Selong Belanak: Local’s Travel Guide

In our experience, if you ask most travelers where to catch their very first wave in Indonesia, they might say Kuta Bali or the overstretched shores of Canggu.

They’re wrong. The answer is Selong Belanak in LOMBOK!

Located about 30 to 40 minutes west of Kuta Lombok, this crescent-shaped bay is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok. Unlike the sharp reefs of Gerupuk or the heavy barrels at nearby Mawi, Selong Belanak offers a pure, forgiving sand bottom and a gentle, rolling break that seems almost mechanically engineered for learning to surf.

But it’s not just about the surfing. The vibe here is completely different from the bustle of Kuta. It is cleaner, wider, and distinctly more upscale in appearance, yet it retains that raw Lombok charm.

We often tell our guests on the Lombok Loop that while our tour takes you deep into the wilder side of the island, spots like Selong Belanak are the perfect places to decompress before or after the adventure. Whether you are looking to stand up on a board for the first time or just want a sunbed with a view of the rolling green hills, this is the spot.

Local Tip: You might see photos of water buffalo walking along the beach. This isn’t a staged tourist trap; it’s local agriculture. The farmers walk their herds across the sand usually twice a day (morning and just before sunset). It is a surreal sight you won’t see in Bali.

Selong Belanak Beach: Overview

For first-timers driving here, the journey is actually half the appeal. Unlike the bumpy dirt tracks leading to some of Lombok’s secret spots, the road to Selong Belanak was recently paved and offers one of the most scenic coastal drives in the south, winding through hills with panoramic ocean views.

However, be aware that the final 200 meters to the beach entrance can still be a bit sandy and chaotic with local stalls, so take it slow on the bike.

• Distance from Kuta: 30–45 minutes by scooter (depending on how often you stop for photos).
• Scooter Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly. The roads are paved, wide, and generally safe, though winding.
• Parking Fee: Standard 10,000 IDR per scooter.
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-to-high tide is best for swimming and surfing; low tide can mean a long walk to the water. Aim for 5:00 PM if you want to catch the famous buffalo crossing.
• Crowd Factor: Moderate. It is one of the more popular beaches in South Lombok, but thanks to the massive shoreline, it rarely feels crowded.
• ATMs: None at the beach. Cash is king here for warungs and surf lessons, so withdraw in Kuta before you leave.

What to Expect at Selong Belanak Beach (Plus Local Tips)

As locals we have visited this famous beach many, many times. While things are changing fast in Lombok, Selong Belanak is not changing as fast as Tanjung Aan.

Below we’ll break down what you might expect from your visit, whether you’re using out library of travel guides to travel in Lombok independently, or if you’re preparing for your trip on the Lombok Loop!

More: Best Things to do in Lombok

What to Expect at Selong Belanak (Besides Surfing)

When you arrive, you’ll notice the beach is essentially divided into two zones. As you walk from the parking lot, turning left takes you toward the local fishing village (raw, authentic, smelly boats). Turning right takes you toward the white sands, surf schools, and the resort area.

Here is how to navigate your time there:

1. The “Two-Tier” Beach Day

Selong Belanak offers two very different ways to spend your money. You choose your own adventure here:

• The “Local Style” (Budget): The middle of the beach is lined with dozens of local warungs (bamboo shacks). They all offer roughly the same thing: a Nasi Goreng for 30K–50K IDR, a cold Bintang, and a beanbag or sunbed.
  • Sunbeds: You can usually rent a pair of sunbeds here for the day for about 50,000 IDR, though you might need to negotiate if it’s busy.
  • Vibe: Relaxed, simple, and great for chatting with the local surf instructors.
• The “Resort Style” (Comfort): At the far northern end sits Laut Biru Bar & Restaurant (part of Sempiak Villas). This is the only “proper” structure on the sand.
  • Cost: Expect Western prices (100K+ for mains) + the usual 21% tax/service you get at more expensive places.
  • Sunbeds: Their premium blue cushioned loungers are strictly for restaurant guests, and they often enforce a minimum spend (usually around 200K–300K IDR per person) to use them during peak season.
  • Vibe: It’s cleaner, has proper toilets, and the Nasi Goreng is “chef-prepared” rather than “mom-cooked.”

2. The Famous Buffalo Run

You have likely seen the Instagram photos. Here is the reality check so you don’t miss it.

• What it is: Local farmers herd water buffaloes along the beach to move them between grazing pastures and their nightly pens. It is arguably the most unique beach sight in Lombok.
• When to see it: There is no “official” schedule, but they almost always cross between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM.

3. Surf Lessons & Pricing

If you aren’t on the Lombok Loop tour (where we handle this for you), here is what you should pay so you don’t get ripped off:

• Board Rental Only: 50,000 – 100,000 IDR for 2 hours (depending on board quality).
• Lesson (2 Hours): 250,000 – 350,000 IDR. This should include the board, a rash guard (shirt), and an instructor pushing you into waves.

The instructors here are generally excellent with kids and terrified adults. They know exactly which waves to pick.

Local Tips (Read Before You Go)

• There are NO ATMs at the beach. The local warungs and surf boys only take cash. Laut Biru accepts cards, but the machine signal can be spotty. Bring cash from Kuta.
• Like many unspoiled beaches in Indonesia, sand flies can appear around sunset if the wind dies down. If you plan to stay past 6:00 PM for the sunset colors, bring insect repellent.

Can You Stay at Selong Belanak?

The short answer is: Yes, but you need to know what you are signing up for.

Staying here is a completely different experience than staying in Kuta. Kuta is the “hub”. It has the coffee shops, the bars, the pharmacies, and the social scene. Selong Belanak is the “retreat.” After 7:00 PM, the area is pitch black and very quiet.

We recommend staying here for 2 nights maximum if you want a pure “resort” break or if you are a family with young kids who want zero travel time to the sand. If you are a solo traveler or a group of friends looking for dinner options and vibes, stay in Kuta and drive here for the day.

If you decide to stay, here are the three spots we trust (and actually exist):

• Sempiak Seaside Resort (The Original)
  • Why we pick it: It is the only upscale option with direct beach access (no shuttle needed), featuring wooden villas nestled into the hill that offer unbeatable bay views from your morning coffee.
• Selong Selo Resort (The Luxury Splurge)
  • Why we pick it: If you want a private infinity pool and 5-star service high above the clouds, this is it—just note you are up on the mountain and will rely on their shuttle to get down to the actual beach.
• Boni Beach Lombok (The Boutique Choice)
  • Why we pick it: A perfect middle-ground for those who don’t want a massive resort but want comfort; it’s a stylish, intimate hotel only a 2-minute walk from the water with excellent food.

Tip: Read our guide on where to stay in Kuta Lombok!

News & Updates & Selong Belanak

Lombok is changing fast, and Selong Belanak is no exception. If you are reading a blog post from 2019, it is outdated. Here is the fresh intel from the ground as of this year– so you aren’t caught off guard.

The “Buffalo Photo” Economy

A few years ago, the buffalo crossing was a purely functional agricultural event—farmers simply moving their herds. Now, it has become a genuine micro-economy. While it is still an authentic daily ritual, the “secret” is definitely out.

You may now encounter “guides” or local handlers asking for a small tip if you want to get right in the middle of the herd for a photo. Our take is simple: the beach is public, and you do not need to pay to watch them from a distance. However, if a herder stops the animals specifically for you to take a selfie or positions a buffalo for your shot, a tip (10,000 – 20,000 IDR) is a kind gesture to the local community.

The Hillside Development Boom

You will notice construction cranes and cleared land on the hills surrounding the bay. This is the expansion of luxury villa estates like Selong Selo and Samara.

The good news is that this doesn’t affect the beach experience much yet. The coastline itself remains largely free of high-rise hotels due to regulations and geography; the construction is mostly up in the clouds. The major benefit for travelers is that the influx of investment has improved the paved road access from Kuta, making the drive smoother than ever.

The “Plastic Season”

We value honesty over marketing. During the peak of the Wet Season (December – February), prevailing winds and currents can bring marine debris and plastic onto the sand. This is an Indonesia-wide issue, not just Lombok.

We’re doing the best we can to try to change the attitudes on our island to be more concsious about single use plastic and its impacts on our environment, and so are a lot of small start ups and organizations on the island.

The Selong Belanak Community Association (a local collective of businesses) is now very active with beach cleanups and they do a great job. However, if you visit after a heavy storm in January, don’t be surprised if the pristine white sand has some washed-up reality on it. It usually gets cleaned by midday, but morning surfers might encounter some debris.

The Verdict: Is Selong Belanak Worth It– A local’s Review

In our experience, Selong Belanak is the single best beach in Indonesia for beginner surfers. If you have always wanted to surf but felt intimidated by the sharp reefs of Uluwatu or the chaos of Canggu, this is your safe haven.

It is not a “secret” spot anymore, and it doesn’t have the crystal-clear water of the Secret Gilis, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a relaxed, hassle-free day with perfect waves and a stunning sunset view.

Join us on the Lombok Loop!

While Selong Belanak is the perfect place to find your feet, the rest of Lombok is where you lose your heart. The real magic of this island lies in the wild north, the hidden waterfalls, and the jungle roads that Google Maps hasn’t figured out yet.

This is where we come in.

The Lombok Loop is designed to take the hassle out of the “wild” side. We often use spots like Selong Belanak as a decompression zone, but our main mission is to get you off the beaten path. If you want to trade the sunbed for a waterfall jump, and the Nasi Goreng for a jungle feast, come join us for the ride of a lifetime.

We handle the navigation, the accommodation, and the bikes; you just bring the sense of adventure. Departing Senggigi every Thursday and Kuta Lombok every Friday!