Sekotong is not your average tropical escape. Located in West Lombok, this area is still largely untouched, offering wild coastal treks, jungle-covered hills, and secret beaches known only to a handful of locals. Forget crowds, cafes, and paved roads—this is raw Lombok, and it rewards those willing to push past the comfort zone.

If you’re the kind of traveler who thrives on dirt trails, river crossings, and the thrill of not knowing exactly what’s around the bend—welcome to your playground. Here are five hidden spots in Sekotong that prove paradise isn’t always easy to reach—but always worth it.

1. Orong Bukal – The Viewpoint That Started It All

Dubbed the “Raja Ampat of Lombok,” Orong Bukal is a rugged hilltop viewpoint in Desa Buwun Mas that delivers jaw-dropping panoramas of turquoise waters dotted with remote islands. Getting there requires a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Mataram, followed by a 30 to 60-minute uphill hike—or you can hop on an ojek for about 50,000 IDR. The trail is rocky and exposed, with no shade or facilities in sight, so come prepared. There’s now a popular photo spot at the main viewpoint, but hardcore explorers can continue further to reach a lower cliff where the sea turns an electric blue. Just don’t forget your boots and your nerve.

Read Also: Orong Bukal: Hidden Gem Among the Hills of Lombok Beaches

2. Pantai Piling – The Secluded Shoreline of Legends

Pantai Piling sits hidden below Orong Bukal, nestled deep in Dusun Pondok Banjar. This beach doesn’t give up its secrets easily. The trail is intense—expect one to two hours of hard hiking through jungle paths, riverbeds, and loose rocks. There’s zero signage, so hiring a local guide (usually around 100,000 IDR) is strongly recommended. The beach itself is wild and rocky, framed by massive boulders that feel like natural temples. It’s not your picture-perfect white-sand paradise, but it’s absolutely stunning in its rawness. Pro tip: bring lots of water, start early in the day, and take photos of the trail to help you navigate the way back.

3. Pulau Delapan – 15 Minutes from Isolation

Not far from Pantai Piling lies Pulau Delapan, a secluded viewpoint that requires just a 15-minute uphill trek but offers expansive views of the surrounding gili islands and the open sea. It’s a moderate out-and-back trail, but combined with a trip to Piling, it turns into a full-on adventure. There are no signs or official paths here either, so make sure you’re with someone who knows the area. For those who make the climb, Pulau Delapan rewards with one of the best lookout spots in Sekotong—and almost total silence.

4. Pengantap Beach

Pengantap Beach is one of Sekotong’s underrated gems — calm, quiet, and almost untouched. Located around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kuta, this beach offers a peaceful atmosphere with barely any tourists around. You’ll mostly meet friendly locals, and if you come in the afternoon, you might spot a farmer herding buffaloes along the shoreline — a rare and authentic sight.

The water here is calm with almost no waves, perfect for relaxing and taking in the natural beauty. Unfortunately, some parts of the beach suffer from litter and washed-up branches, which slightly ruins the view. Like many remote beaches in Lombok, public facilities are minimal — the road access is rough, and the toilet facilities are poorly maintained.

Despite those downsides, Pengantap is a hidden paradise worth visiting if you’re up for a little adventure and want to escape the crowds. Just make sure to bring your own supplies, respect nature, and leave no trash behind.

The Unseen Sekotong — Still So Much to Explore

The truth is, what you’ve just read is only the beginning. Sekotong has many more remote spots—from beaches without names to cliffs and forest paths that don’t even exist on Google Maps. Some trails are so steep and extreme they pass through dry forests or areas untouched even by the locals.

One notable spot undergoing development is Pantai Mekaki. It’s more well-known but still retains that wild Sekotong vibe for now.

If you’re serious about going deeper into Sekotong’s heart, hire a local guide. They know the terrain, the tide, the weather, and where it’s safe to go. You’ll need stamina, sun protection, and plenty of water—because Sekotong can get brutally hot.

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Final Word: Sekotong’s Not for Everyone—And That’s the Point

Sekotong is where you go when you’re done playing tourist. It’s challenging, unpolished, and full of unpredictable beauty. The trails will test you. The views will heal you. And if you’re not careful, you’ll fall in love with how real it all feels.

This isn’t Bali. This isn’t Gili Trawangan. This is Sekotong—Lombok’s last wild frontier.

So if you want to discover the parts of Lombok that don’t show up on the travel brochures, bring your grit and your curiosity. With a local guide by your side, you’ll uncover places most people don’t even know exist.

Sekotong doesn’t ask you to come pretty. It just asks you to come prepared.