Whether you’re a beginner looking to surf your first green wave over a safe sandy bottom, or an experienced charger hunting deep barrels and steep drops, Kuta Lombok is the place to be between the wet season months of October to April. 

Lombok is an Indonesian island located to the east of Bali. On its southern coastline lies the town of Kuta and its surrounding beaches. Here, rests multiple waves for surfers of different skill levels that break against a stunning backdrop of rugged nature - consisting of towering limestone cliffs, rolling bushy hills, and herds of goats and fluffy black water buffalos.

If you’re planning a surf trip to South Lombok, this is what you’ll need to know about the waves in Kuta. 
 

Waves for beginner surfers:

Within Kuta, the best waves for learning how to surf are located in Tanjung Aan. On the high tide, and small swell (1-3 feet), this spot is perfect for catching your first whitewash as there is minimal current and the water is deep in the takeoff zone. Furthermore, there are a bunch of warungs (local restaurants) on the beach that offer boards for rent, and surf instructors for hire. So if you haven’t decided to take lessons with a surf school, and happen to find yourself craving a ride, Tanjung Aan is an extremely convenient beach to cruise at with a coconut until you decide to give surfing a go.

Selong Belanak is also another beach perfect for beginner surfers. Located a little ways west of central Kuta, this is a breathtaking, long white sand beach that homes perfect novice beach breaks and whitewater that rolls over a sandy bottom. Here, there will always be a safe zone for beginner waves closer to the beach, even if bigger waves are breaking out the back.

Waves for intermediates and advanced surfers:

Breaking consistently in the heart of Kuta is Seger. This wave is a fun a-frame that produces a short barrel on the low tide when the swell is more than 3 feet. However, this spot is a swell magnet and generally tends to max out on anything above 5-6 feet. It is a very shifty wave that acts completely differently on different kinds of swells, making it the perfect spot to practice reading waves and improve your surf instincts.

The localism at this spot can also be a bit intense throughout the day. However, because it’s so close to the beach, it is super easy to find quiet windows in between those busy sessions.

Air Guling is another extraordinary wave that Lombok has to offer. Here, is a right and a left-hand break that peels at both corners of the bay. The right breaks more consistently than the left, and can also produce the most user-friendly barrels when the wave is just overhead high. Swells bigger than that will still hold, however becomes a lot more technical to surf as this is a powerful, energy-packed wave.

There is also a warung on the beach run by a super friendly local family, providing pick up and drop off services by boat for super cheap, if you’re not up for the 10-15 minute paddle out to the line up — which is also a good way of supporting the local community and economy.

Moving along a few bays to the west is the wave at Mawi. Epic for sunsets, this beach also sports an a-frame wave that breaks slower on its right and faster on its left. When the swell is more than 5 feet, the sets turn into more of a point break that dissolves the right and becomes only a left. It is a speedy wave that surges a lot of energy. Getting caught on the inside can be tricky, however, the beach here is super close to the wave, so it sometimes makes more sense to walk back around to the channel rather than duck-dive through all the sets, especially when it’s low tide.

And finally, it is essential to mention the waves that are not within Kuta, because they also contribute to making south Lombok one of the best places to surf in Indonesia. These spots are Ekas and it’s surrounding waves, and the famous, ever-lasting left-hand barrels of Desert Point (Banko-banko).

If you’re looking for solitude and absolutely zero crowds, making the trek to Ekas Bay is a must-do. And if you’re confident enough to get absolutely pitted over shallow reef for hundreds of meters, Desert Point has to be on your bucket list.

Better yet, rent a scooter or car and visit every one of these spots! This way, you will be sure to experience the magic that is Indonesian waves.

Written by Kayli Wouters

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