From Bali to Java to Sumatra, surfers have long been drawn to the swells off the island nation’s coasts.
Surfers have long been known for a nomadic lifestyle, spent scouring the globe in search of the perfect wave. And at some point in their search, many will find themselves drawn to the waves of Indonesia. Here are some of the best spots:
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Bali
Bali, with its glut of world class surf spots, is the epicentre of Indonesian surfing. Any surf trip here almost invariably begins at Kuta, the original Indonesian beach resort. The waves here offer something for everyone. Advanced surfers will revel in fun, peaky conditions while beginners will find the soft sand beach breaks and numerous surf schools the perfect setting for a first taste of the sport.
Not far from Kuta is the Bukit Peninsula where the best waves in Bali can be found. Padang is one of Indonesia’s banner spots. It only comes to life during the biggest of swells but when it does you can expect one of the most intense lefthanders in the world.
Nusa Tenggara
Just south of Bali is the island chain of Nusa Tenggara, which is crammed with surf spots. Lombok, the closest island to Bali, is the most visited by surfers and the jewel in the surf crown here is the legendry Desert Point, possibly the best wave in the world. It is a highly fickle wave but when all the elements come together, this near endless, freight train lefthander offers tube rides of up to 20 seconds. For something a little more beginner-friendly, try either Don Don or Inside Ekas, both of which are found on the south coast of Lombok.
Java
The most famous wave on Java, Bali’s northern neighbour, is G-Land (also known as Grajagan). This is one of those freak of nature waves which all other waves are measured against. Endlessly long, flawlessly perfect and super consistent, G-Land is most commonly reached via boat charter from Bali.
For something less nerve-wracking, try the long, mellow sand bottom right point in Batu Karas. Though experienced surfers might find it a little uninspiring it seems almost tailor-made for learners and intermediates. There are a couple of surf schools and board hire places, as well as a few cheap places to stay.
Sumatra
Surfing Sumatra is all about the necklace of islands that lie off the west coast. Nias, in the far north, is the most famous. An almost hypnotically perfect righthander, this wave has always been considered perfect, but following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, the wave actually improved dramatically. The reef rose upward by around a metre and made the wave faster and much more consistent.
As good as Nias is, if you ask the average surfer where they would most like to go surfing, the answer will almost invariably be the Mentawai Islands. These islands are home to more world class surf spots than any other place on Earth and it is almost a given that on any single day of the year unbelievable waves will be breaking somewhere in the Mentawais. Surf trips here have long been the preserve of (expensive) boat charters and (equally expensive) surf resorts, but for the adventurous, it is still possible to charter a local fishing boat and put together your own Mentawai adventure.
When to go
Indonesia is basically a year-round surf destination, but the dry season (May to October) is far and away the best time to go. That is when the offshore southeast trade winds blow and the swell, pouring out of the Southern Ocean, is at its biggest and most consistent.
For more information on surfing Indonesia see www.magicseaweed.com and get a copy of the Stormrider Guide: Indonesia and the Indian Ocean.
The article ‘In search of the perfect wave in Indonesia’ was published in partnership with Lonely Planet.