Lombok, on the Eastern side of the Lombok strait is subject to the same swell action Bali receives. Not exactly off the beaten track, but the place is yet to see the manic development that has taken over parts of Bali. There are still opportunities to experience uncrowded surfs by yourself if lucky or wily. Surfing in Lombok is a memorable experience with it’s offshore island, crescent bays flanked by rolling hills and rocky outcrops.
Desert Point or Bangko Bangko at the Western-most point is Lombok’s most famous wave. When the conditions line up, swell chasers from across the region will make the pilgrimage to Lombok for a hope of scoring the ride of a lifetime. The South coast is rich with geographical features - protected bays and inlets which warp the swell into long peeling waves.
Due to the popularity of the diving and snorkeling in the Gili Islands, Sengigi is where you can find most of the island’s hotels and resorts. Surfers prefer to stay around the South with the surf town Kuta being a good place to base yourself. There are surf shops, surf schools, restaurants, bars, other needed facilities and it’s within a short distance to many of the surf spots. It’s also the only place in South Lombok for some night life.
Why Surf in Lombok
For dedicated swell chasers there is only one reason to head to Lombok. Desert Point. Bangko Bangko. Scoring this wave is worth enduring the 6 hour ferry crossing from Bali. For the rest of us, Lombok has some of the most pristine, exotic surf breaks in the world. Amazing turquoise water bays surrounded by tall cliffs, hills and golden sand beaches lets you detach yourself from the beat of the commercial world and give in to the ocean’s rhythm.
When to go to Lombok
Lombok is affected by the trade winds which blow during the dry season from May - Sep. The persistent West blowing wind creates perfect conditions for Desert Point and the island’s West facing breaks.
The Monsoon season October - April sees heavy rainfall but much less crowds with flooding quite probable. During this time some of the waves on South coast can be offshore depending on their direction.