Indonesia is undoubtedly what surfers from around the world would describe as “Wave Paradise.” The Indonesian archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean to the northwest of Australia, is perhaps the world’s most wave-rich zone, with thousands of great reef points and beach breaks that are spread throughout its 17,000+ islands.
Surfing in Indonesia is something that every aspiring surfer needs to experience. Indonesia has thousands of surf spots on offer, many of which are considered to be some of the best in the world. Some world-famous surf spots include Uluwatu in Bali, Ombak Tujuh in Java, and the Mentawai Islands.
From the world-famous waves of Bali’s beaches to the picture-perfect surf beaches of Lombok, the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, and Java, Indonesia certainly has something for every surfer. You’ll want to be sure to have your credit card ready because, by the end of this, you’ll undoubtedly be booking your ticket for your next surfing adventure!
Surfing In Indonesia
Surf tourism is a significant industry in Indonesia. Although the country has become a very famous and often bustling tourist destination, there are still a few hidden gems with exquisite scenery for solitary adventurers.
Indonesia produces world-class waves year-round, with constant swells and wind varying from steady trades during the dry season to slightly more scattered during the rainy season.
Indonesia has two seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The dry season, which lasts from roughly April to October, is the greatest for surfing. The main reason for this is that the Indian Ocean winter storms produce constant waves backed by the southeast winds.
These trades can be found off the coasts of all the swell-facing islands, including Uluwatu, G-Land, and Desert Point. Water temperatures of over 27°C and average air temperatures of 30°C are also typical. However, the wet season, which lasts from November to March, has a lot to offer.
However, many seasoned surfers who have frequently traveled to Indonesia are now visiting Bali and the Mentawai Islands during the rainy season. There are far fewer tourists around, which ultimately offers an overall better surfing experience.
The Best Surfing Spots In Indonesia
With well over 17,000 islands on offer, Indonesia certainly has no shortage of perfect spots to hit the waves. To help you effectively plan your next surfing getaway, here are some of the best surfing spots in Indonesia:
Uluwatu – Bali
Throughout the year, Bali, the epicenter of Indonesia’s tourism industry, is packed with surfers and beach enthusiasts from all over the world. This is unsurprising given the Southern Ocean’s steady surf and warm water of roughly 80-84 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Bali is, of course, also famous for its unique topography, which provides a variety of breaks on both sides of the Bukit Peninsula. The majority of Bali’s surf beaches are within walking distance of the island’s main attractions.
Uluwatu is undoubtedly one of Bali’s most well-known surf spots and is considered one of the top 50 surf spots in the world. Uluwatu Beach is known for its roughly 16.4 feet to 26.2 feet tall swells, with waves renowned for being short and incredibly powerful, with only a few seconds between each wave. Surfing in this area will provide you with breathtaking views of cliffs and a Balinese temple.
For beginners and families out there, nearby beaches such as Padang Padang Dreamlands and Bingin provide surf camps and surfing training to assist you in establishing your bearings. This will also give the absolute beginner the confidence to have a wonderful surfing vacation.
Desert Point – Lombok
Lombok, referred to by many as Bali’s younger brother, is where you want to be if you want a surfing experience like Bali, but without the overcrowding. In fact, Lombok is said to be eerily similar to Bali in the 1970s and 1980s. Though it is not quite as popular from a tourist point of view, it is undoubtedly just as ideal from a surfing point of view.
The waves that you will find here are equally excellent, and Lombok has several surf camps that will take you to the island’s most extraordinary waves.
Desert Point is considered by many to be one of Indonesia’s best-kept secret surfing spots. The site gets its name from its desert-shaped waves with tall swells and beautiful blue hollows.
However, the massive waves found at Desert Point are not suitable for beginners. These kinds of rough waves may injure beginners or weak swimmers. On the other hand, professionals and skilled surfers will find Desert Point to be a surfer’s paradise.
Ombak Tujuh – West Java
A little fun fact about the Indonesian island called Java. It is not only one of the places where great coffee comes from, but it is also the world’s most populous island. As a result, surfing in Java is concentrated on the southern shore, with the Banten Province providing a diverse range of breaks for surfers of all levels.
Ombak Tujuh, located on the west of Java, literally translates to “seven waves.” This is for sure a beautiful surf spot that you do not want to miss out on. The waves at Ombak Tujuh are remarkably formed seven at a time before hitting the beach, hence its exciting name. There is a lot of breathtaking scenery that can be enjoyed while surfing at Ombak Tujuh, and perhaps one of the greatest parts is that this area is a great place to start if you’re a beginner surfer.
Mentawai Islands
The Mentawai Islands are a series of four main islands and many smaller islands off the coast of West Sumatra, about 60 miles away. These islands are a must-see for all surfers as they have the most consistent waves in Indonesia, and the breakers are regarded as some of the greatest in the world.
Year-round, surfers will be able to enjoy roughly 400 surf spots with incredible waves of up to 15 feet. Spectacular point breaks, blue hollows, and overall tremendously enjoyable waves can be found in the beautiful tropical waters of the Mentawai islands.
Conclusion
Being made up of roughly over 17,000 islands makes listing every surf spot in Indonesia nearly impossible. However, we are confident that the locations mentioned here are at the top of the list in terms of popularity and overall bucket list-worthy spots for all aspiring surfers to visit. Indonesia is guaranteed to offer an incredible surfing experience!
