About Desert Point
Desert Point, also known as Bangko-Bangko, is one of the best surfing spots in the world. This place is only for professional surfers. If you are not an experienced surfer, please do not try to surf here. Also, even though it’s called “Dessert,” it doesn’t look like a desert. Instead of a desert, there’s a vast expanse of green grassland here, which makes the naming somewhat unique.
Location & How To Get There
Dessert Point is in West Lombok, in the Sekotong sub-district, West Lombok Regency. It’s not easy to get here. You need a 4WD vehicle or a trail bike because the roads aren’t very good yet. Mataram city is about 75 km away, and the trip takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Operational Hours & Admission Fee
You can visit this place at any time. You don’t need a ticket, but you will need to bring money for parking or to rent surfing equipment.
Interesting Things About Desert Point
Hardcore Waves. Dessert Point is famous for its legendary waves. The Left Hand Break is long and steady. It’s a dream wave for professional surfers.
It’s peaceful and natural. This place is not as crowded as Gili Trawangan or Kuta Beach in Lombok. The atmosphere is peaceful and natural, which makes it perfect for people who want to feel calm while surfing.
This is a protected forest area. The location is near a reserve called Bongko-Bongko Forest. This is where long-tailed monkeys and different types of tropical birds live.
It was a beautiful sunset. Watching the sunset at Desert Point is a fascinating experience. The scene is made more vivid by the shapes of fishing boats and the orange-and-gold colors of the sky.
Activities You Can Do at Desert Point
Hardcore Surfing. This place is exactly what its reputation says it is: a very difficult surfing spot. It is great for professional surfers who want to surf waves that are 3-5 meters high during the peak season (May-October). The best time to visit is from July to August.
Snorkeling and swimming. There are several calm areas suitable for swimming and enjoying the beauty of the underwater coral reefs while snorkeling.
Camping. You can also camp nearby. Camping on the beach with a tropical view isn’t bad, right? But remember that there are a lot of mosquitoes.
A short hike. Besides the beach, you can also explore the nearby forests, which are still natural and beautiful.
Useful Tips
- To get the best waves, visit during the dry season (May-October), especially in July and August.
- There are bungalows and homestays in the area, so there is no need to worry about accommodations. Be sure to book in advance.
- It’s not easy to get here, so it’s best to use a private vehicle (rented in the city of Mataram) or a trip service. You can’t take public transportation to this place.
- Be sure to bring your own equipment, as rentals are limited.
- Help keep the area clean and free of damage. Also, be respectful of the local community.
Additional Facilities
The dessert point area has several amenities, including lodging options like bungalows or homestays, surfboard rentals, and a variety of seaside restaurants serving local dishes, especially seafood.
