Ekas is a hidden gem in Indonesia. Sunshine, wave, surfing, cliffs and beaches – these five can describe this sleepy remote village. Situated to the southeastern coastal area of Lombok (just half an hour flight from popular Bali), Ekas should be on your travel list if you want to go off the beaten track in Indonesia. This is an ultimate travel guide to Ekas in Lombok.
Ekas is one of those places that rewards people who seek rather than follow. While everyone flies into Bali and takes the well-worn path to Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud, Ekas sits quietly on the southeastern tip of Lombok — a 30-minute flight and then a 90-minute drive from the crowds — waiting for the travellers who actually want to find it.
I discovered Ekas on a map during my second visit to Lombok, looking for somewhere distant even by Lombok standards. What I found was dramatic limestone cliffs tumbling into empty white sand beaches, two world-class surf breaks, and sunsets so extraordinary they felt like they were happening on a different planet.
This is the guide I wish I had before I went.
Ekas at a Glance
| Location | Southeast Lombok, Awang Bay, East Lombok Regency |
| Distance from Lombok Airport | ~70 km (90 min by car) |
| Distance from Kuta Lombok | ~30 km (45 min by car) |
| Best Time to Visit | April–November (dry season, best surf) |
| Best For | Surfers, beach lovers, sunset chasers, off-the-beaten-track travellers |
| Getting Around | Scooter or private car — no public transport |
| Surf Level | Beginner to advanced (two separate breaks) |
| ATM Available? | No — bring cash from Lombok or Bali |
Where is Ekas?
Ekas is located on the southeastern corner of Lombok, Indonesia — tucked into the western edge of Awang Bay, a wide double bay that cuts into the island’s southern coast. The area is sometimes called “Ekas Bay” or “Ekas Peninsula.”
Lombok itself is adjacent to Bali. It is only a 30-minute flight away, yet it feels like a different world — quieter, less developed, and without the relentless tourist infrastructure that has reshaped Bali’s beaches. To me, Lombok is the finest beach destination on Earth. And within Lombok, Ekas is its most spectacular corner.
A few reference points:
Pink Beach is about 20 km further southeast
Ekas is ~70 km from Lombok International Airport (about 90 minutes by car)
Ekas is ~30 km east of Kuta Lombok (about 45 minutes)
The nearest major town is Keruak, about 25 km away
How to Get to Ekas, Lombok
- Fly to Lombok
Lombok has an international airport (Lombok International Airport / LOP) with direct flights from Bali (30 minutes), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and several Indonesian cities. From Bali, Lion Air, Wings Air, Batik Air, and Garuda all fly the route multiple times daily. Flights are cheap — often under USD $30 one way if booked ahead.
- Take a Bluebird Taxi to Ekas from Lombok Airport
Although it’s not difficult to take a Bluebird taxi from Bali airport, it’s tricky. I thought that would not be the case in Lombok. Sadly, the same thing happened to me. When a Bluebird taxi dropped a passenger in Lombok Airport, I approached him, and some people from the taxi mafia came to the cab driver and started shouting. So, I walked out of the airport. Even then, the taxi mafia chased me and was offering a higher price. I finally got hold of a Bluebird taxi from a roundabout which is 500 meters from the Lombok Airport. Why did I choose the Bluebird taxi? Because it’s metered, the quality of service is high and it offers the cheapest price.
Journey from Lombok Airport to Ekas
During the initial phase of the journey, the road was good. During the midway of the journey, a wrong turn would take us to Kuta, the most famous tourist hub for Lombok. I found mostly shops and trees on both sides of the streets. As we were nearing Ekas, less developed places got revealed with a few shops.
During the last leg of the journey, the road became horrible, and we lost a proper road. Our car struggled through a narrow, muddy road with loose pebbles until we arrived at our destination on the southern side of the village. It took me less than 2 hours to reach Ekas from Lombok airport.
First Impressions of Ekas
As soon as I arrived in Ekas, I had two unpleasant experiences. I rented a place in Airbnb. When I entered in the property, I found that it’s is under renovation; the owner is outside of town and they are not aware of my visit. So, I did not have a place to stay. Mind it, Ekas is a remote village in Indonesia and you won’t find many hotels like other places.
On top of this, I found Ekas hot. One reason might be the lack of vegetation in the area. I did not find many alive trees and no shades at all. Ekas was a long barren area. Later, during the night, I found a lot of insects in the area.
Things to Do in Ekas, Lombok
Surfing — Inside Ekas and Outside Ekas
Surfing is the main event in Ekas, and it is genuinely world-class. There are two distinct breaks in the bay, each with a completely different character.
Inside Ekas is one of the most accessible and enjoyable reef breaks in all of Indonesia. The wave breaks over a deep reef, which makes it significantly safer than the shallow breaks you’ll find elsewhere in Lombok. It produces both left and right-hand waves — the rights are more walled and fast, the lefts peel smoothly over a long section of reef. At dropping tide, it becomes a wide peak perfect for beginners transitioning off white water, intermediates working on turns, or longboarders looking for clean, long rides. The vibe in the lineup is genuinely relaxed and uncrowded.
Outside Ekas is a different animal entirely. A steep, hollow left-hander that breaks at the base of a cliff face and handles bigger swell. It is best approached with SE swell and wraps around the headland with real power — on bigger days it produces heavy, hollowing sections and proper barrel opportunities. This is an advanced break and should be treated with respect.
Access: Both breaks are reached by boat from the beach or from Awang port. Most resorts provide surf boats (often free) for guests. The ride takes 10–20 minutes.
Best season: April to November (dry season, offshore easterly winds). Inside Ekas works year-round, Outside Ekas peaks May–September.
Board hire: Most Ekas resorts have good board rental (foamies, shortboards, mid-lengths, longboards, SUPs). If you’re a dedicated surfer, bring your own board and check airline policies on sizes.
📌 Stay & surf: Book Ekas Surf Resort on Booking.com | Agoda
Paradise Beach — Ekas’s Hidden Masterpiece
Of all the places I visited in Ekas, Paradise Beach is the one I think about most.
Getting there requires a bit of determination, you’ll need a motorbike and some tolerance for unmarked tracks. The route takes you down, not up, towards the base of the cliffs. I took a wrong turn twice. It doesn’t matter — the descent reveals increasingly dramatic coastal scenery, and when the beach finally appears, it is worth every wrong turn.
The sand is pristine and fine. The beach was completely empty when I arrived — not a single person, not a warung, nothing but the ocean, the cliffs, and me. The water was not calm — gigantic waves embraced me at the shore’s edge with that deep turquoise green you only see in undisturbed Indonesian waters. The cliffs rise on both sides, making the whole scene feel enclosed and theatrical.
I sat beside the ocean as the sky changed above me. The clouds were the purest I had seen anywhere. The game of light and shadow on the water made the colour of the sea different every half hour.
Ekas resembles Uluwatu in Bali — dramatic cliffs, powerful surf, raw beauty. The difference is that Ekas is more beautiful, completely undeveloped, and has zero crowd.
⚠️ Do not swim here. The current is dangerously strong. This is a place to look at and feel, not to enter.
Pantai Batu Dagong and Kaliantan Beach
These two beaches sit close together near Paradise Beach and can be explored as part of the same trip. They are vast — long, wide stretches of sand with the kind of emptiness that would make them famous if they were in Thailand or the Maldives.
I arrived in the morning at low tide and walked out across the exposed reef. The water was so transparent I could see my own feet clearly and count the sea urchins below (carefully). A small island appeared in the distance and I made it my target — a walk through shallow water with small sea creatures visible at every step. The island disappears completely at high tide.
Kaliantan Beach continues from Batu Dagong towards the south — wider, sandier, and just as empty. Not a shop, not a soul. Bring water and food if you plan to spend time here.
Kitesurfing at Kaliantan: Kaliantan Beach is also known as a kitesurfing spot — the consistent wind along this stretch makes it a natural playground for kiters. This is still relatively undiscovered compared to other Indonesian kite destinations, which means uncrowded conditions.
Pink Beach in Ekas
Pink Beach is located about 20 km further southeast from the Ekas village area — you’ll need a car or hired driver to get there.
The name refers to the rosy-tinged sand created by crushed coral mixing with white sand. The effect is real, but timing is everything: the pink colour is most visible in the early morning, when the light hits the sand at a low angle. By midday, the beach looks like any other sandy beach and the colour fades significantly. I made the mistake of arriving mid-morning and was disappointed — not because it wasn’t beautiful, but because the pink had gone.
If you go, leave early. And be aware that multiple beaches in the area are marked as “Pink Beach” on Google Maps — some are tiny and have become minor tourist traps with entrance tickets. Follow coordinates to the larger beach rather than the first result.
Biking the Ekas Peninsula
There is no public transport in Ekas. A motorbike is the only way to properly explore the peninsula, and riding it — with caution — is one of the great pleasures of being here.
The main road through the village is fine. Beyond that, paths become rough, hilly, and sometimes vanish entirely. You’ll need to dismount and walk sections on steep clifftop tracks. My bike fell over on an uneven surface and I got hurt. I then looked up, saw the sunset from the cliff I was standing on, and immediately forgot about the pain.
The freedom a bike gives you in Ekas is unlike anywhere else. Every turn reveals another cliff edge, another empty beach, another angle on that endless ocean. Just be careful — a single mistake on these tracks can have serious consequences.
Never forget to buy a travel insurance before your trip, see my bike accident incidence in Philippines. I suggest Worldnomads for travel insurance, they are reliable.
The Sunsets of Ekas
I saved the best for last. The sunsets in Ekas are the finest I have ever seen in Indonesia, and I have watched the sun set from Bali, Komodo, Flores, and the Gili Islands.
Sunset in Ekas from Kaliantan Beach
Ekas awarded me with the most exquisite sunset in my life. On the first day, I went to Kaliantan beach to enjoy the sunset. Like most of the places in Ekas, there was hardly anyone on the beach to see this amazing sunset. The last ray of sunshine was beaming through the dense clouds in the yellow sky.
As the time moved, the sun gave up most of its strength. The yellow sky changed into orange, pink and some other colors I can’t express. But the atmosphere and surroundings were out of the earth.
I was not certain about where to look at – I continued whispering – “It’s pretty! It’s wonderful!!”. I sought to seize this breathtakingly stunning sunset through my camera lenses, I could not do it properly, but I have stored it in my brain through my own lenses.
It was an extraordinary evening, I can go to Ekas some other time simply to enjoy the sunset there.
Sunset from a cliff in Ekas
On the second day, I wanted to enjoy the sunset from top. That’s why I didn’t choose any beach. I was riding my bike, keeping the sea on one end. When the sun was about to set, I stopped the bike, walked a while and sat on top of a cliff. When you will be to the south side of Ekas, you will find wealth of spots like this to have a panoramic, unobtrusive view of the ocean.
I was presented with the endless ocean in front of me. To my right, I was greeted by a vast expanse of mountainous cliff. The sun was setting in front of me. It was an imitation of the previous day. At first the sky changed into yellow, and then crimson. Only difference was, I had more freedom of choosing my view. I could encompass a larger angle with my eyes. Oh! It was sublime!
Where to Stay in Ekas, Lombok
Accommodation in Ekas is limited by design — this is a remote village, not a resort town. But the options that exist are genuinely good, and several of them are outstanding for what they offer.
Ekas Breaks — Good for Social Atmosphere
The most popular and well-known name in Ekas among travellers who aren’t specifically there to surf. Ekas Breaks offers various bungalow types with thatched roofs and air conditioning, a swimming pool, restaurant, and WiFi. The vibe is social and relaxed. They serve excellent food — pre-order grilled fish the evening before and they’ll have it ready for you. Their vegetable dishes are good too.
Ombak Resort at Ekas — Best for Comfort and Views
A luxury surf resort that has become one of the most praised stays in southeast Lombok. Adults-only, infinity pool, large well-appointed rooms with countryside views, excellent restaurant with Indonesian and Western menus, and a surf boat operation that gets guests to Inside Ekas before the crowds.
The hosts Tim and Lee-Anne have built a genuinely special place — recent guests describe the food as exceptional, the hospitality as above and beyond, and the whole experience as the highlight of their Indonesian trip. Ombak also has one of the largest board rental selections in Ekas and offers kiting, snorkelling, and day trips to Pink Beach.
Book Ombak Resort on Booking.com
Ekas Surf Resort — Best All-Round Stay
The most established surf resort in Ekas, and consistently the highest rated. Seven spacious bedrooms and two family units, beautifully decorated with traditional Lombok features including handmade alang-alang (thatched) ceilings. Each room has a private entrance, air conditioning, mini fridge, and a proper bathroom. The pool, bar, and restaurant are the social hub of the village in the evenings.
What makes it exceptional is the surf setup: the resort provides a boat to Inside Ekas twice daily, they have an enormous board hire selection (foam boards through to shortboards, mid-lengths, longboards, and SUPs), and the hosts — Dave and Melissa — are hands-on, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about making your surf holiday work. Recent guests consistently rate them among the best hosts in Lombok.
Ekas Joglo Villa — Best for Seclusion
This is where I stayed — and despite a chaotic arrival (the owner was out of town and unaware of my booking), it turned out to be a gem. A private house rather than a hotel: two double bedrooms each with an ensuite bathroom, a massive dining area, and a swimming pool. You have to climb up to reach it, which adds to the isolation. At night, it became so quiet I genuinely spooked myself.
No restaurant on-site, but you’re only minutes from the village warungs. If you want privacy, space, and a pool in a place that most tourists have never heard of, this is it.
Aqh Bungalow
This is a moderately priced, relatively new bungalow. You will get a restaurant, front desk and WiFi here. Private bathroom is included with each room.
Ekas Beach Guesthouse — Best Budget Option
Faces the beachfront directly. No air conditioning, very basic bathroom, but rock-bottom price and genuine beachfront positioning. If budget is the primary consideration and you just need a roof and proximity to the water, this does the job.
Location of the Hotels
Where to Eat in Ekas
Food options in Ekas are limited — this is a remote village, not a restaurant strip. But what’s available is honest, fresh, and priced fairly.
Ekas Surf Resort
The restaurant of Ekas surf resort is the most vibrant among all. During night, when Ekas becomes ghostly and there is nothing to do, most of the people go to Ekas surf resort to enjoy their time. It buzzes with noise during each night. The restaurant has a bar in case you need to consume alcohol. They serve English breakfast in the morning. The food is pricier than the conventional warung, but it makes sense, you pay the little for the ambiance.
Ekas Breaks
Ekas breaks serve excellent food with fresh ingredients. You can pre-book fish and they will grill it for you. Ideally, you should notify them a day earlier or in the morning if you want to have dinner. The fish I had there was delicious. You can also try their vegetables.
Warung Rizki
This is a small family-run restaurant in Ekas. I took my food several times from here. They might not have everything on their menu, so check it before you order. There were a couple of pet dogs in the restaurant in case you are allergic (or a lover) to dogs. This restaurant is cheaper compared to Ekas surf resort and Ekas breaks.
Important Facts about Ekas, Lombok
No. Bring cash from Lombok Airport, Mataram, or Kuta Lombok. There are no ATMs anywhere in the Ekas area.
No. You need your own transport – a rented scooter or a private car. Your accommodation can usually arrange scooter hire.
No. Only small local shops selling basic supplies. Stock up on snacks and water before you arrive.
The main resorts (Ekas Surf Resort, Ekas Breaks, Ombak Resort) have WiFi. Village accommodation and guesthouses may not.
Lombok is predominantly Muslim. When visiting anyone in the village or walking through town, cover up — a sarong or wrap over swimwear is appropriate. Remove shoes when entering homes. This small gesture of respect goes a long way with local families.
Not at Paradise Beach — the current is dangerously strong. Kaliantan Beach is safer at low tide. Always check conditions with locals before entering the water.
Rent a scooter. It gives you complete freedom to follow the clifftop roads and reach beaches that are otherwise inaccessible. Ride carefully — some tracks are rough and steep.
You can take a Bluebird taxi from Kuta or any other major town of Lombok to reach Ekas. However, on your way back to town, you have to rent a local car.
Yes, with honest expectations. Ekas is barren, hot (especially out of season), has almost no shade, and very limited facilities. There are insects at night. The road in can be horrible. But if you love extraordinary natural beauty, world-class uncrowded surf, empty beaches, and some of the most spectacular sunsets in Indonesia — Ekas is one of the best places in Southeast Asia.
How to Get from Ekas to Elsewhere in Lombok
From Ekas you can head to:
- Kuta Lombok — Lombok’s main surf and beach hub, 45 minutes west
- Sekotong — remote coastal area in southwest Lombok with stunning island hopping
- Senggigi — Lombok’s original tourist beach strip on the northwest coast
- Gili Air — the most relaxed of the famous Gili Islands, about 2.5 hours by road + fast boat
Note: On your way back from Ekas, you won’t find a metered taxi waiting. Arrange a return transfer through your accommodation or negotiate with a local driver.
Great post and photos!
I travelled through Indonesia in 1998 for 4 months and visited Lombok for Rinjani. Loved it!
I’m just starting to digitise my travel journals about Indonesia. 🙂
Hello Fuad
Thank you very much about your thoughts about Ekas. We are planing to go there and i am wondering where did you rent the motorbike in Ekas?
Wow, this post really captures the beauty of Lombok! I’ve always wanted to visit this island, and your photos and descriptions make me want to go even more. The information on the Gili Islands and the waterfalls is particularly useful. Can’t wait to read more of your travel adventures!