Lombok beaches which should be in your bucket list

Do you think only on Bali island you can find crystal clear water and white sand beaches? NO. There are many such beaches in other Indonesian islands as well and they are not so crowded yet. In the neighbor Lombok island, you can enjoy the same or even better beaches. Maybe it’s time to consider Lombok island one of the options for a holidays destination? Besides beautiful nature, it’s a bit cheaper than in Bali.

There are so many beautiful Lombok beaches that during 3 weeks trip we didn’t manage to visit all of them. But here are my favorite ones where I would love to come back one day.

Lombok beaches which I recommend to visit at least once

Selong Belanak beach

The most beautiful beach I ever saw in Indonesia till now! Wide and long, soft, white sand coast and crystal clear, clean, warm water. The beach is having a curvy shape with hills on each point. The waves are not so high, so you can enjoy swimming (even if it’s not recommended to do because there are fishing boats but from my experience they are too far, not disturbing at all). As well have sunbathing or just a relaxing walk along the beach. As well it’s a perfect place to learn how to surf.

HOW TO GET TO SELONG BELANAK BEACH:
Beach located ~49 km from Mataram (~1,5-hour drive). From Kuta Lombok, it’s ~ 17 km. From Mataram, you just need to take the route to Lombok International airport. If you have reached Jami’ Penunjak Mosque, you should turn to the North until you find the beach. Make sure to ask around on the way to Selong Belanak beach because there would be no road signs that can lead you to this beach.

TIPS:

If you will be lucky, you can buy fresh seafood from local people. Most of the people living near Selong Belanak are fishermen, so sometimes they will come back from the sea with fresh seafood. As well you can have a fishing trip with local people.
The beach will be very crowded during the holiday season. If you can, try to visit Selong Belanak beach on weekdays.
You can find many beach vendors there, rent a cot.
To make your time more efficient, you can visit as well Mawun beach, Kuta beach, Seger beach, Aan Bay, or Sade beach in one day. But I would highly recommend staying in Selong Belanak beach all day long.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR SELONG BELANAK BEACH:

Bukit Indah boutique accommodation | Tripadvisor
or in one of the many places in Kuta Lombok

Mawun beach

One of the Lombok beaches is cozy, peaceful, surrounded by 2 hills on the West and East sides. Has white, soft texture sand in the middle of the beach that turns to rougher, mixed with small rocks near the hills. Has clean, blue water where you can enjoy swimming (but near the hills, the waves are higher and stronger). Not too many people come to this beach, so you can feel like it belongs all to you. On this beach you can have a relaxing time, sunbathing, climb the hills and enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean.

HOW TO GET TO MAWUN BEACH:
Mawun beach is ~60 km from Mataram city (it’s ~1,5 hour drive). From Kuta Lombok ~20 min. drive. The route is Mataram-Cakranegara-Kediri-Praya-Penujak-Selong Belanak-Mawun, or Mataram-Cakranegara-Kediri-Praya-Batunyale-Sengkol-Rambitan-Sade-Kuta-Mawun. If you are visiting Selong Belank beach, Mawun is only ~9 km from there.

TIPS:

You should be careful if you will decide to swim near the hills because there are no lifeguards on this beach.
Take some snacks with you because there are only several beach vendors, who sell things for extremely high prices.
If you will be lucky, on the way to this beach you can see farmers harvesting tobacco leaves.
On the way, you can visit as well Selong Belank beach and others around (see above).

WHERE TO STAY NEAR MAWUN BEACH:

Owa Lodge | Tripadvisor
Blue Monkey Villas | Tripadvisor
Case Verdi Cottages
or in one of the many places in Kuta Lombok

Kuta beach (Lombok)

Even if it’s not my favorite place (because it’s too crowded) but it’s a strategical good place to stay a couple of days and explore the South part of Lombok beaches (and not only). There are many places to stay, to eat, order some extra activities or trips to other parts of Lombok, as well as make laundry if you are on a long trip.

Kuta beach has ~7 km coastline with some small hills where you can climb. The sand not so soft and you can’t properly swim, as well it lays near the main road. Here you will find many people who come just chill out with a drink in a beach bar or see the sunset. But ~2 km from Kuta beach you can find as well Seger beach (it’s a good place for snorkeling, a more calm beach just to spend some time). and other smaller ones.

HOW TO GET TO KUTA BEACH:
Kuta beach located ~50 km from Mataram (~1-hour drive). If you are in Bali or in one of the Gili’s island, many tour operators suggest trips to Kuta Lombok from there.

TIPS:

Bargue the price before renting snorkeling equipment.
Stay safe in the Kuta area.

WHERE TO STAY IN KUTA:

There are many places to stay, depends on your budget and wishes.
We stayed in Seger Reef homestay. It’s located in front of the beach, has hot water, WI-FI (in the lobby) and it’s a safe to place.

Tanjung AAN beach

This Lombok beach surrounded by some hills that you can climb. In the middle of the beach also have one small hill that you can hike. Unfortunately, the sand not so smooth like in mentioned other beaches but still you can have a nice time swimming in blue water, enjoy the beautiful scenery of ~2 km coastline or have a walk. It’s a good place for snorkeling as well.

HOW TO GET TO TANJUNG AAN BEACH:
It’s located ~75 km from Mataram (~1,5 hour drive). Or ~3 km from Kuta beach. The route is Mataram – Cakranegara – Kediri – Praya – Batunyale – Sengkol – Rambitan – Sade – Kuta and finally Tanjung Aan.

TIPS:

There are many beach vendors, some local “warungs” to eat.
You can be a bit annoyed by many street sellers who on each step suggest buying something.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR TANJUNG AAN BEACH:

Novotel Lombok | Tripadvisor
Drop In Café & bungalows | Tripadvisor
Bule Homestay | Tripadvisor
or in one of the many places in Kuta Lombok

Pink (Tangis) beach

The name “pink” was given because it’s the only beach on Lombok island which have pink colored sand. Some of the locals call this beach “heaven beach” as well. Because it’s a cozy, quiet beach, seems untouched by people. But if you want to reach it you need to pass the “hell road”. When we were there, the road condition was so horrible that ~10 km we were passing more than 1 hour. But we saw that people were fixing the road, so I hope now it’s much better.

“Pink beach” surrounded by cliffs that you can climb and have an amazing view of other close Lombok beaches, panorama below the cliffs. Also from the top, you can see a more clear pink beach color. The sand on this beach so soft and the water so blue, calm. It’s the perfect place for 1-day trip. As well, like the road to this place so bad many people don’t come here.

HOW TO GET TO PINK BEACH:
It’s ~82 km from Mataram (~3 hours drive). From Kuta ~ 53 km (~1,30 hour drive). But going to this beach takes the safe route and don’t go by the quickest way.

TIPS:

The more clear pink color you can see either in the early morning or in the evening, so try to visit it during that time.
You can reach Pink beach as well with short boat trips from Tanjung Luar or Telong-Elong.
Take some snacks with you because there are only several beach vendors who sometimes not open during the work week (only on weekends when coming more people).
If you don’t want to drive through “hell road” by yourself you can order a tour from tourist offices in Kuta.
While you will be in Pink beach, visit as well amazing Tanjung Ringgit, like it’s on the same road.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR PINK BEACH:

Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp | Tripadvisor
Heaven on the planet | Tripadvisor
Ekas Breaks | Tripadvisor
or in one of the many places in Kuta Lombok

A photo posted by I’m Ria – (@lifeinbigtent) on Mar 14, 2016 at 10:34pm PDT

Tips for all Lombok beaches:

Don’t be surprised that almost to all Lombok beaches you will need to pay an entrance fee that is valid only for 1 day for the exact beach.
On all beaches cots are not for free, even if nobody said the price after you would like to leave somebody will come and ask to pay for it.
Have enough cash with you, like not in many places you will find ATM.
Stay safe during your trip to Lombok.

Mentioned beaches on the map:

Lombok beaches pinterest — Pin for later!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Would you like to visit these beaches?
If you have been to these Lombok beaches what was our experience?
Maybe you have other Lombok beaches recommend to visit?

Useful? Great! :) You might also like these:

Tips for safe travel in Lombok
My days in Bali beaches

First time in Indonesia

I think Indonesia is a country of adventures and opportunities. Just you need to open eyes and heart, have a will to see, taste, discover, try new things, get out from your comfort zone and be curious.

I found out that during my stay in Indonesia some of the things I did or some of them happened first time in my life. No matter what, but all of them gave me new colors in my daily life. So, here is my list of things “first time in life – in Indonesia”:

First of all – Indonesia is the first Asian country which I visited in my life

And being in Indonesia gives me more opportunities to travel in Asia. Other Asian countries now are much closer than if I would travel from Europe.

A photo posted by Ria | travel writer-blogger (@lifeinbigtent) on Jun 19, 2016 at 3:23am PDT

A photo posted by Ria | travel writer-blogger (@lifeinbigtent) on May 30, 2016 at 8:02pm PDT

I met eye to eye orangutans in Borneo island (Kalimantan)

Couple days in a jungle, living in a boat, meeting wild monkeys, birds, other animals and of course orangutans – was experience that I will never forget.

A photo posted by Ria | travel writer-blogger (@lifeinbigtent) on Jun 15, 2016 at 9:40pm PDT

I took selfie (never before I did that)

It was on motorbike, when I was bringing mattress on my back to first home in Yogyakarta, Java island.

First time in Indonesia - selfie — Friend Otong helped me to take mattress to a new home

I learned how to drive automatic scooter

Driving scooter in Indonesia it means – I can drive now scooter anywhere in the world.

A photo posted by Ria | travel writer-blogger (@lifeinbigtent) on Aug 29, 2016 at 11:44pm PDT

I tried trekking to a volcanoes

Even if mount Merapi defeated me but at least I tried. But the second time was more successful. I went to Mt. Batur in Bali for sunrise. And even if in the trek beginning I was thinking why I do it, in the end I was happy that reached the top.

I was a “model” for the Yogyakarta sketchers community members

They wanted to practice and not every time it’s easy to find people who would like to spend their time doing nothing, just pose for a while.

I “took a bath” under the waterfall and was walking in the volcano crater

It was in Dieng Plateau, Java island. Never before I saw the waterfall and volcano crater in real. What to say about bathing under the waterfall? It was a powerful feeling.

I tried sandboarding in “grey” sand beach Parangtritis

Never before I try snowboarding, so experience with sandboarding was amazing. Just sand in the mouth when you felt down doesn’t “taste” so nice as snow. I got this opportunity while I was shooting in a video.

I celebrated New Year in October with Javanese Royal family members

New year in the middle of autumn? Something new, especially when you are invited to do that with Javanese Royal family members and have the honor to walk in a parade through the city with traditional Javanese clothes.

I eat fruits which I never tried before

Even I didn’t know that such fruits exist: “salak”(“snake fruit”), “jambu” (“guava”), “buah naga” (“dragon fruit”), soursop (“sirsak”) and many others.

I try scuba diving first time ever

I really scared to be in deep water places so this experience was one of the biggest challenges for me but I faced my fears in Bali.

A photo posted by Ria | travel writer-blogger (@lifeinbigtent) on Jun 8, 2016 at 2:38am PDT

I was a witness of Ramadhan and Lebaran celebrations

I heard before a bit about Muslim main celebrations Ramadhan, Lebaran but never knew how it looks like in real. But only staying in Indonesia I had this opportunity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Travel postcards from Asia (@lifeinbigtent) on Jun 15, 2018 at 4:19am PDT

I eat cobra meat and I liked it

I tried “Burger cobra”, “Sate cobra bakar”, ”Steak cobra saus cina” and drink “Ramuan empedu cobra” (traditional medicine from cobra gall and marrow). I was celebrating 6 months living in Indonesia anniversary.

I was bitten by a bee

Never in my life before nowhere I was bitten. Probably it was Indonesian style of “farewell” before my trip to Vietnam.

I drink the most expensive coffee in the world – Kopi Luwak

I got a first job offer – to be a guide in Vietnam

I have never been a tour guide before, but probably my organizational skills can be used in any area. I liked it, that’s why till now I accompany people during their trips to Indonesia as well.

A photo posted by Ria | travel writer-blogger (@lifeinbigtent) on Jun 22, 2016 at 4:21am PDT

I was walking on the black sand beach

First I saw the grey sand beach in Yogyakarta, Parangtritis beach but soft black sand I enjoyed in Bali, Tulamben beach. When all my life I saw only yellow beaches, see black – something unreal.

A photo posted by Ria | travel writer-blogger (@lifeinbigtent) on May 5, 2016 at 6:56pm PDT

I try rafting

I’m quite scared of all water activities but I wanted to try rafting. I did it in Bali when the rainy season started. And it wasn’t so dangerous, even more, easier than I thought.

I had the unique experience

I participate in Balinese sacred purification ritual which aimed to purify a human body and soul in order to prevent havoc, bad luck and sickness (also achieve self-purification).

One of my dreams come true

I always wanted to see dolphins in their natural surrounding and I did it, in Lovina, Bali.

I started to write articles and blogging

I would never believe that one day I will start to write and blogging. But it happen exactly in Indonesia.

I’m willing to add more things in the future to this “first time in life – in Indonesia” list.

First time in Indonesia — Pin it for later!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Have you tried something for the first time in Indonesia?
Maybe you tried something for the first time in other Asian countries?
What you would like to try in Indonesia?

LIKE WHAT YOU READ? #LetsTravelInAsia

Subscribe here and receive tips, stories for your next trip straight to your inbox! Follow my adventures on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and get updates!

Interesting? Great! :) You might also like these:

Interesting facts about Indonesia
Indonesian discoveries
How to know if you stayed in Indonesia too long

Memories of 2015 in 15 travel photos from Asia

It’s only passed couple days after New Year celebration but 2015 is already the past. Looking back to my 2015 I can honestly say “it was crazy, adventurous, inspiring year”. I’m happy to watch all my travel photos from Asia and remember all routes, met people, stories that I had.

It’s quite hard to select only 15 photos from all trips in 2015 (I was traveling in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Norway). Like not possible all memories put to such small amount of photos but I took this personal challenge and selected :). Here they are (according to the sequence where I traveled from the beginning of 2015)!