Sekotong peninsula is a hidden paradise on the island of Lombok in Indonesia. Located in the southwestern part of the island, it is considered off the beaten track even by Lombok standards — which is saying something, given that Lombok itself is still largely unknown compared to Bali.
From the enormous, desolate white sand beach of Pantai Mekaki to the jaw-dropping ocean views from Mekaki Hill, from twelve secret Gili islands scattered across the sheltered bay to one of the most spectacular coastal road drives in all of Indonesia, Sekotong has more to offer than almost anywhere I have been. And almost nobody knows about it yet.
I am so very glad I visited Sekotong. It offered me one of the most amazing scenic road drives of my entire life. Whenever I close my eyes and think about Sekotong, that heavenly road appears immediately in my mind.
Visit Sekotong before the tourists find it.
Updated April 2026.
Sekotong at a Glance
| Location | Southwest Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia |
| Distance from Lombok Airport | About 70 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by car |
| Distance from Senggigi | About 70 km, roughly 2 hours by car |
| Distance from Kuta Lombok | About 80 km, roughly 2 hours by car |
| Distance from Mataram | About 50 km, roughly 1.5 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | April to October (dry season, calm seas) |
| Best For | Secret islands, untouched beaches, diving, snorkelling, coastal driving |
| Getting Around | Scooter rental — ask at Krisna Bungalows |
| Vibe | Wild, undeveloped, completely authentic — zero tourism infrastructure |
| Secret Gili Islands | 12 small islands off the coast, most with no tourists |
| Recommended Stay | 2 to 3 nights minimum |
Why Visit Sekotong?
Sekotong is Lombok’s last truly untouched corner. While Kuta has become a surf hub and Senggigi has a growing resort scene, Sekotong remains almost entirely undiscovered. There are no beach clubs here, no tourist restaurants lining the waterfront, no organised tours picking up groups from beach hotels. What there is instead is coastline so wild and beautiful that it reminds you why you started travelling in the first place.
The best way to understand what makes Sekotong worth the effort is to compare it to the places most visitors end up instead.
| Sekotong | Kuta Lombok | Main Gili Islands | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Almost none | Moderate | High to very high |
| Development | None | Growing | Heavily developed |
| Beaches | Desolate, wild | Beautiful, accessible | Crowded, commercialised |
| Snorkelling | Outstanding, pristine coral | Limited | Good but crowded |
| Infrastructure | Minimal | Good | Good |
| Best for | Adventure, seclusion, diving | Beach hopping, surf | Nightlife, parties, diving schools |
| Authenticity | Complete | Moderate | Low |
If you are the kind of traveller who turns left when everyone else turns right, Sekotong is for you.
How to Get to Sekotong
Sekotong sits on the southwestern coast of Lombok. Unlike Kuta or Senggigi, there is no public transport and no established taxi rank waiting for you. You arrange your own way here, which is part of what keeps it quiet.
From Lombok Airport the distance is about 70 km and the journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours by private car. Pre-booking a transfer is the smoothest option — your driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to your accommodation without any negotiation.
📌 Book: Private Transfer from Lombok Airport to Sekotong (GetYourGuide)
From Senggigi, the journey is about 70 km and takes roughly 2 hours by private car or taxi. A Bluebird taxi from Senggigi costs approximately USD $17. You can also use Grab.
From Kuta Lombok, the distance is about 80 km and the drive is around 2 hours. There is no public transport between the two. Hire a driver or rent a scooter and follow the coastal road south and west.
From Ekas in the southeast, I drove all the way across the island — about 120 km and 3 hours. The roads were in good shape throughout, and the journey through the changing landscapes of Lombok was beautiful in itself.
Getting around in Sekotong: The scooter is your best friend here. It is harder to organise than in Kuta Lombok, so the best option is to ask at Krisna Bungalows, where scooter hire is available next door for around IDR 100,000 to 150,000 per day.
📌 Book: Motorbike Rental in Lombok (Klook)
Best Time to Visit Sekotong
April to October is the dry season and the ideal time to visit. The seas around the secret Gili islands are calm enough for easy boat crossings, the roads to Mekaki Beach are dry and safe, and the sky stays clear enough to make the coastal drive genuinely spectacular.
November to March is the wet season. Afternoon downpours are common, the sea can become rough, and some of the more remote beach tracks become difficult or impassable. That said, Sekotong sees so few tourists year-round that even the wet season can be rewarding for the right traveller.
September and October offer a particularly special combination: dry weather, fewer tourists than the peak July and August period, and excellent underwater visibility as the water clears after the annual plankton bloom. This is the best time for diving in the Sekotong waters.
The Road to Sekotong
The journey to Sekotong is part of the experience itself. I came from Ekas in the southeast, driving almost 120 kilometres across the island in about 3 hours. The road was in good condition. During the last stretch, I drove along the coast as red-coloured Gulmohar trees lined both sides of the road, welcoming me to the southwest.
Unlike Ekas, which is dry and stark, Sekotong is green with coconut palms and tropical vegetation. The contrast was striking. The moment the ocean appeared to the right of the road, framed by the trees, I knew I was somewhere worth paying attention to.
Things to do in Sekotong, Lombok
Mekaki Beach — The Best Beach in Sekotong
The first thing to do in Sekotong is to rent a bike, pull up Google Maps, and route yourself to Mekaki Beach, also known as Pantai Mekaki. Mark my words: if you spend your entire time in Indonesia on only Mekaki Beach, you will not regret it.
It is a huge, desolate beach of white sugar sand. The waves are perfect for surfers and the breaks are excellent. When I visited, I had the entire stretch of sand to myself. Pantai Mekaki reminded me of Mawun Beach near Kuta Lombok, except that Mekaki was even quieter. There is absolutely no development here. No shop, no warung, no water. Bring everything you need with you.
Getting there from the north side of the peninsula means going up a hill on a good road, finding a fork, and taking the right-hand road downhill toward the beach. The road to Mekaki is not for the faint-hearted. Steep descents, dramatic views, and equally demanding uphills on the way back. The current at Mekaki was so strong I did not dare to swim. Come here to experience, to photograph, and to feel the scale of something that has not yet been tamed.
The beach transforms completely in the evening. As the sun sets, walk from one end to the other in the gentle breeze with your shoes off. The sand is smooth and fine. I walked as far as I could and still did not reach the end — the sand stretches all the way around the bay before ending at a cliff.
💡 Bring: Your own shade, plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. There is nothing at Mekaki. That is the point.
⚠️ Safety: Do not swim at Mekaki Beach. The current is dangerous. This is a beach to look at and walk on, not to enter.
Mekaki Hill and the Coastal Road
From Mekaki Beach, ride back to the main road and continue east. The road goes uphill and within 10 to 15 minutes you reach the viewpoints of Mekaki Hill.
I was struggling to keep my eyes on the road. Looking right, I could see Mekaki Beach far below — the same long stretch of sand I had just been standing on, now reduced to a white line at the edge of the vast blue Indian Ocean. The rolling green of Mekaki Hill was extraordinary. The ocean beyond, turning from deep blue to white-green near the shore.
Further along the coast, a newly constructed road winds its way along the hilly southern coastline of Sekotong. Known locally as the new road, it is in remarkable condition and delivers non-stop panoramic coastal views. In my opinion, riding a motorbike along this road is one of the best things to do not just in Sekotong, but in all of Lombok. The serpentine curves, the sudden reveals of ocean through gaps in the hills, the feeling of being entirely alone with the landscape — it is an experience that stays with you.
When I had seen enough, I drove further east toward Lembar, wanting to see how far the road went. The landscape shifted between ocean views and green mountain ranges. The clouds were heavy and rain came intermittently, making the road slippery. Eventually I turned back, having gone further than planned, and returned to Mekaki Beach to watch the sunset.
The Secret Gili Islands
Almost everyone who visits Lombok has heard of the three famous Gili Islands: Trawangan, Meno, and Air. Far fewer people know about the twelve smaller islands that lie off the coast of Sekotong, collectively known as the Secret Gili Islands. This is the main reason serious travellers make the effort to come to Sekotong, and it is absolutely worth it.
Here is how the four most visited Secret Gilis compare:
| Island | Best For | Swimming | Snorkelling | Staying Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gili Nanggu | Snorkelling, relaxing | Yes, calm | Excellent, coral reefs from shore | Yes, homestays from IDR 400,000 |
| Gili Kedis | Seclusion, photography | Yes | Good | Yes, camping (IDR 5,000 entry) |
| Gili Sudak | Lunch, starfish spotting | Yes, pool-like | Moderate | Limited options |
| Gili Gede | Blue coral diving, island walks | Yes | Outstanding blue coral | Yes, Ko Ko Mo Resort |
Gili Nanggu is the most visited of the secret Gilis and arguably the most beautiful. It is known for outstanding snorkelling — healthy coral reefs you can reach directly from the shore, huge schools of fish, sea turtles, and water so clear that the reef looks like it is barely there. The beach is pristine white sand with calm, shallow water. Homestays are available from around IDR 400,000 per night, making it one of the few places in Sekotong where you can sleep on the island itself.
Gili Kedis is tiny enough to walk around in 15 minutes, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere. Crystal clear water, almost no visitors, and a sandbar that appears and disappears with the tides. Camping is possible here. The entrance fee is IDR 5,000 — the most honest small charge you will pay in Indonesia.
Gili Sudak sits between Nanggu and Kedis and is the most relaxed of the three. Warungs serve grilled fresh fish. The water is calm and pool-like. Starfish are abundant in the shallows. It is the best of the three for a long, slow lunch with a beer in hand.
Gili Gede is the largest of the nearby islands and is visible directly from the shore at Palmyra Indah Bungalows. I kayaked across from the hotel using their free kayaks — a 20-minute paddle on water that looked calm but pushed back harder than expected. Gili Gede is known for its extraordinary blue coral, which is rare and protected. The north side of the island has coral and sandy beaches ideal for snorkelling. The west side is mangroves.
To visit the Secret Gilis, arrange a boat at the main pier near your accommodation. Most guesthouses including Palmyra Indah can organise this. A private boat for a day visiting multiple islands typically costs IDR 300,000 to 500,000 depending on the number of islands and the operator.
📌 Book: Secret Gili Islands Snorkelling Tour from Lombok (Viator)
Visiting Mekaki Beach during Evening
You might raise your eyebrow at this point, and tell – “What? Why are you taking us to Mekaki beach again? Haven’t we been there in the morning?”.
Wait, please, I have a valid reason for doing that. Mekaki beach in the evening looks lovely. You can just walk from one end to another end in the gentle breeze. The sand is so smooth and sugary; Put your shoes off. I don’t think you won’t be able to walk the entire area, it’s so big. This sand stretched all the way around the bay and ended near a cliff.
While the sun was setting in the west, let’s take a look at the west. The color of the sky resembled the color of the sand. The current of the water was not as strong as it was in the morning. From the sand, I went to the water and continued my water. The time stood still on the Mekaki beach, and I found a sense of eternal peace.
Pantai Elak Elak — Best Beach for Swimming
On my second day, I rode out to visit Pantai Elak Elak. This time the road was flat and lined with coconut trees — still beautiful, but without the drama of the previous day’s mountain route.
Pantai Elak Elak is easily accessible, sitting just off the main road. It is a calm, wide beach with water suitable for swimming. When I visited, it was lively — children swimming, families picnicking, couples on the sand, and temporary stalls selling traditional Indonesian food. It felt like a local beach, which is exactly what it is.
After the overwhelming scale and emptiness of Mekaki Beach, I will admit I found Elak Elak slightly underwhelming on first impression. But that was my problem, not the beach’s. Pantai Elak Elak is a genuinely lovely beach that simply had the misfortune of following one of the finest beaches in Lombok.
On the way back to my hotel, the coastal road with the ocean directly to my right was sublime. Flat road, perfect condition, the Indian Ocean stretching endlessly to the left. That drive back was, in some ways, the best thing I did all day.
Kayaking to Gili Gede
Almost everyone knows about the Gili Islands. It’s a group of 3 small islands named Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air–near Lombok. These have become popular among tourists. That’s why many of the travelers are seeking an alternative to them for a peaceful vibe and originality. Gili Gede in Sekotong can offer you exactly that. I mentioned earlier that, from my hotel room in Palmyra Indah, I could see Gili Gede. I took the kayak boat from the hotel for free and started for the island. Although the water looked calm, it was pretty strong. Within 20 minutes I arrived at this island.
If you want to stay in Gili Gede, you can. They have a lovely resort and several boutique options to chose from. However, you can circumnavigate it within a couple of hours. There are only 5 villages in the Gili Gede and the total population is only 1000. So you will have some food and water on the island. You will find corals and sandy beaches on the north side of the island while the west side comprises mangroves. You can enjoy snorkeling as the water is calm. I just sunbathed there and relaxed my entire time.
Diving at Sekotong — Among the Best in Lombok
Sekotong’s waters are one of the finest and most underrated diving destinations in all of Lombok. The bay and surrounding islands host over 3,500 marine species — approximately a quarter of the world’s marine life is found in Indonesian waters, and Sekotong concentrates a remarkable portion of it in one accessible area.
Notable dive sites include the following.
East and West of Gili Renggit feature sloping reefs with rich coral life, excellent for macro photography and known for nudibranchs, seahorses, and tiny reef creatures that serious divers travel across the world to see.
Gili Kura-Kura is the best introduction for beginner divers in calm, clear conditions.
Hadiah Reef and Sunken Island offer opportunities to spot turtles, reef sharks, barracuda, and trevallies in open water.
The Stairs to Medang is a drift dive for advanced divers where manta rays have been observed circling the reef — one of those extraordinary encounters that remind you the ocean is full of things you have not yet seen.
Visibility peaks between September and November as plankton settles and the water clears. Several dive centres operate from Sekotong, offering packages for all experience levels. Ask at your guesthouse for the most current recommendations.
Pilling Beach and Orong Bukal — For True Adventurers
For those who want to go further into Sekotong’s wild southern coast, two hidden spots are increasingly sought out by travellers who take this kind of thing seriously.
Orong Bukal is called the Raja Ampat of Lombok by those who have been there — a rugged hilltop viewpoint in Desa Buwun Mas delivering jaw-dropping panoramas of turquoise water dotted with remote islands. Getting there requires a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Mataram, followed by a 30 to 60-minute uphill hike. There are no signs. Hiring a local guide costs around IDR 100,000 and is strongly recommended. A 10-metre cliff jump spot sits adjacent to a bat cave, for those whose courage runs to that kind of thing.
Pilling Beach is one of the most beautiful and unusual beaches in Lombok: pebble shores rather than sand, dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into azure water, and almost total seclusion. Getting there requires a steep jungle hike in significant heat. Bring plenty of water, start early in the day, and do not attempt it without someone who knows the trail. The reward is genuinely extraordinary.
Desert Point — The World’s Best Left-Hander
About an hour southwest of Sekotong, at the very tip of the peninsula, sits Bangko Bangko — home to Desert Point, widely regarded as one of the longest, most powerful left-hand waves on earth. On the right swell, it produces barrels that run for hundreds of metres with a speed and consistency that draws serious surfers from around the world.
You do not need to surf to appreciate what Desert Point represents. Standing on the cliff above it on a good swell day is one of those humbling experiences that reminds you the ocean operates on a scale entirely its own. Even if you never paddle out, the drive to Bangko Bangko through the remote southwestern tip of Lombok is worth the journey.
Sekotong Itinerary — 2 and 3 Day Plans
2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Coastal Road, Mekaki Beach and Sunset
Start your morning with a scooter ride toward Mekaki Beach. Take the mountain road, not the flat route. The views on the way up will stop you every few hundred metres. Spend the middle of the day at Mekaki — walk the full length of the beach, find a shaded spot if possible, and simply absorb the silence. In the afternoon, ride to Mekaki Hill for the panoramic view. Return to the beach for sunset, walking barefoot along the sand as the light changes. This is one of the finest evenings Lombok has to offer.
Day 2: Secret Gili Islands
Arrange a boat early in the morning from your guesthouse or the main pier. Visit Gili Nanggu first for snorkelling — the water is at its clearest in the morning. Move on to Gili Kedis for a walk around the island and time on the beach. Lunch at Gili Sudak with grilled fish from the warung. Return in the afternoon, stopping at Pantai Elak Elak for a swim on the way back if time allows.
3 Day Itinerary
Follow the two-day plan above, then add a third day for diving, Pilling Beach, or a longer exploration of the new coastal road further east toward Lembar. If you are a serious diver, spend the full third day on the water with one of the local dive operators, covering multiple sites around Gili Renggit and Hadiah Reef.
Maps of the Places I visited in Sekotong
Best Hotels in Sekotong, Lombok
Accommodation in Sekotong is limited by the destination’s remote character. What exists is genuine, local, and often beautiful in the way that undeveloped places tend to be.
🔎 Search all hotels: Agoda | Booking.com
Palmyra Indah Bungalows
My strongest recommendation in Sekotong. Palmyra Indah sits just metres from the ocean, with views directly toward Gili Gede from every room. The hotel provides free kayaks to paddle across to the island, which essentially gives you a private island day trip every morning. The property also has indoor games, a restaurant open to the ocean, and a peace and quiet that is increasingly hard to find anywhere in Indonesia.
The check-in process was chaotic when I arrived — they had missed my booking — but once sorted, my stay was superb. I would return without hesitation.
📌 Book Palmyra Indah Bungalows on Booking.com | Agoda
Krisna Bungalows and Restaurant — Best for Budget Travellers
The top-rated inn in Sekotong and the most popular among backpackers, for good reason. Small pool, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, and sea view options. Crucially, scooter hire is available next door, making Krisna the best base for anyone wanting to explore the peninsula by motorbike. If you are renting a scooter in Sekotong, stay here.
📌 Book Krisna Bungalows on Booking.com | Agoda
Cocotinos Sekotong — Best Boutique Resort
A boutique beach resort and spa set within a coconut grove, with a private beach. The most design-conscious stay in Sekotong and a genuine step up in comfort from the bungalow options. Good for couples wanting something a little more special.
📌 Book Cocotinos Sekotong on Agoda | Booking.com
Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok — Most Luxurious in Sekotong
The most upscale resort in Sekotong. For those who want maximum comfort alongside the extraordinary natural scenery of the peninsula, this is the only true luxury option in the area. The setting is stunning and the facilities are far above anything else in Sekotong.
📌 Book Wyndham Sundancer Resort on Agoda
Ko Ko Mo Resort, Gili Gede — Best Island Stay
If you want to stay on Gili Gede itself rather than on the mainland, Ko Ko Mo Resort is the finest option. One and two-bedroom villas, each with a private pool. Some rooms offer beachfront views. Kayaking and snorkelling are included. Staying here for two nights and doing nothing but exploring the small island at your own pace is, in my view, a very fine use of time.
📌 Book Ko Ko Mo Resort on Booking.com
If you drive from Lembar, you will find Krisna first followed by Cocotinos and Wyndham. You need to go further from them to reach Palmyra Indah.
Location of the Best Hotels in Sekotong, Lombok
Where to Eat in Sekotong
Dining options in Sekotong are limited. This is not a tourist destination with a restaurant strip. The most reliable option is the restaurant at your hotel.
The restaurant at Palmyra Indah Bungalows serves Indonesian food in a beautiful open-air setting facing the ocean. It is not cheap by local standards, but there are few alternatives when you are this far from a town centre. Order ahead if possible to avoid waiting.
Krisna Bungalows Restaurant is the best option for budget eating: straightforward Indonesian food at fair prices in a relaxed setting.
In Sekotong village itself, you will find small local warungs serving basic Indonesian dishes. Explore the village on your scooter and see what is open. Bringing snacks and extra water from Mataram or wherever you are coming from before heading out to beaches is strongly recommended, especially for day trips to Mekaki, Pilling, or the more remote southern coastline.
What to Pack for Sekotong
Sekotong is genuinely remote. The following items are essential, not optional.
Bring plenty of water for any beach day — there are no shops or facilities at Mekaki, Pilling, or the beaches on the southern coast. A minimum of 2 litres per person per day is a starting point in this heat.
Cash in Rupiah is absolutely necessary. There are no ATMs in Sekotong. Withdraw everything you need in Mataram, Senggigi, or Kuta Lombok before you arrive.
Sunscreen and a hat are critical. The beaches here offer almost no shade and the equatorial sun is relentless.
A towel for your scooter seat is not a joke. Park in shade whenever possible. If there is no shade, cover the seat before you walk away. The heat builds quickly and remounting a sun-baked seat is genuinely unpleasant.
Proper shoes rather than flip-flops for the approach roads to Mekaki and any hill walking. The tracks are steep and sometimes loose.
A waterproof bag for your phone and camera on the scooter. The coastal road can be wet, and the sea sprays where the road runs close to the ocean.
Travel insurance before any scooter riding. Read about my own bike accident in the Philippines. I use WorldNomads.
Leaving Sekotong for Kuta, Lombok
I did not want to leave. I wanted to go back to Mekaki Beach and spend more time. But my visit to Sekotong had ended, and Kuta Lombok was waiting.
As my car approached Kuta on a beautiful road, I glanced out of the window once more. The turquoise blue and green ocean was just a handshaking distance away. I wanted to stop. I did not. Human nature is to move forward, and so did I — but I vowed to come back to Sekotong one day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sekotong Lombok
Sekotong is known for its completely undeveloped coastline, the Secret Gili Islands (Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis, Gili Sudak, and Gili Gede), some of the most dramatic coastal road drives in Indonesia, world-class diving with over 3,500 marine species, and the extraordinary Mekaki Beach. It is Lombok’s most off-the-beaten-track accessible destination.
The Secret Gili Islands are a collection of twelve small islands off the southwestern coast of Lombok near Sekotong. The most visited are Gili Nanggu (best for snorkelling and overnight stays), Gili Kedis (smallest, great for camping and seclusion), Gili Sudak (best for a relaxed lunch and starfish spotting), and Gili Gede (largest, famous for blue coral diving). They offer calm water, white sand, and excellent snorkelling without the crowds of the main Gili Islands.
About 80 km, roughly 2 hours by car or hired driver. There is no public transport. A private car or taxi is the standard option. From Senggigi the journey is similar at about 70 km and 2 hours.
Yes, but it is harder to organise than in Kuta or Senggigi. The most reliable option is next to Krisna Bungalows. Prices range from IDR 100,000 to 150,000 per day.
Mekaki Beach (Pantai Mekaki) is the finest beach in Sekotong and one of the best in all of Lombok: huge, desolate, with white sugar sand and dramatic surf. Pantai Elak Elak is the best for swimming. Pilling Beach is the most dramatic for adventurous hikers willing to make the descent.
It depends entirely on the beach. Pantai Elak Elak and the beaches on the north side of Gili Nanggu and Gili Gede are calm and safe for swimming. Mekaki Beach has a very strong current and swimming is not recommended under any conditions. Always ask locals before entering the water at any beach you have not visited before.
Without reservation. Sekotong offers some of the most raw, undeveloped, and genuinely beautiful coastal scenery in Indonesia. If you have seen the main attractions of Lombok and Bali and want something that feels truly undiscovered, Sekotong is exactly that. Visit before it changes.
A minimum of two nights. Day 1 is the coastal road and Mekaki Beach at sunset. Day 2 is the Secret Gili Islands by boat. Three nights lets you add diving, Pilling Beach, and Pengantap without feeling rushed.
April to October for generally calm seas and good visibility. September and October specifically for the clearest underwater conditions as plankton settles after the wet season. The diving around Gili Renggit and Hadiah Reef is at its best during these months.
Explore More of Lombok and Indonesia
- Beaches in Kuta Lombok — The Best Beaches in Indonesia
- Ekas Lombok — World-Class Surf and Extraordinary Sunsets
- Senggigi Lombok — Resort Town, Sunsets and Gili Access
- Gili Air — The Most Beautiful Gili Island
- Nusa Penida — Bali’s Most Dramatic Island
- Bali Airport Taxi Guide
I can’t’ wait to visit. It looks absolutely stunning!