ER
AS ONE of the largest archipelagic countries, Indonesia’s coastline stretches for 54,716 km (33,998 miles), which makes Indonesia the second country with the longest coastline in the world. That’s why, visiting Indonesia is a must for wave hunters, because it has an Asian surfing destination and is a paradise for surfers.
For those who like surfing, as reported by indonesia.travel (10/27) here are 15 of the most exciting surfing destinations from the west end to the east end of Indonesia:
1. Simeulue, Aceh
At the eastern end of Indonesia is Simeulue. Over the last 10 years Simeulue has become an increasingly popular surfing destination. Located 150 km (93 mi) off the west coast of Sumatra, Simeulue was once part of the Aceh Barat district but became a separate district in 1999. For wave hunters, the island provides multiple and consistent waves throughout the year and still remains one. surf on the last frontier.
The island has about 100 km of coral and coral reefs, so there are plenty of waves to be found. One of the most sought-after waves on the island is known as The Peak. It can handle 8 feet plus and has nice wall sections, hollow barrels, and a fun air section at the end. It is more suitable for intermediate to experienced surfers, but beginners can also learn in the small waves that are located a few minutes away. Other great surf spots in Simeulue include: Monkey Trees, Dylan’s Right and Alus-Alus Bay. Most surf spots are for intermediate to advanced surfers.
2. Nias, North Sumatra
Located about 125 km west of Sumatra, Nias Island consists of 131 islands with an area of about 5,000 square kilometers. For surf lovers, Sorake and Lagundri bays on the island of Nias are the ultimate destination. Sorake Bay is also an internationally renowned surf spot. Every year, surfers flock from all over the world to visit Indonesia and head to Sorake Bay for the chance to surf at a legendary break point that produces relentless waves all year round, making any time of year the best time to surf.
Hailed as the second-best surfing spot in the world after Hawaii, International surfing competitions have been held on Nias since 1993, including the 2000 world championship surf competition. The highest waves are between May and September, with most competitions held from June to July.
3. Mentawai, West Sumatra
When visiting Indonesia, surfing enthusiasts are advised not to miss the west coast of Sumatra, which is known as the Mentawai Islands. The Mentawai Islands consist of four large islands: Siberut, Sipura, North Pagai and South Pagai. The islands are home to some of the best waves the world has to offer, such as Hollow Trees (aka HTs or Lance’s Right), Maccaronis, Rifles, Greenbush or Nokanduis. The blue tropical waters surrounding the islands offer epic waves year-round up to 15 feet (4.5 m), perfect left and right, corals and resting points, spitting tubes, great fun rides, warm water, perfectly shaped reefs, wind gentle breezes, and consistent long-distance waves, this area is a true surfing paradise on earth.
4. Panaitan, West Java
Another great destination for passionate surfers is located at the western tip of Java in the Sunda Strait, the sea that connects the islands of Java and Sumatra, and is known as Pulau Panaitan. The island is part of the World Heritage Site, Ujung Kulon National Park. Panaitan Island is rich in wildlife because it is in the waves that surround its coral reefs. The island has several resting points that are known to surfers from all over the world.
The waves include one of the longest left barrels in the world with a stunning backdrop of wild tropical forest on the island called One Palm Point, then there is a right reef break for advanced surfers called Apocalypse, for advanced surfers there is a very hollow left wave. shallow and also breaking on dangerous reefs called Napalms, as well as Ombah Tujuh which means ‘Seven Waves’ which produces some of the biggest rideable waves in Indonesia.
5. Sukabumi, West Java
A visit to Indonesia to explore surfing destinations continues in West Java. Now we head to Cimaja, a village in Sukabumi Regency, about 8 km west of the district capital and the famous beach destination of Pelabuhan Ratu. Cimaja is known as a surfer’s 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 that reach an average height of 5 to 7 feet. Rest Cimaja, right up from the rocky reef, is about 300 meters walk from the main road through the rice fields. This place is very popular with surfers because it has a solid rock bottom and angles that are in perfect harmony with the south and southwest waves that emerge from the Indian Ocean.
6. Wediombo, Yogyakarta
Big waves and stunning views, Wediombo beach is another paradise for passionate surfers. Located on the south coast of Jepitu Village in Gunung Kidul, about 75 km from Yogyakarta, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. Riding the waves of Wediombo’s beautiful beaches is a pleasure for surfers from all over the world, best explored around August to October.
This beach is often used as a surfing competition venue and is the second most popular surfing destination in Indonesia. Apart from surfing, other interesting activities to enjoy on this exotic beach range from snorkeling, sunbathing, and indulge your passion for seafood.
7. Banyuwangi, East Java
Some beaches in Indonesia are known to have the potential for waves that lure surf lovers around the world. At the easternmost tip of the island of Java, there is one city that is a surfing tourist destination that surfers must visit, namely the city of Banyuwangi. The city has hosted several international surfing competitions and is famous for having a beach dubbed “The Seven Giant Waves Wonder” better known as G-Land or Plengkung Beach.
The average G-Land tide roll consists of seven layers and reaches a height of six meters in good wave season, which is around April to August. Other beaches in Banyuwangi that surfers also like are Pulau Merah Beach and Pulau Tabuhan Beach. Explore super exciting surfing adventures on all three beaches in Banyuwangi.
8. Pacitan, East Java
Still on the island of Java, head to East Java and prepare to be amazed and have an unforgettable surfing experience in Pacitan, approximately 2.5 hours drive from Yogyakarta. This small seaside town is growing in popularity as one of the most visited surfing destinations on the weekends for all types of surfers, beginners to experts/professionals.
There are four surfing spots in the Pacitan area, the first is Watukarung Beach. Located in the village of Watukarung, the tide on the beach can reach up to 4 meters, with lots of coral in the middle of the beach which may be more suitable for more skilled surfers. Beginners can enjoy a safer surfing experience at Teleng Ria Beach which is located very close to the city center.
The coastline of this beach is about 2.5 kilometers long. This area is also suitable for non-surfers who prefer fun activities such as camping, outbound or other tours. The third beach is Srau Beach which is located in Candi Village where tourists can enjoy surfing while pampering themselves to enjoy the beautiful view of the beach from the hills and corals around the beach. Last but not least is Soge Beach, located in Sidomulyo which has high waves that are interesting for surfers to explore.
9. Uluwatu, Bali
It wouldn’t be perfect to exclude this legendary surfer’s destination! Bali’s Uluwatu Beach captivates with its iconic waves that make it an absolute surfer’s paradise. Uluwatu is also famous for its spectacular 11th century Hindu temple called Pura Luhur Uluwatu. For surfers, Uluwatu is home to the top five resting spots (Bombie, Racetrack, Temples, Peak and Outside Corner). It’s also close to rest and other top beaches including Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland, Impossibles and Suluban. With all these rest options, Uluwatu is the perfect place for the ultimate surfing experience when you visit Indonesia.
10. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Besides Uluwatu, other world surfing destinations in Bali are the Nusa Islands trio consisting of: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Penida is the largest of the three, Nusa Lembongan is dotted with three main breaks, with the fourth on Nusa Ceningan, but each Nusa island has stunning unique views and is home to some of the world’s class waves.
Among the coral reefs that adorn the Nusa Islands are the Playground, Laceration, and Shipwreck which are most suitable for surfing at high tide. Wave hunters can enjoy a pleasant surfing experience all year round, but locals say the waves are especially good in April and October. Stunning views of Bali’s volcanoes, crystal clear waters and various waves, boat rides to places, are all the magical surfing experiences that Nusa Island has to offer.
11. Desert Point Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara
Another thrilling surfing paradise for wave hunters is Lombok Island. Lombok is surrounded by a number of small islands which are locally called Gili. The Lombok Islands are administratively part of West Nusa Tenggara, and have become a world-famous surfing destination among surf enthusiasts around the world.
Huge waves and challenging waves lure wave hunters to Bang-Bangko (Desert Point) on the southwest tip of Lombok, with hollow breaking waves that will get your adrenaline pumping. Desert Point is also dubbed the sixth best quality wave in the world, the perfect challenge for wave hunters
12. Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara
A hidden gem for surfing enthusiasts around the world, Sumbawa is a new unexplored surfing frontier, hosting some of the most impressive surf spots in the south pacific. With beautiful white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, friendly locals, world class fishing, majestic coral reefs teeming with life, and some of the best and least crowded waves in Indonesia. The most reliable and high-quality surfing is found on the west and south coasts of Sumbawa.
The first is one of the most famous surf spots in Indonesia called Lakey Peak. Lakey Peak is a right-hander offshore hollow in South Sumbawa. This A-frame coral ruins is suitable for all level surfers. The second is Yo-Yo, the cove here houses two beginner-friendly waves, The Wedge and The Hook. The third is Super Suck, a thick left rock cliff suitable for all surfers, located at the southwest tip of Sumbawa. The fourth is for more experienced and professional surfers called Scar Reef which has one of the best waves in Sumbawa. This barrel wave takes off like a freight train and has several rear door sections. Sumbawa is the ideal destination for great surfing adventures.
13. Rote, East Nusa Tenggara
To the east of the province of Nusa Tenggara lies Rote Island, home to a variety of world-class surfing destinations. Surf enthusiasts from all over the world love Nemberala Rote Beach, for rides on a near-perfect tube formed by shallow reefs and offshore winds. Waves can hit Nemberala all year round, but the typical surfing season runs from March to November with the biggest waves occurring from May to September.
Every year the local government holds an international surfing competition around September to October. The charming beauty of the beach with its irresistible waves, stunning white sand and swaying coconut trees, becomes a magnet for surfers who are looking for a challenge, adventure and unwind.
14. Nihiwatu Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara
Another gem for surfers to enjoy in the province of East Nusa Tenggara is located on the island of Sumba. The best waves on Sumba are concentrated in the southwestern and southeastern ends of the island, especially within the luxury resort area, Nihiwatu. The resort plays host to one of the world’s most coveted private waves, known as “Occy’s Left” (after Australian surfer Mark Occhilupo).
The Occy’s Left presents a challenge even for professional surfers as it is very sensitive to different conditions: tides, size, strength and direction. The waves have been a popular one for avid surfers, recreational and professional surfers for decades. Beginner surfers can still get their feet wet with lessons at Occy’s, depending on the waves. Calmer waters are often found at nearby Coconut Cove, where surfers can spend half the day having breakfast or lunch and light surfing, then being driven back to the resort.
15. Tanjung Saruri, Biak, Papua
A potential surfer’s destination, appears at the eastern tip of Indonesia, Papua, Indonesia’s “East Pearl”. On a small island located in Cenderawasih Bay near the north coast of Papua lies Biak Island. Biak is the largest island in its small archipelago, and has many atolls, coral reefs and corals. Surfers will be delighted with Tanjung Saruri Beach Biak.
Tanjung Saruri Beach, also known as Batu Pica Beach or Watu Gonga Beach, presents tides that can accumulate up to 3-meters before breaking into the Indian Ocean. Surfing on the waves is exciting and the potential is endless. Apart from surfing, other activities that can be enjoyed at Tanjung Saruri are snorkeling and trekking in the natural rainforest and pampering the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. [indonesia.travel/photo special]
