A beginner's guide - Lombok
Brief spot overview: Don Don is a surf spot suitable for advanced beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers. For beginners, this spot works best on a medium swell. On a small swell it does not work and on a large swell it’s too big for beginners. This is an offshore reef break, accessible by boat from Gerupuk village.
What you’ll learn in this guide: This guide covers general spot info, wave characteristics, and the best surf conditions at Don Don.
The area
Surf spot name: Don Don
Geographical location: Don Don is located in Gerupuk Bay, a well-known surf area on the south coast of Lombok. Gerupuk village is a laid-back fishing village located in south Lombok, about a 20 minute drive from Kuta Lombok where many tourists stay.
There are several surf spots in Gerupuk Bay. The most well-known one for beginners is probably Gerupuk Inside Right, however Don Don is a good alternative for more advanced beginners that want to escape the big crowds on Gerupuk Inside Right.
Don Don surf spot is offshore, so you’ll need to take a boat from Gerupuk village to get here. Surf schools in the area offer round-trip transport to the break for a small fee, making access straightforward.
What you need to know
Works for advanced beginners and all levels beyond. For mid-beginners I instead recommend Gerupuk Inside Right, and for complete beginners I recommend Selong Belanak Beach.
Moderate
Ranges from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) – a wetsuit is not needed, but I recommend that you wear a rashguard to protect yourself from getting rashes and irritated skin from the board if you surf on a foam board.
what the waves are like
Wave type: Reef break
Wave direction: Both left and right (A-frame). The right is more forgiving and better suited for beginners.
When to surf
Basic facilities available
Gerupuk village has basic amenities with a mix of budget-friendly accommodations, local warungs serving Indonesian food, and a few small shops for essentials. Surf schools and board rentals are available, and boat operators make it easy to access the surf breaks. While the vibe is simple and rustic, nearby Kuta offers more dining, shopping, and nightlife options just 20 minutes away.
If you want beautiful drone shots taken of you while surfing here, you can contact Dodo Surfing Lombok.
Other activities
1. Explore Kuta Lombok: Enjoy cafés, shopping, and a laid-back vibe in this charming town.
2. See the Pink Beach: Visit Tangsi Beach, known for its unique pink-hued sand.
3. Hike Mount Rinjani: Trek to the summit for incredible views and a rewarding adventure.
4. Visit Sasak villages: Discover local culture and traditional weaving in villages like Sade and Ende.
5. Discover Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls: Take a scenic trek to these beautiful waterfalls.
6. Visit Bukit Merese Hill: Catch a breathtaking sunset with panoramic coastal views.
Test your knowledge
Time's up
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