Lombok Desert Point earned its name because of its endless waves that ripple like sand dunes in a desert. These waves can tower up to seven meters high—about as tall as a three-story building.

In the world of surfing, these are called left-hand waves. They roll from right to left and often form barrels—hollow, curling tunnels of water that are both thrilling and dangerous. Riding them takes advanced skill.

Only the legendary waves of the Mentawai Islands in Sumatra compare to Desert Point in terms of power. These kinds of waves don’t appear every day. According to Surf Forecast, the best time to catch them is between May and October. Outside these months, the waves are smaller—around 1.3 to 1.5 meters.

Many surfers from colder countries arrive between July and September, just before winter sets in back home. They often stay for weeks in Bangko-Bangko, patiently waiting for the perfect wave.

Each barrel often has a misty spray and thick white foam at the top. In the middle, it forms a long tunnel that surfers try to ride through. At Desert Point, these tunnels can stretch 200 to 300 meters—a dream challenge for serious surfers.

Interestingly, only those who surf with their right foot forward—a stance known as goofy foot—are usually able to ride these waves all the way. The name “goofy foot” comes from Disney’s character Goofy, who in the cartoon Hawaiian Holiday struggled in regular stance, but suddenly got it right when he switched to right-foot-forward.

These legendary waves have made Desert Point a magnet for surfers around the world. According to local tourism officials, between 3,000 and 4,000 international surfers visit every year to chase the barrels.

The International Surfing Association even ranks Desert Point as the sixth most powerful wave on the planet. The waves crash with such force that the sound can be heard up to 3 kilometers away.

Special Location of Lombok Desert Point

Lombok Desert Point located in Bangko-Bangko, Sekotong, West of Lombok. It perched on the majestic of the Lombok Strait, which has a stunning and challenging stretch of ocean, running 60 kilometers from north to south between Bali and Lombok.

At its narrowest point, it’s only 20 km wide, with depths never less than 250 meters. This strait is home to the Wallace Line, which separates Asian and Australasian wildlife.

This is also where the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet, creating the Indonesian Throughflow—a current that moves south under the strait. It forms perfect southern swells that crash dramatically along the coral edges of Bangko-Bangko’s fishing village. The rhythm of the waves rolls in like a flawless symphony.

Address: Batu Putih, Sekotong, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83365

More to Lombok Desert Point

But Desert Point is more than just epic surf. Its shoreline is covered in soft, sugar-like white sand. The surrounding lowland rainforest is rich with plant species like bajur (Pterospermum javanicum), kesambi (Schleicera oleosa), and waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus).

Just 3 kilometers from the point, along a trail or motorbike path, you’ll find remnants of Japanese colonial history—an old military lookout and cannon aimed at Bali.

If you’re lucky, you might also spot wildlife listed by the West Nusa Tenggara Natural Resources Conservation Agency, including wild junglefowl (Gallus varius), brahminy kites (Haliastur indus), helmeted friarbirds (Philemon buceroides), Timor deer (Cervus timorensis), wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa), and rare butterflies like Throides helena.

How to Get to Desert Point, Lombok

Reaching Desert Point takes some planning, but the adventure is worth it. First, fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP). From there, the easiest way to reach Desert Point is to drive or hire a car.

Desert Point is located in Bangko-Bangko, part of Sekotong District in West Lombok. The drive from the airport to Desert Point takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

You’ll pass through small villages and enjoy views of green hills, rice fields, and the sea along the way. The last part of the trip includes a rougher, narrow road, so it’s better to travel during daylight and preferably with a local driver or guide who knows the area.

If you’re already staying in Senggigi or Mataram, you can also reach Desert Point by car or motorbike—expect a 3.5-hour drive. For those coming from Bali, take a ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar Harbor in Lombok, then drive around 2.5 hours southwest to reach Desert Point.

While the journey is a bit remote, the reward is unforgettable—some of the world’s best left-hand waves, pristine beaches, and a peaceful natural escape.

Read also Where to Surf in Lombok Based on Your Skill Level