
South Lombok 3-Day Itinerary: Beaches, Surf & Sasak Culture
Three days in south Lombok covers beach hopping along the coast (Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, Mawun), a surf session or boat trip at Gerupuk Bay, and traditional Sasak village visits. Base in Kuta Lombok. Budget $25-35/day, mid-range $50-80/day.
Day 1: Kuta Beaches & Sunset
Your south Lombok adventure begins in Kuta, the laid-back hub surrounded by spectacular coastline. Rent a scooter and head to Tanjung Aan, a double bay with calm turquoise water and unique pepper-grain sand. The western bay is perfect for swimming while the eastern side offers interesting texture underfoot.
After lunch at a beachside warung, ride to Bukit Merese viewpoint for panoramic south coast views. The 15-minute walk to the top rewards with one of Lombok's best sunset perspectives. Return to Kuta for dinner and try ayam taliwang, Lombok's signature spicy grilled chicken.
Day 2: Beach Hopping West
Start early at Selong Belanak, a crescent bay that regularly appears on world's-best-beach lists. Gentle whitewash makes it Lombok's best beginner surf spot with lessons available for 150,000-200,000 IDR. Continue to Mawun Beach, a sheltered horseshoe bay with deep turquoise water perfect for swimming.
After lunch, visit the traditional Sasak village of Sade. The living village maintains traditional rice-barn architecture and hand-loom weaving. Village guides explain architecture, marriage customs, and textile traditions. If energy permits, add Semeti Beach for dramatic rock formations.
Day 3: Gerupuk & Eastern Exploration
Gerupuk is a fishing village around a bay containing excellent surf breaks. Even non-surfers enjoy boat rides into the bay past the breaks. In the afternoon, visit Ende or Rembitan traditional villages for authentic Sasak cultural experiences.
End your south Lombok stay with a final beach session and farewell sunset dinner. Three days gives a genuine feel for this coastline, though many travelers extend once they experience the natural beauty and laid-back rhythm.
Budget Summary
Budget travelers spend $25-35 per day covering accommodation, food, scooter, and activities. Mid-range travelers spend $50-80 for comfortable hotels, mixed dining, and guided activities. Kuta Lombok is 25 minutes from the airport, making south Lombok the most accessible region.
Day-by-Day Plan
Kuta Beaches & Sunset
Arrive in Kuta, rent scooter, ride to Tanjung Aan Beach for swimming
Lunch at beachside warung, explore Bukit Merese viewpoint
Sunset from Bukit Merese, dinner in Kuta with ayam taliwang
Lunch 50-80K IDR, dinner 60-120K IDR
Kuta Lombok -- hostels 100-200K, mid-range 400-800K IDR
Scooter rental 80-100K IDR/day
Beach Hopping West
Early ride to Selong Belanak for beginner surf lesson or swimming
Continue to Mawun Beach, lunch at beachside warung
Visit Sade traditional Sasak village, optional Semeti Beach
Lunch 50-80K IDR, dinner 60-100K IDR
Kuta Lombok
Scooter. Selong Belanak 20 min west of Kuta
Gerupuk & Eastern Beaches
Boat trip to Gerupuk Bay surf breaks or fishing village visit
Lunch at local warung, visit Ende traditional village
Final swim at Tanjung Aan, farewell sunset dinner in Kuta
Lunch 40-70K IDR, dinner 80-150K IDR
Kuta or depart
Scooter. Gerupuk is 10 min east of Kuta
Total Budget Estimate
$75-105 total
$150-240 total
$450-750 total