South Lombok is blessed with some of Indonesia's most pristine coastline — turquoise waters, powder-white sand, dramatic cliffs, and far fewer tourists than neighboring Bali. The best part? Staying at Mawun Valley Farm puts you within minutes of all of it.
We've spent years exploring every cove and headland along this coast. This guide shares our honest insights on the best beaches, when to visit them, and how to make the most of your beach-hopping days.
🏖️ 1. Mawun Beach — Your Backyard Paradise
📍 3 minutes from Mawun Valley Farm
This crescent-shaped bay is essentially your backyard when staying at the farm. The name "Mawun" means "to take a bath" in Sasak — and once you see the calm, crystal-clear waters, you'll understand why locals have been swimming here for generations.
Why We Love It
Mawun Beach is protected by two headlands, creating a sheltered bay with calm waters even when other beaches have rough surf. The western-facing orientation means stunning sunsets, and the lack of development keeps it peaceful.
What to Expect
- Water: Calm and clear, perfect for swimming
- Sand: Fine, golden-white
- Crowd level: Moderate; much quieter than Selong Belanak
- Facilities: Basic warungs, sunbed rentals, jet ski rentals
- Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR
Best Times to Visit
- Sunrise (6:00-7:00 AM): You'll often have the beach to yourself. Perfect for a morning swim before breakfast at Noni's
- Late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM): Golden light, cooler temperatures, sunset views
Pro Tip
Walk to the northern end of the beach for the most peaceful spot. The southern end near the parking area gets more visitors.
🏝️ 2. Tampah Beach — The Local Secret
📍 5 minutes from Mawun Valley Farm
Just around the headland from Mawun, Tampah Beach remains blissfully undeveloped. This is where local fishermen launch their traditional boats at dawn — an authentic window into coastal Sasak life that most tourists never see.
Why We Love It
No warungs, no sun loungers, no tourists. Just you, the ocean, and occasionally a fisherman mending nets. It's the Lombok we fell in love with years ago.
What to Expect
- Water: Can be rougher than Mawun; check conditions
- Sand: Coarser, more natural
- Crowd level: Almost always empty
- Facilities: None — bring everything you need
- Entrance fee: Free
Best For
- Photographers seeking authentic scenes
- Anyone wanting true solitude
- Watching traditional fishing culture
Getting There
The road is unpaved and bumpy. A motorbike handles it fine, but go slow. The beach is accessed through a small village — smile and wave to the locals.
🌊 3. Lancing Beach — Where Adventure Meets Coast
📍 6 minutes from Mawun Valley Farm
Lancing (or "Elak-Elak") Beach draws surfers, paragliders, and adventure-seekers. The beach sits below the hills where Skylancing paragliding operates, so you might see pilots floating down to land on the sand.
Why We Love It
The energy here is different — more active, more adventurous. The cliffs above offer incredible views, and watching sunset from the headland with surfers below is magic.
What to Expect
- Water: Consistent waves, better for experienced surfers
- Sand: Mix of sand and reef
- Crowd level: Moderate, mainly surfers
- Facilities: Small warungs, surf rentals
- Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR
Activities Here
- Surfing: Intermediate to advanced breaks
- Paragliding: Land on the beach after your flight
- Cliff walking: Trails along the headland with ocean views
Combine With
After watching sunset at Lancing, head back to the farm for Friday BBQ night.
💎 4. Areguling Beach — The Hidden Gem
📍 10 minutes from Mawun Valley Farm
Ask most tourists about Areguling and you'll get blank stares. The rough access road keeps the crowds away, leaving this wild beach for those willing to earn it.
Why We Love It
This is what Lombok looked like 20 years ago. Raw, dramatic, and completely unspoiled. The rock formations create natural pools and frames for photographers.
What to Expect
- Water: Powerful waves, not ideal for swimming
- Sand: Coarse, with interesting rock formations
- Crowd level: Very quiet, often empty
- Facilities: None
- Entrance fee: Free (donation appreciated)
Best For
- Photography (dramatic rocks, wild waves)
- Exploration and adventure
- Escaping crowds completely
Getting There
The road is challenging — take it slow on a motorbike. The reward is worth the bumpy ride. Visit in the morning for the best light on the rock formations.
✨ 5. Selong Belanak — South Lombok's Crown Jewel
📍 15 minutes from Mawun Valley Farm
The most famous beach in South Lombok for good reason. A long sweep of white sand, gentle waves, and that perfect Instagram backdrop everyone's looking for.
Why We Love It
Despite its popularity, Selong Belanak delivers. The waves are genuinely perfect for learning to surf, the beach is long enough to find space, and the scenery is stunning from any angle.
What to Expect
- Water: Gentle rolling waves, sandy bottom
- Sand: Fine, white, squeaky underfoot
- Crowd level: Busiest beach in the area
- Facilities: Many warungs, surf schools, sunbeds
- Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR
Activities Here
- Surf lessons: This is THE spot for beginners. Board rentals from 50,000 IDR/hour
- SUP (Stand Up Paddle): Available for rent
- Beach walking: The bay is over 1km long
Best Times
- Early morning (before 9 AM): Fewer crowds, better surf conditions
- Avoid: Midday on weekends when domestic tourists arrive
Pro Tip
The northern end of the beach (right side when facing the ocean) has calmer water, better for families with young children.
For more surf spots, check our complete Surf Guide to South Lombok.
🌅 6. Bukit Merese — The Ultimate Sunset Viewpoint
📍 20 minutes from Mawun Valley Farm
For the best sunset in South Lombok — maybe in all of Lombok — head to Bukit Merese. This grassy hilltop overlooks Tanjung Aan's twin beaches and offers 360-degree views of the coastline.
Why We Love It
Watching the sun drop into the ocean from this vantage point never gets old. The golden light on the hills, the beaches spread below, the possibility of seeing green flash — it's worth timing your day around.
What to Expect
- Crowd level: Popular at sunset, quieter otherwise
- Facilities: Snack vendors, basic toilets
- Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR
The Climb
It's a gentle 10-15 minute walk up the hill. Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops) for the grassy terrain. The path is obvious and easy to follow.
Best Experience
- Arrive 1 hour before sunset
- Bring snacks and drinks
- Stay until the colors fade (about 20 minutes after sunset)
Combine With
Hit Tanjung Aan beach below for a swim before heading up for sunset. The unique "pepper sand" at Tanjung Aan is worth experiencing.
Perfect for a romantic evening or couples exploring together.
🪄 7. Ashtari — Where Hills Meet Ocean
📍 15 minutes from Mawun Valley Farm
Perched high in the hills above Kuta, Ashtari offers what many consider the most breathtaking ocean views in all of South Lombok. This restaurant and yoga retreat sits at the perfect elevation to see the entire coastline spread out below.
Why We Love It
The combination of excellent food, yoga, and that view. Come hungry, stay for hours. Watch the colors shift as the day progresses.
What to Expect
- Views: Panoramic ocean vistas from 200m elevation
- Food: Healthy, delicious Indonesian and international cuisine
- Vibe: Relaxed, yoga retreat atmosphere
- Prices: Mid-range for the area
Best Times
- Breakfast (8-10 AM): Clear morning views before clouds build
- Sunset drinks: Different magic, but can be crowded
Pro Tip
Sit on the lower terrace for the best unobstructed views. The infinity pool is for retreat guests only.
Planning Your Beach Day
Sample Itinerary: The Perfect Beach Day
6:00 AM — Sunrise swim at Mawun Beach (3 min from farm) 7:30 AM — Fresh breakfast at Noni's Cafe10:00 AM — Surf lesson at Selong Belanak 1:00 PM — Lunch with views at Ashtari 3:00 PM — Explore Areguling or relax at Tampah 5:30 PM — Sunset at Bukit Merese 7:00 PM — Dinner back at the farm
Getting Around
By motorbike: The best way to beach hop. 50,000-75,000 IDR/day rental. We can help arrange this.
By car with driver: More comfortable, around 400,000-500,000 IDR for a full day. Good for families or groups.
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen (protect the coral!)
- Reusable water bottle
- Towel and dry clothes
- Cash (many beaches have basic facilities only)
- Waterproof phone case
Beach Safety
- Rip currents: Can occur at any beach. If caught, swim parallel to shore.
- Sun protection: The equatorial sun is intense. Cover up midday.
- Valuables: Don't leave them unattended on the beach.
Why Stay at Mawun Valley Farm?
Mawun Valley Farm is perfectly positioned for beach exploration:
- 3 minutes to Mawun Beach
- 15 minutes to Selong Belanak
- 20 minutes to Bukit Merese
- Central location for all South Lombok beaches
After sandy beach days, return to:
- Fresh farm-to-table meals at Noni's
- Hot showers and comfortable beds
- The farm animals who are always happy to see you
- Fellow travelers to share sunset stories with
We can help plan your beach days, recommend the best times to visit each spot, and share local secrets most visitors never discover.
Ready to Explore?
South Lombok's beaches are waiting. Book your stay at Mawun Valley Farm and make this coastline your playground.
Message Us on WhatsApp to start planning your beach adventure.
Want more? Read our guides to sunset spots for couples or solo travel in Lombok.
Experience Mawun Valley
Book your stay and discover the magic for yourself.