Mawi Beach Surfing: Tips, Best Conditions & What to Expect

Mawi Beach is a special beach and one of my favouriteLombok surf beaches! I have brought all kinds of friends and family from around the world to Mawi.  After the long, bumpy car ride from Kuta Lombok, they look at me like I’m crazy until they walk onto the beach.  Mawi is so beautiful, the journey is worth it.  Then they see the surf and thank me.  If you’re keen to visit Mawi Beach and want to know what it is really like, read on.  I’ll be covering the surf, how to get there, and what to do once you’re there.  Please check out our Lombok surf and travel guide for more info on visiting Kuta Lombok.

Mawi Beach Quick Tips

• Pack for the day, you’ll want to stay until sunset.
• Be prepared for the surf to change massively according to the tide with high tide generally being much friendlier than low tide where you will have steep waves and sharp reef to contend with. 
• Be careful on the dirt road in especially if you’re on a motorbike or it has been raining. 

Mawi Lombok Surf

The surf in Mawi Beach is special because of the cove shape. The crescent-shaped beach has a rocky hillside on the right that points out to sea before curving again to form another crescent beach on the other side. This forms A-frame peaks that split into long, steady waves to the left and right.

Between the reef break and A-frame waves, Mawi Lombok surf is mainly a spot for intermediate and advanced surfers. But on small days with calm conditions and high tide, the consistent waves can be a good training ground for beginners looking to level up their skills. 

When is the Best Time to Surf Mawi Beach?

• Dry Season: April to October 

With every surf trip, it’s always best to do a surf check of the location to make sure the wind and tide conditions are good and safe. But generally, the best time of year to surf Mawi Beach Lombok is during the dry season (April-October). Throughout this season, offshore winds blow from the east. You’ll also get more frequent groundswells rolling in from the southwest. These conditions make for consistently powerful and longer waves.

At low tide, the Mawi surf can be intense, with waves maxing-out on the left and barreling on the right. It’s easier to enter and exit the surf at mid-to-high tide to avoid the rocky reef below. There’s also a narrow channel along the cliff that you can use as an easy entry and exit point. Once the tide goes out, expect a long walk across a sharp and spiky (urchins) reef.  

What is the Best Board to Ride at Mawi Beach?

Rideable waves in Mawi can reach over 8 feet tall, although big swells tend to shut down Mawil. To maximize your surfing experience, choose a surfboard that is fit for these powerful waves. Your standard shortboard will probably be best at Mawi unless the swell is really small. 

Surf Lessons at Mawi Beach

Mawi Beach is more secluded and less developed compared to other surf beaches in Lombok. This means there are no surf schools on site. However, several nearby surf camps offer day trips to Mawi Beach.

Other Lombok Surf Spots Near Mawi Beach

Selong Belanak Beach, approximately 20 minutes north of Mawi Beach, offers a more relaxing surf and a selection of restaurants and accommodation. The beach break creates gentle waves for those who want to slow things down after an intense surf session in Mawi Beach. 

Where Is Mawi Beach?

Mawi Beach is around 21 km west of Kuta Lombok. It’s actually two beaches divided by a rocky cliff point with plantations set further off the coast.   

How to Get to Mawi Beach?

Getting to Mawi Lombok is half of the adventure. It takes between 30 to 45 minutes by motorbike or private car, passing through rough roads.

If you’re coming from Kuta Beach, head west following the main road of Jalan Mawun. After around 17.4 km, you’ll hit a fork in the road. Turn left towards Jalan Pantai Mawi. This is where it gets really bumpy.  Pay the attendant at the top of the hill and roll down into the valley.  Be careful, we once got a van stuck on a rock and 6 strong Australians had to help 20 Indos to get it off.  The “be careful” advice is 2x for motorbikes! After driving through 3.4 km of dirt road along tobacco plantations, you’ll arrive at the hidden gem that is Mawi Beach. 

Things to Do at Mawi Beach Other Than Surf 

The rough ride to this Southern Lombok beach is well worth it. The shaded beach hangout is perfect for stretching your tired legs and back after a long trip. For those up for a trek to explore the area, a couple of trails run along the rocky hills, leading to the other cove of Mawi Beach and extending to neighbouring beaches.

 
However, both local and foreign visitors come for the unique Mawi Beach experience – sit under a palm fringed palapa, collect the amazing tiny balled sand and exotice seashells, eat ayam goreng and tidy trimmed pineapples from the warung.

Did I mention the sunsets?  I have a Mawi Beach sunset on my wall in the living room.  The sunsets here are world class due to the off shore islands making an unique foreground for the sinking sun.  

Mawi Beach Accommodation

Mawi beach does not have on-site accommodation. However, there are dozens of options in the South Lombok area to suit your preferences and budget. You can choose from luxury resorts in Kuta, beachfront cabins in Selong Belanak, budget hostels in Gerupuk, and a lot more in between. 

Where to Eat at Mawi Beach

Local snacks like mie goreng and refreshing cold coconut are readily available in the family run warung located across the beach towards the scooter parking area. 

Conclusion

All things considered, Mawi Beach is truly a hidden surfing gem for thrill-seeking intermediate and advanced surfers. The long, bumpy ride and rocky reef break may be hard to get past. But the consistent dry season waves that break left and right, barrelling at low tide, make the obstacles well worth it. Make sure you come prepared for the day with a shortboard, sunglasses, and a lot of energy to take on the big and powerful waves of Mawi Beach.