Lombok's south coast contains some of Indonesia's finest and least crowded beaches — white sand bays backed by green hills, turquoise water, and almost no tourist infrastructure compared to equivalent Bali beaches. Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, Mawi, and Gerupuk are each distinct and each worth your time.
This guide covers every major south coast beach. For the complete Lombok planning guide, see our Lombok Travel Guide for Australians 2026.
The Best Base: Kuta Lombok
All south coast beaches are most easily accessed from Kuta Lombok — the main town on the south coast, not to be confused with Kuta Bali. It's a small, increasingly popular town with guesthouses, surf shops, warungs, and a relaxed atmosphere. Most south coast beaches are within 10–30 minutes by scooter.
Accommodation in Kuta Lombok: AUD $20–180/night depending on style. Scooter hire: AUD $7–12/day — essential for beach-hopping.
Tanjung Aan
The most photogenic beach on Lombok's south coast — a double-bay separated by a rocky headland, with powder-white sand and remarkably clear turquoise water. Two distinct sections: the western bay has slightly coarser sand and calmer water; the eastern bay has finer sand and more exposed conditions. The headland between them has a rock platform perfect for photography.
- Distance from Kuta: 8km east, approximately 15 minutes by scooter
- Swimming: Good in the western bay (calmer)
- Facilities: A few warungs, some lounge chair hire. Very limited.
- Best time: Early morning before the weekend domestic tourist crowd arrives
- Crowds: Quiet on weekdays, moderately busy on weekends
Selong Belanak
A wide, gentle crescent bay with calm, shallow water — the most beginner-friendly surf beach on the south coast and arguably the best swimming beach. The long sweep of white sand is excellent for walking. Board and lesson hire is available directly on the beach from local operators.
- Distance from Kuta: 12km west, approximately 20 minutes by scooter
- Swimming: Excellent — calm water, gentle waves, shallow entry
- Surf: Beginner-friendly, consistent small waves
- Surf lessons: AUD $25–35 for 1.5 hours including board
- Facilities: Several warungs, board hire, lounge chairs
- Best for: Families, beginner surfers, long beach walks
Mawi
A hollow left-hand reef break accessed via a steep dirt track from Kuta (4WD recommended in wet season). No facilities at the beach — bring water and food. The break is powerful and fast, suitable for experienced surfers only. The approach is part of the experience: park at the clifftop and walk 10 minutes down to the beach.
- Distance from Kuta: 6km west, approximately 15 minutes (including the walk down)
- Surf: Hollow left, powerful — experienced surfers only
- Swimming: Not recommended — strong currents
- Facilities: None
- Best for: Experienced surfers wanting a quality break without crowds
Gerupuk
A fishing village with a series of surf breaks inside a protected bay, accessible by short boat rides from the village beach. The inside breaks are suitable for beginners and intermediates; the outside breaks (Don Don, Outside Gerupuk) are more challenging. This is the most organised surf experience on the south coast — local boat operators run regular trips to different breaks throughout the day.
- Distance from Kuta: 8km east, approximately 15 minutes by scooter
- Surf: All levels — inside breaks for beginners, outside for experienced
- Boat hire: AUD $10–15 per person for a half-day session
- Surf lessons: AUD $30–45 including boat and board
- Facilities: Warungs, boat operators, basic surf hire in the village
- Best for: All surf levels, particularly intermediates wanting boat access to multiple breaks
Mawun Beach
A sheltered horseshoe bay between Selong Belanak and Mawi — calm, very beautiful, and almost always quiet. The swimming is excellent due to the protected bay shape. Very few facilities (one or two warungs). Worth a stop on the scooter loop between Selong Belanak and Kuta.
The South Coast Scooter Loop
The best way to experience Lombok's south coast beaches is a full-day scooter loop from Kuta. Suggested route:
- Morning (7–9am): Tanjung Aan — best light for photography, quietest crowds
- Mid-morning (9–11am): Continue east toward Gerupuk for surf or fishing village exploration
- Lunch: Return to Kuta or eat at a warung near Selong Belanak
- Afternoon (1–4pm): Selong Belanak (swim/surf) → Mawun → Mawi (if experienced surfer)
- Sunset: Return to Kuta or find a clifftop viewpoint between Mawi and Kuta
This covers all the major beaches in a single day. Total scooter distance: approximately 60–70km on mostly good roads.
Practical Tips for Australians
- Scooter hire: AUD $7–12/day from Kuta operators. Bring your licence.
- Water: Carry 2 litres minimum — no facilities at some beaches.
- Sun protection: Tropical UV is intense. Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Rip currents: Strong at Mawi and some exposed sections. Swim only at Tanjung Aan's western bay or Selong Belanak if unsure.
- Cash: Warungs are cash only. Withdraw in Kuta before heading out.
- Roads: Main routes are sealed but some beach access tracks are rough — particularly to Mawi (4WD in wet season).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach on Lombok's south coast?
Tanjung Aan for scenery, Selong Belanak for swimming and family-friendliness, Mawi for experienced surfers, Gerupuk for all-levels surfing with boat access. Most visitors do all of them in a single day by scooter.
Are Lombok's south coast beaches crowded?
By Bali standards, no. Even in peak season (July–August), the south coast beaches feel uncrowded. Weekends bring more domestic Indonesian tourists, particularly to Tanjung Aan.
Is swimming safe at Lombok's south coast beaches?
Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan's western bay are generally safe for swimming. Mawi has strong rip currents and is not recommended for swimming. Always assess conditions before entering the water and never swim alone at isolated beaches.