Lombok's #1 Tourism Magazine
SURFING
Lombok is a world-renown surfing heaven amongst surf enthusiasts and, more than any other island in Indonesia, Lombok offers year-round surf, with peak months between April and October.
Kuta, on the south coast, is surf-central and has a range of accommodations and facilities especially for surfers. Here you can hire a board, get board repairs and take surf lessons from the professionals. To take your surfing experience to the next level and join one of the many surf camps and retreats available year-round.
Beginners and intermediate surfers should head to the steady, consistent waves found in the south at Selong Belanak. There are a number of places on the beach that hire boards by the hour and surf coaches patiently instruct beginners on the art of surfing.
The waves at Gerupuk and Tanjung Aan offer a variety of challenges from beginners to sheer madness! Tanjung Aan has consistent surf all year round, while Gerupuk has five surf breaks with something for all levels.
Ekas Bay has two surf breaks: Inside Ekas and Outside Ekas with waves suitable for beginners to experts, depending on the season.
West from Kuta, you’ll find surf at Mawi, Are Guling, Tampah and more. Make friends with the locals to find more hidden surfing gems!
Huge waves and challenging surf lure die-hards to Bangko-Bangko (also known as Desert Point) on the south-western tip of Lombok. Only for the experienced and brave, Desert Point is regarded as one of the best waves in the world!
At certain times of the year when conditions are right, you’ll also find locals surfing the breaks at Senggigi and Mangsit Beach, and off Gili Air and Gili Trawangan. Lombok is an island that loves to surf!
DISCOVER THE SECRET ISLANDS
Hate crowds and want to kick back on peaceful beaches, exploring uninhabited islands and uncrowded reefs? If so, the southwest coast is for you!
Thirteen magical islands sit just offshore waiting to be discovered by those who love the water and the beauty of nature. Most are uninhabited but you’ll find excellent accommodation options on Gili Gede and Gili Asahan.
Spend your days lazing in the sun, taking walks along the beaches, fishing, kayaking, island hopping and swimming.
Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will be in their element with 19 pristine reefs covered in vibrant and healthy coral and teeming with marine life to explore. Spot elusive lion fish, sea horses and majestic turtles, in addition to all the other tropical species that live on the reefs here.
Base yourself on the big island of Gili Gede and spend your days exploring the nearby islands of Gili Layar, Gili Ringgit, Gili Asahan, tiny Gili Goleng and more.
Undeveloped doesn’t have to mean basic (although you’ll find accommodation to suit all budgets on Gili Gede and Gili Asahan). Combine your Robinson Crusoe experience with luxury and style at Villa Selalu or ko-ko-mo Resort, Gili Gede, or barefoot chic and the best diving at The High Dive, Gili Gede.
TREKKING
Much of the island is still covered by natural rain forest and jungles, making Lombok ideal for ecotourism and trekking tours.
There are a number of areas on the island which provide lovely trekking opportunities, whether travelling independently or as part of a tour.
Rinjani National Park covers 41,330 hectares and sits inside a major bio-geographical transition zone (Wallacea). This zone, known as the “Wallace Line”, marks the transition point where the tropical flora and fauna of South East Asia meets that of Australasia.
Trekking in the Park can be organised from the villages of Teres Genit, Bayan and Senaru in the north. Treks often include walks through rice terraces and mountain villages, and visits to cashew and coffee plantations to learn how about growing and harvesting the fruits. Of course, you’ll need to take and break to sample the freshly ground coffee and roasted cashews!
There are many tours available in the north, depending on your interests – whether it be visiting villages and getting a glimpse into local community life or trekking through the jungle identifying plants and local wildlife before picnicking at a waterfall.
Highly recommended is Rinjani Women Adventure, which empowers women in the local communities and organises a number of treks (including climbing Rinjani) led by women. www.rinjaniwomenadventure.com
