Though visually magnificent, Lombok remains less-visited than its slightly bigger sister, Bali, which is likely to come as good news for travellers seeking blissful beach experiences. By which we mean fewer crowds, more seclusion, and less in the way of sprawling resorts. From the drop-dead gorgeous beaches of the southwest Gilis, to the celebrated surf-spots of Lombok’s wild south coast, read on to discover the best beaches in Lombok.
The best beaches in Lombok deliver everything from picture-perfect seclusion to top snorkeling and surfing © Shutterstock
We'll cut to the chase — the May to October dry season is the best time to visit the best beaches in Lombok.
For wider weather context, read up on the best time to visit Bali.
Remote and beautiful, with an attractive shoreline and handful of picture-perfect, white-sand islets just off shore, Lombok’s southwest peninsula remains little visited.
Yet the snorkelling in this area is excellent, with Mekaki Beach being one of the most spectacular, undeveloped shorelines you're ever likely to see.
From Pelangan, the largest village in this part of the peninsula, turn off the roundabout on the main road to reach it.
En route, you’ll be served a magnificent hilltop view of the mighty Indian Ocean. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by a long, broad stretch of sand you’ll most likely have to yourself.
With no development, and no facilities (bring your supplies), Mekaki Beach’s truly away-from-it-all vibe makes it one of the best beaches in Lombok for travellers seeking unspoiled seclusion.
Mekaki Beach is located in Pelangan village, southwest Lombok.
It takes around 1.5–2 hours to get here by road (rent a car or scooter, or take a taxi) from Mataram or Lombok Airport.
In the early stages of planning your trip? Use our guide to how to plan a trip to Indonesia.
Mekaki beach, Lombok © Shutterstock
In contrast to the more famous, more visited Gili Islands off the northwest of Lombok, the stunning southwest Gilis are known at the “Secret Islands” for very good reason.
With great snorkelling from beautiful beaches (the water is of the azure, crystal-clear variety), the diving here is also excellent, as are opportunities for simply chilling out.
Tawun is the jumping off point for Gilis Nanggu, Tangkong, Sudak and Kedis, (more on that later) which are often visited as part of a single day-trip.
A mere 15-minute boat ride from Tawun, Gili Nanggu is the only isle in this group with accommodation. Tiny and untouched, the beach is sublime, as is the snorkelling.
Further southwest, Gili Gede has the greatest selection of accommodation. In addition to snorkelling, the attraction here is hiking into the hills, divinely deserted beaches, and interactions with villagers who are relatively untouched by tourism.
North of Gili Gede, Gili Rengit (also spelled Ringgit) offers good snorkelling on the pier side of the island, and also on the west side, which is reachable by boat.
Meanwhile, Gili Layar, west of Gili Rengit, offers some of the area’s best diving.
To reach Tawun Harbour (the main departure point for the Secret Gili Islands) first travel to Sekotong in southwest Lombok.
From Mataram or Lombok Airport, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive by car or scooter.
Once at Tawun, you can hire a private boat or join a local tour to explore the nearby Gili islands, all within 10–20 minutes by boat.
Want more info on the Gilis? Read up on which Gili Island is the Best, and explore the best Gili island hotels.
Gili Nanggu, Balil, with its white sand and aquamarine water © Shutterstock
Senggigi, Lombok’s main resort, still has the best dining and nightlife on the island, with a wild coastline to the north, and several beautiful beaches in its vicinity.
While Senggigi Beach is pretty enough, the area’s best beaches are to be found a little further afield. It’s true to say that the outer beaches at Batu Bolong (a 10min walk south) and Mangsit (about 3km north) are much more appealing than Senggigi itself.
The coastline is indisputably handsome, its 10km series of sandy, swimmable bays curving deeply between a sequence of dramatic headlands.
After arriving at Lombok International Airport, take a DAMRI public bus or an airport taxi for a 1–1½ hour ride along the coast to Senggigi.
If you're already in nearby Mataram, a short taxi or bemo (shared minivan) will bring you to the beachfront area in under 30 minutes.
Serious about heading to this part of the world? Stop everything and find out how to get to Indonesia!
Senggigi beach, Lombok © Shutterstock
Pantai Sire, Lombok’s longest white-sand beach, is located 6.5km north of Bangsal.
A blindingly beautiful 2km strand of sand and coral, with ultra-calm waters, come high tide, the swimming is pretty good, though you might want to wear shoes to avoid sea urchins.
In addition, you’ll see tonnes of pretty tropical fish teeming around the reefs that lie 100m offshore, with awe-inspiring views of Mount Rinjani volcano at sunrise.
And, though it's sublimely serene, Pantai Sire isn’t short of accommodation, restaurants and cafés. In fact, there are few places prettier to eat, drink and feel 100% merry.
From Lombok International Airport or Mataram, take a taxi (45 minutes to one hour) along the west coast. You can also rent a scooter or car on arrival, or hire a driver.
Not fixed on Lombok? Discover the best beaches in Bali, and the best Bali tours.
Pretty Pantal Sire, Lombok, Indonesia © Shutterstock
Youthful, laidback and surf-ish, Kuta village remains — for the time being, at least — a pretty low-key fishing village.
That said, with Kuta itself and the surrounding area attracting an increasing number of surfers who return year-on-year, more accommodation options are springing up, along with more tourist infrastructure.
Kuta Bay's protective coral reef makes the calm waters an ideal spot for lounging, learning to surf, or having fun with all manner of water-sports.
Take your pick from kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, tubing, paragliding, jet skiing, wakeboarding and kiteboarding.
From Lombok International Airport, take an airport shuttle or a taxi/private transfer.
Mawi beach in Lombok, Kuta, Indonesia © Shutterstock
Tanjung Aan Beach is a two-kilometre, horseshoe-shaped stretch of powdery white sand and clear turquoise water — perfect for swimmers and beginner surfers.
Palm trees and bamboo warungs add to its laid-back charm, with short hikes to scenic viewpoints on hand when you want to mix things up.
Our tip is to head up Merese Hill for sublime sunset views.
To get there, head east from Kuta Lombok via paved roads (15 min by scooter or car). The final segment on unpaved dirt is bumpy, but still manageable.
Mawun Beach is a stunning horseshoe‑shaped bay framed by two verdant hills.
Boasting soft white sand and striking turquoise waters, calm sections of the sea invite visitors to bathe in bliss, with light reef breaks at either end of the beach good for beginner surfers.
The lack of crowds and minimal facilities give it a peaceful, untouched vibe.
Mawun Beach is located about 30 minutes south of Mataram and 20 minutes from Kuta Lombok. It’s best reached by renting a scooter or hiring a driver via Kuta or directly from the airport.
Roads are mostly paved, with the final stretch descending through winding hills to the cove.
Into island life? Discover the best Indonesian islands.
Selong Belanak in Lombok © Shutterstock
15km from Kuta, the splendid beach at Selong Belanak presents a vast sweep of empty sand that stretches 2km west from the fishing village of the same name.
Backed by green hills and framed by fine views of Tomangomang and Serangan beaches (both of which are accessible by tracks), Selong Belanak offers excellent swimming and safe surfing for novices.
A row of surf shacks along blindingly white sand sees local instructors rent boards and offer lessons.
From Lombok International Airport, it’s about a 30‑minute drive via well‑paved roads. Take a taxi, or pre-arrange a private transfer
If you're in Kuta Lombok, it's a 30–40 minute scooter or car ride along the coastal highway.
Keen to cover more ground? Read up on getting around Indonesia.
Travellers who make the effort to head to Lombok's little-visited southeast peninsula will be rewarded by sublimely secluded beaches, opportunities for top water-sports action, and trekking, too.
Across Awang/Ekas Bay on the west side of the southeast peninsula, Ekas’ two surf breaks are well known as being suitable for beginners through to more experienced wave-riders.
The waves here are good year-round, and Ekas also offers notable conditions for stand-up paddle-boarding and snorkelling.
Meanwhile, Kaliantan’s flat water and constant wind makes it ideal for learning kitesurfing, with the best winds found from April to September.
In addition, Tanjung Ringgit offers trekking and biking opportunities, along with snorkelling trips to the nearby spectacular pink beach.
Ekas sits on southeast Lombok, 50 km from Mataram or Lombok Airport via paved roads. Rent a rental car, scooter, taxi, or shuttle to reach the village.
Surfers, take note that local boats from Awang Bay can drop you at surf breaks.
For more transport context, read up on getting to Indonesia.
The famous pink-sand beach on Lombok's southeast peninsula © Shutterstock
Pink Beach (Pantai Tangsi) is a rare natural wonder on Lombok’s southeastern coast — a place where delicate blush-hued sand blends with gentle turquoise waves amid rugged cliffs.
It’s serene, with basic warungs and excellent snorkeling opportunities just offshore .
From Kuta Lombok, drive or scooter east for 80 km, following paved roads before a final stretch on rough dirt, and pay a small entrance fee.
Alternatively, boat trips from Tanjung Luar take 30 minutes and offer scenic access and en route snorkeling.
Still figuring out how to configure an island-hopping trip? You might want to read our guide to how many days to spend in Bali.
Pink Beach, Indonesia © Shutterstock
Set in a wide bay fringed by rugged hills and a quiet fishing village, Gerupuk Beach is a natural gem on Lombok’s southern coast.
It offers five reef-break surf spots, from more mellow waves to thrilling swells, which means it'll satisfy a range of experience levels.
Expect clear water, local warungs, and an authentic Sasak vibe amid modest facilities, with boat-accessible waves on hand, too.
From Lombok Airport or Kuta Lombok, drive 65 km south via well-paved roads.
Either rent a scooter, car, or arrange a driver — these can usually be sorted through your surf camp.
Framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and blessed with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Tanjung Bloam is another secluded gem on Lombok's southeast coast
A turtle conservation area, it offers a peaceful retreat, occasional fishing boats, and stunning rock formations.
Getting there is something of an adventure in itself! Rent a car or scooter from Mataram or Lombok Airport and drive about 1–2½ hours via the road to Tanjung Ringgit.
Then, turn onto a narrow single-lane track to navigate the last 500 m stretch through arid hillside terrain to the small pavilion that marks the beach entrance.
Digging deeper into your trip plans? Read up on Indonesia accommodation.
Gili Islands © Shutterstock
Gili Kedis is a diminutive, heart-shaped islet off southwest Lombok, often dubbed the “honeymoon island.”
Nestled in clear, shallow waters, it’s perfect for serene snorkeling and romantic seclusion.
With pristine white sand, a few shade trees, swings, and sea life visible at a glance, it offers an idyllic, off-the-beaten-path escape .
Drive or take a private transfer 1.5 hours from Mataram or Lombok Airport to Tawun Harbor in Sekotong. Then hop on a local boat (15 min) for Gili Kedis.
Gili Asahan is a tranquil “secret Gili” off southwest Lombok, with powder‑white beaches, clear turquoise waters, and thriving coral reefs teeming with turtles and tropical fish.
The island’s peaceful vibe, mangrove edges, and small hills invite snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and quiet relaxation in eco‑lodges.
As such, it's among the best beaches in Lombok for nature lovers who are seeking a sublimely serene escape .
Drive (or take a private transfer) for 1.5–2 hours from Lombok International Airport to Tembowong (Kores) Harbor in Sekotong. Then catch a local boat to Gili Asahan .
Gili islands © Shutterstock
Pantai Nambung (also known as Pantai Nambungii) is a secluded West Lombok treasure — think pepper‑grained white sand, turquoise waters, and stunning “saltwater waterfalls” formed by waves crashing over coastal cliffs.
While best-known for its mini waterfall by the ocean (tip: visit at low tide for the full waterfall effect), it's also a great place to spot sea turtles, snorkel and visit seaweed farms.
Located in Pengantap village (1.5–2 hrs from Mataram), head to Sekotong by car or scooter, then ride an ojek or drive the final 5km on mostly paved roads.
Ready to book your trip to Lombok? Take inspiration from our customisable Indonesia itineraries, and our feature on the best places to visit in Indonesia, or talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 18.06.2025
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