Tanjung Bloam is a remote protected bay on Lombok's south-east coast with shore-entry snorkeling in 2-7m water, 10-14m dry-season visibility, and a black-sand beach that hosts seasonal sea turtle nesting. The bay's natural protection from south swell makes it snorkelable on days when nearby exposed beaches are blown out. Reached only by 2.5-hour drive from Mataram via Jerowaru and a final 8km gravel road.
# Snorkeling Tanjung Bloam: The Hidden South-East Bay
Tanjung Bloam is one of Lombok's last truly remote beaches with quality snorkeling. Located on the south-east tip of the island past the larger Tanjung Ringgit, the bay sits inside a natural rock formation that shelters it from south Indian Ocean swell — making it snorkelable on days when nearby exposed beaches are pure whitewater. Combined with a healthy fringing reef, sea turtle nesting beach, and exactly zero infrastructure beyond one eco-lodge, this is south-east Lombok's quiet gem.
The bay's protected nature has allowed reef recovery that exposed south-coast beaches haven't seen:
The combination of coral health and fish density rivals Sekotong's better Gilis. For shore-entry snorkeling on the Lombok mainland, Tanjung Bloam is the best of a very small pool.
Visibility runs 10-14 meters in dry season, dropping to 6-9 meters during wet months. Water temperature 26-28 degrees year-round (slightly cooler due to south-coast upwelling — bring a rashguard or thin wetsuit top).
The bay's natural protection means it stays snorkelable in conditions that close down nearby beaches:
The reef sits in 2-7 meters of water inside the bay, dropping to 12-20 meters at the bay mouth (advanced snorkelers and divers only).
The drive is part of the Tanjung Bloam experience — and it filters out most tourists.
From Mataram (2.5 hours):
1. 0-60 min: Mataram to Praya
2. 60-100 min: Praya to Jerowaru (rural villages)
3. 100-130 min: Jerowaru to Ekas (smaller road, fewer signs)
4. 130-150 min: Ekas to Tanjung Bloam (8km gravel road)
From Kuta Lombok (90 minutes):
1. 0-30 min: Kuta to Awang
2. 30-60 min: Awang to Ekas
3. 60-90 min: Ekas to Tanjung Bloam
The last 4km is genuinely rough — gravel, rocks, occasional washouts after rain. Scooters are fine in dry weather; cars need ground clearance. Drive slowly to avoid punctures.
GPS signal is patchy — download offline maps before departing Jerowaru.
Most travelers visit Tanjung Bloam as a long day trip or overnight:
Day trip (10 hours):
Overnight (24 hours):
The overnight version is the better experience. Staying at Tanjung Bloam Eco Lodge gives you sunrise reef access alone — a rare experience on Lombok's mainland.
The only accommodation in the bay area:
Book 1-2 weeks ahead in dry season; often available walk-in shoulder months.
Tanjung Bloam's beach is a recognized sea turtle nesting site. Nesting season is October through March:
If you visit during nesting season, the turtle viewing alone justifies the trip.
Best months:
Avoid:
Within the day, mid-morning (8-11am) gives the best combination of visibility and calm water.
Three main snorkel routes from the beach:
Route 1: Inside reef (beginner)
Stay within 50m of shore in 2-4m water. Good fish density, easy entry. Family-friendly.
Route 2: South wall (intermediate)
Swim 100m south to the south wall in 4-7m water. Best coral coverage. Mild current.
Route 3: Bay mouth (advanced)
Swim 200m to the bay mouth in 8-15m water. Reef sharks and pelagic possible. Strong swimmers only — current at the mouth is moderate-to-strong.
For first visit, do Route 1 first to acclimatize, then Route 2.
The bay is generally protected but has specific zones:
Tide tables are at the eco-lodge front desk. Bay mouth current peaks at slack-plus-2-hours.
Tanjung Bloam fits naturally into south-east Lombok loops:
Two-day south-east:
East Lombok 3-day:
Day-trip combo:
This is remote travel — pack accordingly:
Remote-area travel risks:
Mitigations:
Tanjung Bloam is part of a community-managed protected area:
Tanjung Bloam is the south-east Lombok mainland's best snorkeling, period. The combination of healthy reef, sheltered bay, turtle nesting beach, and zero crowds makes it worth the long drive. Stay overnight if possible — sunrise reef access alone in a healthy bay is a rare Lombok experience.
From Mataram, drive 2.5 hours south-east via Praya and Jerowaru to the small village of Ekas, then continue 8km on a partly-gravel road south-east to Tanjung Bloam. Last 4km requires careful driving — high-clearance car or scooter recommended. From Kuta Lombok, the drive is 90 minutes via Awang. Total drive feels remote and you'll likely encounter no traffic for stretches. Hotel/villa pickup recommended for first-time visitors.
Tanjung Bloam vs Pantai Aan East: Bloam is more sheltered with better coral; Aan East is more accessible (5 min from Kuta). Bloam vs Pantai Surga: Both are remote south-east; Surga has the famous arch and stronger surf; Bloam is calmer with better snorkeling. Bloam vs Gili Kondo: Both remote, Bloam is shore-entry, Kondo is boat-only with more dramatic reef. For shore-entry remote snorkel, Bloam wins.