Most articles about the best surf camps in Lombok simply rank their favourites.
I don’t think that’s the best way to choose one.
The best surf camp isn’t necessarily the most expensive, the most popular, or the one with the best Instagram photos. It’s the one that matches your surfing ability, confidence level and the kind of trip you actually want.
Before you book anything, think about what you want from your time in Lombok.
Are you looking to progress your surfing with daily coaching? Travelling with your family? Learning to surf for the first time? Or simply chasing as many good waves as possible?
Once you’re clear on that, choosing the right surf camp becomes much easier.
In this guide I’ll walk you through the areas to stay, the camps I’d recommend for different types of surfers, and a few mistakes I see people make when planning their first Lombok surf trip.
Jump to
- How to Choose the Right Surf Camp
- Where to Stay in Lombok
- Realistic Things to Know Before Booking
- My Recommended Surf Camps
- Xanadu Surf & Yoga
- LMBK Surf House
- Ombak Resort Ekas
- Dreamsea Surf Camp
- Are Guling Beach Bungalows
- How to Get the Most Out of Your Lombok Surf Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
| Stay | Best For | Coaching | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xanadu Surf & Yoga | Women & solo travellers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Luxury, wellness, progression |
| LMBK Surf House | Intermediate surfers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Coaching-focused |
| Ombak Resort Ekas | Escaping crowds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Quiet, remote |
| Dreamsea Surf Camp | Lifestyle travellers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Social, scenic |
| Are Guling Beach Bungalows | Independent travellers | ❌ | Peaceful, flexible |
How to Choose the Right Surf Camp in Lombok
Most people start by looking for the “best” surf camp.
I’d start by asking a different question.
What kind of surf trip do you actually want?
A camp that’s perfect for an intermediate surfer chasing reef breaks won’t necessarily suit someone catching their first green waves. Likewise, if you’re travelling with your family or a partner who doesn’t surf, you’ll probably value very different things than someone on a week-long surf mission.
Before comparing camps, think about:
- Your surfing level. Choose waves that match your current ability, not the level you hope to be by the end of the trip.
- Your goals. Are you looking for structured coaching, confidence in the ocean, or simply as much time in the water as possible?
- Who you’re travelling with. A solo surf trip, family holiday and couples getaway all have different priorities.
- The location. Staying in Kuta gives you easy access to restaurants, gyms and shops, while places like Gerupuk offer a quieter, more surf-focused experience.
- The time of year. Wind, swell direction and seasonal conditions can make a huge difference to which waves are working during your visit.
One mistake I see people make is choosing a surf camp before they’ve thought about the waves they’ll actually be surfing.
I prefer to work backwards.
First, decide which waves suit your ability and the conditions you’ll be surfing in. Then choose a camp that gives you the best access to those waves.
It takes a little more planning, but it usually leads to a much better surf trip.
Where to Stay in Lombok for Your Surf Trip
Lombok has several great surf areas, but where you stay can completely change the feel of your trip.
There’s no single “best” location. It depends on your surfing, who you’re travelling with and the experience you’re looking for.
Kuta
Best for: First-time visitors, families, couples and surfers who like having everything close by
Kuta is the main hub on the south coast. You’ll find plenty of accommodation, great cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, gyms and surf shops, making it an easy place to base yourself.
One thing that surprises many people is that staying in Kuta doesn’t mean you’ll be surfing out the front every day. Most of the popular breaks are still a 10 to 30-minute scooter ride away, so hiring a scooter is almost essential.
Kuta has become much busier over the years and, like parts of Bali, is starting to experience more traffic and rubbish than it once did. If you enjoy having lots of food options and don’t mind the extra activity, it’s still a great base.
My Recommendation
If I was travelling with my family or a partner who doesn’t surf, I’d actually stay just outside Kuta in a quieter area and scooter into town when I wanted restaurants, cafés or the gym. You still get easy access to the surf without spending every night in the busiest part of town.
Gerupuk
Best for: Intermediate surfers, coaching-focused trips and surfers who want to maximise their time in the water.
Gerupuk is a traditional fishing village with a much more relaxed, authentic feel than Kuta. Most of the waves are accessed by boat, and many of the surf camps are built around daily surf guiding rather than nightlife.
If your goal is simply to surf, eat, sleep and repeat, Gerupuk is hard to beat.
It’s also a great option if you’re looking for coaching and want to surf several different breaks depending on the conditions each day.
Selong Belanak
Best for: Beginners, families and surfers wanting a more relaxed atmosphere.
Selong Belanak is one of my favourite areas for beginners because the waves are generally more forgiving and the beach has a much calmer feel than many of the busier surf spots.
If you’re learning to surf or travelling with kids, it’s well worth considering. You can enjoy a quieter stay while still being close enough to explore the rest of the south coast.
Planning Tip
Don’t choose where to stay based on Instagram photos.
Choose the area that gives you the best access to the waves that suit your current ability.
A quieter location with the right waves will almost always lead to a better surf trip than staying in the busiest part of Lombok just because everyone else does.
Realistic Things to Know Before Booking a Surf Camp in Lombok
Lombok is one of my favourite places to surf, but it’s worth arriving with realistic expectations.
No destination is perfect, and knowing a few things beforehand can help you choose the right location and avoid disappointment.
Beginner waves can get crowded
As Lombok has become more popular, many of the beginner-friendly breaks are now shared by multiple surf schools and camps.
At peak times, it isn’t unusual to see instructors pushing students into the same waves. If you’re new to surfing, this can feel chaotic and, in some situations, less safe than people expect.
If crowds affect your confidence, consider travelling outside the busiest months, surfing earlier in the morning, or choosing accommodation near quieter beginner breaks like Selong Belanak.
Kuta is changing
Kuta has grown rapidly over the past few years.
With that growth has come more cafés, gyms, restaurants and accommodation, but also heavier traffic, large-scale development and increasing rubbish, particularly during parts of the wet season.
I still think it’s a fantastic base for many surfers, but it no longer has the quiet village feel it once did.
You’ll probably need a scooter
No matter where you stay, hiring a scooter gives you far more flexibility.
Most of Lombok’s surf breaks are spread along the south coast, so being able to drive 10–30 minutes to different waves depending on the conditions is one of the biggest advantages of surfing here.
Conditions change every day
One of Lombok’s biggest strengths is the variety of waves.
If one break isn’t working because of the wind or swell, there’s often another option nearby.
That’s why I always recommend choosing your waves based on the conditions during your trip rather than expecting to surf the same spot every day.
Why I Still Love Lombok
Despite the growth, I’d still choose Lombok over many other surf destinations for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Pros
- Easy international access via Lombok International Airport
- Waves for complete beginners through to advanced surfers
- More forgiving beginner waves than many parts of Bali
- Plenty of surf camps, accommodation and coaching options
- Great cafés, gyms and restaurants around Kuta
- Easy to explore by scooter
- Multiple surf breaks to choose from depending on the wind and swell
- A more relaxed pace than many of Bali’s busiest surf towns
Should You Stay at a Surf Camp?
One thing that’s worth asking before you book is whether you actually want to stay at a surf camp at all.
For many people, especially beginners or solo travellers, surf camps are a fantastic way to improve quickly. Having daily coaching, transport to the waves and a group of like-minded surfers can take a lot of the stress out of planning your trip.
But they’re not the only option.
Personally, I tend to travel a little differently.
I like having the freedom to stay somewhere quieter, hire a scooter and follow the surf each day based on the wind, swell and tides. It gives me the flexibility to explore different parts of Lombok rather than surfing the same area every day.
If you’re travelling with family, a partner who doesn’t surf, or simply enjoy a slower pace, staying independently can often be the better choice.
Neither option is right or wrong.
It simply comes down to the type of trip you want.
My Recommendations
| Camp | Best For | Why it’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Xanadu Surf & Yoga | Women, solo travellers, comfort | Premium coaching, yoga, welcoming atmosphere, great for progression. |
| LMBK Surf House | Intermediate surfers | Strong coaching, video analysis, central Kuta location. |
| Ombak Resort Ekas | Escaping the crowds | Great if you want a quieter experience and don’t mind being away from Kuta. |
| Dreamsea Surf Camp | Lifestyle & scenery | Beautiful accommodation, social atmosphere and an iconic location for travellers wanting the full surf experience. |
| Are Guling Beach Bungalows | Independent travellers & families | Not a surf camp, but one of my favourite areas to stay if you want peace and don’t need organised coaching every day. |
⭐ Best Women’s Surf Camp
Xanadu Surf & Yoga
If I were recommending one surf camp for women, solo travellers or anyone wanting a comfortable, supportive environment, Xanadu would be at the top of my list.
The coaching is well structured, the accommodation is beautiful, and the addition of yoga and recovery sessions creates a much more balanced experience than simply surfing all day.
Best for
- Women travelling solo
- Beginner to intermediate surfers
- Couples
- Anyone wanting a comfortable surf holiday with coaching
👉 Check current packages and availability
⭐ Best for Intermediate Surfers
LMBK Surf House
If your main goal is to improve your surfing, LMBK Surf House is a great option.
They focus heavily on progression through small coaching groups, video analysis and matching surfers to the right waves each day.
Rather than simply pushing people onto waves, the emphasis is on helping you understand what you need to improve.
Best for
- Intermediate surfers
- Progression-focused trips
- Video coaching
- Solo travellers
👉 Check current packages and availability
⭐ Best for Escaping the Crowds
Ombak Resort Ekas
If your idea of the perfect surf trip is getting away from busy towns and surfing quieter waves, Ombak Resort is worth looking at.
Located on the east side of Lombok, it offers a much slower pace than Kuta while still providing access to quality reef breaks.
It’s ideal if you’re happy trading convenience for a more peaceful experience.
Best for
- Intermediate to advanced surfers
- Longer stays
- Couples
- Relaxed surf holidays
👉 Check current packages and availability
⭐ Best Lifestyle Surf Camp
Dreamsea Surf Camp
Dreamsea is one of those places that combines great accommodation with an unforgettable location.
It has a social atmosphere without feeling like a party hostel and appeals to travellers looking for more than just surfing.
If you enjoy beautiful accommodation, sunsets, good food and meeting other travellers, it’s easy to see why it’s become so popular.
Best for
- Couples
- Solo travellers
- Lifestyle-focused surf trips
- Social atmosphere
👉 Check current packages and availability
⭐ My Alternative Pick
Are Guling Beach Bungalows
This isn’t a surf camp, but if I was booking my own trip, it’s much closer to the type of place I’d stay.
It’s quiet, relaxed and surrounded by nature, while still being close enough to drive to different surf breaks each day.
For me, surfing isn’t just about being in the water. I enjoy coming back to somewhere peaceful, cooking my own meals occasionally and having the flexibility to chase the best conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.
If you’re travelling with family, a partner who doesn’t surf, or simply prefer independent travel, this is the kind of accommodation I’d recommend looking for.
Best for
- Independent travellers
- Families
- Couples
- Longer stays
- Surfers who like exploring different breaks each day
👉 Check current packages and availability
How to Get the Most Out of Your Lombok Surf Trip
Whether you’re staying at a surf camp or travelling independently, a little planning before you arrive can make a huge difference to your trip.
Here are a few things I’d recommend before booking your flights.
Choose Waves That Match Your Ability
One of the quickest ways to lose confidence is surfing waves that are beyond your current level.
Lombok has waves for everyone, from complete beginners through to experienced surfers chasing powerful reef breaks. You don’t need to surf the biggest or most famous waves to have an incredible trip.
The surfers who improve the fastest are usually the ones surfing waves that challenge them without overwhelming them.
👉 Recommended Reading: How to surf reef breaks with confidence
Learn to Read the Conditions
Don’t expect to surf the same break every day.
One of Lombok’s biggest strengths is the variety of waves available. If the wind or swell isn’t working at one break, there’s often another option nearby.
Learning how to read the wind, tides and swell will usually have a bigger impact on your trip than choosing the “perfect” surf camp.
👉 Recommended Reading: How to Read a Surf Break Before You Paddle Out
Respect the Local Culture
Lombok is incredibly welcoming, but remember you’re a guest.
The island has a strong Muslim culture, so it’s worth dressing respectfully when you’re away from the beach, especially when visiting villages or local businesses.
The same goes for surfing.
Take the time to learn basic surf etiquette, respect the locals in the lineup and treat the places you visit with care.
A little respect goes a long way.
👉 Recommended Reading: Surf Etiquette for Beginners
Arrive Surf Fit
Nothing ruins a surf trip faster than spending the first few days too tired or sore to paddle.
Even a few weeks of paddle fitness, mobility and strength work before your trip can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy your time in the water.
If you’re planning a dedicated surf trip, it’s worth preparing your body before you arrive.
👉 Recommended Reading: Best Exercises for Older Surfers
Final Thoughts
The best surf camp in Lombok isn’t necessarily the one with the nicest rooms or the biggest social media following.
It’s the one that matches your surfing level, your goals and the kind of trip you want to have.
Spend a little more time choosing the right waves than chasing the “best” camp, and you’ll almost always have a better experience.
For me, that’s what makes Lombok so special.
Whether you’re staying at a luxury surf retreat, a small surf camp in Gerupuk or a quiet bungalow outside Kuta, the real magic comes from exploring the island, adapting to the conditions and enjoying the journey.
I hope this guide helps you find the right base for your own adventure.
Related Reading
- Best Surf Spots in Lombok (Surf Map + Local Guide)
- How Women Should Prepare for Their First Surf Trip
- Best Surf Camps for Women
- How to Build Ocean Confidence as a Surfer
- Am I Too Old to Learn to Surf? (Why Surfing After 40 Is Different)
- How to Surf Bigger Waves With Confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lombok good for beginner surfers?
Yes. In fact, I think Lombok is one of the best places in Indonesia for beginners and progressing surfers. Breaks like Selong Belanak offer forgiving waves, and there are plenty of surf schools and coaches to help build confidence before moving onto more challenging reefs.
Do I need a scooter?
For most people, yes.
Even if you stay in Kuta, many of the surf breaks are a 10–30 minute ride away. Hiring a scooter gives you the freedom to explore different waves depending on the conditions and is one of the easiest ways to get around the south coast.
What’s the best time of year to surf Lombok?
The dry season from May to September generally offers the most consistent surf, but Lombok has waves all year round.
One of the advantages of the island is that different breaks work in different wind and swell conditions, so there’s often somewhere worth surfing regardless of the season.
Are surf camps worth it?
If you’re travelling alone, learning to surf or want structured coaching, absolutely.
A good surf camp can fast-track your progression, introduce you to other surfers and take the stress out of planning each day.
If you’re already confident organising your own accommodation, transport and surf sessions, travelling independently can offer more flexibility.
Is Lombok better than Bali for beginners?
In many ways, yes.
While Bali has some incredible beginner beaches, they can also become very crowded.
Lombok generally offers a more relaxed atmosphere, less intimidating lineups and a wider range of forgiving waves, making it an excellent place to build confidence.