Selong Belanak Beach

Geographical Characteristics and Landscape

Topographically, Selong Belanak Beach possesses a uniqueness rarely found on other beaches in Lombok Island. The beach is situated in a rather wide bay, flanked by two hilly peninsulas that jut out towards the Indian Ocean. The presence of these hills acts as a natural barrier, breaking the force of large waves from the open sea, thus making the waters at the edge of the beach tend to be calm and shallow.

The most prominent characteristic is the texture of its sand. Unlike Kuta Lombok Beach, which has pepper-like textured sand, Selong Belanak has very fine and dense sand. When it comes into contact with seawater, this sand hardens, allowing vehicles or even livestock to walk on it without sinking. The color of the seawater also graduates, ranging from clear transparent at the edge of the beach, light turquoise, to deep blue in the middle of the bay.

Local Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Behind its visual beauty, Selong Belanak harbors a well-preserved coastal ecosystem. On the west and east sides of the beach, there are coral rock formations that are home to various small marine life. During low tide, visitors can observe the intertidal ecosystem where starfish, sand crabs, and various types of algae grow among the rocks.

The vegetation around the beach is dominated by coastal plants that are resistant to high salinity, as well as hills covered with shrubs and tropical trees. Uniquely, herds of buffalo belonging to local residents are often seen grazing across the shoreline in this area. This phenomenon has become part of a unique socio-natural ecosystem, reflecting the harmony between the agricultural life of the Sasak community and the maritime environment.

Outdoor Activities and Tourist Experience

Selong Belanak Beach offers various activities that leverage its specific natural characteristics:

1. Surfing for Beginners: Due to its sandy seabed (sandbar) and the absence of sharp coral, this beach is acclaimed as the best place in Lombok to learn surfing. The waves are consistent but not too powerful, providing safety for beginners to try standing on a surfboard for the first time.

2. Nature and Cultural Photography: The most iconic moment here is when the herders lead dozens of buffalo across the beach in the afternoon. The contrast between the dark buffalo skin, the white sand, and the twilight sky creates a world-class photographic composition.

3. Hill Exploration: For visitors who enjoy light trekking, climbing the hills on the side of the beach will provide an extraordinary visual perspective. From a height, the crescent shape of the Selong Belanak bay is perfectly visible.

4. Coastal Culinary Tourism: Along the beach, there is a row of traditional bamboo stalls serving fresh grilled fish caught by local fishermen, allowing tourists to enjoy seafood directly in its habitat.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Selong Belanak Beach is during the dry season, which is between May and October. During this period, the sky is usually very clear with a contrasting blue color against the sea. The wind blows gently, and the clarity of the seawater is at its maximum level.

If you want to witness the phenomenon of buffalo herds crossing, the best time is in the afternoon around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM WITA (Central Indonesian Time). However, for those seeking tranquility, come in the morning before 9:00 AM when the atmosphere is still very quiet and the morning sun illuminates the hills with a golden hue.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

As part of the strategic tourist destination in Central Lombok, environmental preservation efforts at Selong Belanak are continuously being enhanced. The local community, along with the local government, has begun implementing zoning to maintain beach cleanliness. Given the very fine sand texture, there is a strong appeal for visitors not to discard small waste (such as cigarette butts or microplastics) that are difficult to clean once they mix with the sand.

Protection of the hilly areas is also a focus, to prevent erosion that could damage the clarity of the bay's water. Tourists are expected to follow the "Leave No Trace" principle, leaving nothing behind except footprints on the sand.

Accessibility and Facilities

Selong Belanak Beach is located about a 45 to 60-minute drive from Lombok International Airport (BIL). The road access to the location is already very good with smooth asphalt that cuts through green hills, offering beautiful scenery along the journey.

The facilities around the beach have developed rapidly while still maintaining a natural feel. There is a spacious parking area, clean toilets, and surfboard rental places with certified local instructors. For those who wish to stay, there are various options ranging from local homestays to exclusive villas perched on the hillsides, offering direct ocean views.

Selong Belanak Beach is not just a place for fun, but a space where humans can experience the majesty of nature in its purest form. With silk-like sand and friendly waves, it remains a must-visit destination for anyone seeking tranquility in the heart of Lombok Island.