Home / Destinations / Beaches / Tanjung Aan
SOUTH LOMBOK - TWIN BAY BEACH
Tanjung Aan
Two bays, two textures of sand, one unforgettable stretch of coastline. Tanjung Aan is South Lombok's most unique beach, a wide arc of brilliant white sand split by a rocky outcrop, with water that shifts from pale jade to deep turquoise.
LOCATION
South Lombok
NEAREST TOWN
Kuta - 5km
BEST FOR
Swimming & Sunsets
CROWD LEVEL
Moderate
IDEAL VISIT
May - Oct
ENTRY
Small Fee
Two bays, one extraordinary beach
Tanjung Aan is unlike any other beach in Lombok, or anywhere else in Indonesia for that matter. What makes it so distinctive is that it’s made up of two bays sitting side by side, separated by a rocky headland that stretches into the sea like a natural dividing wall. Each side has its own character, and even its own texture of sand.
The western bay is the larger and more developed of the two, with a wide stretch of bright white sand, calm turquoise water, and a line of warungs and beach clubs set back from the shoreline. It’s the side most people picture when they think of Tanjung Aan: open, vibrant, and ideal for swimming.
The eastern bay feels quieter and more untouched. Smaller and wilder in atmosphere, it’s known for its coarser sand, often described as pepper-like in texture, something so unusual it becomes a talking point for almost everyone who visits.
From above, Tanjung Aan is one of Lombok’s most iconic views. The twin bays, the rocky headland between them, the turquoise water, and the rolling green hills behind create one of the island’s most photographed landscapes. Standing on the headland at low tide, with both bays stretching out on either side of you, is one of those views that stays with you long after you leave.
AT A GLANCE
Beach Type Twin bays, white sand
Unique Feature Two sand textures
Beach Clubs Yes - 2 active clubs
Facilities Warungs. Sun Loungers, toilets
Swimming safe Yes, sheltered bay
Distance from Kuta 5 Km East
GALLERY
Tanjung Aan through the lens
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The Two Bays of Tanjun Aan
EXPERIENCES
What to do at Tanjung Aan
01
Swim in the western bay
The sheltered western bay produces consistently calm, clear water ideal for swimming year-round. The gradual shelf means you can wade out a long way before it gets deep. Morning conditions are best, glassy, warm and nearly empty before the day-trippers arrive from Kuta.
04
Surf the south coast breaks
Tanjung Aan sits within easy reach of South Lombok's best surf breaks, with beginner and intermediate waves accessible directly from the beach and boat trips out to the reef breaks just minutes away.
02
Walk to the eastern bay
Cross the rocky headland at low tide (or take the path over the top at high tide) to reach the quieter eastern bay. The contrast is remarkable, same coastline, completely different atmosphere. Allow about 15 minutes for the crossing and have it almost entirely to yourself.
.
03
Beach clubs & sundowners
Tanjung Aan has the most developed beach club scene on the south coast. Several well-run spots along the western bay offer sun loungers, cocktails and fresh seafood. The evening light here is extraordinary, the setting sun turns the water gold and the hills behind deep green.
05
Climb the headland
The rocky outcrop between the two bays is climbable at low tide. From the top you get a 360-degree view of both bays simultaneously, the most photographed vantage point in South Lombok. Come at sunrise when the light is soft and the beach is empty for the best shots.
06
Snorkel the rocky edges
Around the base of the central headland and the eastern cliffs, rocky reef areas shelter good coral and colourful reef fish. Visibility is best in the morning. Bring your own gear, rentals are sometimes available at the beach clubs but supply is inconsistent.
The Twin Bays of Tanjung Aan - South Lombok
DIRECTIONS
Getting to Tanjung Aan
Just 5 km east of Kuta Lombok - the closest major beach to town
🛵
By scooter - easiest option
From Kuta it's a flat, easy 10-minute ride east along the main coastal road. The beach is well-signposted. Park at the entrance for a small fee.
🚕
By taxi or private driver
A return trip from Kuta costs around 60,000–80,000 IDR. Easy to combine with Mawun Bay on the same day as a two-beach loop.
🚗
From Lombok Airport
Approximately 1 hour from BIL airport. Head south through Praya toward Kuta then follow signs east for Tanjung Aan. Private transfer around 200,000–250,000 IDR
Mobile signal is good at the beach and around Kuta. If you're coming from abroad, set up an eSIM before you fly so you're connected from the moment you land.
Get an eSIM for Indonesia 👉
LOCAL TIPS
- Visit early - Tanjung Aan is close to Kuta and gets busy by mid-morning. Arriving before 8am gives you the western bay almost entirely to yourself.
- Low tide is the best time to cross to the eastern bay. Check the tide times before you go, at high tide the crossing is difficult and wet.
- The beach clubs along the western bay are walkup only, no reservations needed. Standards vary so have a walk along before committing to a lounger.
- Tanjung Aan makes an ideal first stop on a south coast loop: start here early, then head west to Mawun Bay for lunch and a quieter afternoon swim.
- The headland between the bays faces directly west, it's one of the best sunset vantage points on the entire south coast. Time your visit to still be there at golden hour.
KEEP EXPLORING
You might also love
TOWN - 5 MINS AWAY
Kuta Lombok
The South Coast hub with restaurants, cafes, surfboard hire and everything you need as a base
BEACH - 20 MINS AWAY
Mawun Bay
The horseshoe bay to the west. Quieter, more sheltered and equally stunning from the headland.
BEACH - 35 MINS AWAY
Selong Belanak
Lombok's best beginner surf beach. Wide gentle waves and great row of surf schools.