Mawi Surf Spot
Mawi has the most consistent waves in Lombok throughout the dry season, working small and large swells.
Easterly is offshore however southeast trade winds are funnelled through the valley to create an offshore wind if the wind isn’t too strong or to south. For example, 20 knots of SE wind will be cross shore on the wave. Mawi provides mellower waves on high tide for less experienced surfers. Best on mid tide where fun barrels are at the most perfect. Low tide is surfable but can be sketchy with a shallow and sharp reef.It truly is a majestic surf break and beach visited by surfers and European backpacking beachgoers staying anywhere along the southern coastline of Lombok.
Wave type:
-
Mawi: A-Frame
Wave difficulty:
-
Mawi: Intermediate
Wave direction:
-
Mawi: Left,Right
Wave bottom:
-
Mawi: Reef
Booties:
Balian: Not necessary
Surfboard type:
Balian: Any shape or size
Crowd factor:
-
Mawi: Low Crowds
Hazards:
Balian: See below
Best swell direction:
Balian: S
Best wind direction:
Balian: NE
What tide is best:
Balian: Any
Best tide movement:
Balian: Any
Wave consistency:
Balian: Ultra consistent
Best time of year:
Balian: Year-round
Lineup vibe:
Balian: Mellow
Other names for spot:
Balian: Balian River Mouth
How do you get in and out of the surf?
Option 1: As you walk down the beach from the car park to the left is a small channel between the point and the peak. Carefully walk out on the reef and wait in between sets before paddling out through the subtle channel.
Option 2: Or walk down the beach to the right and over the small hill on the outcrop of rocks. Then paddle out from the next beach through deeper water so that the left is breaking to your left instead of your right as in option one.
When coming in on the higher tide you can come in over the reef with no problem, however, on the lower tide the inside will be exposed to sharp reef making for a difficult walk over the reef, therefore, taking option two to exit the surf is the better option for less experienced surfers.
Be sure to have your first aid kit packed in your car or scooter since it is a 45-minute drive back to Kuta Lombok.
What is the beach like?
Mawi is made up of a small but beautiful bay with white sand beach and rocky outcrops. Shacks along the edge of the beach and between the carpark and entry point provide shelter from the sun and nice viewing platforms of the surf. There is plenty of beach to relax on enjoy. Access off the main road isn’t the easiest so there is always room to get an area of the beach to yourself. Whenever the wave is working there are always a few people hanging out on the beach and soaking up the serenity. The surrounding land is hilly with small plantations on the flat ground through the drive in. These plantations are usually used for growing tobacco. It’s a truly picturesque beach worth the trip.
Where should I stay?
Mid Price Range – OYO 2823 Artati Bungalows and Restaurant
An absolutely stunning and peaceful location hillside with views to die for. Artati Bungalows is a place of Zen for the surfer looking for a break from the hectic Western world. Wifi, Breakfast, pool and cable tv are all included and situated less than 5 km from Mawi’s surf break.
Download for free
The Exclusive Guide To Accommodation
For Surfers Travelling To Indonesia
Faq
Is there food nearby?
There is usually a couple of locals selling snacks, cold drinks, bintangs and coffees in the shacks from their makeshift bamboo shop between the scooter/car park and beach.
What else is there to do in the area other than surfing?
What else
do I need
to Know?
Access Our Exclusive Members-Only Content
Unlock the Spot Finder, all Spot Guides, Member Perks and more.
Location
Where is Mawi?
Located in South Lombok in between Selong Belanak and Mawun beaches and approximately 45 minutes west of Kuta Lombok by car or scooter.
How to get around?
Definitely, go by scooter. It is much faster going up and down the steep and windy hills from Kuta Lombok. Not too mention a lot easier on the final few kilometres of rough dirt road to Mawi beach.
Is there parking fees?
When driving in off the main road you will pay an entry fee to a local at the gate before continuing down the dirt road to the beach. The fee is 10,000Rp per scooter.