I'm heading to Indo for 10 days and have provisionally decided on Lombok. Chasing the usual things we all chase on a surf trip. My level is intermediate. Wanna rent a motorbike and cruise around looking for waves. Does anyone have any advice about Lombok or suggestions on an alternative destination?

For only a short trip I would go Nusa Lembogen instead. Closer and and easier place to get waves. Really nice place, an opposite to Bali really!
Lol.

Get the pocket book Wavefinder Indonesia.

Get an overnight ferry 6hrs, or half hr flight if you wish. Negotiate a drive to Kuta, can't remember the cost. Plenty of accom in Kuta, I stay at the Novatel but only because the missus comes along. Lonely Planet has accom details.

Bikes can be arranged on arrival.

Lombok is fun and it is a bit out of fashion at the moment. Thing is, the waves aren't really the idealic indo perfection that are on offer in other parts. If it were me going on a solo mission, I'd be looking to hook up with some crew for a ments boat trip and chase perfection.

If you only have ten days Nias and Nth Sumatra would be a waste of time unless you went the organized option
Unreliable ferries and long days of travel you would be lucky to get 5 days of surf in
As for somewhere not über-crowded I'd scratch Nias off the list
I'd stick to your original plan

Lakey Peak? Picks up lots of swell. Not too windy this time of year. Quick flight into Bima from Denpasar then get a driver to the spot. No need to hire a motor bike.

Don't forget Ekkas bay around the corner from Kuta on Lombok. You can get there by boat and have uncrowded waves, but forget staying at the resort at Ekkas, waaay too expensive to justify the product. Heaven on The Planet is the resort but there is a very basic village accom back from the resort and is a bit of a trek to the waves. Have some fond memories surfing there once on a 7 day boat trip and another staying in the resort.

Prawnhead said...

Pat01 said...

I'm heading to Indo for 10 days and have provisionally decided on Lombok. Chasing the usual things we all chase on a surf trip. My level is intermediate. Wanna rent a motorbike and cruise around looking for waves. Does anyone have any advice about Lombok or suggestions on an alternative destination?

the cheap option is southern sumatra google krui,

Just pack the motion sickness tablets
Heavy drive
If you cop a bad driver it will be a spew for all

canggu mega crowded - read baliwaves.com

nusa lembongen great out of school hols

just been over there, nice and quiet

shipwrecks gets a bit busy, bit over rated too

but local boat to ceningans gives uncrowded waves
not worlds best wave, but pick the right ones its ok
locals have started to surf there thou :-(

playgrounds at 3-4 foot plenty good for intermediates
as is lacerations on high tide and not supercranking

For 10 days, do plenty of research like you're dong here. If you haven't been, Bali is a good place to start. My first trip was 4 days in Bali 3 in Lombok and 3 in Sumbawa. Did it all solo and had the time of my life. Before I started traveling with my girlfriend, I loved solo surf trips. You actually meet more people when traveling alone so don't be intimidated by it. Indo is pretty safe, just be smart about where you go, where you stash your money - just like any other trip.

Renting a motor bike in Bali or Lombok is no problem, just know the prices because Indo doesn't have a set price for anything. They charge you the amount they think they can get away with. Know the currency and exchange rate.

As others have mentioned, Bali is a great first stop, but you'll run into crowds, also in Lombok. Not too much, in my opinion, but still more than you probably want on a surf trip. I surfed Sumbawa alone. Again, as others have mentioned, Nusa Lembongan is a great alternative to Lombok and is close to Bali.

You'll have great time, bro. The key is going to be the research you do before you leave. Check tides, swell models, accommodation alternatives, get a feel for the lingo (it's easy) and so on.