One of the largest archipelagic states in the world, Indonesia’s coastline spread 54,716 km long, which makes Indonesia –the second country with the longest coastline in the world. That’s why, visiting Indonesia is a must for wave hunters, as it is Asia’s surfing capital and a surfers paradise.
Are you looking for the best surfing spots in Indonesia? This list of 15 exhilarating surfing destinations will surely whet your appetite and make you want to surf right now, even if it’s winter. From Bali and Lombok islands through South Sumatra to North Sulawesi, here are some of the country’s best waves just waiting for you.
Simeulue
At the western tip of Indonesia, there is Simeulue. Over the past 10 years, Simeulue has become a growingly popular surf destination. Located 150 km (93 miles) off the west coast of Sumatra, Simeulue was once a part of the West Aceh Regency but became a separate Regency in 1999. For wave hunters, this island provides multiple and consistent waves all year long and still remains one of surfing’s last frontiers.
Simeulue is a tropical paradise. A place is full of secrets and stunning landscapes. The waves are great, the air is warm and the experience – is unforgettable.
Nias
Nias Island is located approximately 125 km west of Sumatra, boasting 131 islands, covering an area of about 5,000 square kilometers. For surfing lovers, the bays of Sorake and Lagundri on Nias island is the ultimate destination. The Sorake Bays are also an internationally renowned surfing spot.
Every year, surfers assemble from across the globe to visit Indonesia and head for the Sorake Bays for a chance to surf the legendary point break that delivers non-stop waves throughout the entire year, making any time of year the best time for surfing.
Mentawai
Thanks to the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra has some of the best surfing in the world. Siberut, Sipura, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan make up the 4 islands. If you’re interested in surfing, then these are the waves for you: Hollow Trees, Maccaronis, Rifles, Greenbush, and Nokanduis.
Panaitan Island
Panaitan Island is a beautiful island located in the Sunda Straits, and it is one of the diving spots that are well known for advanced surfers from all over the world. The location is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves with several point breaks and one of the longest left-hand barrels in the world called One Palm Point.
There are also several other waves for more advanced surfers, including Apocalypse, Napalms, and Ombah Tujuh. The best time to go surfing here is from November to March which are the months with a moderate swell.
Cimaja Sukabumi
Cimaja is known as a surfers destination with relatively easy access from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Surfing is the main attraction at Cimaja beach and the perfect location for surfers to enjoy dynamic waves which reach an average of 5 to 7 feet high.
The Cimaja break, a right that rises off a rocky reef, is approximately 300 meters walking distance from the main road through rice paddies. This spot is highly favored by surfers because it has a solid and angular rock bottom perfectly attuned to the south and southwest swells rising out of the Indian Ocean.
Wediombo
Wediombo is another paradise for passionate surfers. Located on the south coast of Jepitu Village in Gunung Kidul, around 75 km from Yogyakarta, which is one of the highly popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. Surfing enthusiasts will be thrilled to try out the waves of Wediombo’s gorgeous beach.
The beach has a beautiful view surrounded by calm, clear water and surrounded by a grassland full of flowers and tall trees along the coast. This beach is often used as the site for surfing competitions. Other interesting activities you can enjoy near this beach include snorkeling, sunbathing, or enjoying seafood.
G-land Plengkung Banyuwangi
There are several beaches in Indonesia that are well known to have potential waves that are enticing for surfing lovers around the world. At the extreme eastern end of the island of Java, there is one city that has become a surfer must-visit surfing destination, which is the city of Banyuwangi.
This city has hosted several international surfing competitions and is well known to have a beach dubbed “The Seven Giant Waves Wonder” better known as the G-Land or Plengkung Beach.
Pacitan Surf Point
The Pacitan town is not only famous as one of the major transit hubs in the eastern part of Indonesia, but also because it is having an amazing landscape and atmosphere with beaches, hills, and corals surrounding the area. The coastal geography could be one of the main sources to make gorgeous natural frames of these surf spots. This area may be one of the best places to visit in order to explore what’s behind the beauty of Indonesia.
Uluwatu Bali
Uluwatu is a surfer’s dream come true! From legendary surf breaks to enchanting scenery, Uluwatu is a prime surf spot and home to the five top breaks (Bombie, Racetrack, Temples, Peak, and Outside Corner). It’s also in close proximity to other top breaks and beaches including Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland, Impossibles, and Suluban. With such an abundance of world-class surf spots nearby, Uluwatu is the perfect place for the ultimate surfing experience.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan are frequented by various types of travelers. Tourists who come to surf the waves in Bali have made these islands some of their favorites. The famed Shipwreck, a left-hand point break that drifts over a tangle of coral and rock beneath the cliffs at Jungutbatu Beach and Lacerations is an awesome right-hander that can crank up pretty big.
Located about 3 hours by boat from Sanur, East Bali. Nusa Penida is the biggest and main island of the Nusa Islands. There are three famous surf spots on the Island called Playgrounds, Lacerations, and Shipwrecks. The waves at the three spots can break in a few different ways depending on the tide. In general, they will range from two to six feet overhead and are great fun to surf all year long.
Bangko-bangko Lombok
Bangko-Bangko (Desert Point) on the southwestern tips of Lombok is a world-renowned surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts worldwide. Not only does the island have huge waves, but there are lots of challenging surf perfect for wave hunters. To make it even better, Desert Point is also dubbed as the number six best quality waves worldwide, a perfect challenge for waves hunters to experience.
Sumbawa
Sumbawa is one of the lesser-known islands of Indonesia, yet it’s as if God himself has drawn a line from Sumbawa to Bali. Sumbawa is blessed with picturesque white-sand beaches lapped by crystal clear water, friendly locals, world-class fishing, magnificent coral reefs bustling with life and some of the best and least-crowded waves in Indonesia.
The western side of Sumbawa Island is blessed with gorgeous white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, crystal clear waters, and some great surf spots. Lakey Peak is one of the most famous surf spots in Indonesia and has hollow (green water) waves suitable for all levels of surfers.
The next popular one is Yo-Yo’s, located on the southwest tip of Sumbawa. This little cove shelters two beginner-friendly waves: The Wedge and The Hook. Suck N Heaven Surf Camp is another good spot for surfing as well as Super Suck which is suitable for all surf levels. for more experienced and professional surfers called the Scar Reef.
Rote Island
To the East of Nusa Tenggara province lies Rote Island, home to an array of world-class surfing destinations. Swells can hit Nemberala all year round, but the typical surf season runs from March through November with the biggest swells hitting from May through September.
Each year local government held an international surfing competition around the month of September to October. The captivating beauty of the beach with its irresistible waves, stunning white sands, and swaying palm trees, is a magnet for surfers who seek a challenge, adventure, and unwind.
If you haven’t heard of Nihiwatu, chances are you will still have heard of one of its best-known annual guests, Mark Occhilupo. This luxury resort is home to one of the world’s left-hand waves – “Occy’s Left” – and has been a popular choice for surfers for decades. Surfing lessons are available for beginners at Coconut Cove, a nearby strip of isolated beach with good waves when tides and conditions are right.
Biak Papua
Surfing is a popular activity and could be your next adventure. Biak Island near Papua, Indonesia’s “East Pearl” presents the ideal location for surfers wanting to experience “The Eastern Wave” of surfing that could accumulate up to 3 meters before it breaks into the Indian Ocean.
Surfing at Tanjung Saruri Beach is enticing and the potential is limitless. Apart from surfing, other activities to enjoy in Biak are snorkeling and trekking the natural rainforest, and indulging in its natural beauty and serenity.
Krui Lampung
Krui is a tiny surf break that’s perfect for a little weekend away. The best wind direction is from the east northeast. Expect groundswells, and the ideal swell angle is from the southwest. Has a left-hand reef break, so it’s quite reliable. Crowds are unlikely, even when the surf is up! Watch out for rocks though!
Sawarna Banten
Sawarna is the entry point to this natural wonder. As you enter the village, you will be greeted by lush green paddy fields, a serene village ambiance, and refreshing breezes.
Sawarna Beach is a heaven for wild nature and sun worship, with various unique natural beauty such as coal, brook, and paddy field. If we get off the beaten track in Bayah District, Lebak Regency, Banten, we can find an amazingly beautiful beach four hours away from Jakarta, called Sawarna Beach.
In the center of Sawarna Beach, there is a village whose name is Gendol. One of the largest archipelagic states in the world, Indonesia’s coastline spread 54,716 km long, which makes Indonesia –the second country with the longest coastline in the world. That’s why, visiting Indonesia is a must for wave hunters, as it is Asia’s surfing capital and a surfers paradise.
Are you looking for the best surfing spots in Indonesia? This list of 15 exhilarating surfing destinations will surely whet your appetite and make you want to surf right now, even if it’s winter. From Bali and Lombok islands through South Sumatra to North Sulawesi, here are some of the country’s best waves just waiting for you.
