With year-round swells, sunshine and Bintangs, Indonesia is probably the world’s best surfing destination, period. For years now, surfers of all levels come from around the globe to chase some Indonesian perfection and catch waves all day, everyday.
Indonesia is huge and you will find waves pretty much anywhere that is exposed to the Indian Ocean. However, if you are gonna pick one spot for a surf trip, it has to be one of the 10 following places.
1. Uluwatu, Bali
Uluwatu is a world-class wave located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula right by the cliffs of Uluwatu. This reef break produces long and perfect left-hand waves that can go on for as long as a few hundred meters.
Uluwatu is also a great place to settle and enjoy wonderful Balinese sunsets or go visit the Temple for a little cultural escape.
Find a Surf Camp in Uluwatu, starting at US$581
2. Desert Point, Lombok
Desert Point is definitely Lombok’s best wave, by a mile! This fast and hollow reef break is an absolute race track that is super challenging even for the best surfers out there. Lombok is Bali’s neighbor to the east and both islands are only a short ferry away from each other. Sometimes, simply by going to Lombok, you will skip some of the Balinese crowds while still getting the same swells.
Read our complete surfing guide to Lombok, Indonesia
3. Lakey Peak, Sumbawa
Read our complete surfing guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia
Right after Lombok comes Sumbawa, just another ferry away. This island is more remote, less crowded and less developed than Bali and Lombok. Sumbawa also has GREAT waves! The island is pretty wide and has two separate airports and surfing areas. Lakey Peak is on the east side of Sumbawa and is a fantastic A-frame reef break.
4. Mentawai Islands, Sumatra
Read our complete surfing guide to Mentawai Islands
The Mentawai Islands have dozens of world-class reef breaks that make this archipelago a true surfing mecca. Although the Mentawais are more remote and hard of access, the hassle is totally worth it and most trip to the Mentawais turn out to be the surf trip of a lifetime!
5. Padang Padang, Bali
Padang Padang is another flagship surf spot on Bali, located in Bukit’s Peninsula. This left-hand wave is a hollow reef break, perfect to practice some barrel rides or simply play with a long and steep wall.
6. Yoyo’s, Sumbawa
Yoyo’s is a super consistent wave located in Sekongkang Bay, which is known for being a swell magnet. The bay is positioned in a way to catch any swell from the south-west and produce perfect waves. Yoyo’s is a right-hand reef break that works better in the morning from mid to high tide.
7. Mawi Beach, Lombok
Another nice wave on Lombok is Mawi Beach which is probably the most consistent surf spot on the island. Mawi works at all stages of the tide and breaks left and right, making it a really fun surf spot. Mawi Beach is located about 25 minutes from Kuta and a few other breaks are on the way.
8. G-Land, Java
G-Land, on the island of Java is another world-class left-hand point break that produces a perfect, long and sometimes hollow wave. Good news is G-Land is on the very eastern tip of Java which makes it just a small journey from Bali.
9. Scar Reef, Sumbawa
West Sumbawa is very rich in waves and Scar Reef is another gem of a surf spot that can be found in the area. This punchy reef break is very critical and thrilling for the barrel lovers! Scar Reef isn’t too far of SuperSuck which is another iconic reef break in West Sumbawa.
10. Nihiwatu, Sumba
Nihiwatu is not a very known surf spot compared to the rest of our list, but believe it or not, it is one of Kelly Slater’s favorite wave in the world! The island of Sumba is right beneath Sumbawa and is a very raw and underdeveloped Indonesian island that is perfect for the most adventurous surfers out there. Nihiwatu is just a perfect left-hand wave, mostly uncrowded and super consistent.