Selong Belanak Beach lies along the southern coastline of Lombok Island in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara Province and also falls under the jurisdiction of Central Lombok Regency. The bay extends for roughly one and a half kilometers and forms a broad crescent of pale sand that shifts in tone from white to light gold. It opens directly toward the Indian Ocean. In its eastern part, the sea is generally shallow and calm, while the western end is more exposed and receives regular wave activity.
Behind the shoreline, low grassy hills are visible, commonly used for cattle grazing, with only a limited number of small resorts and local facilities present. As a result, the area remains less intensively developed when compared with more commercial coastal areas of Lombok such as Kuta Lombok or Senggigi. The beach is situated at an approximate distance of 50 kilometers from Mataram, the provincial capital, and around 25 kilometers from the town of Praya.
Management of the site falls under the Central Lombok Regency Tourism Office, in cooperation with the tourism authority of West Nusa Tenggara Province. Their role mainly concerns supervision of visitor behavior, handling of waste matters, and elementary measures for marine protection. In actual practice, however, the situation at the location does not remain fully consistent and may change from time to time. Selong Belanak is commonly visited by surfers, families, and independent travelers who prefer a setting that combines natural scenery with accessible activities. Its location, about 30 kilometers from Lombok International Airport, also makes it a practical starting point for travel through southern Lombok’s rural areas and nearby cultural locations.
Fun Fact About Selong Belanak Beach
A distinctive characteristic of Selong Belanak Beach is its long standing use as a proper grazing area for water buffaloes. In the late afternoon, Sasak villagers traditionally guide their animals onto the shoreline where the herds move slowly across the sand as daylight fades. This customary practice produces an unusual coastal scene in which everyday rural activity is set against the backdrop of the sea and sunset. Such moments are often noted in travel photography and contribute to the beach’s identity, setting it apart from destinations that are shaped mainly by tourism-oriented development.
Things to Do at Selong Belanak Beach
Selong Belanak Beach allows for a range of simple recreational activities that correspond with its bay formation and changing wave patterns. The western portion of the shoreline is commonly used for surfing, where the breaks are generally steady and suitable for beginners. Basic instruction and the board hire are usually provided by small local surf schools operating along the beach, although services may not be available at all hours.
The eastern portion of the bay generally remains shallow and relatively still, which allows for swimming or gentle wading, particularly suited to family groups and individuals with modest swimming capability. Movement along the curved shoreline is also frequently observed, most notably at low tide, when a broader and more compact stretch of sand is exposed.
Snorkeling is occasionally carried out near the rocky margins of the bay, where the small areas of coral formation and minor reef fish may be noticed, provided that sea and visibility conditions are favorable. Equipment is occasionally offered by vendors on the beach, though quality can differ. Many visitors choose to rest beneath palm trees or use rented sunbeds, an option that remains relatively undisturbed on weekdays.
Several modest food stalls are located along the shoreline, preparing grilled seafood, nasi goreng, satay, and fresh coconut water. Meal prices are generally modest, often falling between IDR 50,000 and 150,000, depending on supply and season. Toward evening, the beach is frequently used for sunset viewing, either directly from the sand or from nearby hills that provide elevated outlooks over the Indian Ocean.
Local fishermen sometimes arrange short boat outings to nearby inlets or demonstrate traditional fishing practices, subject to weather and informal agreement. In addition, Selong Belanak is often included as part of short excursions to nearby locations such as Merese Hill, Kuta Lombok or the Sasak Sade Village, which can be reached by private vehicle or organized tour within a limited driving distance.
How to Get to Selong Belanak Beach
Access to Selong Belanak Beach is typically via the southern Lombok road network, though the duration of travel can change depending on traffic or weather conditions.
For travelers from Lombok International Airport, the usual route is by taxi or private vehicle along the southern bypass. The trip often takes about thirty to forty-five minutes, with fares generally cited between IDR 300,000 and 500,000 although the exact cost can vary.
Visitors starting from Mataram should generally allow about one to one and a half hours by car, following the southern coastal road, where surface quality may change in several sections.
When coming from Kuta Lombok, access is comparatively faster, often taking around twenty to thirty minutes by scooter or by hired vehicle, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Independent visitors frequently rent motorbikes, with daily rates usually around IDR 70,000 to 100,000. Informal parking is available near the beach access area, generally costing about IDR 5,000 to 10,000.
Public transport is also possible, though less direct. Buses operate between Mataram and Praya in roughly one hour, after which travel continues by tuk-tuk or ojek to the beach, adding around thirty minutes. Combined transport costs on this route are often in the range of IDR 100,000 to 200,000, but prices are not always consistent.
