Gerupuk Surf Guide 2025: All 6 Surf Breaks Explained

Overview of Gerupuk Bay

Gerupuk Bay sits about ten kilometers east of Kuta Lombok, centered around a traditional fishing village that has become the epicenter of Lombok's surf scene. Unlike most surf destinations where you paddle out from the beach, Gerupuk's breaks are accessed by boat – creating a unique experience that allows surfers to move between waves as conditions change. It's a key stop on any Lombok surf trip.

The bay's geography creates something remarkable: six distinct surf breaks, each with different characteristics, all visible from the village beach. This variety means surfers of every level can find appropriate waves, often simultaneously. A beginner can be learning at Kid's Point while an advanced surfer chases barrels at Batu Payung, both visible from shore. Check the best time to visit for optimal conditions.

Getting there: From Kuta Lombok, it's a 15-minute motorbike ride through rural roads. Most surf guides and lesson packages include transportation. Compare Gerupuk with other Lombok surf spots to plan your sessions.

Don Don (Beginner-Intermediate)

Wave characteristics: A forgiving right-hander that peels slowly across a reef shelf. Waves typically range from knee-high to head-high, with long rides possible even on smaller days.

Best conditions:

• Tide: Mid to high tide (more forgiving with water over the reef)
• Swell: Any south swell, works on smaller swells
• Wind: Southeast offshore

Crowd factor: Most visited break in Gerupuk, but multiple takeoff zones spread crowds.

Tips for beginners: Don Don is where most surf lessons in Gerupuk take place. The consistent waves, manageable currents, and patient boat captains make it ideal for first-time reef surfers.

Kid's Point (Beginner)

Wave characteristics: The gentlest wave in Gerupuk. A mellow right that barely breaks overhead even when everywhere else is pumping. Sandy patches between reef sections reduce injury risk. Similar to Selong Belanak in difficulty but over reef.

Best conditions:

• Tide: Works on all tides
• Swell: Picks up less swell than other breaks
• Wind: Any light wind

Crowd factor: Least crowded break – most surfers want more challenging waves.

Tips for beginners: Perfect for first-time surfers or anyone needing a mellow session. Great for building reef confidence after learning at Selong Belanak.

Inside Right (Intermediate)

Wave characteristics: Faster, more powerful walls than Don Don. The takeoff zone is more defined, requiring better positioning. Waves offer excellent faces for practicing turns.

Best conditions:

• Tide: Works across tide range, best at mid-tide
• Swell: Needs slightly more swell than Don Don
• Wind: Southeast offshore

Crowd factor: Popular with progressing surfers – can get busy during peak season.

Tips: Position yourself deeper than you think. The wave has more power than it appears, and proper positioning leads to better rides.

Outside Right (Intermediate-Advanced)

Wave characteristics: When bigger swells hit, Outside Right comes alive with powerful, overhead waves. Legitimate barrel sections appear, and the wave demands respect.

Best conditions:

• Tide: Low to mid tide
• Swell: Needs solid 4ft+ south swell
• Wind: Southeast offshore essential

Crowd factor: Fewer surfers due to required skill level, but gets crowded when conditions align.

Tips: This is where intermediate surfers test their progression. Be honest about your abilities – the wave has consequences.

Batu Payung - The Left (Intermediate-Advanced)

Wave characteristics: Gerupuk's only left, breaking faster and hollower than the rights. When conditions align, it produces hollow barrels over shallow reef.

Best conditions:

• Tide: Best 2 hours either side of low tide
• Swell: Southwest swells with west angle
• Wind: Southeast to east

Crowd factor: Less crowded because it requires more specific conditions.

Tips: A great option after days of riding rights. The left requires quick takeoffs and confident tube positioning.

Bowls (Advanced)

Wave characteristics: A heavy, hollow wave breaking over very shallow reef. Rarely ridden due to danger and specific conditions required.

Best conditions:

• Only works on solid swells with perfect tide and wind
• Low tide produces dangerous conditions
• Expert-only

Crowd factor: Empty – most surfers wisely avoid it.

Tips: Unless you're an experienced barrel rider comfortable with shallow reef, skip Bowls.

The Boat System Explained

Boat captains congregate on Gerupuk beach each morning. Standard rates are 150,000-200,000 IDR for a morning session (approximately 3-4 hours).

What you get:

• Transport to any break in the bay
• Ability to move between breaks mid-session
• A captain who knows the currents and channels
• Rest between waves on the boat

Etiquette:

• Agree on price before departing
• Tip for exceptional service
• Let the captain know if you want to change breaks
• Don't argue about conditions – captains know the bay

Best Times to Surf Gerupuk

Season: April through October offers the most consistent conditions with offshore winds.

Time of day: Dawn patrol (6-8 AM) before the wind picks up. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) as winds die.

Tides: Bring a tide chart or app. Different breaks work at different tides – a good surf guide navigates this.

Where to Stay Near Gerupuk

Several guesthouses and small hotels have opened in and around Gerupuk village. Staying here eliminates the morning commute from Kuta and allows for multiple sessions. Consider a surf camp for structured learning.

Alternatively, base yourself in Kuta Lombok with its better restaurant and accommodation options, and make the 15-minute journey each morning. Read our Kuta travel guide for accommodation recommendations.

Making the Most of Gerupuk

Book a surf guide for your first few sessions. Local guides know which break will be best for conditions and your skill level.

Bring reef booties if you're worried about cuts. The reef is sharp in places. Unlike Selong Belanak's sandy bottom, Gerupuk breaks over coral.

Stay humble. Gerupuk's breaks look mellow from the boat but have power. Progress gradually through the breaks. First-time reef surfers should start at Kid's Point or Don Don.

Spend time in the village. Buy lunch at local warungs, support the community that hosts us, and learn about Lombok's fishing culture. This authentic experience is one reason many surfers prefer Lombok.

Capture the memories. Consider surf photography add-ons to document your sessions.

Gerupuk represents Lombok surfing at its best – variety, accessibility, and an authentic cultural setting. With six breaks to choose from, every surfer finds their wave. Compare with all Lombok surf spots to plan your full itinerary.

Ready to explore Gerupuk? Book a surf lesson or surf guide today.