The best surf spots in Indonesia – A paradise for wave hunters

Indonesia, an archipelago with over 17,000 islands, is a mecca for surfers from all over the world. From epic barrel waves to long point breaks to beginner-friendly beach breaks, the country offers a wealth of surf spots – framed by tropical scenery, warm water, and a unique surf culture. Here are the best surf spots you shouldn't miss:

🌊 1. Uluwatu (Bali)

Spot Type: Left-Hand Reef Break
For whom: Advanced to professional
Best time: May to September (dry season, south swell)

Uluwatu is the crown jewel of the Balinese surfing scene. This powerful wave rolls over a sharp reef directly below a temple and features five sections, including The Peak , Racetrack , and Outside Corner . On big swells, it can be huge—but also barrel beautifully.

Special feature: Surfing at sunset with a view of the Uluwatu Temple – a spiritual experience.

🌴 2. Mentawai Islands (West Sumatra)

Spot type: Reef breaks of all kinds
For whom: Intermediates to Pros
Best time: April to October

The Mentawais are legendary. Remote, crystal-clear lineups and a variety of perfectly shaped waves like Macaronis , Lances Right , Rifles , and Bankvaults make them one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Accessible only by boat, often via expensive charters or surf resorts.

Special features: World-class waves, tropical isolation, and hardly any crowds – provided you're willing to invest.

🏝️ 3. G-Land (Java – Grajagan Bay)

Spot Type: Long Left-Hand Reef Break
For whom: Advanced and pros
Best time: May to October

Discovered by Gerry Lopez in the 1970s, G-Land (Grajagan) is considered one of the longest left-hand waves in the world. The wave features various sections such as Kongs , Money Trees , Speedies , and Chickens . G-Land is raw, wild, and not without its dangers.

Special feature: A camp feeling in the middle of the jungle – accessible only by boat or jeep. Not a place for the faint of heart.

🐚 4. Canggu (Bali)

Spot type: Reef and sand breaks
For whom: Beginners to advanced
Best time: All year round

Canggu offers a more relaxed alternative to Uluwatu – with consistent swell, cozy cafes, digital nomads, and a diverse lineup: Batu Bolong (slow & beginner-friendly), Echo Beach (rippling reef break), and Pererenan (slightly faster).

Special features: hipster vibes, yoga, avocado toast & daily sessions in beach shorts.

🧭 5. Lakey Peak (Sumbawa)

Spot Type: A-Frame Reef Break
For whom: Intermediates to advanced
Best time: April to October

Lakey Peak is a smooth, perfectly formed A-frame with both left and right sides—a barrel hunter's dream. There are also Lakey Pipe , Periscopes , Nungas , and Cobblestones . Compared to Bali: less tourism, more authenticity.

Special feature: Getting up early is worth it – best conditions at morning tide, sunrise included.

🏄 6. Desert Point (Lombok)

Spot Type: Long Left-Hand Barrel
For whom: Experts
Best time: June to August (big swell, low water)

The name says it all: dry, hot, isolated—but with one of the longest tubes in the world. Desert Point (Bangko-Bangko) only works with perfect swell and tide. A mistake can be painful—the reef is sharp and unforgiving.

Special feature: 20+ second tube rides possible – if you manage to stay inside.

🌺 7. Nias (North Sumatra)

Spot Type: Right-Hand Point Break
For whom: Advanced
Best time: April to October

Lagian Bay in Nias offers one of Indonesia's most beautiful right-hand tubes. Nias has been a cult favorite since the 1987 surfing film "Storm Riders" – despite modern infrastructure, it remains a remote experience.

Special feature: After a tsunami in 2005, the reef changed – and the waves became even better .

🌀 8. Simeulue (Aceh Region)

Spot Type: Reef Breaks (Right & Left)
For whom: Advanced
Best time: March to October

A little-known island northwest of Sumatra. Surf spots like Dylan's Right , Tea Bags , and Thailands are powerful, hollow, and remote. Small lineups, powerful swells—truly adventurous.

Special feature: Hardly any tourism, local culture still intact – an insider tip for explorers.

🌞 9. Batu Karas (Java)

Spot Type: Longboard-Friendly Right Point Break
For whom: Beginners & longboarders
Best time: May to September

Ideal for surfing beginners or relaxed sessions, Batu Karas is located in West Java and offers small but clean waves over a sandy bottom. Surf schools, affordable accommodations, and local restaurants create a backpacker atmosphere.

Special feature: chill-out waves, hardly any reef – perfect for learning.

🌐 10. Rote Island (West Timor)

Spot Type: Left-Hand Reef Break
For whom: Intermediates
Best time: April to October

Located near the Australian border, Rote offers a relaxed atmosphere with consistent swell, little tourism, and spectacular sunsets. The main spot, T-Land, is a gentler version of G-Land—long, easily accessible lefts.

Special features: Small crowds, reasonable prices, quiet tropical island vibes.

📦 Conclusion: Indonesia – The Wave Wonderland

Whether you're looking for perfect barrels, secluded breaks, or relaxed longboarding sessions, Indonesia has it all. The combination of reliable swell, tropical scenery, affordable prices, and diverse culture makes it a dream destination for surfers of all experience levels.

Surf spot	Suitable for whom	Special feature
Uluwatu	Advanced	Temple backdrop, legendary barrels
Mentawais	Pros & Surf Camps	Expensive, but world class
G-Land	experts	Jungle Camp & endless lefts
Canggu	Beginners & Digital	Surfing & Lifestyle combined
Lakey Peak	Intermediates	Uniform A-frame
Desert Point	professionals	Longest left tube in the world
Nias	Advanced	Perfect Right
Simeulue	adventurer	Insider tip with power
Batu Karas	beginner	Longboard paradise
Red Island	Chill Surfer	Small crowd, long rides

✈️ Surf and travel tips

• Dry season (May–October) = peak swell season

• Travel insurance including surf accident coverage is recommended

• Respect local culture & religion (e.g. temples, clothing)

• Bring reef booties and reef cut supplies – Indonesia’s reefs are sharp!