The Most Incredible Beaches on Lombok Island

This beach is located in the tourist area of Senggigi on the western part of the island. Senggigi Harbour is situated on this beach, where you can catch boats to Bali and the Gili Islands. There are several hotels on this stretch of beach, as well as places to get food, ranging from more upscale restaurants to simple vendors selling satays and fresh coconuts.

A five-minute drive north from Senggigi takes you to Mangsit. Although there are hotels and restaurants along Mangsit Beach, it remains, surprisingly, a pretty quiet place. Much of the sand on this beach is volcanic, so be prepared to see sparkling black sand in places. Mangsit Beach has a laid-back vibe and is the perfect place to swim, sunbathe or grab drinks at sunset. If you’re learning to surf, Mangsit Beach is a great choice for beginners as the waves aren’t too big and there are teachers and surfboards available for hire.

Venture further north from Mangsit, and you will discover even more beaches, one of the most noteworthy being Nipah Beach. Tourists hardly ever visit this one, and you’ll mostly meet locals who come in the afternoon to watch the sunset. This spot is great for swimming as the waves are calm, and there is virtually no coral. If you’re hungry, it is worth visiting one of the many bamboo shacks along the sand, where you can choose your own fish, which is then grilled and served with assorted side dishes.

A wander further north along the coast will bring you to Sire Beach (also sometimes known as Sira Beach), where the views of the huge peak of Mount Rinjani rising up in the background make it a must-see destination. The calm waters also make it an ideal choice for swimming, canoeing, snorkelling and even fishing. The beach is backed by groves of palm trees and grassy fields, a lovely option in case a picnic on the beach gets too sandy.

If your idea of the perfect beach is white sands, turquoise waters and palm trees, then look no further than Tanjung Aan. Arguably one of the most picturesque beaches on Lombok Island, this place is located on the south coast of the island. It is a huge bay with little shacks and fishing boats dotted along the coast. There is a large hill acting as a headland separating the bay from the one next to it; it is worth exploring – the views from up here are breathtaking.

Also on the south coast, this beach is quite popular; the vast stretches of sand and azure blue waters are an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing and beach volley. There are plenty of little cafes, souvenir stalls, surfboard rentals and vendors selling snacks like ice cream, barbecued corn and coconuts.

A 20-minute drive away is Mawun Beach, with equally blue waters and white sands – but no crowds, so you will only ever have to share this beach with a handful of people. Nestled between lofty hills, it is a peaceful, hidden bay in the shape of a horseshoe. The centre of the bay has larger waves and deeper water, whereas the edges of the bay are much calmer to swim in. There are only a few places to buy food and drink here, so it may be a good idea to take a picnic.

Located on the utmost south-eastern tip of the island, this is one of the most remote beaches on Lombok Island and is approximately three hours’ drive from the main tourist area of Senggigi. Its name comes from the coral that gives the sand a pinkish hue. There is also a climbable hill at one end of the bay which gives stunning views over the crystal clear water. This area is known for its colourful underwater life, and there is the option of hiring a guide and a boat to take you snorkelling.

Also located on the southeastern part of the island is a stunning beach that, perhaps incredibly, only a few people seem to visit. Most of the time you’ll get the entire length of fine sand and glistening water all to yourself. Why not have a go at kitesurfing? Kaliantan Kitesurf operates on this beach and is the only licensed kitesurfing school in Lombok.