Gerupuk and Ekas: surf boats, seaweed and lobster farms

A fishing village on a deep bay where boats ferry surfers to waves breaking far out on the reefs, past floating lobster farms and seaweed lines, with quiet Ekas across the water.

Area

South coast

Start from

Gerupuk

Distance

about 10 km from Kuta, then by boat

Time needed

1 day

Best season

All year; dry season best for calmer water

Difficulty

Moderate

Transport

Scooter to Gerupuk, then a hired boat

Tickets & rules

Boat hire; surf lessons optional

Why go

Gerupuk is a fishing village at the end of the road east of Kuta, on a long, deep bay. There is no beach to speak of, just a harbour full of wooden boats, houses on the shore and lines of seaweed drying in the sun. Yet it is famous among surfers, because out at the mouth of the bay several reef breaks offer waves for every level.

Boatmen ferry surfers out every morning. Even if you don’t surf, the boat ride across the bay is beautiful: you pass floating lobster farms, seaweed plots marked by plastic bottles, and fishermen pulling nets. You can watch the surfers from the boat, swim in the clear water, and then cross the bay towards Ekas, where the coast is quieter still.

Ekas Bay, on the other side, is one of the least developed parts of the south. Dry hills, small fishing villages and occasional eco-lodges make it feel far from everything.

The story

Seaweed farming has been an important source of income around Lombok’s southern bays for decades. Lines of seaweed are tied between stakes in shallow water and harvested every few weeks. The dried seaweed is sold for use in food and cosmetics, and you will see it spread on tarps all around Gerupuk.

Lobster farming is more recent. Small floating platforms with nets hold young lobsters that are fed and grown until they are big enough to sell, mostly to restaurants and exporters. Families live on some of the platforms during the season.

The surf breaks of Gerupuk include ones known as Inside, Outside and Don Don, each with its own character. Local boatmen know them intimately and can advise which is best on a given day for your level.

The area around Ekas, across the bay, has long been a place of quiet fishing villages. Its isolation has preserved much of its old character, and some small resorts here try to work closely with local communities.

Getting there

Gerupuk is about fifteen to twenty minutes by scooter from Kuta. Boats can be hired at the harbour; agree on price, destination and time before setting off.

Ekas can be reached by boat from Gerupuk or by a long drive around the bay through dry hills and tiny villages, which takes well over an hour but shows a side of Lombok few visitors see.

A suggested plan

1. Early morningRide to Gerupuk and find a boat.
2. MorningSurf or watch at one of the reef breaks.
3. Late morningVisit the lobster farms and seaweed lines.
4. MiddayCross to Ekas for lunch and a swim.
5. AfternoonReturn to Gerupuk and Kuta.

Where to stay

Most people stay in Kuta and come for the day. Ekas has a few quiet lodges for those wanting solitude.

Good to know

• Beginners should go with an instructor.
• Bring your own reef shoes and rash vest.
• Morning is best before the wind picks up.
• Agree the price for waiting time if you want the boat to stay.