Bali has more waves, more surf schools and much more going on, and it's crowded, especially around Uluwatu and Canggu in July and August. Lombok is next door and much quieter. Most of the surf is around Kuta Lombok, where boats take you to several reef breaks in Gerupuk bay, and Desert Point on the west coast is one of the best lefts in the world on its day. Many people do both: the fast boat from Bali to Lombok takes about two hours.
Which one should you pick?
First time in Indonesia
Bali. It has the most surf schools, easy beginner waves at Kuta and Canggu, and everything is close.
Fewer crowds
Lombok. The bays around Kuta Lombok are much quieter than Uluwatu or Canggu.
Nightlife and food
Bali, by a long way.
Both on one trip
Easy: the fast boat from Bali takes one and a half to two and a half hours, or fly in half an hour.
When to go
Bali is at its best from May to August, and Lombok from May to September. Both are in good shape from May to October.
| Month | Bali | Lombok |
|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder | Quiet |
| February | Shoulder | Quiet |
| March | Shoulder | Quiet |
| April | — | — |
| May | Prime | Prime |
| June | Prime | Prime |
| July | Prime | Prime |
| August | Prime | Prime |
| September | Good | Prime |
| October | Good | Good |
| November | Shoulder | Good |
| December | Shoulder | Quiet |