Hidden Beaches in Lombok: 5 You Can’t Miss
If you’re chasing powdery white sand and unreal turquoise water, we’d skip Bali and head straight to Lombok.
We’ve explored both, and while we still love Bali for its culture, food, and incredible people, its beaches just didn’t hit the same for us anymore. Years of heavy tourism have taken their toll.
Then we arrived in Lombok, rented a scooter, and started exploring and everything changed for us. One beach after another had us surprised – they were all gorgeous. Quiet. No beach resorts or clubs. Exactly what we’d been hoping to find.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure and want beaches that still feel undiscovered, we honestly think Lombok is the place.
We’re talking crystal-clear water, soft sand, and natural coastline. No concrete buildings. No crowds. Just that rare, unspoiled vibe we’re all searching for – and finding less and less these days.
Our top 5 Hidden Beaches in Lombok 🌴
Tampah Beach 🐚
Tanjung Aan 🏖️
Selong Belanak Beach 🏄♀️
Nipah Beach 🥥
Gili Islands 🐠
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Why Explore The Hidden Beaches in Lombok?
Right next to Bali, Lombok has quietly stayed under the radar. It doesn’t draw the same crowds, and it has a completely different feel.
And honestly—that’s exactly why we loved it.
If you are craving for a tropical getaway with slower days, open roads and beaches that are calm and uncrowded, then you’ll find this all in Lombok. No traffic jams to reach the coast, no endless rows of beach clubs—just pure, natural beauty (almost untouched 😀).
Most of the coastline is still largely undeveloped, which means things stay simple. No curated menus or trendy hotspots—just small beach warungs, a few thatched sun beds, and direct access to soft sand and clear, open water.
And honestly – it’s stunning. Every time we pulled up to a new spot, it felt like discovering something special all over again. We kept asking ourselves why more people don’t make it here… but at the same time, we get it: Bali offers a lot more than just beaches.
For us, it became the perfect balance: start in Bali for the culture, food, and energy, then make the short hop over to Lombok for the kind of beach escape we were actually dreaming of.
Still unsure which island is best for you? Check out the differences between Bali en Lombok here
Warning: Tons of photos ahead — we couldn’t resist capturing every inch of these incredible beaches!
Our Favorite Hidden Beaches in Lombok
Before we jump into our favorite beaches, a quick note: “hidden” here doesn’t mean undiscovered. It means untouched. Think natural coastlines with little to no development, where the only “facilities” might be a small local beach shack.
What we loved most was the variety. One moment we had an entire stretch of sand to ourselves; the next, we’d stumble on a laid-back spot with a fresh juice and a bit of shade under a thatched umbrella.
This mix what makes beach hopping here feel less like ticking off a list and more like actually discovering something new.
1. Tampah Beach – A True Hidden Gem
We stumbled upon Tampah Beach by accident while driving west from Kuta Lombok on our last day in the south. Ignoring the usual recommendations, we turned down a dirt road lined with palms and ended up somewhere incredible.
The beach was nearly empty. A simple thatched roof with bamboo loungers greeted us, and after a little negotiation, we got a sunbed for the morning.
There’s something about a deserted beach that makes it feel magical. Having the entire stretch of soft sand and crystal-clear water to yourself is the ultimate luxury. Our son even joked he wouldn’t mind moving here.
Arriving early meant we saw the morning light hit the water just perfectly. We walked endlessly along the sand, swam in the amazing water, and soaked in a quiet, unforgettable beach day.
Location: 30 minutes west from Kuta Beach/Mandalika Lombok
Best for: swimming, snorkeling, untouched landscape
Tip: Not many facilities, there is a small ‘warung’ that offered drinks
Beach Hop Tip: Combine Tampah beach with Mawun Beach, just 10 minutes away
Sund beds: Yes, Rp 50.000. If you stay just the morning or afternoon, you might get it for Rp. 25.000
Parking: Free
One thing to be aware of—at many beaches in Lombok, you’ll likely be approached by local kids or vendors selling small items. It can be hard to say no, especially knowing life here isn’t always easy. So just be prepared… and don’t be surprised if you end up heading home with “just one more” sarong 😉
2. Tanjung Aan Beach – Turquoise Waters and Unique Sand
Tanjung Aan is a long, sweeping beach just outside Kuta Lombok, known for its soft, pepper-like sand and bright turquoise water.
There are two completely different sides to this beach. When we first arrived, we ended up on the quieter stretch – almost entirely empty, with just a few thatched sun beds that looked long forgotten.
If you’re after that “beach to yourself” feeling, this is the spot. Just make sure to bring your own drinks and snacks, because there’s nothing around here.
We hadn’t planned that far ahead, so when we spotted some more action further down the beach we hopped back on the scooter to see what else we could find.
Within five minutes we found ourselves in a completely different setting. Here, you’ll find a handful of relaxed beach shacks serving fresh juices and simple food, along with rows of sun beds facing the sea.
Even though this is one of the more popular beaches in Lombok, it still feels surprisingly untouched – no big developments, just sand, sea, and a few laid-back spots.
That said, we did see some road construction, so things might change quickly. Let’s hope not, not only is the low key atmosphere charming I can imagine that locals who have been here for years would otherwise have to move.
We loved both sides of this long stretched beach for completely different reasons, and the water here is incredible. That said, we’ll always remember Tanjung Aan as the place where we both lost our sunglasses to one perfectly timed wave 😭.
For the best views, climb the surrounding hills. From the top, you’ll see the full curve of the bay – easily one of the most beautiful stretches in southern Lombok.
Location: 15 minutes east from Kuta/Mandalika Lombok
Best for: Swimming, photography, scenic views
Tip: Spend the whole day and experience different stretched of this stunning beach, plus climb up the nearby hill to take in the incredible view.
Sun beds: Yes, free if you order drinks and food
Parking: Free
3. Selong Belanak Beach – The ‘Busiest’ of All Hidden Beaches
As much as we love deserted beaches, we quickly realized that a laid-back beach with a bit of life can be just as enjoyable. That’s exactly what we found at Selong Belanak.
A long stretch of sand lined with simple beach shacks, sunbeds, and the occasional surfboard rental – it’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a few hours (or the whole day). Grab a fresh coconut, lean back, and take it all in.
We rented a bodyboard here and had the best time in the waves. They’re perfect for beginners, and you’ll see plenty of first-time surfers giving it a go. If you’re after something more challenging, nearby Mawi Beach is a popular next stop.
This was probably the busiest beach we visited – if you can even call it busy. It’s so wide and long that you can always find a quiet spot to yourself. And just when you think it couldn’t get more unique, a herd of buffalo casually strolls across the beach, adding to its charm.
Location: 40 minutes east from Kuta Lombok
Best for: Relaxation, beginner surfing, sunset walks
Tip: Head to the far ends of the beach for more privacy
Beach Hopping Tip: Combine Salong Belanak with a stop at Mawi Beach, just 20 minutes away
Sunbeds: Yes, Rp. 50.000
Parking: Rp. 10.000 for scooter, Rp. 20.000 for car
4. Nipah Beach – Calm Waters and Local Charm
The drive north from Senggigi is worth it on its own. The coastal road passes viewpoint after viewpoint, with great views over the ocean and several quiet white-sand bays. You’ll come across beaches like Pandanan and Sire Beach – but one stood out most to us.
Nipah Beach quickly became a favorite. We turned onto a small dirt road lined with coconut trees, parked our scooter near a simple local shop, and found a shady spot between fishing boats.
It’s not completely untouched, but that’s exactly what we liked about it. There are fishing boats and a couple of little shops, giving it a local lively feel.
We grabbed a fresh coconut and spent a couple of hours there, enjoying the view and the relaxed atmosphere.
Location: 20 minutes north of Senggigi
Best for: Snorkeling, local food, relaxing atmosphere
Tip: Stay for sunset, it’s one of the best on the island
Beach hopping tip: Combine your visit with Nipah beach with Pandanan Beach, just 10 minutes further north
Sunbed: perhaps, but we didn’t see any
Parking: Rp.5000 for scooters, Rp.10.000 for cars
5. The Gili Islands – White Sand and Turquoise Waters
The Gili Islands each have their own vibe, but one thing they all share? That postcard-perfect coastline: bright white sand and water in every shade of blue.
Gili Air and Gili Meno are smaller, quieter, and instantly more laid-back. These are the kind of places to get away from the crowd and do nothing at all. Perfect if you’re after a proper beach escape.
Then there’s Gili Trawangan. It’s known as the busiest of the three (and yes, it has a bit of a party reputation), but that’s only one side of the island. We grabbed a bike, cycled away from the main strip, and within no time found ourselves on the opposite coast -quiet, spacious, and surprisingly untouched.
Out there, the beaches are honestly stunning. Soft sand, that milky turquoise water the Gilis are known for, and barely anyone around.
If you want a mix of action and complete calm, then Gili Trawangan is the best option.
Best for: Snorkeling, sunset views, quiet beach time
Tip: Plan at least 3 days, to explore one or two other islands on a day trip
How to get there: It is quicker to take a boat from Bali then to fly to Lombok main island.
Snorkeling is a must in the Gilis: crystal-clear water, vibrant marine life, and stops at Gili Air and Gili Meno make this tour an easy highlight.
Book a snorkeling trip HERE
Buckit List Beaches in Lombok
We didn’t make it to every beach on our Lombok list—and honestly, that just gives us the perfect excuse to come back.
There’s always something special about having a few places left unexplored. So we’re sharing our Lombok beach bucket list too… in case you end up discovering the ones we missed before we do.
6. Pink Beach
Pink Beach is one of Lombok’s more unique beaches, known for its soft blush-colored sand created by crushed coral. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive east of Kuta Lombok, which makes it feel pretty remote.
That distance is exactly why we haven’t made it there yet. At this stage, our son is happy with any beach as long as he can swim—so a long drive just to see pink sand doesn’t quite win him over.
If you’re keen to visit, there are also boat tours that take you out to several pink beaches and other smaller islands. From what we’ve heard, the color isn’t as vivid as the famous beaches around Komodo, but when the light hits just right, you’ll catch that subtle pink glow.
Make the most of Lombok’s pink beaches with a snorkeling trip to multiple unique shores and quiet, lesser-visited islands.
Book your snorkeling trip HERE
7. Mawun Beach
Funny enough, we only briefly stopped at Mawun Beach on our way to Selong Belanak. It was low tide when we arrived, which gave the whole place a completely different feel – as you can probably tell from the photo.
It’s one we’d love to return to. Mawun is known for its calm, swimmable water, and we’d love to experience it when the tide is higher.
Location-wise, it’s an easy addition to your plans—just about 25 minutes from Kuta, or a perfect quick stop on the way to (or from) neighboring Selong Belanak.
8. Tomang Omang
Just east of the popular Selong Belanak lies a truly hidden gem: Tomang Omang Beach, about 45 minutes from Kuta Lombok.
We haven’t made it there ourselves, but everything we’ve read gives us the same feeling as when we first discovered Tampah Beach – raw, quiet, and beautifully undeveloped.
Getting there isn’t the easiest (the road is still rough) but that’s part of what keeps it so special. Chances are, you’ll find yourself on a stretch of soft, tropical sand with barely anyone else around.
9. Mawi Beach
Since we’re not surfers, we ended up skipping Mawi Beach, about 50 minutes from Kuta. But it’s definitely on our list—we’d love to go back just to watch the surfers take on the waves.
Mawi has a more rugged feel and is known for its stronger swells, making it a favorite for intermediate to advanced surfers. It’s not really a swimming beach, but that’s part of the appeal—this is a place to sit back and take it all in.
Getting there involves a bit of an adventurous drive, but from what we’ve seen, it only adds to the experience. The coastline is said to be wild and untouched and has a completely different vibe from Lombok’s calmer bays.
10. Pandanan Beach
Pandanan is one of several beautiful bays just north of Senggigi. It’s considered one of the more popular spots in the area, but still feels surprisingly quiet. That also means you’ll find a few more comforts here – think nice beachfront restaurants where you can easily spend the whole day.
We actually only saw it from a distance. After lingering a little too long at Nipah and Klui Beach, we ran out of time – but it’s definitely high on our list for next time.
Other Beaches in Lombok
11. Mandalika Beach
Kuta Lombok is one of the more developed areas on the island. Along the boulevard, Kuta Mandalika beach is lined with resorts and restaurants – but interestingly, the beach itself often feels quiet during the day, as most people head out to explore the nearby spots.
That said, Kuta Mandalika is a great base. From here, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the beaches in the south, while having the most choice when it comes to restaurants and places to eat.
We particularly loved strolling along the beach early morning or just before dinner.
12. Senggigi Beach
Senggigi was once the main tourist hub of Lombok, but over the years – after the 2018 earthquake, the pandemic, and the shift toward Kuta Mandalika – it’s become a lot quieter.
Its beach is spread out along the main road and often hidden behind resorts and restaurants, so it isn’t as immediately visible.
During the day, we found ourselves heading further north in search of more untouched beaches, but as we were staying in Senggigi we enjoyed walking along the beach during sunset. The sand is darker – almost black – and the fishing boats scattered along the shore give it a more local, authentic feel.
Senggigi also a great base if you want to explore the north-west coast of Lombok or head inland for a day trip to some of the island’s waterfalls.
13. Klui Beach
Klui Beach was the first place we pulled over along the coastal road – just five minutes from north of Senggigi – simply to take in the view. We had no idea what was still ahead of us, but we already said: we’re coming back here. And we did.
It might not be as striking as places like Nipah or Pandanan, and part of it connects to a resort if you walk far enough. But what we loved was how quiet it felt. No shops, no sunbeds, no one trying to sell you anything, just the beach and that clear, open water.
If you’re looking for a simple spot to switch off and have a stretch of coastline almost to yourself, this is it.
You can stay right at this beach if you want. The Jeeva Klui Resort offers a relaxed, luxury escape the beach right at your doorstep.
14. Teluk Borok
About 25 minutes north of Senggigi, you’ll come across Teluk Borok – a quiet, beautiful beach and just not as popular as it’s nearby beaches. When coming from the south you’ll catch a glimpse from the main road, then just keep going until you spot the small sign pointing the way.
When we arrived, it felt completely deserted. Soft sand, palm trees lining the shore, and clear water stretching out in front of us.
We visited later in the day, but you can imagine how vibrant it must look under full sun, with the colors really coming to life. The best part? It’s all very easy to reach, with hardly anyone around.
Are Lombok Beaches Clean?
To be completely honest, we were genuinely surprised by how clean the beaches in Lombok were. No plastic floating in the water, no piles of trash on the sand – just clear water and natural shoreline.
We didn’t expect that at all, especially after driving in from the airport and through areas around Kuta and Senggigi, where there was quite a bit of litter along the roads. It even made us assume the beaches might reflect the same.
But during the dry season (roughly May to October), when the winds are calmer, the coastline tells a very different story. Many beaches are kept impressively clean, and in some areas locals even help maintain them daily.
That said, it does change in the wet season. Just like in Bali, around January and February, shifting currents and stronger westerly winds can wash debris onto the shores, making the beaches look very different. So to avoid disappointment, avoid this season if possible.
Best Time to Visit Hidden Beaches in Lombok
The best time to explore Lombok’s beaches is during the dry season, from April to October. This is when you’ll get the most sunshine, calm seas, and ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds altogether, the shoulder months -April, May, or October – are a sweet spot. The weather is still excellent, but things feel noticeably quieter.
As mentioned earlier, another reason to steer clear of the wet season is that stronger currents can wash debris onto the beaches, much like in Bali.
Make sure to check the tides before you go – low and high tide can completely change the look of a beach. At low tide, it can feel like a totally different place, and you might even find yourself wondering how it ever turns into that stunning shoreline you saw in photos.
Where to stay to explore Lombok’s beaches
If you’re planning to explore Lombok’s beaches, we’d recommend splitting your stay between two areas.
Base yourself in Kuta to be close to some of the best beaches in the south – like Tampah, Tanjung Aan, and Selong Belanak. Then spend a few nights in Senggigi to explore the beaches further north, including spots like Nipah, Pandanan, and Klui Beach.
Kuta Lombok Accommodation
📍Budget Cewin Homestay: A welcoming, well-located homestay with comfy rooms, friendly staff, and everything you need close by. Great value and an easy base for exploring Lombok.
📍Mid-range Martas Window Charming bungalows, a peaceful garden, and a perfect location just minutes from Kuta’s buzz. Friendly staff, great breakfast, and everything you need for a relaxed stay.
📍Luxury Mambo Villa: A design-driven villa escape just outside Kuta, with jaw-dropping views, a beautiful pool, and next-level comfort. Easily one of the best stays in Lombok.
Senggigi Lombok Accommodation
📍Budget Mama’s Bellas Retreat A peaceful, green retreat with comfortable rooms, a nice pool, and a great breakfast. The friendly staff make it an easy and enjoyable stay.
📍Mid-Range The Chandi Boutique Resort & Spa A stunning, small-scale resort where you’re truly looked after; think ocean views, private villas, great food, and some of the friendliest staff we’ve ever experienced.
📍Luxury Jeeva Santai Villas A quiet, intimate villa resort right on the beach, where you fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Great food, beautiful views, and a truly relaxing atmosphere.
How to Get to Lombok’s Hidden Beaches
Like in Bali, we explored Lombok by scooter – and honestly, it’s the easiest and most enjoyable way to discover the beaches. In the south especially, traffic is very light and the roads are generally in good condition. That said, things can get a bit rough once you leave the main routes and head toward more remote beaches.
Along the west coast near Mataram, roads are noticeably busier. In our case, we usually booked a driver to get us to Senggigi or Kuta first, and then rented a scooter there for a few days of exploring.
If you’re not comfortable on a scooter, a car is also a great option. Traffic is calm enough that you won’t run into jams, and parking is rarely an issue.
Of course, hiring a driver or joining a guided tour is always an option too – especially if you want to go further inland to places like Mount Rinjani, waterfalls or the rice fields.
Final Thoughts on Hidden Beaches in Lombok
Since we’re total beach lovers, Lombok really won us over. What stood out most was how every single beach felt different. That variety made beach hopping here so much fun for us.
In our opinion, Lombok actually edges out Bali when it comes to beach variety and overall experience. Bali still has some incredible spots – Balangan Beach, Bingin Beach, and Pasir Putih Beachare among our favourite, but Lombok just keeps going. One stunning beach after another, with no end to the list.
It’s that feeling of constant discovery that makes Lombok such an unforgettable beach destination.
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Monico was born in Kuwait and grew up in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia, which gave her a unique perspective on the world from a young age. Her first solo travel experience took her to Indonesia, where she volunteered at an orangutan rehabilitation center, and since then, she has focused her travels on environmental and conservation projects in places like Panama and Australia. Along with her love for wildlife, Monico enjoys exploring historic European cities, swimming in the sea, and tasting street food in Asia.