14 Hidden beaches in Lombok the locals will never tell you

Written by Stephanie Peeters Co-written by Apple Chua Lombok is home to amazing raw and unspoiled nature, active volcanoes, tobacco plantations, endless powdery white beaches and a rich Sasak culture belonging to people who live in the mountainous regions. Many travellers have visited the neighboring island of Bali, but few have wandered off the beaten track to discover Lombok’s beaches that even Robinson Crusoe himself wouldn't mind getting stuck on. For those who are happy to make that extra effort, to drive that tiny bit further and scale hills and mountains to find desolate beaches, where it is only you and nature, this guide is for you! Also read: 20 extraordinary things to do in Lombok you never knew existed 10 unique Lombok hotels that will convince you to travel there 14 fun things to do in Gili islands you never knew existed Venture out and don't wait too long - they might not be the 'best-kept secrets' of Lombok for much longer. 1. Natural beauty closed-in between dramatic limestone cliffs: Pantai Tunak Surrounded by endless green hills and dramatic limestone cliffs lies a gorgeous bay with golden sand and crystal waters. Photo via Faztravelog This little-known beach is tucked away in the national park of Mount Tunak. Photo via Masarupy You will fall in love as you trek the hills of Mount Tunak and gaze down the steep limestone cliffs to watch the waves of the Indian Ocean crash onto the rocks and roll down to the beach of Tunak. Photo via Diditpharm Legends say that many years ago, Mount Tunak was ruled by many great kingdoms. Tunak Beach is characterized by a towering rock that stands tall just off the shore in the ocean. Photo via Vitapatiung Bring snacks and drinks, because once there, there is absolutely nothing but raw tropical nature and jaw-dropping ocean views. Photo via Rezkyameliawulandari_Yan21yan_ 2. Planet Superman: Pantai Telawas Surrounded by stunning limestone mountains sits the narrow rocky beach of Telawas, where impressive waves hit and shape the rocks into intriguing forms over time. Photo via Lalusopianirsadi The landscape evokes the feeling of wandering around Krypton, Superman’s home planet. Photo via Shandypartinn At high tide, most of the rocks are taken by the ocean, but when the tide is lower, you can actually leap from rock to rock and reach the other islands nearby! Photo via Adhy_Nata One warning though, the road to Pantai Telawas is rocky and not for the faint-hearted. The nearest place that sells food is 5 km away, so it would be wise to bring along some snacks and drinks! Photo via Ena_Andrianii 3. Cliff-jumping spot in Tunak national park: Pantai Bilasayaq Standing on the large and wide sandy shore of Pantai Bilasayaq, caved in between huge rocky mountains, you will feel minuscule and completely overwhelmed by the beauty of planet earth. Photo via Mrizkyrkt As the waves roll towards you from the endless Indian Ocean, pushing themselves through a mountain and a rock that towers out strong above the sea, you’ll realise that paradise may actually be a place on earth - probably right here! Photo via Fajarilyas When the tide is low, little paddling pools are created in between the rocks, perfect for a warm bath with terrific ocean view. Photo via Reikhacas Trekking up Mount Tunak can bring you to the awesome Nirwana Jump Cliff point, where you can dive 9 meters down to splash into the deep blue sea. Photo via Mrizkyrkt Afterwards, it’s time to soak up the sun on the white sandy shores. Remember to bring your own food and drinks, as there are no food stalls and most likely not even another soul around. Photo via Tourlombokisland 4. Egypt Pyramids in the sea - Semeti Beach You will feel like you are on another planet - Planet Krypton. Photo via ClimaMgta Photo via wan_thelone, idanurlaili91 The many stones here resemble the crystal box in Planet Krypton where Superman is born, hence it is also called Krypton Beach. Semeti Beach has rocks that are shaped like pyramids and stand firmly in the middle of the ocean. Photo via Abu Ihsan al Atsary The path is extremely rocky and rough, so be sure to wear covered shoes that are slip-proof, as you might need to climb rocks as high as 20m to get to the other side of the rocks. Behind the rock is where you can get the phenomenal view of Semeti Beach. 5. Tears of Angel - Tanjung Poki Don’t be swept away by the scenic tremendous waves – literally. Photo via rosishelmi While being enraptured by this natural beauty, do remain careful and vigilant and not be hit by the waves. Waves at this spot are very huge and ferocious which create a blowhole effect. The waves can reach the height of tsunamis above 10 metres! Photo by Loetfi The big waves make it unsuitable to swim, but you can still fish here. This is a popular location for the local fishing fanatics, and they actually have a weekly competition. Photo via DiskiEdinya There are other cliff rocks around the beach which provide photo-worthy opportunities. Check out this video by Loetfi too! Definitely not for the faint-hearted! Video by Loetfi 6. Waterfall of the Sea - Nambung Beach Salty Niagara waterfall – this unique waterfall phenomenon is created by large waves crashing against the cliff rocks and falling like a waterfall. Photo via: top-instagram-nita.fransiska2 The best picture is when you are actually under the cliff, so be prepared to walk through the large waves with waterproof bags. You have to bring your own surfing equipment to ride the waves, and the crystal clear water also makes it lovely to swim. Photo via: twitter-LL_Herry But take note - there are neither rental nor bathrooms facilities available at Nambung beach. Check out the video below! 7. Grand Canyon of the East - Pantai Tebing There are parts of the Earth which do not seem to really belong; Pantai Tebing is one of them. Photo via: Gustusevan It is an extraordinary borough unmatched to its surrounding. A fascinating beauty. This reminds us of the Grand Canyon and is definitely on the visit list! This unique rock formation was due to the eruption of Samalas/Gunung Rinjani Tua in 1257. Hot clouds of sediment containing fragments of coral resulting from the tsunami were deposited here. Photo via: Ndragrizzlly For the brave souls who want to attempt to rock climb the cliff, the limestone and rocks can be loose, so please do take extra precaution! 8. Batu Payung in Tanjung Aan Note: As of 2019, it has been reported that the rock has been destroyed. This solitary rock stands out like a sore thumb. Photo via Agusm123 It appears like an unearthly thingummy right in the middle of the beach. Batu Payung or the umbrella stone, it is impossible to ignore its existence but that is what makes it beguiling. The façade of this stone changes at different angles at varied times of the day, and it may appear like a human face. Photo via windarynda This stone is located approximately 1 kilometre east of Tanjung Aan Beach. The walk to the Umbrella stone along Tanjung Aan delivers incredible views of the hills, and are inhabited by birds and bats. 9. The forgotten Heaven - Tanjung Bloam Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Angels must have missed this spot. Photo via: Herman Morrison This natural beauty of flanking cliffs and rock stones that stretches beyond the coastline makes it exotic. It has stunning view of contrasting black rock with the golden cliff against the clear blue waters. Photo via: Lempok Adam Tanjung Bloam is not easy to reach and offers challenging waves for surfing and swimming. In order not to be a fool, waterproof your personal belongings and wear sturdy shoes, as the rocky path leading to the cliff is slippery and wet. Photo via: Fahmieyel Tahaway Here’s also a Turtle Conservation area, so you might spot turtles on the beach or get to swim with them! 10. Snow White and the Azure Blue Sea: Tanjung Bongo Tanjung Bongo beach is hidden away behind the green 'Teletubbies' hills of Bukit Merese in the south of Lombok, just east of Kuta. Most travellers come to see the beautiful scenery at Mount Merese and some discover the pristine beaches behind it, where you can swim and snorkel. Photo via Karinatasti Only a few make it to Tanjung Bongo, found at the very end. This makes it reason enough for you to pack up and prepare for a soft trek to venture out to this unknown desolate beach where majestic black volcanic rocks rest in the sugar white sands, bordered by endless green hills on one side and the azure blue sea on the other, melting the heart of any nature lover. Photo via Gritmartiviaanggra06 On the way, jaw-dropping scenery will hit you. Climb up the hill to watch the blue sky transform into a painting of bright orange, deep red and soft purple as the sun sets over the island. Photo via Fathuribrahim A little charming café is found at the foot of Mount Merese, perfect for refreshing yourself with some drinks and a quick nasi goreng while you are on your way. Photo via Therealg.Akbarzihadakbar7 And before you head to Tanjung Bongo, remember to bring along some drinking water, because you won’t be able to find any while you’re there! 11. Glimpses of local rural life by the ocean: Selong Belanak Beach Selong Belanak Beach is a long curvy stretch of sunset beach surrounded by green hills and bordered by the enchanting sea that reflects a thousand shades of blue. Photo via Shealwayslost This is where travellers and locals meet. There are sunbeds shaded by parasols lining the beach, with small-scale surf schools (the calm sea here is ideal for beginner surfers) and local warungs where you can get your fresh young coconuts and nasi goreng. Photo via Karinalist Photo via Hanadiahmirabenedict At the same time, the rural life of the Lombok people continues steadily with fishermen going out to sea and farmers taking their buffaloes out to sea. Photo via Itsmercjymaiky1202 The ocean blends in with the clear blue sky and green mountains rise up high to touch the clouds. Photo via Michal-Prouza Photo via Adhisti3 12. Where the waves rule the rocks: Pantai Munah Photo via Caderabdul Between two giant rocks a 'picture perfect' beach lies in the middle, where deep blue rolling waves drift towards the rocky shore, creating little waterfalls and paddling pools. Photo via Gilangpratamabahtiar This is the magic of Pantai Munah. Photo via Ardepetualang Some rocks are uniquely shaped like chairs, creating the perfect spot to take in the enchanting scenery while the mighty ocean roars and showers you with salty seawater from time to time. Photo via Muna-Sakura Some rocks at Pantai Munah have been battered down by the powerful waves over time and the sun gave them a magical honey-colored golden glow which contrasts beautifully with the blue of the ocean, the white crashing waves, green hills and dark rocks. Photo via Ajmah_Brown-1 To get to Pantai Munah, soft trekking over one of Lombok's hills is required. The beauty and happy solitude that this beach exudes while journeying through the landscape may make you feel as though you are walking the grounds of a different planet, where no soul has gone before. Photo via Icallalujuherwin 13. Fantasy comes true - Pink Beach Yes you read it right – pink beach. Outlandish, picturesque pink beach that look like they are straight out of a fantasy movie. Pink Sand is a result of the tiny red organism that grows on the dead coral reefs. Photo via: Sisca subakti The best time to go is before 8 am and after 4 pm when the sand catches the morning sunrays, presenting a nature fascia of grandeur. The condition of the road can make the trip challenging. If you don't want to ride on the bumpy road, you can rent a boat at Telong-Elong (village nearby). Photo via: 2ticketstowonderland, uniqpost, harindabama The area is still natural and undeveloped, so there’s neither toilet nor shades. Bring your own meals, drinks and cutleries. 14. The most poetic sunset in Lombok - Sunset at Senggigi So irresistible is the beauty of Senggigi Beach, that even Indonesian novelist Mira W. wrote a novel titled Segurat Bianglala di Pantai Senggigi (Rainbow of Senggigi Beach). The pristine beach of Sengigi makes it the perfect backdrop for sunset. Photo via: itaichsaniamran The beach provides scenic views of Bali's Mount Agung and stunning sunsets with the volcano silhouette on the horizon. Photo via iwan_sumantra Here’s also one of Lombok’s prime tourist resorts, you can find a legion of bars and dram yourself to the sunset. Do you know of more remote hidden beaches in Lombok? Do comment and let us know!

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