Lombok Islands : Surfing Paradise

Lombok has a great variety of waves that work on all swell and wind conditions. It’s right next to Bali, yet far less crowded. 

The book tells you where to stay cheaply close to the best fun waves, and where to go when the swell gets up and you’re ready to tackle hollow overhead barrels. Lombok’s Gili Islands offer a peaceful escape for a bit of snorkelling and partying too.

Lombok has been an ideal surfing destination for years. Surfers, especially those that come to Indonesia to surf and are prepared to venture further than Bali, which is being, consumed by its own crowds, will discover Lombok rewarding beyond all expectations.

Lombok surfing is less crowd and its good starting point to search secrete spots on east of Indonesia as its neighbor island is Sumbawa where you will find super suck, Yoyo’s or Lakey pipe in Dompu region.

This island, which measures about 80 kilometers north to south and about 70 kilometers east to west, is a much drier and tougher island than generally verdant Bali. This is perhaps why the Sasak (most of population’s ethnic group) name for Lombok is Bumi Gora, which literally means “The Dry Farmland”. The most awesome physical attraction on Lombok is Indonesia’s tallest volcano, the 3726 meter high Gunung Rinjani.

Lombok’s waves, most of which are concentrated on the island’s West Coast and along a south coast ragged with bays, beaches and dramatic headlands. You wont find as many surf spots on Lombok as you can ride on Bali, but they are usually less crowded and physically more beautiful as natural locations. One particular place, known to locals as Bangko-Bangko (but to surfers the world over as Desert Point), is one of the world’s premier left hand surf spots when it’s working. This impulsive, but perfect and long point break requires a swell of good direction and size to fire, but given those requirements it more than produces the barelling goods. Desert starts off small at the take-off, then, as it winds down the reef, the wave will increase in size and barrel on down the line. There are other waves in this southern region and even some in the Gilis, though normally on solid swells.

Lombok Surf Breaks
Desert Point
As with many waves in Indo the tides plays a big role at Deserts. At high tide it can appear 2-3′ and quite fat….then as the tide goes out it begins to fire often turning into 5-6′ left hand pits. The reef is quite shallow and booties are a must. The rip is very strong here and it can hold up to a 10ft swell. A serious wave…but serious fun once you get it wired.

Southern Lombok
Note: In mid to late season it can be impossible to go this way as wind and swell make it too dangerous – it is at the Captain’s discretion as to the best and safest route.

Belongas Bay
A long bay with lots of potential. Mainly best in the early seaon before the winds become too strong. Several rights and left setup depending on the size and direction of the swell.

Selong Belanak also know as Mawi
Mawi needs at least 3 foot of ocean swell to work. Some swells will offer a left and right hand peak and can probably handle up to 6′. This break is not so tide dependant but can get very very sucky at low tide. It is a beautiflly scenic spot and worth a walk on the beach. Keep and eye out for moneys on the headland.

Kuta Beach
Kuta is about the only place along the south coast offering accommodation and restaurants – a good spot to stop for a bit of party action! The bay offers a left reef break that is best at 4-6′ but sometimes to be a bit sectiony. There is a right there also but it is inconsistent although there are stories that in the right swell and wind conditions it can be epic.

Grupuk Bay
A nice bay setup with a left one side and right the other and a peak in the middle. On bigger swells the bommie is also rideable. The right hand point is probably the pick with long bowling waves. Watch the bommie for indications of the sets….don’t get caught inside otherwise it is a long long paddle!

Ekas
Another nice bay setup which requires a fair bit of sell to turn on. Outside Ekkas is long left with some fast hollow sections. Inside Ekkas is right but needs more swell to break. Best at mid tide.