It’s that time of the year again when the winds are blowing “just right” and the waves are calling all surfers to come on board!

Although inevitably compared to Bali, surfing in Lombok is a much more relaxed experience, without the crowded lineups and aggressive competition for waves.

The best part about surfing in Lombok is that the island offers something for everyone – from beginners to intermediate to surf pros!

By far the best surf spots on Lombok are found on the south coast and there are plenty of places to choose from, but even in the resort areas of Senggigi, Gili Air and Gili Trawangan, you’ll find good waves – making it ideal for those travelling with non-surfers!

Senggigi: Anjungan, off the point alongside Kila Hotel on Senggigi Beach, is a favourite spot for local surfers and early in the mornings you will find beginners and intermediate surfers paddling out from the rocks to try out the left-hand break. There’s a surf school on the main street with friendly instructors and surf board hire available.

Mangsit: Five minutes up the coast in Mangsit, you’ll often find young surfers playing on the waves just off the beach in front of Qunci Villas. There’s a surf school here with friendly instructors who will have you surfing at Mangsit and Klui in no time!

Gilis: If you’re staying on Gili T, you’ll find reasonable surf on the south coast near The Trawangan Resort with a fast breaking right reef break in the right conditions.

On Gili Air, there’s a good break off the south coast called “Play Gili” with no crowds and short square barrels when the swell is on. Local surfers on the islands are friendly and helpful, so talk to them for advice on the best times and where to hire a board.

South Lombok: For more serious surf, head to Kuta on the south coast. Here you’ll find professional surf shops, surf board hire and repair, and surf camps offering everything from beginner’s lessons to adventurous surfing in secret locations known only to the locals.

Kuta: In the right conditions, the waves outside of Kuta open up to a long and clean left reef break, while nearby Seger Reef has a right hand reef break at mid to high tide.

Great for surfers of all abilities, Kuta Lombok is a great place to get your feet wet before moving east towards Gerupuk and Ekas, or west towards Mawi and Are Guling.

Gerupuk is a very popular surf spot to the east of Kuta and has something for everyone, from beginners to experts

There are five surf breaks here: Inside Right, Outside Right, Outside Left, Don Don and Kiddies. All 5 surf spots are easily accessed by a short boat ride from Gerupuk village.

Ekas: is further east, almost on the south-eastern corner of Lombok, and you’ll need to catch a boat out to the waves from Awang or drive two hours east from Kuta. The journey is worth it for the two fabulous surf breaks here: Ekas Outside and Ekas Inside.

The more remote location means less crowds and the waves here are good for all levels, with consistent surf all year round. In the other direction from Kuta, the beaches heading west offer breathtaking scenery and lure surfers from around the world.

Are Guling is a beautiful open bay with two surf breaks on either side: a right and a left.

The waves here are suited to intermediate and above level surfers. Under perfect conditions the right hand break can reach 3 metres and is said to be one of the best right-handers on the south coast, while the left breaks over a shelf on the reef at high tides.

Mawi: Around 25 minutes west of Kuta, Mawi has consistent surf almost all year round. Mawi is where the more experienced surfers head to find waves at any time of the day, with both left hand and right hand breaks forming out in the scenic bay.

Although it can get hazardous at low tide with the surf breaking over the reef, at high tide the waves are fine for intermediate surfers. The real pros come out at mid-tide when the perfect fast barrels form, offering a thrilling ride.

Selong Belanak, on the south coast, is a well-known favourite place for learning to surf and for practicing your skills before tackling the larger waves. The gentle waves help to build confidence and the sandy bottom means you won’t cut yourself up on a reef when you take an inevitable fall.

You’ll find many places offering surfing lessons and surf board hire on the beach front. The surf instructors here work with beginner surfers every day and help make the experience fun. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf, Selong Belanak is a great place to start!

Desert Point, Southwest Lombok: Die-hard surfers and adrenaline junkies head to “Desert Point” at Bangko-Bangko on the far corner of the southwest coast. For experienced surfers only! It’s widely acclaimed as one of the best and longest left-hand barrels in the world when conditions are right.