Tanjung Bloam is a hidden cliff-walled bay in southeast Lombok, accessible by 4WD or experienced scooter only — one of the island's most rewarding wild-camping spots with sea caves, possible turtle nesting, and total isolation. No facilities, no fee (informally), no shops within 30 minutes. Bring everything: tent, water (5L+ per person/day), food, and pack out all waste. Suits self-sufficient intermediate campers, not beginners.
# Camping Tanjung Bloam: Lombok's Hidden Cliff-Walled Bay
Tanjung Bloam is one of those places that doesn't quite feel like Lombok — a horseshoe bay carved into limestone cliffs, with sea caves at the western end, a small white-sand beach in the centre, and grass platforms on the eastern side. It's the southeast coast's premier wild-camping destination for travellers willing to handle the rough access road and total self-sufficiency required.
Bloam sits at the western edge of the Sekaroh peninsula, southeast Lombok. The bay's geography is its appeal:
There is no village at the bay itself. The nearest settlements are Sekaroh (5km north) and Ekas (15km west).
Bloam's wildness depends on its access difficulty:
By 4WD vehicle: From Ekas, follow the rough track east through Sekaroh village, then south onto the peninsula. The final 5km is unsurfaced volcanic gravel and limestone, with washouts in wet season. 4WD only.
By scooter: Experienced trail riders can manage the track on a Yamaha XSR or similar. Standard scooters struggle. Plan for 30-60 minutes from Ekas to the bay.
On foot: Many travellers park scooters at Sekaroh village and walk the final 1.5km — actually pleasant on a cool morning.
With a guide-driver: Hire from Ekas village for 500k IDR — eliminates navigation stress and supports local economy.
Nothing built. Realistic facilities:
Total isolation is the appeal — and the responsibility.
The best pitch zones are:
Most experienced campers pick the eastern terraces.
Plan 5 litres per person per day for drinking, cooking, basic washing:
For 2 nights of 2 people, plan 25-30 litres minimum — significant weight.
The bay's geological highlight. The western cliff base hides several sea caves:
Never enter caves at rising tide or in swell — you can be trapped or smashed against rock.
Realistic encounters at Tanjung Bloam:
There's no formal permit system for Tanjung Bloam — it's not in a national park. You may pay an informal 10-20k IDR to a Sekaroh villager who collects "parking" or "entry" fees on weekends. Pay calmly, accept the contribution to local economy.
Be cautious of self-appointed "guides" demanding 200k+ — politely decline or negotiate down.
Bloam's pristine state survives because campers carry out everything. Standards:
The local tourism office runs occasional cleanups; you can join via Sekaroh village or Ekas surf operators.
Camp Bloam in dry season (May-October) only:
Even in dry season, check forecast before committing — the bay has no bailout shelter and the access road becomes impassable in heavy rain.
A 3-4 day southeast Lombok camping itinerary:
This combines the southeast's best wild-camping and surf spots into one trip.
Bloam camping is mostly time-investment, not money:
Cheaper than even hostel accommodation in Kuta — the cost is the effort.
From Kuta Lombok, drive east 1.5-2 hours via Awang and Ekas, then onto unsurfaced roads heading to Sekaroh peninsula. The final 5km is rough track suitable for trail-experienced scooter riders or 4WD only. Standard cars cannot reach the bay. Many people approach via Sekaroh village and walk the final 1.5km. From Mataram, total 3-4 hours. Hire a local guide-driver from Ekas for 500k IDR if you've never been.
Tanjung Bloam vs Mawun: Bloam is wilder, more remote, requires self-sufficiency; Mawun is accessible with village support. Bloam vs Tanjung Ringgit: similar wildness; Ringgit is further east and harder to reach. Bloam vs Sekaroh peninsula: Sekaroh is the broader area encompassing Bloam — Bloam is the specific bay within. Choose Bloam for the sea-cave swimming, Sekaroh for the wider exploration.