Summary
Indonesia serves as a premier destination for surfers, boasting an impressive 17,000 islands located between the Sulu Sea and the Indian Ocean. This unique geography allows it to capture waves from the Southern Hemisphere while incorporating lush, tropical islands adorned with coral reefs and volcanic formations beneath the waves.
The result is a remarkable environment characterized by barreling point breaks, pristine beach breaks, and a plethora of surf conditions. While established surfing havens such as Bali and Lombok dominate the scene, there remain undiscovered surf destinations ranging from the palm-fringed Ments in the west to the uncharted reefs of Sumba in the east.
The following sections highlight the top surfing locales based on profound insights into the Indonesian islands. Having traveled to these destinations with my surfboard regularly since 2013, including a recent trip to Lombok and Bali in early 2023, I am pleased to share this curated list.
1. Uluwatu
Uluwatu, also known as Ulu’s among locals, stands as one of the premier left-hand point breaks globally. Professional surfers have graced its waves, well-documented since the inception of surfing publications.
A mere glance at the powerful waves emanating from the Uluwatu headland reveals their stunning nature. The wave initiation occurs with a challenging take-off at a section called Outside Corner, producing consistently carve-friendly water ideal for shortboard riders.
As sets approach the cliffs, they shallow gradually over the volcanic reefs, creating an exhilarating rush that defines the concluding section known as Racetracks.
Uluwatu caters primarily to advanced and upper-intermediate surfers; novices are advised to observe the dynamics from the cliffside bars instead.
2. G-Land
No assessment of Indonesia’s top surf locales would be complete without acknowledging G-Land. Renowned as the gem of East Java, it remained concealed until the early 1970s when wandering surfers discovered this pristine location amid its dense jungles, seeking refuge from the burgeoning crowds of Bali.
What they encountered was nothing short of exceptional: an array of world-class left-hand breaks wrapping around the expansive Grajagan Bay, hence the name G-Land.
Today, several sections are legendary in their own right; Money Trees, known for its consistent barrels, leads into a playful, bowl-like finale. Meanwhile, the Launching Pads cater to thrill-seeking surfers looking for intense pit opportunities.
In total, approximately eight designated breaks line the G-Land shoreline. On optimal days, perhaps once or twice a year, these intersect to create exhilarating, thigh-burning rides.
This site also hosts the original surf camp, termed G-Land Bobby’s Surf Camp, with a rich history spanning 40 years, offering bungalow accommodations just steps from the surf.
3. Batu Karas
Batu Karas is gaining recognition as a leading spot for novice surfers. Over the past decade, it has emerged as Java’s premier location for accessible waves, rivaling the offerings of south Bali.
This reputation chiefly stems from the principal point break at the western terminus of the beach, which enjoys protection from the substantial summer SW swells that propagate across the Indian Ocean. The wave peels rightward and curves toward the main beach, featuring predominantly sandy bottoms, making it ideal for longer boards and learners.
More proficient surfers can engage with the A-frame break positioned on the Batu Karas reef or explore the numerous peaks at Pangandaran further to the east.
The ambiance here is reminiscent of Bali two decades prior, characterized by laid-back surf houses nestled among jungle-enclosed pools shadowed by coconut trees situated right on the shore. The waves are less congested than in Bali, and one may even encounter cattle strolling along the beach.
4. Desert Point
Desert Point presents a formidable challenge for surfers, as even the most skilled professionals must depend on luck and commitment to succeed through its spectacular barrels. Situated on the western reefs of southern Lombok, just adjacent to Bali, this wave is notably unpredictable. However, when it cooperates, the experience is unparalleled.
Southwest swells attract a massive volume of water off the rugged reef, generating intricately rifling tubes that stretch up to 200 meters around a prominent peninsula. Surfers are met with a steep dropoff right into the action, leaving spectators awed as they glimpse surfers vanishing momentarily, only to reemerge 20 seconds later.
Desert Point is not suited for novices and requires a 4X4 to traverse the rugged roads of western Lombok successfully.
5. Kuta Bali
When consulting seasoned surfers regarding prime learning locations in Asia, Kuta often emerges as a frequent recommendation. Stretching along the southwest coastline of the enchanting Isle of the Gods, Kuta serves as the quintessential entry point for aspiring surfers in Bali.
In recent years, however, the town has received mixed evaluations as it has transformed into a vibrant party hub, primarily catering to Australian backpackers, coinciding with regular accounts of pollution in the waters.
Nevertheless, Kuta Bali maintains its status as one of Indonesia’s superior surf locations, as it hosts a significant number of surf schools. Many are situated directly on the beachfront, while others occupy narrow lanes just behind the main thoroughfare. The standard cost for a two-hour lesson is approximately $15.
6. Gerupuk
Gerupuk is a substantial bay that carves a niche into the southern part of Lombok. It features three distinct surf breaks, each adept at accommodating varying skill levels across different types of surfers, earning its reputation as one of the most adaptable surfing destinations in Indonesia.
The premier wave here is Inside Gerupuk, characterized as an A-frame with a gentle and accommodating takeoff, transitioning into a longer right and a steeper left. The right break is particularly favorable for beginners, as it leads directly into a paddling channel that allows for efficient returns to the lineup.
Further out, where Gerupuk Bay meets the vast Indian Ocean, lies Outside. This section presents a deceptive wave, appearing larger than its actual size, breaking in segments over diminishing reefs. Lastly, Don Don displays a leisurely, soft left that, while infrequently surfable, is perfect for longboard enthusiasts.
A notable drawback to Gerupuk is the crowding; all three breaks tend to fill up when conditions align. To mitigate this, it is advisable to stay locally and surf during the early hours.
7. Sumba
The uniquely shaped island of Sumba is heralded as the next significant surf hotspot within Indonesia. Numerous factors contribute to this anticipation.
Firstly, its orientation aligns brilliantly with the SW swell channels, ensuring an abundance of pristine waves throughout the summer peak season. Secondly, Sumba shares a topographical likeness to Bali with its alternating high cliffs and volcanic reefs. Finally, it possesses untouched beauty, underscored by extensive, soft-sand beaches interspersed among dense coconut groves.
Emerging breaks along the southwest coastline are gradually gaining recognition; however, one particular break garners exceptional acclaim – Occy’s Left, also referred to as God’s Left. It is reputed to be such an exemplary left barrel that its design is thought to be divine in origin (access to this spot typically requires a stay at a nearby beachfront hotel priced at $2,000 per night).
8. Nias
Nias, similar to G-Land and the Ments, garnered attention thanks to the adventurous Australians of the 1970s. They paved the way for contemporary surf explorers to experience some of Asia’s most exceptional and consistent barreling point breaks.
This opportunity arises from Nias’s western shoreline strikingly aligned with the Indian Ocean, thus absorbing consecutive swells during the dry months of May through August.
High-quality waves proliferate here, especially near the southern entrance of Lagundri Bay, which features perfectly peeling rights with barrel sections operating like clockwork. If one ventures further north, they will discover Robinson Crusoe-style beaches, complete with breaks absent of other riders.
9. Padang Padang
Padang Padang may be the only left-hand break in Bali that rivals Uluwatu’s superiority. Situated just a short distance along the coast from Uluwatu, it is another iconic surf destination perched on the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali, delivering exceptional conditions when dry-season swells coincide with optimal tides.
The primary wave is a left-hander that rises and peels off the southern edge of the bay, providing nearly 90% barrier coverage. This wave eventually transitions into an inviting face where surfers can execute expansive S-bends before exiting cleanly.
During the low season or when swells are smaller, an alternative spot emerges, known as the Padang Padang Right. This wave caters to leisurely rides for longboarders and lower-intermediate surfers.
10. The Mentawais
Concluding our exploration of premier surf breaks in Indonesia, the Mentawais are distinguished by their trio of principal islands. Collectively, these islands present an unrivaled amusement park of surfing opportunities worldwide.
Starting in the north, the island of Siberut introduces a variety of surf spots within Playgrounds, including the highly acclaimed lefts at E-Bay and the perfect right barrels at Bank Vaults. Moving slightly southward, one encounters Sipura, an island primarily renowned for the swell-hungry sets at Telescopes.
The Mentawais culminate with Pagai, the most secluded island of the archipelago. The surf camps here impart an authentic escape-from-it-all aura, allowing visitors to live akin to Tom Hanks in Castaway, traversing from their beach bungalow to uncrowded reef breaks that seldom show flat conditions.
