Kuta Lombok.
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, but typically surf lessons and rentals operate from early morning until late afternoon.
- Entrance Ticket: Typically a small parking fee of around IDR 10,000 – 20,000 for scooters/cars.
- Facilities: Numerous local warungs (food stalls) lining the beach offer food, drinks, board rentals, and surf lessons. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent.
- Rules: Generally relaxed. Be mindful of swimming areas and follow your instructor’s guidance if taking a lesson.
This is arguably the best spot for beginners in Lombok. Selong Belanak features a long, sandy beach with gentle, consistent waves that are perfect for learning to paddle, pop up, and ride your first waves. The sandy bottom makes it very safe, as there are no sharp reefs to worry about. You’ll see water buffaloes occasionally strolling on the beach, adding to the unique charm! Surfboard rentals are readily available, usually around IDR 50,000 – 100,000 per hour, and surf lessons often include board rental.
Gerupuk Bay (For All Levels, Boat Access)
- Address: Gerupuk Village, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. Approximately a 15-20 minute drive east of Kuta Lombok, followed by a short boat ride.
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, but surf boats typically run from early morning until sunset.
- Entrance Ticket: No entrance fee to the village, but you’ll need to pay for a boat ride to the surf breaks, typically IDR 100,000 – 200,000 per person (or more for private boats), often including surfboard transport.
- Facilities: Basic warungs and surf schools in Gerupuk village. No facilities are directly at the break as they are offshore.
- Rules: Respect local boat operators and surf guides. Be aware of the coral reef bottoms at some spots.
Gerupuk Bay is a must-visit for surfing Kuta Lombok, offering multiple breaks for all skill levels.
- Inside Gerupuk (Beginner/Intermediate): Known for its mellow, long waves over a reef, perfect for learning and improving.
- Outside Gerupuk (Intermediate/Advanced): Prepare for a tougher right-breaking reef wave here, as it comes with increased speed and intensity.
- Don-Don (All Levels): A fun peak that works in various conditions.
- Kids Point (Beginner): Smaller, slower waves are ideal for absolute beginners.
- Access to all Gerupuk breaks requires a local fishing boat (jukung) from the village, which adds to the adventure!
Are Guling (Intermediate to Advanced)
- Address: Are Guling Beach, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. About a 15-20 minute drive west of Kuta, Lombok. The last part of the road can be a bit rough.
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Entrance Ticket: Small parking fee, usually around IDR 10,000 – 20,000.
- Facilities: A few simple warungs at the beach provide food, drinks, and some surfboard rentals.
- Rules: The waves here break over a reef bottom, so some caution is advised, especially at lower tides.
- Description: Are Guling features both a right and a left-hand reef break. The right-hand wave is more mellow and forgiving and can be suitable for intermediate surfers, while the left-hand wave is faster and more hollow, better for experienced riders. It’s a beautiful bay with a slightly more rugged feel than Selong Belanak.
Mawi Beach (Intermediate to Advanced)
- Address: Mawi Beach, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. Located further west, about 45 45-minute to an hour drive from Kuta Lombok, with the last stretch of road being unpaved and bumpy.
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Entrance Ticket: Small parking fee, generally IDR 10,000 – 20,000.
- Facilities: Limited, usually just a couple of very basic warungs for drinks and snacks.
- Rules: Not recommended for beginners due to its powerful waves and sharp reef bottom. Be aware of strong rips and undertows. Wear reef booties for protection.
Mawi is known for its powerful, consistent waves that break over a reef. It’s a favorite among intermediate and advanced surfers seeking more challenging rides. The left-hand wave can be particularly good on larger swells, offering barrel sections. The raw beauty of Mawi Beach is truly captivating.
Essential Tips for Surfing Kuta Lombok:
- Best Time to Surf: The dry season (May to October) generally offers the best and most consistent swells with offshore winds, making for clean waves. However, some spots like Gerupuk can also work well in the wet season.
- Board Rentals & Lessons: You can easily rent surfboards at most popular surf spots or through surf schools in Kuta town. Prices for rentals are typically IDR 50,000 – 100,000 per hour or IDR 150,000 – 250,000 per day. Surf lessons are widely available, ranging from IDR 500,000 – 750,000 for a 2-hour private session, often including board rental and transport to the best spot of the day.
- Sun Protection: The equatorial sun is intense! Always use plenty of waterproof sunscreen, wear a rash guard, and consider a hat for when you’re not in the water.
- Reef Booties: If you plan to surf over reef breaks (like Gerupuk, Are Guling, or Mawi), reef booties are highly recommended to protect your feet from sharp coral.
- Respect Locals: Always be mindful of local surf etiquette and show respect to the local surfers. A friendly attitude goes a long way!
- Transportation: Renting a scooter (around IDR 70,000 – 100,000 per day) is the most common way to get around and explore the different surf spots. Alternatively, you can hire a private car with a driver or arrange transport through your surf school.
Beyond the Waves: What Else to Do in Kuta Lombok?
Even when the waves aren’t breaking, Kuta Lombok has plenty to offer:
- Relax on Pristine Beaches: Enjoy the stunning white sands of Tanjung Aan, Mandalika Beach, or Kuta Beach itself.
- Explore Bukit Merese: Hike up this scenic hill for breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset.
- Taste Local Cuisine: Indulge in fresh seafood and authentic Sasak dishes at local warungs.
- Visit the MotoGP Circuit: If you’re a motorsports fan, check out the Mandalika International Street Circuit.
Ready for Another Epic Adventure? Hike Mount Rinjani!
After experiencing the incredible waves and laid-back vibe of surfing Kuta Lombok, perhaps you’re looking for a different kind of adventure? If the call of the mountains resonates with you, then conquering the majestic Mount Rinjani in Lombok is an unparalleled experience that awaits!For an unforgettable and well-supported trek to one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes, look no further than Hiking Mount Rinjani (hikingmountrinjani.com).
As a professional and dedicated service provider based right here in Lombok, they specialize in offering top-tier Mount Rinjani Services that cater to every type of adventurer. Whether you dream of reaching the summit for a breathtaking sunrise, exploring the serene crater lake of Segara Anak, or simply immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the national park, Hiking Mount Rinjani has you covered.
You can find us at
EMAIL : hikingmtrinjani@gmail.com
PHONE NUMBER : +62 878-78841703
LOCATION : JL. Pariwasata – Senaru Bayan. Lombok Utara, NTB – Indonesia