OVERVIEW
If if you're coming to Lombok specifically to surf then you're only get to experience the southern coast of this picturesque island as that’s where the surf is. Not that that’s a problem, as apart from the great surfing along its’ amazing southern coastline, its an explorers paradise - not just to discover your own semi-secret surf spot but to witness first hand its beautiful landscapes, some of the best in Indo. No matter how much of a surf fanatic you are, make sure you put some time aside during your Lombok stay to explore this idyllic island.
Day-to-day living wise, accommodation,food and drink, transport, tours, surf rentals etc are all good value even by Indo standards.
We have divided Lomboks’ surf locations into the following locations; [MAP HERE]
South Far West - Desert Point & Belongas Bay
South West- 1) Selong Belanak & Mawi, 2) Areguling & Mawum
South Central - 1) Kuta, 2) Gerupuk
South East - Ekas
Kuta is the epicentre of surfing in Lombok - most of the surf main locations are within easy daily reach by motorbike/car from Kuta except maybe for Ekas and Desert Point, it has a vibrant nightlife, a great selection of restaurants /cafes and there's a an abundance of accommodation options to suit the tastes and budgets of most surfers.
If you haven't been to Kuta Lombok before one thing to know is that although it's the most popular surf destination on the island there's no surf at Kutas' main beaches - (Kuta and Mandalika). The beach shorelines are protected by outer reefs so there's no surfing out the front of the town. The reason I mention this is that with many Indonesian beach surf locations staying right on the beach or close by is such an advantage as it's allows a quick stroll across to the beach first thing in the morning or when ever the urge strikes you to give you the best and most reliable surf report available – your own eyes. Not so for Kuta, you’ll need a boat to take you beyond the reefs where as do as most surfers do jump on a scooter and head off to a nearby surf location – Segar, Areguling Mawun etc etc. So, there's no great advantage in booking accommodation directly in front of the beach. Every time you go for a surf you're going to have to travel, no matter where you stay in this town.
That's one of the characteristics of Lombok surf holidays - most surfers will spend more time on a scooter/car/boat than most other Indonesian surf locations. For some, this may be a hassle but for many (me included) travelling around such a picturesque island surfing and exploring is definitely a plus. Also, surfing different breaks improves your surfing – as long as you don’t paddle out in a break that is above [yes, I'm thinking of you here Desert Point} or below your surfing ability.
Lombok is very surf lesson orientated, especially Kuta and Gerupuk as you soon find out when you arrive as visitors are hawked surf lessons regularly both at the beaches and in town. Kuta and Gerupuk even have options thats only offer accommodation and surf lesson packages, no accommodation only booking. When searching our listings just scroll past those if daily surf lessons are not part of your plans while in Lombok. Staying on beginner surfers, if you are only at the beginner stage of your surfing life it would probably not be prudent to go any further east in Indonesia than Lombok. Lombok is much better suited to learning than it's eastern neighbours – Sumba, Sumbawa Roti etc
Large-scale developments in Indonesia always have their advantages/disadvantages, supporters/detractors but one definite positive outcome of the Mandalika Street circuit was the development included the building of a state of the art hospital -. The Mandalika International Hospital
Mandalika International Hospital
+62 852-3232-3119
The Mandalay Court Street circuit regularly hosts racing events but the only one that has a adverse effect on is the MotoGP, the top echolon of superbike racing. For 2026 the MotoGP will be in town from the week 5th -11th October. Unless you’re a Superbike fan best to avoid being in Kuta / Mandalika during that period.
GOOGLE MAPS
Google Maps work well throughout Lombok in telling you where to go. If Maps does get confused by your location / directions search or you catch Siri after a big night out it may help to know the local name of the place you're heading to, just to be safe.
Lombok has an active Facebook travel forum for those that are chasing something specific during their Lombok holiday or just seeking guidance/advice. Lombok Facebook travel forum - https://www.facebook.com/groups/551372502529684/
We haven't included a rundown of the main surf breaks but DHM Surf Camp have good rundown
Surf Forecasts for the local breaks can be found [here] and [here] but subscriptions are needed to access forecasts more than a couple of days in advance.