Lombok boasts a vast collection of beautiful beaches spread across almost every corner of the island. One such spot is Desert Point Beach on the western edge of Lombok, popular among surfing enthusiasts. On the way there, you’ll pass through Pelangan Village, which also hides a charming beach, along with locations for paragliding and diving.
Mekaki Beach or Bay, Pelangan Village
With its long, curved shoreline, the beach offers stunning views of blue ocean waves rolling toward white sands. Its untouched and secluded nature makes Mekaki Beach feel like a private paradise, where you don’t have to share the scenery with others. Even under the sun’s heat, surrounding trees create a cool and refreshing atmosphere.
Exploring the Mekaki area isn’t limited to the beach. Behind it, hills await, offering vantage points to see the ocean from afar. These hills are also used as launch sites for paragliding. The location is easy to find since it’s right along Mekaki Highway.
In addition to paragliding, you can dive, surf, and fish in this area. To fish or dive, visitors must use a special path accessible only by motorbike. If coming by car, you’ll need to park at the end of the road and be guided by locals to reach the spot. After a 15-minute ride along a grassy trail, you’ll spot fishing boats that take visitors to the best spots for fishing or diving.
Fishing here isn’t just about casting a line; it’s about spearfishing underwater. This challenging activity requires professional skill and guidance. Spearfishing rules are strict, from which fish can be hunted to the prohibition against stepping on coral reefs. Protected species include Parrotfish, Angelfish, and certain types of rays.
Early mornings are ideal for surfing or diving, although late afternoons are also popular for those who wish to fish into the night. For night activities, weather considerations are essential.
One local who guides in spearfishing is Jumawar, who owns a boat and offers rentals at 150,000 IDR per person, with a boat capacity of four to six people. Private rentals are available at 500,000 IDR per day, roughly 12 hours. Jumawar is skilled in both diving and spearfishing and can help visitors locate the best dive sites. Tanjung Marmadi and Osok Batu Daeng are two popular dive locations where you might see white-tip sharks, stingrays, octopuses, and many turtles.
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Desert Point Beach, Batu Putih Village
Another beautiful beach to visit in West Lombok is Bangko-Bangko, commonly known as Desert Point. Located on the southwestern tip of Lombok Island, specifically in Bangko-Bangko Hamlet, Batu Putih Village, Sekotong Barat District, this beach is renowned among surfers for having some of the best waves in the world. Surfers from around the globe come here to catch these waves, undeterred by the rough roads leading to Desert Point, either for the sport or the breathtaking sunset views. On clear days, you can even see Bali and Nusa Penida islands in the distance.
Surfing season at Desert Point is most eagerly awaited in July and August when the waves are powerful enough to form massive tubes, creating a tunnel-like experience. These world-class waves can form tubes up to 300 meters long, and Desert Point is also known for its left-hand waves.
In both of these tourist villages, in addition to the thrilling beach experiences, you can shop for local delicacies like fish floss and seaweed crackers, or stay in a homestay to get a feel for the local culture. Enjoy your trip!
