Selong Belanak Beach Lombok: Surf, Tips & Guide

Selong Belanak Beach is one of the most stunning beaches on the south coast of Lombok and a top pick for first-time surfers from around the world. With a 1-kilometre crescent-shaped bay, powder-soft white sand, and turquoise water that fades from emerald to deep blue, this spot is often called the “Hawaii of Lombok”.

Located in Selong Belanak Village, West Praya District, Central Lombok, the beach faces the Indian Ocean and is tucked between rolling green hills — giving it a calm, exotic atmosphere far from the busy city. It is a perfect destination if you want a relaxed beach day, your first surf lesson, a postcard-worthy sunset, or a unique photo with the herds of water buffalo that walk along the sand every morning and afternoon.

In this guide, The Langkah Travel covers everything you need to know about visiting Selong Belanak Beach: location, how to get there, entrance fee, things to do, a beginner’s surf guide, facilities, accommodation, and practical tips for a memorable Lombok holiday.

Selong Belanak Beach at a Glance

Location: Selong Belanak Village, West Praya, Central Lombok, NTB
Opening hours: 24/7
Entrance fee: IDR 5,000 (motorbike) – IDR 10,000 (car), parking included
From Lombok International Airport: ± 30–40 minutes via Kuta
From Mataram: ± 1.5 hours
Best for: beginner surfers, families, couples, photographers, sunset lovers

What Makes Selong Belanak Beach So Special

Selong Belanak combines elements that are hard to find on a single beach in Lombok: soft sand, beginner-friendly waves, towering green hills around the bay, and the local tradition of buffalo herders crossing the shore each morning and afternoon. Here are the highlights.

1. A Perfect Crescent Bay with Soft White Sand

The shoreline curves into a near-perfect crescent moon shape running for around one kilometre. The sand is so fine that, when wet, it compacts firmly enough for motorbikes — and even cars — to drive over it. This makes the beach incredibly comfortable for barefoot walks, building sandcastles with kids, or simply sitting back and watching the surfers.

2. Crystal-Clear, Gradient Blue Water

One of the most photogenic features at Selong Belanak is the colour of the sea. The water transitions from emerald green near the shore to bright turquoise in the middle and deep blue further out. The seabed is sandy for around 15 metres from shore, which keeps the water clean and safe for swimming.

3. Two Wave Personalities in One Bay

Selong Belanak has two distinct wave characters. The middle and eastern part of the bay produces slow, gentle, mellow waves that are ideal for beginners. The western end picks up larger, more punchy waves that suit intermediate surfers ready to push their skills.

4. Buffalo Walking Along the Sand

The most iconic — and uniquely local — sight at Selong Belanak is the herds of water buffalo crossing the beach. Local farmers usually lead them out to graze around 8:00 AM and walk them home around 4:00–5:00 PM. This moment is a favourite for photographers because it produces some of the most memorable images you’ll take home from Lombok.

5. World-Class Sunsets

Because the beach faces the open Indian Ocean with no islands in between, Selong Belanak delivers some of the best sunsets in Lombok. Arrive around 5:00 PM, settle into a beach chair with a fresh coconut, and watch the sky turn from gold to orange to deep purple — often with the silhouette of buffalo walking past.

6. Selong Hill Viewpoint

On the eastern side of the bay there is a small hill that you can hike up in around 10–15 minutes. From the top of Selong Hill, you’ll get a sweeping view of the entire crescent bay — easily the most Instagrammable angle in the area.

Location & How to Get to Selong Belanak Beach

How to get to Selong Belanak Beach Lombok

Selong Belanak Beach sits on the southern coast of Central Lombok. Here are the typical distances and travel times from popular starting points:

From Lombok International Airport (Praya): ± 25 km, around 30–40 minutes via Kuta–Mawun.
From Mataram City: ± 50 km, around 1.5 hours via Batu Jai Village.
From Kuta Mandalika: ± 21 km, 30–45 minutes along a scenic winding road past hills and beaches like Mawun.
From Senggigi: ± 60 km, roughly 2 hours.

Transport Options

There is no public transport directly to Selong Belanak Beach, so most travellers choose one of these options:

Private car with driver — most comfortable for families or groups, especially if you also want to visit Sade Village, Mawun Beach, or Merese Hill on the same day.
Scooter rental — the most flexible and affordable option for solo travellers and couples. Expect IDR 70,000–100,000 per day.
Online taxi / private transfer — available from the airport and Mataram, but one-way fares can be pricey.
Tour package — the easiest option since transport, driver/guide, and route are all arranged for you.

Selong Belanak Beach Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

The entrance fee for Selong Belanak Beach is very affordable and usually already includes parking. Below are the latest estimated rates (subject to change at the operator’s discretion):

Entrance + motorbike parking: IDR 5,000
Entrance + car parking: IDR 10,000
Beach chair + umbrella: free if you order food/drinks at the warung
Surfboard rental: IDR 50,000 – 100,000 per hour
Private surf lesson with local instructor: from IDR 200,000 – 350,000 per session

Opening hours: Selong Belanak Beach is open 24 hours, but most warungs and rental services operate from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Things to Do at Selong Belanak Beach

1. Learn to Surf

Selong Belanak is widely considered the best beach in Lombok — and one of the best in Indonesia — to learn how to surf. The waves break slowly over a sandy bottom (no sharp reef), so it’s incredibly forgiving for first-timers. Many beginners manage to stand up on their very first session.

Dozens of local surf schools line the bay, providing soft-top boards, rashguards, and experienced instructors. Private lessons usually run 1.5–2 hours and start with a short theory session on the sand before paddling out.

2. Swim and Play in the Shallows

The eastern side of the bay is shallow with very small waves, making it safe for kids to splash around. At higher tides you may find a floating raft anchored offshore — a fun spot to relax and enjoy the view.

3. Hike Up Selong Hill

The small hill on the eastern end offers a 360° panorama of the bay, the green hills, and the open ocean. The trail is short and not too steep — easily doable in flip-flops, though sneakers are more comfortable.

4. Photograph the Buffalo Parade

Time your visit around 8:00 AM or 4:00–5:00 PM to catch the buffalo herds crossing the beach. If you happen to miss them, some local herders will bring their buffalo to the sand for a small tip.

5. Watch the Sunset

Rent a sun lounger and umbrella at one of the warungs, order a young coconut, and stay for the sunset. The combination of sky colours, hill silhouettes, and the occasional fishing boat heading out for the night makes for one of Lombok’s most magical evenings.

6. Eat Like a Local

The beachfront warungs serve fresh, affordable Lombok cuisine: grilled fish, plecing kangkung (water spinach with chilli sambal), Taliwang chicken, fish satay, and ice-cold young coconut. The grilled fish with Lombok sambal is a must-try.

7. Go Fishing with Local Fishermen

Some local fishermen offer short fishing trips on traditional wooden boats. It’s a unique way to see Selong Belanak from the water and connect with the local community.

Selong Belanak Surf Guide

If you’re seriously planning a surf session, here’s what you need to know about the wave and the best timing.

Wave Characteristics

Wave type: beach break (sandy bottom, no reef)
Wave size: 0.5–1.5 m in the centre (beginner-friendly); 1.5–2.5 m on the western side (intermediate)
Best tide: mid tide
Wave direction: both left and right peaks, so suitable for goofy and regular footers

Best Time to Surf

Selong Belanak can be surfed year-round, but each season has a different feel:

Dry season (May – September): sunny weather, consistent swell, suitable for all levels. This is also the peak tourist season.
Wet season (October – April): offshore winds from the north create glassy, clean conditions. Far fewer crowds in the water.
Best time of day: early morning (6:00–10:00 AM) when the wind is calm, or late afternoon before sunset.

Tips for Beginner Surfers

Book a morning session — wind is calmer and waves cleaner.
Pick a surf school further from the main entrance — you’ll often get better prices and fewer crowds.
Wear reef-friendly sunscreen (SPF 30+) and a rashguard to protect against sun and board rash.
Respect surf etiquette and give priority to whoever is on the wave first.

Facilities at Selong Belanak Beach

Although the area still feels natural and unspoiled, Selong Belanak has a good range of visitor facilities:

Large parking area for motorbikes and cars
Dozens of beachfront warungs and cafes
Beach chair and umbrella rental
Surfboard and bodyboard rental
Surf schools with experienced instructors
Toilets and freshwater shower rooms (small fee, around IDR 5,000)
Mushola (prayer room)
Souvenir shops and traditional Sasak woven fabrics
Accommodation ranging from simple homestays to luxury resorts

Where to Stay Near Selong Belanak Beach

Want more than just a day trip? Here are accommodation options around the beach:

Luxury resorts & villas: Selong Selo Residences, Sempiak Villas, and Amber Lombok Beach Resort — perfect for honeymooners and travellers seeking a premium experience.
Boutique hotels: Ola Ola Lombok and a handful of small boutique stays in the surrounding hills.
Homestays & guesthouses: plenty in Selong Belanak Village from IDR 200,000–500,000 per night, ideal for backpackers and surfers.
Stay in Kuta Mandalika instead: for more variety in restaurants and nightlife, base yourself in Kuta and drive to Selong Belanak each morning (only 30 minutes away).

Other Beaches & Attractions Near Selong Belanak

One of the best things about visiting Selong Belanak is how close it is to other top attractions in South Lombok. You can easily combine them in a single day or two:

Mawun Beach — a near-circular bay with calm water, only 20 minutes away.
Tanjung Aan Beach — famous for its peppercorn-shaped sand and clifftop photo spots.
Merese Hill — savannah hilltop with breathtaking 360° panoramas, especially at sunset.
Sade Traditional Village — see how the Sasak people live and watch traditional weaving in action.
Kuta Mandalika Beach — South Lombok’s main tourist hub with plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Travel Tips for Visiting Selong Belanak Beach

Visit in the morning or late afternoon. Midday sun is harsh and there is little shade.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Essential during the dry season.
Carry enough cash. Not all warungs accept QRIS or card payments.
Fill up your fuel tank before heading out. Petrol stations are limited around the beach, especially from Kuta.
Negotiate rentals at warungs further from the entrance. They typically offer more reasonable rates.
Look after your valuables. Leave your bag at the warung where you ordered food while you swim or surf.
Respect the local culture. Dress modestly when passing through villages and greet the locals warmly.
Take your trash with you. Help keep this beautiful beach clean for future visitors.

FAQ Selong Belanak Beach

How much is the entrance fee for Selong Belanak Beach?

The entrance fee is around IDR 5,000 for visitors with a motorbike and IDR 10,000 for those arriving by car — parking is included.

Is Selong Belanak Beach good for beginner surfers?

Absolutely. Selong Belanak is one of the best beginner surf spots in Indonesia thanks to its slow, gentle waves, sandy bottom (no sharp reef), and the many experienced local instructors offering lessons.

How far is Selong Belanak Beach from Lombok International Airport?

Selong Belanak Beach is about 25 km from Lombok International Airport, roughly 30–40 minutes by car or scooter via the Kuta route.

When is the best time to visit Selong Belanak Beach?

The dry season from May to September is ideal — sunny weather, consistent swell, and clear water. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or around sunset.

Are there hotels near Selong Belanak Beach?

Yes, there are many options ranging from simple homestays and boutique hotels to luxury villas and resorts such as Selong Selo Residences, Sempiak Villas, and Amber Lombok Beach Resort.

Is it true that buffalo cross Selong Belanak Beach?

Yes. Local herders typically walk their buffalo across the beach around 8:00 AM and 4:00–5:00 PM. It’s one of the most iconic and unique sights at Selong Belanak.

What activities can I do at Selong Belanak Beach?

Beyond swimming and sunbathing, you can take a surf lesson, hike Selong Hill, photograph the buffalo, watch the sunset, enjoy fresh seafood at the warungs, or join a local fishing trip.

Explore Selong Belanak Beach with The Langkah Travel

Selong Belanak Beach is a true gem of South Lombok and belongs on every Lombok itinerary. For the smoothest experience, combine it with nearby attractions like Mawun Beach, Merese Hill, and Sade Village in a single full day.

The Langkah Travel offers flexible Lombok day tours and multi-day Lombok tour packages that can be customised to your preferences — from private tours for couples and honeymoon packages to group tours for families. Reach out to our team on WhatsApp to discuss your itinerary and get the best price.

Enjoy the beauty of Selong Belanak Beach — and may your Lombok holiday become a journey you’ll remember for years to come!