Lombok

Why Lombok

Lombok is what people imagine Bali used to be. The surf is arranged as a ring of bays around Kuta, and the practical upshot is that there is nearly always somewhere working — if one bay is onshore, you drive twenty minutes to another.

• **Selong Belanak** is a famously gentle beginner beach.Selong Belanak is a famously gentle beginner beach.
• **Gerupuk** is a set of reef breaks reached by boat, with something for most abilities and a genuinely forgiving inside section.Gerupuk is a set of reef breaks reached by boat, with something for most abilities and a genuinely forgiving inside section.
• **Mawi** and the outer reefs are powerful and best left to strong surfers.Mawi and the outer reefs are powerful and best left to strong surfers.

One thing to know before you book: almost every camp is based in Kuta town, and every wave is a 15–30 minute drive away. You will be on the camp's transport schedule, not walking to the beach.

When to go

• **Apr–Oct (dry season):** the main window. Offshore in the mornings, most consistent swell.Apr–Oct (dry season): the main window. Offshore in the mornings, most consistent swell.
• **Nov–Mar (wet season):** still surfable, and the outer bays can be excellent, but expect rain and more wind.Nov–Mar (wet season): still surfable, and the outer bays can be excellent, but expect rain and more wind.

Getting around

Fly into Lombok International (LOP) — it's about thirty minutes to Kuta, and every camp will collect you. There are also fast boats from Bali if you want to combine the two.