Beyond Bali
While Bali is famous, Indonesia's 17,000 islands offer countless uncrowded world-class waves. The archipelago receives swells from multiple directions, meaning surf somewhere is always firing.
Mentawai Islands
The holy grail of surf travel:
- Macaronis: Perfect left walls
- Telescopes: Long, perfect right
- Lance's Right (HT's): Barreling right
- Lance's Left: Machine-like tubes
Access via surf charter boats from Padang, Sumatra.
Lombok
Bali's less crowded neighbor:
- Desert Point: One of the world's longest tubes
- Kuta Lombok: Multiple beach breaks
- Gerupuk: Variety of reef setups
- Ekas: Right-hand bay
Sumbawa
- Lakey Peak: Left and right A-frames
- Lakey Pipe: Hollow left barrel
- Nungas: Long right point
- Scar Reef: Perfect but shallow
Sumatra (Mainland)
- Nias: Lagundri Bay's perfect right
- Krui: Multiple setups, less discovered
- Telo Islands: Boat access, uncrowded
Java
- G-Land: Legendary left at Grajagan
- Pacitan: Southern coast gems
- West Java: Cimaja and surrounds
Best Seasons
- April-October: Dry season, SW swells, prime time
- November-March: Wet season, variable
- Each island has microclimates
Surf Charters
Boat trips are the best way to access remote breaks:
- 10-14 day trips typical
- All-inclusive food and accommodation
- Surf multiple breaks per day
- Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season
Travel Considerations
- Reef booties essential
- Medical kit for remote areas
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Respect local customs and mosques
- Pack extra boards for boat trips