10 Best Surf Spots in Indonesia
Indonesia is a surfing mecca unlike any other in the world. Nestled on a whopping 17,000 islands between the Sulu Sea and the Indian Ocean, this country draws waves from the depths of the Southern Hemisphere and combines tropical islands with coral reefs and volcanic underwater terrain. result? A magical world of thundering point breaks, crystal clear beach breaks, and pretty much everything in between. Here you’ll find Bali and Lombok, one of the most important surfing paradise since the days of endless summer. But you’ll also find uncharted surf territory, from the palm-fringed Mento Islands in the west to the undiscovered coral reefs of Sumba further east. Below, I’ve used my deep knowledge of the Indonesian islands to identify the best surf spots in the region. I have been traveling to and from these islands with his board since 2013 and my last trip to Lombok and Bali will be early 2023 for him. 1. Gerupuk Gelupuk is a large bay wedged into the south side of Lombok. Instead of one or two, there are three separate surf spots, each catering to slightly different types of surfers and varying skill levels. No wonder he is considered one of the most diverse places in India. The group’s best wave is probably Inside Gerupuk. It’s his A-frame with a smooth, forgiving descent to the long right and a short, sharp left turn. The right side is good for beginners as it pulls you straight into the paddle channel to get you back in line. Further outside, where Gelupuk Bay meets the opened Indian Ocean is the Outside. This is a strange wave that always looks bigger than it really is, crashing a series of rips over the shallowing reef. And Don Don is a feisty, super soft left-hander who doesn’t work much but loves longboarders. If he had one drawback with Gelbuk, it would be crowded. All three spots above are busy when the tide and waves are right. The best way to combat this is to stay local and surf early. 2. Sumba The bean-shaped island of Sumba is set to be the next big spot on India’s surfing scene. There are multiple reasons for this… One: It’s perfectly located on the South West Wave Channel and has plenty of clear waves during the peak summer season. Two: It has a Bali-like terrain that oscillates between high cliffs and volcanic ledges. Three: It’s a beautiful and undeveloped place. Be prepared for long stretches of sugar-soft sand in the thickets of the coconut jungle. Rest stops are slowly being discovered along the southwest coast, but there is one that really stands out in the crowd: he. It is known as Ossi’s Left or God’s Left. It is said that the Almighty Himself must have designed it so perfectly that it rotates counterclockwise. (Unfortunately, the only way to surf locally is by booking a hotel on the nearby beach, which costs him $2,000 a night.) 3. Nias Nias, like G-Land and its predecessors, rose to prominence thanks to intrepid Australian explorers in the 1970s. They have done what it takes to ensure today’s surf traveler enjoys the finest and most consistent barrel point breaks in Asia. It sits on the west coast, which stretches beautifully across the width of the Indian Ocean, slightly to the southwest due to the continuous swell during the dry season (May to August). Here, especially near the mouth of Ragundri Bay in the south of Nias, the waves are of good quality. This is the perfect scrub, with sections that run like clockwork. Walk a little north to find Robinson Crusoe Beach, a secluded rest stop. 4. Padang Padang Padang Padang is perhaps the only remaining place in Bali to rival Uluwatu and is located just a short distance offshore from the larger sites. Another famous surfing spot on the island’s southernmost Bukit peninsula, it’s just perfect in the dry season when the waves are well-matched with the right tides. The main point is an undulating left turn on the south side of the bay. It’s 90% barrel-shaped and eventually opens up into a pitching area where you can carve a big S-turn before hitting the lip. In the low season, when the waves are low, you can also rest here.Padang right. It’s another fish barrel (no kidding). It’s smooth and cruising, offering a slippery ride for longboarders and intermediates alike. 5. The Mentawais Last but not least, the Mentawai Archipelago tops the list of the best surf spots in Indonesia with its three main islands. Together the three form perhaps the world’s largest amusement park. Let’s start from the north. This is where Siberut Island comes to life at Playgrounds, a group of 25 individual spots that include E-Bay’s epic rink and Bank Vaults’ Almond Barrel entitlement. Head a little further south and you’ll reach Cipla Island, best known for its bulging telescopes. At the edge of the Menz Islands is Pagai, the most remote island of the archipelago. The surf camps there offer an authentic atmosphere where you can escape from all the mundane. Beach He ends up living like Tom and Hanks in Castaway, hopping from bungalow to secluded reef breaks that are never flat. 6. Kuta Bali Ask 10 surfers where they would recommend studying in Asia and Kuta will be mentioned several times. The city stretches along the southwestern coast of the mysterious Island of the Gods and is the first point of departure for Bali. The town has received mixed reviews lately as it has developed into a colorful party hub for Australia’s backpackers. And because of the regular reports of water pollution. Despite this, Kutabari is still considered one of the best surf spots in Indonesia. It’s simply because there are countless surf schools here. Some are directly on the beach, while others are tucked away in narrow streets just beyond. The normal price for a 2-hour lesson is $15. 7. Desert Point Cross your fingers and
LUSCIOUS Lake Toba & Bali View Top 13 Destinations To Visit in Indonesia
You might not know about Indonesia is that its name derives from the greek Indus and Nesos which is roughly translated to the Indian islands. The archipelago is nestled between the Indian and Pacific oceans with territories in both Oceania and Asia making it a transcontinental country we’ve rounded up a list of the top 15 best things to see and do in Indonesia. Let’s get started Banda Islands The Banda Islands are a volcanic group of 10 small volcanic islands in the middle of the Banda sea. Its main town is called Bandanaira and is located on the island of the same name up until the late 19th century. This was the world’s main exporter of nutmeg and mace. Today it is by far one of the most popular destinations for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Bunaken One of the top diving sites in Indonesia and a part of the Bunaken national marine park. The island is also known for its award-winning hotels and spa resorts. The best time to visit it would be during the dry season lasting from May to September to get a full clear view of its waters. Its highly diverse marine life includes over 50 coral species all sharing the sea waters with reef sharks, sea turtles, barracuda, and saltwater crocodiles. Orangutan of Borneo The Borneo orangutan is a species of orangutan native to the island of Borneo these are the great apes of Indonesia and Malaysia. The inhabitants of Borneo’s rainforest and here is also one place where you’ll get to see them in the wild as the islands host several sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers with the sole goal of protecting this endangered species. Lake Toba Tucked away in the hinterland of northern Sumatra, The lake boasts a luscious blue and green scenery that makes it worth the journey. the lake sits on the caldera ancient super volcano and it’s an ideal place for picnics swimming and backpacking here is where you’ll also find the largest waterfall in the country. Beaches of Bali A perfect spot for surfing and sunsets this coastline is still dramatically underrated as most visitors usually don’t take on the opportunity to explore some of the best-hidden locations on these shores. Those who do are more than likely to be greeted by secret coves and beach shacks as well as wide stretches of sparkling white sand in such places as balagan. Balaban blue lagoon Ahmed and karma beach are still out there for you to explore. Raja Ampat Islands Often listed as one of the top places for canoeing and diving, this district consists mainly of four large islands and a smaller cluster of islands and is located at the very heart of the world’s coral triangle. No matter which island you choose you’ll be amazed by the local karst formations, the lush vegetation, and the breathtakingly clear waters you’ll also be likely to spot more than a few birds of paradise alongside other endemic creatures such as the Papuan rainbow fish. Kalimantan Located on the Indonesian portion of Borneo’s island this is also a top destination for all adventure-seeking explorers of its remote jungles snaking rivers and rugged mountain ranges. This is not usually a destination recommended for the faint-hearted. However, the hiking slopes and deadly rapids might prove more of a challenge even for those seeking their first authentic rainforest track. Borneo The largest island in Asia and the third-largest island in the world bested only by Greenland and New Guinea and home to Mount Kinabalu the tallest peak in Malaysia. Both the Kapuas and the Mahakam Rivers make up the leading trade and commerce routes in a land that’s mostly dominated by dense rainforests. The floral population is mainly known for its enormous epiphytes and the aptly named monster flower the world’s largest flower. Orangutans, Gibbons the clouded Leopard, and the now-extinct Sumatran rhinoceros are just some of the indigenous mammal species you’re likely to find in this area. Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud The adventure destination is also the natural habitat and sanctuary of the Balinese long-tailed monkey. Besides a fun afternoon, visitors are also encouraged to visit the coffee plantations and sacred temples surrounding the area a visit to one of the Unesco listed rice terraces will help you make the most of your trip. Mount Bromo Indonesia’s most iconic volcano is the place hikers naturally add to their must-see list a genuine spectacular location for hiking and watching the sunrise at the top of a crater. Hikers either travel solo or as part of a group tour beware though being the young volcano that it is mount Bromo has also been known for spewing a white thick sulfurous smoke adding to some of its areas being kept off the public path. Komodo National Park A Unesco world heritage site the park hosts no less than four natural wonders among all of its panoramic views, gorgeous beaches, and abundant wildlife. Among them is the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard you would be wise to keep your distance and follow your guide as its bites are actually quite deadly. The two islands Rinca and Padar where you’ll get one of the most beautiful views of the bays and blue waters, pink beach one that is true to its name. Finally Bat Island, the one place where sunsets get hijacked by a surge of bats that rise from the nearby mangrove forest it’s a site like no other. Lombok Lombok is a beach blessed destination like no other. Lombok is also part of a lesser Sunda islands chain and a favorite destination for surfing. No roads lead from anywhere and locals rather get around by walking, cycling, or horse riding. The island’s also famous for its waterfalls and the air callock hot springs one truly magical location where the pure mineral waters offer a source of relaxation and therapeutic care. Yogyakarta Otherwise known as just Yogia, this autonomous region is one of the oldest in