The call of Indonesian shores
There’s something about Indonesia that clings to you like salt on sun-warmed skin. A whisper in the breeze that pulls you toward turquoise waves and palm-fringed coves, where time dissolves somewhere between two tides. For those drawn to the surfboard or simply to the caress of golden sunshine on the skin, this island nation offers a mosaic of coastal wonders — each more seductive than the last.
From legendary breaks that challenge the boldest surfers to tranquil bays where hammocks swing to the lull of gentle tides, Indonesia reveals itself slowly, secretively — like a diary only the ocean can read.
Uluwatu, Bali – The soul of surfing
Bali’s southern cliffs cradle one of the island’s most iconic surfing spots – Uluwatu. Here, the waves carry tales from across the Indian Ocean, breaking dramatically against limestone perfection. It’s not just a place; it’s a rite of passage for surfers from every corner of the globe.
Before my own toes kissed the hot sand, I’d only heard stories — of sunsets that melt like honey, of a temple perched precariously above foamy chaos, and surfers walking the narrow paths toward the edge, boards beneath arms, hearts thumping in sync with the sea.
Experienced surfers will relish the fast, barreling waves on the reef break, particularly during dry season (May to September). For those who prefer to stay dry, there’s something spellbinding about watching silhouettes dance with the tide from above, all while sipping a cold coconut at one of the cliffside warungs.
Mentawai Islands – The remote dream
Accessible only by overnight ferry or private charter from Padang in West Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands aren’t for the faint of heart — but therein lies the magic. This cluster of jungle-drenched islets has achieved near-mythical status among the surfing community. Why? Perfectly shaped waves, warm water year-round, and line-ups that feel like well-kept secrets.
Spots like Lance’s Right and Macaronis draw elite surfers chasing the ultimate barrel, while smaller breaks nearer to the resorts cater to intermediate thrill-seekers. Staying in a surf camp or aboard a surf charter boat allows full immersion — not only into the surf culture, but the soothing, unplugged rhythm of life here.
And for sunseekers? Don’t be surprised if you find yourself completely alone on a crescent of untouched sand, where the only company is a curious sea turtle or the occasional falling coconut.
Kuta Beach, Lombok – The laid-back alternative
Not to be confused with its busier namesake in Bali, Lombok’s Kuta Beach offers a quieter, more authentic charm. With soft white sands and rolling hills behind it, this coastal village has slowly blossomed into a haven for those seeking serenity with a side of surf.
The waves at nearby Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan range from gentle rollers perfect for beginners, to more thrilling peaks for the intermediates. There’s a small surf school run by a father-son duo just off the main beach, where lessons come with wide smiles and encouraging “you can do it!” cheers.
Beyond the sea, days begin with dragonfruit smoothies and end with grilled fish beneath fairy-lit warungs, where sand clings to sunburnt ankles and strangers become friends over bottles of Bintang.
Desert Point, Lombok – For those who dare
If adrenaline runs through your veins and timing is your art, Desert Point — or Bangko-Bangko, as locals call it — might just be your cathedral. Regarded as one of the world’s longest and most demanding left-hand barrels, this break is not for novices.
Conditions have to align like planets: low tide, minimal wind, and powerful swell. But when they do? It’s pure poetry. Surfers are rewarded with rides that can stretch over 300m — a technicoloured dream for those who seek perfection in motion.
For the rest of us, visiting Desert Point is akin to watching flamenco dancers in their prime — raw, passionate, almost otherworldly. I stood there once with my feet buried in hot sand, watching streaks of fiberglass glide across the sea like calligraphy on aqua parchment.
Nihiwatu Beach, Sumba – Seclusion meets elegance
Sumba, often overshadowed by its more famed neighbours, is blessed with wild beauty and an enthralling pulse of tribal culture. At Nihiwatu Beach — now known as Nihi Sumba — luxury and nature exist in rare harmony. The resort here has earned accolades not just for its design, but for its deep-rooted collaboration with the Sumbanese community.
Surfers come for the remote and exclusive wave called “Occy’s Left,” a powerful, consistent left-hander that breaks directly in front of the resort. Its limited daily access means fewer crowds, and the experience feels nearly sacred.
But perhaps my favorite moment was watching village children chase kite shadows across the sand at sunset, their laughter echoing long after the light had faded.
G-Land (Grajagan), Java – Raw energy in the jungle
Located deep within a national park on Java’s southeastern coast, G-Land is a legend. Backed by dense jungle and accessible mainly by boat or rugged overland journey, this spot is where nature reigns—the sea wild, the air crackling with energy.
Pioneered by intrepid surfers in the 1970s, G-Land is home to a reef break that roars to life with chunky swells between April and October. It’s serious surfing, best suited for those who know their way around speed and risk.
But the charm goes beyond waves. There are jungle treks to hidden waterfalls, low drones of cicadas in the evening, and nightly bonfires where tales are swapped beneath a tapestry of stars so thick and close, you swear you could touch them.
Balangan Beach, Bali – Cliffs and calm
Tucked away on the Bukit Peninsula, Balangan is a surfer’s delight and a sunseeker’s sketchbook. The rusty cliffs frame a pristine stretch of sand that’s far from Bali’s urban frenzy. During my last trip, a dog with mismatched eyes followed me along the shore, pausing only when I did — a peculiar guardian for a thoroughly peaceful afternoon.
The reef break is ideal for intermediate surfers seeking clean, consistent waves, while the absence of big crowds gives everything a meditative pace. In the golden hour, Balangan truly shines — the kind of light that wraps around you and doesn’t let go.
Helpful tips for surf & sand adventures in Indonesia
- Dry season (May–September) is prime time for surf across most regions, with Bali, Java, and the Mentawi Islands seeing their best swells and weather.
- Bring reef-friendly sunscreen: Coral reefs are alive and precious. Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Use reef booties when surfing shallow breaks — they’ll save your feet from nasty cuts.
- Embrace the local rhythm: Surf days start early, and island time is real — buses don’t always leave on time, and that’s okay.
- Travel insurance is essential, especially if you plan on surfing remote locations like G-Land or Mentawais.
Indonesia is more than a destination; it’s an emotion. Whether you’re here to chase waves or kiss the sun, to find silence between tides or thrills in their embrace — the archipelago will meet you halfway, with a smile, a surfboard, and a warm breeze that whispers: welcome home.