Lombok Beaches

Lombok is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia.

Here is a small selection of some of our faves.

1. Senggigi Beach

Senggigi Beach was Lombok’s leading tourist destination for many years but when the ferry point to the Gili Islands moved to Bangsal Harbour, a half hour drive further north, much of the tourist trade moved with it. Which is a pity as it’s white sand beaches, clear blue seas and picture perfect sunsets with views across to Bali’s Mt Agung are among the best you will find in Lombok. There are a number of beach-front cafes at the northern end of Senggigi Beach where you can eat, drink and swim to your hearts content but for the best sunset view, head to the Kila Beach Bar at the southern end of the bay. There’s quite good snorkelling there too. When it’s not shrouded in cloud you can see Bali’s mighty Mt Agung in the far horizon, an imposing sight and Instagram worthy photo-op.

2. Pandanan Beach

10-15 minutes further on from Senggigi Beach the road hugs the coast through valleys and peaks offering up some truly magnificent coastal views before arriving at Pandanan Beach, a long gently curving bay lined with palm trees and bamboo huts. The huts are owned local traders who will barbecue freshly caught seafood and serve it up on palm leaves. Understand that using one of these huts is an implicit agreement that you will buy food, or at least a few drinks from the owner, so it’s often a good idea to check their supply of seafood first.) The water is crystal clear and every so often you will see turtles coming up for air. Despite the idyllic surrounds, there are only usually a handful of people on this beach, mainly locals and their children.

A spectacularly beautiful beach, (perhaps my favourite!) Selong Belanak is situated on a huge bay surrounded by craggy mountain peaks. The colour of the sand and water need to be seen to be believed and match the best of anything you’ll see in any tourist brochure. Its also pretty popular, compared to other Lombok beaches but its such a long stretch of beach it never feels too crowded. Selong Belanak is a great place to do some surfing or take a surfing lesson – the waves are very regular and they break a little way out so it’s a safe beach for kids as well. There are a few good cafes here set back from the beach – again the barbecued fish is a must try and its worth paying the 50,000rp to secure a couple of deck chairs under an umbrella.

One of the best things about Selong Belanak is taking the trip to get there. If you come from Mataram you head down the highway towards the airport but then veer off onto a much smaller road that takes you into the jungle and through some tiny kampungs (villages) where it’s not unusual to have to share the road with passing chickens, goats or water buffalo. You’re 30 minutes from the capital city and yet, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to another world. As the road begins to climb towards a mountain pass, the scenery suddenly changes from lush, tropical forest to something more sparse – tall plants with long skinny trunks and large, light green leaves. And then before you have time to think about whether you actually have entered another world you are over the pass and stretched out in front of you, as far as the eye can see, is the shiny expanse of the Indian Ocean. The descent from the peak to sea level is rapid – it only takes about 5 minutes and then maybe another 5 minutes to reach the Selong Belanak car park.

If you come from Kuta, it’s maybe a 20 minute drive west with ocean views most of the way.

4.Kuta Beach, Lombok

Kuta was a small fishing village only a few short years ago but is now the most popular tourist destination on Lombok island. Which is no surprise given its position over looking the Indian Ocean and the promise of stunning coastal drives and beautiful white sand beaches to both the east and west.

Kuta is also set to become the home of the Indonesian Moto GP so expect to see alot more development in coming years.

For now though, Kuta Lombok has a laid-back, low-key vibe, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Kuta Beach in the centre of town has an ethereal, fairy-tale like quality with its clear, blue horseshoe-shaped bay flanked on either side by craggy mountains.

There is a story that Mandalika Hill on the eastern side of the bay is named after Princess Mandalika who jumped from the hilltop to escape having to choose between a number of local princes all competing for her hand in marriage.

 

5. Tanjung Aan/Bukit Merese

The beach at Tanjung Aan has crystal clear, turquoise water and fine white sand. It’s one of those classically beautiful horseshoe shaped beaches that are usually reserved for exclusive private resorts. And, outside of weekends and public holidays, it’s often deserted! Moreover, there is a second bay on the other side, equally as unspoiled and seemingly untouched. As it can be a little quiet here its not unusual to be badgered occasionally by local hawkers trying to sell you things. It can be a little annoying but it’s important to remember they are genuinely poor folk just trying to make a living.

Walking away from the beach and past the public carpark you will come upon Bukit Merese (“bukit means hill). Its not well signposted so you may need to ask directions. And, although it’s a short, steep walk, don’t be daunted – once you are at the top you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and Lombok’s southern coastline. Highly recommended!

Tanjung Aan is a 15 minute drive east of Kuta.

6. Pink Beach

 

Pink Beach gets its name from the colour of the sand which throws a pink hue, something to do with the broken-down shells of a tiny marine creature that lives amongst the coral here and is most notable at sunrise and sunset. It is a particularly beautiful beach, even without the pink sand and the views of the surrounding bays from a nearby hill are stunning. Pink Beach is located an hours drive east of Kuta and it is popular, especially on weekends, in spite of its remote location. It can be difficult to reach by road – the last 10 kilometres are particularly bad but it is possible to drive to nearby Tanjung Luar and take a fishing boat the rest of the way.