Surf Indonesia: 7 Epic (and Mostly Crowd-free) Islands to Surf in Indonesia

Photo by Julian Vinci via Surfers

After a whirlwind three weeks surfing Bali and Lombok in April 2024, I wrote a surf guide to Indonesia for the California-based publication Surfers, tapping into locals’ knowledge of Indonesia’s best surf. In that complete guide, you can read up on Indonesia’s classic and emerging surf destinations, where waves are still being discovered and where surf lore and legend really does live up to reality. Below is a quick-glance breakdown of the 7 epic regions covered in the feature. Click through on any destination to read my full, in-depth breakdown and local insider tips directly on Surfers.

Quick-Glance Guide: The 7 Best Surf Islands in Indonesia

1. Bali

The legendary heartbeat of Indonesian surfing. From the ultra-consistent barrels of Uluwatu to the mellow peaks of Canggu, it is the ultimate starting point for any trip.

Recommended Surf Camps in Bali:

• CARI Surf Camp: Located in Uluwatu, this well-reviewed surf camp includes twice daily lessons, all equipment, surf theory and photo/video analysis, yoga classes, 7 nights’ accommodation, a healthy breakfast everyday, two family dinners and one BBQ, plus your airport transfer to and from the camp — Check Prices & Availability

• Padang Padang Surf Camp: This four-day surf camp for beginner and intermediate surfers is located within walking distance of Dreamland, Bingin, Impossible, and Padang Padang beaches. It includes three surf lessons, one-on-one progress analysis with the head surf coach, surf skate lessons, access to their sauna, ice bath, yoga studio, and gym equipment, all meals, airport and beach transfers, and three nights’ accommodation + access to a coworking office. — Check Prices & Availability

• You can search for more surf camps in Bali on BookSurfCamps.com

Surf-Friendly Hotels & Rentals in Bali:

• Uluwatu Surf Villas: Perched directly on the cliffs with expansive views of the Indian Ocean. It features a private path down to Suluban beach, board storage, an on-site yoga studio, and legendary sunset views — Check Pricing & Availability

• Terra Cottages Bali:A stunning, Mediterranean-style boutique hotel tucked just above Bingin Beach. It features direct staircase access down to the sand, surfboard racks, and a short walk to health-focused local cafes — Check Pricing & Availability

• COMO Uma Canggu: Located right on the shores of Echo Beach. This luxury property partners directly with Tropicsurf to provide high-end coaching, custom surfboard rentals, and elite surf spot transfers for all ages — Check Pricing & Availability

• OXO Townhouses Berawa:Sustainable, modern townhouses featuring private plunge pools, full kitchens, and dedicated workspaces. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood just a 2-minute scooter ride from Berawa beach's peaks — Check Pricing & Availability

Read the full Surf Guide on Surfers for more details on Bali’s surf.

2. Lombok

Bali's quieter neighbor, boasting world-class setups like Desert Point for advanced barrels and inside Gerupuk for developing surfers.

Bali to Lombok Transit Note: Skip the stress of haggling at the harbor. You can instantly compare fast boat schedules, pricing, and book tickets from Bali to Lombok via 12Go or lock in a premium fast-craft seat on Bookaway.

Recommended Surf Camps in Lombok:

• Surf & Yoga Retreats: Located in Kuta, their 6-day surf camp includes daily semi-private surf coaching with video analysis and surf theory, one surf skate class, one surf day trip, free use of surf equipment outside of lessons, one breathwork journey, all meals, and five nights’ accommodation — Check Prices & Availability

• Xanadu Surf & Yoga: Their 8-day surf progression week is for intermediate to advanced surfers ready to move past the plateau. The week includes daily surf with groups of no more than 6, personalized feedback, surf theory and workshops, two in-depth video analysis sessions, board rentals, complimentary ice bath use, and seven nights’ accommodation - Check Prices & Availability

• You can search for more surf camps in Lombok on BookSurfCamps.com

Surf-Friendly Hotels & Rentals in Lombok:

• Mana Eco Retreat:Tucked away in central Kuta, this highly aesthetic retreat features sustainable bamboo structures, a daily yoga schedule, a healthy vegetarian restaurant, and an on-site spa. It is the perfect place to rest your shoulders after an intense morning session — Check Pricing & Availability

• Inlight Lombok Resort: Located directly in town facing the Gerupuk Bay. It offers an incredibly laid-back atmosphere with multiple beachfront pools, clean ocean vistas, and on-demand local outrigger boat charters to line up on the peaks — Check Pricing & Availability

• Ombak Resort at Ekas: A fantastic mid-range resort option that provides free boat transit to the legendary "Inside Ekas" wave for all staying guests. Known for its exceptional coffee, cozy family atmosphere, and remote coastal views — Check Pricing & Availability

Read the full Surf Guide on Surfers for more details on Lombok’s surf.

3. Sumatra

Home to heavy, hollow reefs and a rugged coastline that rewards adventurous travelers looking for massive swells.

Sumatra Flight Transit Note: Reaching the uncrowded waves of Krui requires landing at Bandar Lampung Airport (TKG). Avoid transport scams by booking your internal flights from Jakarta or booking private airport car transfers safely through 12Go.

Recommended Surf Camps in Sumatra

• Sumatra Surf Resort:They have both 6-day and 11-day packages that include daily surf guiding, all equipment, all meals, and accomodation. The resort itself has a beautiful pool and beach deck that faces the longest and best left-handed reef break in the region, Ujung Bocor.

• Damara Surf Camp: Their 10-day intensive surf retreat for intermediate to advanced surfers includes one to two filmed surf lessons per day plus video analysis after, surf skate training, yoga sessions, mindset workshops, and theory classes, all meals, a media pack at the end of the retreat that includes all of your videos and photos, and nine nights’ accommodation — Check Pricing & Availability

• You can search for more surf camps in Sumatra at BookSurfCamps.com

Surf-Friendly Hotels & Rentals in Sumatra

• Sumatra Surf Resort:Strategically positioned right on the point at Tanjung Setia. It features 14 spacious, air-conditioned tropical bungalows, a massive beachfront swimming pool, and an outdoor watchtower bar built for checking the swell lines at Ujung Bocur. It perfectly handles all logistics, including meals and airport transfers — Check Pricing & Availability

• Cabana Surf & Stay: A beautiful, laid-back property located right on the sand near Mandiri Beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms, private terraces with sweeping ocean views, an on-site restaurant serving international dishes, and an ideal setup for checking the morning beach-break peaks — Check Pricing & Availability

• Lovina Krui Surf:A highly rated, incredibly welcoming local surf house right in front of the hollow peaks of Krui Left and Krui Right. It features an outdoor swimming pool, exceptionally clean rooms, and massive, home-cooked local meals that are perfect for fueling long sessions— Check Pricing & Availability

Read the full Surf Guide on Surfers for more details on Sumatra’s surf.

4. The Mentawai Islands

The ultimate surf playground. A dense cluster of world-class, picture-perfect waves like Macaronis and HT's that belong on every surfer's bucket list.

Recommended Surf Camps in The Mentawais:

• Beng Bengs Surf Camp: Situated 100 meters from E Bay on Nyang Nyang Island, their 13-day surf guiding package includes two daily surfing boat trips with a surf guide, free use of snorkeling equipment, roundtrip fast boat transfers to and from the camp and the airport, all meals, and 12 nights’ accommodation — Check Pricing & Availability

• Kaini Mentawai Resort: Steps from world-class waves like Pitstops and E-Bay on Masokut Island, Kaini offers surf camp packages that include daily surf guiding and boat transfers to nearby breaks, a maximum 12-guest policy for a quiet and relaxed experience, all meals, drinks, and snacks, and seven nights’ accommodations in their ocean-view bungalows with private terraces and natural ventilation —Check Pricing & Availability

• Hidden Bay Resort’s Surf Your Brains Out Package: Ideally situated between two dozen breaks in the northern region of the Mentawais, their 12-day surf camp package includes two speedboat trips to the breaks per day with a surf guide, daily physiotherapy sessions, all meals, your roundtrip fast ferry transfer to and from the resort, and 11 nights’ accommodation — Check Pricing & Availability

• You can search for more surf camps in the Mentawais at BookSurfCamps.com

Surf-Friendly Hotels & Rentals in The Mentawais:

• Playgrounds Sabbit Mentawais Surf Camp: A locally owned and highly rated surf house located literal steps from the hollow barrels of E-Bay. It features comfortable, fan-cooled rooms, direct beach access, three massive daily meals, and daily speedboat trips to surrounding breaks — Check Pricing & Availability

• Villa Onu Mentawai:‍ ‍Located right in Katiet, literal steps away from the mechanical, world-famous barrels of Lance’s Right (HT's). It features jaw-dropping architectural designs, luxury plunge pools, and high-speed Wi-Fi — Check Pricing & Availability

• Villa Santai Mentawai: Tucked right along the coast near Tuapejat (the main ferry entry port), meaning zero stressful inner-island transfer logistics. It features an ocean-facing pool, comfortable air-conditioned rooms, and exceptional traveler reviews. The local hosts excel at coordinating daily outrigger boat charters straight to Telescope and surrounding breaks — Check Pricing & Availability

• Valhalla Mentawai: A gorgeous, highly aesthetic beachfront villa that serves as the ultimate premium alternative to remote surf resorts. It offers top-tier amenities, full air conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, and a breezy terrace built for watching the swell lines roll in. It is perfect for couples or small crews who want luxury comfort steps from the wave — Check Pricing & Availability

Mentawai Ferry Note: To get to the islands, you must take the Mentawai Fast Ferry from Padang (Sumatra). While many resorts coordinate private harbor pickups, you can track regional flights to Padang Airport and keep tabs on island ferry connections using 12Go.

Read the full Surf Guide on Surfers for more details on the Mentawai’s surf.

5. Sumbawa

Offering uncrowded, high-quality setups like Lakey Peak and Yo-Yo's, perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers seeking open space.

Sumbawa Travel Flight Note: If you are staying in the Lakey Peak (East) zone, you need to fly into Bima Airport (BMU). If you are chasing the heavy barrels of West Sumbawa, it is much faster to take the local fast ferry over from Lombok or fly into Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ). Check schedules, compare flight prices from Bali, or look up regional overland bus-ferry combinations across the island on 12Go.

Surf-Friendly Hotels & Rentals in Sumbawa:

• The Peak Surf House: Perched literal steps from Lakey Beach, this property features rooms intentionally built with built-in surfboard racks and private balconies that look straight out at the Peak and the Pipe lineup. It offers crisp air conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, and a breezy chill-out garden — Check Pricing & Availability

• Kertasari Lodge: A stunning, boutique property tucked away in West Sumbawa with a panoramic sea view. It features beautifully designed, comfortable tropical rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and an exceptional restaurant that serves the best food in the region. Perfect for couples or surfers looking for top-tier comfort — Check Pricing & Availability

• Balong Balong Surf Bungalows: Located right on the sand in Sekongkang, this 3-star property is highly praised by travelers for its friendly local staff, exceptional daily breakfast, and immediate beachfront access to check the surf at Yo-Yo's — Check Pricing & Availability

Read the full Surf Guide on Surfers for more details on Sumbawa’s surf.

6. Java

Boasting the legendary G-Land (Plengkung), where you can ride one of the longest, most perfect left-hand barrels on earth against a jungle backdrop.

Surf-Friendly Hotels & Rentals in Java:

• Jawa Jiwa G-Land Resort: A gorgeous beachfront property that offers massive, upscale permanent glamping tents. Tucked deep into the rainforest, it features air conditioning, private bathrooms, a family-friendly restaurant, and daily yoga classes. It is located a very short, scenic walking distance from the main launch point for the waves — Check Pricing & Availability

• Villa Monyet Java: A gorgeous beachfront property built with traditional Javanese bamboo and stone architecture, tucked into a lush tropical garden. It sits right in front of the local reef break and is just a short, 10-minute stroll to the main point break. Surfers love it for its social, family-like atmosphere, its famous Friday night communal seafood banana-leaf BBQs, and incredibly helpful local guides. — Check Pricing & Availability

***G-Land Transit Note: Most surfers reach these camps by booking a fast transit speedboat directly from Kuta/Sanjur, Bali, crossing the strait straight to Grajagan Bay. When you book your stay online, message the resort staff immediately to coordinate your speedboat crossing and national park entry passes ahead of time!

Read the full Surf Guide on Surfers for more details on Java’s surf.

7. Sumba

A pristine, culturally rich island featuring heavy, crowd-free reef breaks for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Surf-Friendly Hotels & Rentals in Sumba:

• Maringi Sumba: An eco-conscious bamboo resort operated entirely as a training school for local Sumbanese youth. It features beautiful private pavilions, an outdoor pool, and a farm-to-table restaurant. While it sits slightly inland in Southwest Sumba, it is an incredible base camp for renting a scooter or hiring a local driver to explore the raw beach breaks of Pero and Tarimbang — Check Pricing & Availability

• NIHI Sumba: Widely ranked among the top hotels in the world, this breathtaking beachfront resort sits directly in front of "Occy's Left"—one of the most perfect, mechanical left-hand reef breaks in Indonesia. The resort strictly caps the wave at just 10 surfers per day, guaranteeing you completely uncrowded, legendary sessions. It features private pool villas, world-class dining, and a clifftop spa safari — Check Pricing & Availability

***Sumba Flight Transit Note: If you are chasing the world-class reef waves along the rugged southwest coast, book your flights into Tambolaka Airport (TMC). If you are exploring the uncrowded points of East Sumba, fly into Waingapu Airport (WGP). Most premium resorts can arrange private 4x4 airport transfers if requested in advance!

Read the full Surf Guide on Surfers for more details on Sumba’s surf.

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