Less touristy than its sister island, Bali, Lombok is a place to find your own space, whether its a jungle waterfall or a secluded beach. For surfers it doesn’t get much better too, with waves to suit all levels. Here are five of the best surf camps to get the most out of Lombok.
Lombok, Indonesia, should be on every surfers’ bucket list (Photo: booksurfcamps.com)
While Bali is certainly beautiful, and a bucket list destination for anyone from honeymooners to digital nomads, its sister island Lombok is a little less attention seeking. That’s not to say Lombok isn’t as beguiling as its better-known neighbour. With pristine powdery white beaches, hidden traditional villages and less of a tourist throng, many say it is a glimpse into what Bali was like a few years before. But while Lombok’s multiple monkey forests are certainly worth visiting, the main pull of this island is the epic surf. There is a place for everyone too in the warm, crystal clear waters, with long and mellow waves for beginners to world-class point breaks for experts. Whatever your level there are excellent surf camps too to help improve and get to grips with this legendary surfers’ paradise. Here are five of the best:
6 Day Easy Surf Camp for Beginners and Intermediates in Lombok
Rather than renting a six-and-a-half foot shortboard and heading out into the Kuta Beach chop (speaking from experience), there are much better ways to get to grips with surfing in Indonesia for beginners. This six-day camp is about having a good time and progressing for anyone relatively new to the sport. It’s more of a budget camp, so dorm rooms, daily breakfast and one barbecue dinner included are about all the creature comforts you’ll get, but surf gear and daily lessons is naturally thrown in. Remembering that having fun is an essential ingredient for improving, this camp centres on good vibes and an inclusive attitude. From €549.
Book at Booksurfcamps.com
8 Day Luxury Boutique Surf Camp With Yoga in Kuta, Lombok
Xanadu is for the more upmarket surf bum (Photo: booksurfcamps.com)
Just because surfing is on the agenda doesn’t mean that it’s all bunk beds, beers and instant noodles. This boutique surf camp swaps the beach bum existence for something a bit more relaxing – think infinity pool with ocean views, yoga shala and spa. For hardcore surf fans it’s probably a bit too bells and whistles, and it’s not cheap either, but for a more well rounded experience it’s hard to beat. Not only are all meals included but also six surf surf sessions with experienced instructors, plus video analysis and surf strength training, as well as three yoga sessions and one pranayama/ meditation session sunset trip. From €998.
Book at Booksurfcamps.com
3 Day Fantastic Surf Camp in Batu Layar, Lombok
This is the best camp for anyone who wants to try out surfing but not commit their whole holiday, or for someone travelling through or stopping over in Indonesia. Considering the price of less than €250 for three nights in a private room, with two lessons, breakfast, board rental, it’s hard to argue a case for doing these things separately – you’d end up spending more. It’s near Senggigi, a town on the west coast, so post-surf karaoke is an option, and just generally a really nice way to try a spot of surfing and meet other people. A great budget option. From €242.
Book at Booksurfcamps.com
6 Day Surf Trip for Advanced Surfers in West Sumbawa from Lombok
Head to West Sumbawa from Lombok for uncrowded expert waves (Photo: nayakasurfschool.com)
While the pick up for this camp (and one night’s accom) is in Lombok you’ll take a ferry to Sumbawa Island, arriving at Poto Tano and passing through sleepy fishing villages and large browny grey rocks towering above. You may have already guessed but this is a camp for those advanced surfers who like a good dose of adventure to find that ultimate wave. With accommodation ranging from a beach tent to local hotels, you’ll be chasing the waves, literally, scouring the coast of West Sumbawa with a guide for the best locations on the day. Only snacks and drinks are included and visitors need to bring their boards, but if you really want to experience the hidden gems of Indonesian surfing this sure beats a rusty rental car and a map. From €792.
Book at Booksurfcamps.com
8 Day Intermediate and Advanced Level Longboard Surf Camp With Ikit Agudo
Perched on a hill in Kuta, Lombok, with dazzling views over the Kuta Bay, this surf camp is the ideal place to learn a more relaxed, laid-back form of surfing. This longboard camp is designed for those who already have a good skill level in the water but want to experience longboarding, which is both smoother and slower paced. Longboards are provided as well as six days of surfing, drone videos, two restorative yoga sessions, and seven nights luxury accommodation. The coaching is overseen by longboard legend Ikit Agudo, said to be ranked second in Indonesia, who will unlock the secrets and techniques to conquer longboarding. But all this expertise and luxury doesn’t come cheap, costing almost € 2,000 for one person in a shared twin room. From €1,774.
Book at Booksurfcamps.com