Indonesia Secret Surf Spots 2025: 7 Uncrowded Waves Beyond Bali & Mentawai

Indonesia has 17,508 islands and the world\'s longest coastline exposed to Indian Ocean swell—yet 90% of surf tourists squeeze into Bali\'s Uluwatu (200-300 surfers in the lineup) or pay US$3,000-5,000 for Mentawai boat charters. This guide reveals 7 secret surf destinations with world-class waves, zero crowds, and budgets under US$2,000 for 10 days: Krui\'s 'Sumatran Pipeline,' Nias' 600-foot Lagundri Bay barrels, T-Land Rote (Indonesia\'s longest left), Sumbawa\'s Lakey Peak, Simeulue\'s year-round swell, and Banyak Islands' 350-meter Treasure Island.

These spots receive fewer than 50 surfers per day even in peak season (June-August) compared to Bali\'s 500+ crowds. English-language guides are scarce, buried in surf mag archives, or outdated by 5-10 years. This 2025 guide compiles everything: how to get to each spot (flights, ferries, drives), best seasons (dry vs. wet, swell windows), wave-by-wave breakdowns (skill levels, tide/swell requirements, hazards), accommodation (US$15-80/night), costs (complete budget vs. mid-range), visa requirements, and why Nias\' Lagundri Bay might be the best wave on Earth.

Why Surf Indonesia\'s Secret Spots Instead of Bali or Mentawai?

The Bali/Mentawai Problem: Crowds, Costs & Localism

Bali has become unsurfable for many breaks: Uluwatu sees 200-300 surfers in the water during peak season (June-August), with aggressive drop-ins, snake sessions, and occasional fistfights between locals and tourists. Padang Padang closes down to 40 surfers at a time (ticketed entry since 2019). Canggu\'s beach breaks have 150-200 beginners paddling out, creating a chaotic washing machine of foam boards and collisions. The vibe has shifted from laid-back surf culture to \'get your wave at any cost\' desperation.

Mentawai boat charters are incredible but expensive and exclusive: A 10-day Mentawai charter costs US$2,000-5,000 per person (budget to luxury), making it inaccessible for solo travelers, budget-conscious surfers, or anyone under 25 without a trust fund. You need groups of 6-12 to charter a boat, meaning solo travelers pay double or scramble to find strangers online. Seasickness is a real issue (10-hour boat rides in swell), and monsoon season (November-March) cancellations lose you deposits.

Secret Spots Solve These Problems

• Crowds 10-20x smaller: Krui sees 10-30 surfers across 15+ breaks. Nias has 20-40 surfers at Lagundri Bay (world-class wave). Simeulue gets 5-20 surfers total. Compare to Uluwatu\'s 200-300.
• Costs 40-60% cheaper: Land-based surf trips to Krui, Nias, Rote, Sumbawa, or Simeulue cost US$1,200-2,500 for 10 days (flights, accommodation, food, transport) vs. US$3,000-6,000 for Mentawai charters + Bali stay.
• Solo-traveler friendly: Land-based camps welcome solo surfers (share costs with other guests for boat trips). No need to find 11 strangers to charter a boat.
• Cultural immersion: Stay in villages (Sorake, Tanjung Setia, Nemberala), eat at warungs (₹20k meals), interact with locals, learn Bahasa Indonesia basics. Mentawai boats isolate you from Indonesian culture.
• Flexibility: Extend your stay if swell is good, leave early if it\'s flat, rent a scooter to explore (US$5-8/day). Boat charters lock you in for 10-11 days regardless of conditions.
• Less expert-only: Bali\'s best waves (Uluwatu, Padang, Bingin) are expert reefs. Mentawai is almost entirely heavy barrels. Secret spots offer mix: Krui\'s Ujung Bocur (intermediate), Lakey Peak (intermediate-advanced), plus expert slabs (Way Jambu, Nias).

Trade-offs: What You Sacrifice

Fewer waves per trip: Mentawai boats access 20+ world-class breaks. Land-based spots offer 5-10 breaks within reach (scooter, boat, hike). You won\'t surf as many different waves, but the waves you do surf will be uncrowded and often just as good.

Less infrastructure: Bali has 500+ surf camps, yoga studios, beach clubs, Western food, fast wifi, English everywhere. Secret spots have 5-20 guesthouses, limited food options (Indonesian warungs, basic Western), slow/no wifi, minimal English. You need to embrace simplicity and be comfortable with discomfort.

Harder logistics: Bali is fly-in, scooter-out easy. Secret spots require domestic flights + 2-6 hour drives on rough roads, or ferry rides, or boat charters to offshore islands. Getting there is half the adventure (or frustration, depending on your perspective).

Verdict: If you want guaranteed perfect waves, willing to pay premium, and comfortable with crowds/boat life: Mentawai. If you want cultural immersion, budget-friendly, uncrowded, and don\'t mind simpler accommodations/logistics: Secret spots. Most experienced surfers say secret spots offer BETTER overall experience despite fewer waves.

The 7 Best Secret Surf Spots in Indonesia (Beyond Bali & Mentawai)

1. Krui, South Sumatra: The Sumatran Pipeline & 15+ Uncrowded Breaks

Krui sits on the southwest coast of Sumatra, hosting 15+ waves spread across 100 kilometers of coastline—meaning even when one break is crowded (rare), you can drive 10 minutes and surf alone. The region includes long points, heavy slabs, fun walls, and secret reef breaks accessible by boat or motorbike. Tourism hasn\'t spoiled this area (yet), and locals are friendly to respectful surf visitors.

Best waves in Krui:

Krui Left: Often compared to a \'slightly less perfect Bingin (Bali) without the shallow end section.\' Long left-hander that produces mechanical barrels on the right swell (8ft+ SW), otherwise rippable walls perfect for intermediate-advanced surfers. Breaks over reef, best at mid-high tide. Crowds: 10-20 surfers (vs. 80-100 at Bingin). Access: 5-min scooter from Tanjung Setia village.

Way Jambu (Sumatran Pipeline): Expert-only heavy slab 10 minutes south of Tanjung Setia. Throws serious barrels over shallow coral with urchins (locals call it 'Urchin Hell'). Only breaks on big swell (10ft+), fast and hollow like Pipeline Hawaii. Crowds: 5-10 experts (most surfers avoid it). Access: Boat or scooter + 10-min paddle.

Ujung Bocur: The most consistent and beginner-friendly wave in Krui region—long, fun walls perfect for intermediate surfers practicing turns. Less hollow than Krui Left, deeper reef, forgiving. Breaks year-round with any south swell. Crowds: 15-25 (most popular). Access: Walk from Tanjung Setia beach.

Honeysmacks, Jimmies Right, Jimmies Left: Expert-only barrels offering heavy, round, open tubes with power. These waves break on the right swell (8-12ft), less consistent than main breaks but world-class when on. Crowds: 3-8 (hardcore surfers only). Access: Boat (₹200k-300k split cost).

Banana Island (Pisang Island) Secret Spots: Offshore island south of Krui with two world-class waves: (1) Slabby left on north side that \'goes left fast straight into echoing barrel dredging water off reef\' (expert-only). (2) Right-hander on south side (advanced). Almost nobody surfs here (maybe 5 surfers per week). Access: Boat charter (₹500k-800k for 4-6 people, 30-min ride), overnight camping possible.

Best season Krui: May-October (dry season). Expert surfers prefer June-August (largest swell, long-period groundswell, offshore SE winds). Intermediates prefer April-May, September-October (smaller 4-6ft swell, less intimidating). Water temp: 27-29°C (boardshorts). Crowds: LOW year-round.

How to get to Krui: (1) Fly to Jakarta, then Lampung (TKG airport, 1hr flight). (2) Drive/taxi Lampung→Krui (6-7 hours, ₹600k-1 million). OR fly Jakarta→Bengkulu (BKS airport, closer but fewer flights), drive 4 hours to Krui. Scooter rental in Krui: ₹50k-80k/day.

Accommodation Krui: Tanjung Setia village (main hub): Paradise Surf Camp (US$60-80/night all-inclusive), Secret Sumatra (US$80-120/night), budget guesthouses (US$15-30/night). Most include meals, surf guides, boat trips.

Why Krui is amazing: 15+ breaks means you ALWAYS find uncrowded waves. Cheap (US$1,200-1,800 for 10 days). Friendly locals. Mix of beginner-expert waves. Secret spots (Banana Island) for adventure. Downsides: Long drive from airport, basic accommodations, limited English.

2. Nias Island, North Sumatra: Lagundri Bay—The World\'s Best Left?

Nias Island is legendary among hardcore surfers but remains uncrowded due to remote location and heavy, expert-only conditions. Lagundri Bay is a 600-1,200 foot (180-365 meter) left-hand barrel considered one of the three best waves on Earth alongside Pipeline (Hawaii) and Cloudbreak (Fiji). It breaks over shallow coral reef with 3-5 distinct barrel sections, holding 2-15ft faces. When it\'s on (10ft+ swell), it\'s perfection—long, hollow, powerful, mechanical.

Why Lagundri Bay is special: The wave has an A-frame peak that peels left into a perfect tube that just keeps going. You can get 3-5 separate barrels on a single wave, exiting one section and setting up for the next. It\'s like someone designed the perfect wave in a computer simulation. Surfers who\'ve been everywhere (G-Land, Teahupoo, Cloudbreak) often say Nias is THE BEST.

Skill level required: Advanced to expert ONLY. Shallow reef (urchins everywhere, locals call them \'nails\'), powerful barrels (getting caught inside = multiple-wave hold-downs), sharp coral (cuts get infected fast), heavy localism if you don\'t respect lineup. Intermediates will NOT have fun—too dangerous. Need solid barrel-riding experience, comfortable duck-diving 10ft+ sets, confident paddling power.

Best season Nias: May-September (dry season, SE trade winds offshore). Needs 10ft+ swell to properly work—smaller swells barely break or close out. June-August peak (largest swell, international competitions held). April-May, September-October shoulder season (less consistent but still fires). Water temp: 27-28°C. Crowds: Surprisingly uncrowded (20-40 surfers when it\'s on) because remote access and expert difficulty filter out 95% of surfers.

How to get to Nias/Lagundri Bay: (1) Fly to Medan (KNO airport, North Sumatra) from Jakarta/Singapore/Kuala Lumpur (international gateway). (2) Domestic flight Medan→Gunungsitoli (GNS, Nias airport), 1hr 15min, Wings Air/Citilink, ₹800k-1.2 million (~US$50-80). (3) Taxi/private car Gunungsitoli→Sorake (Lagundri Bay village), 2.5-3 hours, ₹400k-600k (US$27-40), rough road through mountains. ALTERNATIVE: Ferry from Sibolga on mainland (8-12 hours, weekly schedule, uncomfortable but cheap ₹150k).

Accommodation Sorake (Lagundri Bay): 10-15 surf camps/guesthouses along the bay. Key West Resort (US$60-100/night, beachfront, includes meals), Tua Punas Surf Camp (US$40-70/night), budget guesthouses (US$15-30/night basic). Most surfers stay 7-14 days waiting for big swell to hit.

Other Nias/Hinako Islands waves: Asu Island (right-hander, boat access), Hinako Islands (remote boat charter, expensive, world-class rights/lefts). But 90% of surfers come for Lagundri Bay only.

Why Nias is bucket-list: One of the world\'s three best waves (seriously). Uncrowded for the quality (imagine if Cloudbreak had 30 surfers not 200). Hardcore surf culture (locals rip). Cheap once you\'re there (US$50-80/day all-inclusive). Downsides: Remote (2 days travel from Jakarta), needs big swell (flat periods happen), expert-only (dangerous for intermediates), urchin/coral injuries common.

3. T-Land, Rote Island: Indonesia\'s Longest Left-Hander

T-Land (known locally as \'Besialu\') on Rote Island is one of the longest left-hand waves in Indonesia, peeling for 600-1,200 feet (180-365 meters) over three distinct sections called The Peak, The Pyramid, and The Mountain. It\'s often compared to G-Land (Grajagan, Java)—Indonesia\'s most famous wave—but more accessible, less crowded, and more forgiving. T-Land works from 2ft to 15ft, making it rideable far more often than Nias or Desert Point (which need big swells).

Why T-Land is special: The wave quality and consistency allow surfers of varying levels to enjoy it. On smaller days (2-4ft), intermediates can ride long walls practicing cutbacks. On bigger days (8-12ft), the wave transforms into three connected barrel sections with long walls between. You can surf T-Land for 60-90 seconds from peak to channel (compare to Bali\'s 10-20 second rides). The reef has a deep-water channel next to it, so wipeouts are less consequential than shallow reefs.

Skill level: Intermediate to expert. Smaller days (2-5ft) are intermediate-friendly. Bigger days (8-15ft) require advanced skills. The deep channel makes it safer than Nias/Desert Point, but it\'s still a reef break with urchins and coral.

Other Rote waves: The Bommie (shorter intense right in Nembrala bay, fast take-off, reef, ends in deep channel), Suckies/Sucky Mamas (heavy hollow waves, advanced), Boa (long barreling wave or fun walls depending on swell/tide), Do\'o Island (uninhabited island, hollow right, 20-min boat, shallow coral, expert-only). Plus \'several secret spots waiting to be discovered\' per locals.

Best season Rote: March-November (Rote gets SW swell, slightly different angle than Sumatra). Peak: May-September (offshore E-SE trade winds, consistent 4-10ft swell). Shoulder: March-April, October-November (less consistent but still good). Water temp: 27-29°C.

How to get to Rote Island: (1) Fly to Denpasar, Bali (international gateway). (2) Domestic flight Bali→Kupang (KOE airport, West Timor), 1.5hr, ₹600k-1 million (US$40-65). (3) Ferry Kupang→Rote Island (Pantai Baru port), 2 hours, ₹50k-80k (runs 2-3x daily). (4) Drive/taxi ferry port→Nemberala (T-Land village), 1 hour, ₹200k-300k. ALTERNATIVE: Some resorts arrange private boat transfers Kupang→Nemberala (faster but ₹1-1.5 million for boat, split among group).

Accommodation Nemberala (T-Land): T-Land Resort (US$80-150/night, beachfront, full-service), Boa Vida Rote (US$60-100/night), Lualemba Bungalows (US$40-70/night), budget guesthouses (US$15-30/night). Nemberala is a small fishing village, so accommodations are limited (book ahead in peak season).

Why T-Land is awesome: Indonesia\'s longest left (600-1,200ft rides). Works on small to massive swell (2-15ft range). Less crowded than Bali/G-Land (maybe 15-35 surfers on best days). Intermediate-friendly on smaller days. Cheap (US$1,500-2,200 for 10 days). Beautiful island (turquoise water, white sand, traditional culture). Downsides: Multi-day journey (2-3 days from US/Europe), limited food options (Indonesian only), basic infrastructure.

4. Sumbawa: Lakey Peak, Supersuck & The 'Less-Crowded Mentawai\'

Sumbawa features two premier west-facing surf coasts: Lakey Peak in Central Sumbawa and Scar Reef in West Sumbawa, offering a mix of world-class setups fed by abundant Indian Ocean swell. The island is less developed than Bali (fewer tourists, basic infrastructure) but easier to access than Nias or Rote, making it a sweet spot for intermediate-advanced surfers seeking quality waves without extreme remoteness.

Lakey Peak: The premier wave on Sumbawa\'s lineup—an A-frame peak that barrels into neat pipes, breaking both left and right. Suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. Can get crowded during peak season (40-60 surfers, compare to Uluwatu\'s 200-300). Consistent, hollow, fun. Located right in front of Lakey Peak village with 20+ guesthouses.

Supersuck: One of Indonesia\'s longest and most intense tube breaks—a powerful left-hand barrel over shallow live coral reef. Expert-only. Needs big swell (8ft+) and good tube technique. Best at high tide. Holds 10-15ft faces. Name says it all—it literally sucks water off the reef into hollow sections. Crowds: 5-15 experts (most surfers can\'t/won\'t surf it). 10-15 min boat from Lakey.

Yo-Yo\'s, Scar Reef, Tropicals (West Sumbawa): World-class waves in Maluk area (west coast), less crowded than Lakey. Scar Reef is a long left barrel, Yo-Yo\'s is playful and rippable, Tropicals is another left. These require boat access (₹200k-400k split cost) or stay in Maluk village.

Best season Sumbawa: April-October (dry season). April-May favorite (regular visitors say best conditions, fewer crowds, 4-8ft swell range). June-August peak (largest swell 6-12ft, most surfers). Sumbawa picks up consistent 4-12ft swell trains. Water temp: 27-29°C.

How to get to Sumbawa: (1) Fly to Bali or Lombok. (2) Domestic flight Bali/Lombok→Sumbawa Besar (SWQ airport, West Sumbawa) OR Bima (BMU airport, East Sumbawa closer to Lakey). From Bali: 1hr flight, ₹800k-1.2 million. (3) Drive Bima airport→Lakey Peak (Hu\'u village), 2.5 hours, ₹400k-600k. West Sumbawa (Maluk): Drive from SWQ airport 1.5 hours.

Accommodation Lakey Peak: 20+ guesthouses/surf camps. Aman Gati Hotel (US$40-80/night), Lakey Peak Bungalows (US$30-60/night), Homestays (US$15-25/night). Maluk (West Sumbawa): Fewer options, 5-8 guesthouses (US$20-50/night).

Why Sumbawa is great: Multiple world-class waves (Lakey, Supersuck, Scar Reef). Easier access than Nias/Rote (shorter flights/drives). Mix of intermediate (Lakey rights, Yo-Yo\'s) and expert (Supersuck, Scar Reef) waves. Less crowded than Bali. Cheap (US$1,400-2,000 for 10 days). Downsides: Lakey Peak gets crowded in peak season (still 60 surfers vs. 200+ Bali), limited food/nightlife, basic infrastructure.

5. Simeulue Island, North Sumatra: Year-Round Swell & The Longest Fetch in Indonesia

Simeulue Island is positioned at such an angle that swell traveling up from the Indian Ocean has the longest fetch of any Indonesian island, meaning waves arrive perfectly groomed with extreme regularity. Unlike Mentawai (which goes flat in wet season Nov-March), Simeulue is a year-round surf destination—you can show up November-March and still find solid south swells. This makes it perfect for surfers who can\'t travel during peak season (June-August).

Best waves Simeulue:

Jackals (The Peak): Most consistent wave on Simeulue—an A-frame with both lefts and rights. Works from 3ft to 12ft. Intermediate to advanced. Best May-October (dry season) but also works Nov-March (wet season) when most Indo spots are flat. Crowds: 10-20 surfers.

Dylan\'s Right: Powerful barreling right-hander, advanced to expert. Fast, hollow, shallow reef. One of Simeulue\'s premium waves. Needs bigger swell (6ft+). Crowds: 5-12.

Monkey Trees: Mellow reef break, perfect for intermediates. Long walls, not too hollow, deeper reef (safer). Great for practicing turns and improving. Crowds: 8-15.

Thailand\'s Left: Left-hander, advanced. Long rides, barrels on bigger swells. Crowds: 5-10.

Teabags: Heavy wave that shines with north offshores (more common in wet season Nov-March). While most surfers go to Mentawai in dry season, Teabags is best in wet season (counterintuitive). Expert-only. Crowds: 3-8.

Best season Simeulue: Year-round (unique for Indonesia). Dry season (March-October) best for most waves, especially May-August (consistent powerful swells). BUT wet season (November-March) works better than other Indo destinations because Simeulue\'s position catches south swells even when winds are onshore elsewhere. Teabags specifically is best Nov-March. Water temp: 27-29°C.

How to get to Simeulue: (1) Fly to Medan (KNO airport, North Sumatra) from Jakarta/Singapore/KL. (2) Domestic flight Medan→Sinabang (SMG airport, Simeulue Island), 1hr, Wings Air, ₹900k-1.3 million (~US$60-85). Flights only 2-3x per week (Mon/Wed/Fri schedule varies). (3) Taxi airport→surf camps (30-60 min depending on location, ₹150k-250k). ALTERNATIVE: Ferry from Sibolga/Meulaboh (8-12 hours, weekly, uncomfortable).

Accommodation Simeulue: Simeulue Surf Lodges (US$70-120/night all-inclusive, boat to breaks included), Simeulue Surf Camp (US$50-90/night), budget guesthouses (US$20-35/night). Limited options (5-8 camps total), book ahead.

Why Simeulue is underrated: Year-round surf (unique for Indonesia). Longest swell fetch = extremely consistent waves. Uncrowded (5-20 surfers max). Mix of intermediate-expert waves. Locals are friendly. Cheap (US$1,500-2,300 for 10 days). Downsides: Limited flights (2-3x per week, must plan around schedule), basic infrastructure, remote (2 days travel), few accommodation options.

6. Banyak Islands, North Sumatra: Treasure Island & 99 Uninhabited Islands

The Banyak Islands are made up of 99 sparsely inhabited islands sitting off the northwest coast of Sumatra, home to world-class waves including Treasure Island—a right-hand reef break that delivers long, powerful, consistent waves up to 350 meters (1,150 feet) with about 4 barrel sections linked by long rippable walls. The islands remain less crowded than other Indonesian surf destinations because access is difficult (boat charter only, no land-based camps on most islands).

Treasure Island (Bangkaru): The crown jewel—one of Indonesia\'s best right-hand points. Lengthy rides over 200-350 meters long with three consistent tube sections. Breaks over coral reef, best at higher tide. Needs large swell to work (6ft+), holds up to triple overhead (12-15ft). Suitable for intermediate+ surfers on smaller days, advanced-expert on bigger days. Crowds: 5-15 surfers (remote access keeps crowds low).

Other Banyak waves: Multiple unnamed reef breaks, rights and lefts, scattered across the 99 islands. Most require boat exploration. Some surf camps run boat trips hitting 3-5 breaks per day depending on swell/wind.

Best season Banyak: April-October (dry season). Peak: June-September (largest swell, SE trade winds offshore). Treasure Island requires bigger swell, so June-August best. Water temp: 27-29°C.

How to get to Banyak Islands: (1) Fly to Medan (KNO airport). (2) Domestic flight Medan→Singkil (DTB airport, closest to Banyak), 1hr, Wings Air, ₹900k-1.2 million. Flights limited (2-3x per week). (3) Boat Singkil→Banyak Islands (2-3 hours, ₹200k-400k). OR some surf camps arrange direct speedboat pickup from Singkil. ALTERNATIVE: Overland Medan→Singkil (8-10 hours drive, rough road, ₹600k-1 million).

Accommodation Banyak: Limited to boat charters or remote surf camps. No village infrastructure like Nias/Rote. Options: (1) Boat charter (similar to Mentawai, US$1,800-3,000 per person 10-11 days, access Treasure Island + other breaks). (2) Surf camps on smaller islands (US$80-150/night all-inclusive, includes boat trips to Treasure Island). Book 2-3 months ahead (limited capacity).

Why Banyak is special: Treasure Island is one of Indo\'s best rights (200-350m rides, 4 barrel sections). 99 islands = endless exploration potential. Extremely uncrowded (5-15 surfers max). Pristine (no development, feels like you discovered it). Downsides: Hardest to access (boat charter only or expensive surf camp), limited flights to Singkil (2-3x per week), no budget options, remote (medical emergencies = evacuation nightmare), boat-dependent (can\'t surf if seas too rough).

7. Desert Point, Lombok: The World\'s Best Wave (When It Works)

Desert Point (Bangko-Bangko) has repeatedly been called the best wave in the world—ultra-long, hollow left-hand barrels that peel flawlessly for up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) with multiple barrel sections. On its best days, it\'s perfection: mechanical, powerful, long, photogenic. BUT it\'s a fickle beast that demands substantial SW groundswell (10ft+) and precise low-tide conditions to work properly. And when it\'s on, it\'s CROWDED (80-150 surfers).

Why Desert Point is \'best wave\' contender: The combination of length (300m rides), perfection (each section links to the next like clockwork), power (6-15ft faces, thick lips), and beauty (turquoise barrels, tropical backdrop) makes it a bucket-list wave. Surfers who\'ve ridden it say it\'s the closest thing to a computer-generated perfect wave.

Skill level: EXPERT ONLY. Shallow reef with jagged coral platforms, bone-breaking power inside the barrel, long hold-downs if caught, aggressive crowd (fistfights happen), heavy localism. Intermediate surfers will get hurt or scare away. Need solid barrel-riding experience, comfortable in 10ft+ waves, able to handle pressure/crowd dynamics.

Crowd issues: Despite remote location (1.5hr drive from main Lombok towns), Desert Point is CROWDED when good (80-150 surfers, tensions escalate, drop-ins common, locals prioritize waves). Not the \'uncrowded secret\' vibe of Krui/Nias/Simeulue. But when it\'s firing, surfers accept crowds because the wave is THAT good.

Fickle conditions: Desert Point needs 10ft+ SW groundswell AND low tide AND offshore winds (morning typically). It only works properly 30-60 days per year (compare to Krui/T-Land which work 120+ days). You can travel to Desert Point and find it flat/closeout for days. High-risk, high-reward.

Best season Desert Point: May-October (dry season), especially June-August (largest swells). Needs at least 10ft in forecast to be decent. Low tide mornings (check tide charts). Water temp: 27-29°C.

How to get to Desert Point: (1) Fly to Lombok (LOP airport) from Bali (30-min flight, ₹400k-700k) or Jakarta (2hr, ₹800k-1.5 million). (2) Drive/taxi Lombok airport→Bangko-Bangko village (Desert Point), 1.5-2 hours, ₹300k-500k. Road is rough coastal route. Scooter rental: ₹60k-80k/day (but scooter ride from airport is 1.5hr, most hire car/driver).

Accommodation Desert Point: Limited options in Bangko-Bangko village. Pondok Wisata Bangko-Bangko (US$20-40/night basic), Desert Point Lodge (US$40-70/night), some homestays (US$15-25/night). Most surfers stay 3-7 days hoping for good swell. ALTERNATIVE: Stay in Kuta Lombok (south coast, 1hr drive, more accommodations/restaurants) and drive to Desert Point when swell hits.

Why Desert Point is complicated: Arguably world\'s best wave when on (bucket-list). BUT fickle (needs 10ft+ swell, only works 30-60 days/year), crowded when good (80-150 surfers, aggressive), expert-only (dangerous reef, heavy consequences), limited accommodation. Recommendation: Don\'t plan entire Indo trip around Desert Point (you might strike out). Instead, include it as a \'bonus\' if staying in Lombok and swell hits. Otherwise prioritize Krui/Nias/Rote for more consistent, less-crowded waves.

Indonesia Surf Seasons: When to Go & What to Expect

Dry Season (May-October): Peak Surf Season

Weather: Minimal rain (0-3 days per month), sunny (8-10 hours sun/day), warm (28-32°C air temp), SE trade winds blow offshore on west-facing coasts (Sumatra west, Mentawai, Bali west, Java south, Nusa Tenggara). Perfect conditions for surfing.

Swell: Indian Ocean produces consistent 4-12ft swell trains, sometimes 15-20ft on big swells. Long-period groundswell (12-18 second intervals) creates clean, powerful waves. This is when Indo is FIRING.

Best months: June-August (peak season)—largest swell, most consistent, offshore winds all day. International surf competitions held (Nias, Bali). Also MOST CROWDED (still less than Bali but relatively crowded for secret spots).

Shoulder months: April-May, September-October—smaller crowds, still good waves (3-8ft average), less consistent but cheaper accommodations, more availability. Many experienced surfers prefer shoulder season (avoid peak crowds, still get waves).

Water temp: 26-29°C (79-84°F). Boardshorts only, though rash guard recommended for sun protection. No wetsuit needed.

Crowds: Highest of the year but still manageable at secret spots (10-50 surfers vs. Bali\'s 200-500). Mentawai boat charters fill up (book 3-6 months ahead).

Wet Season (November-March): Monsoon & Variable Conditions

Weather: Monsoon rains (15-25 days rain per month, heavy downpours but often short), cloudy (5-7 hours sun/day), humid, west/northwest winds = onshore on most west-facing breaks (choppy, blown-out conditions). Air temp: 25-30°C.

Swell: Smaller and less consistent (2-6ft average, occasional 8-10ft). Shorter-period wind swell (8-12 seconds) = choppier waves. But some spots still work (see exceptions below).

Exceptions—wet season works for:

• Simeulue (Teabags wave): North offshores in wet season make Teabags offshore and clean. Plus Simeulue\'s position still catches south swell even in wet season.
• Nusa Tenggara (Rote, Sumbawa east coasts): These face different swell angles and can work in wet season.
• Bali east coast (Keramas, Sanur): Onshore for west coast = offshore for east coast. But crowds are insane.
• G-Land (Java): Protected bay works in wet season, but boat charters expensive.

Pros of wet season: Cheaper (accommodations 30-50% less), fewer surfers (almost empty), lush green landscapes (dry season = brown, wet season = jungle green), can score empty waves on good days.

Cons: Inconsistent swell, smaller waves, onshore winds on most breaks, rain (bring rain jacket, dry bag), some surf camps close (limited accommodation options), boat trips cancel due to weather.

Verdict: Wet season is for experienced surfers who can read forecasts, adapt to conditions, and don\'t mind inconsistency. Beginners/intermediates should stick to dry season (May-October) for reliable waves.

Best Time to Visit by Spot

• Krui, Nias, Mentawai: May-October (peak June-August).
• Sumbawa, Rote: April-October (peak May-September), Rote extends to November.
• Simeulue: YEAR-ROUND, but best May-October for most waves, Teabags best November-March.
• Banyak Islands: April-October (peak June-September).
• Desert Point: May-October, needs 10ft+ swell (only 30-60 days/year work).

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does an Indonesia Surf Trip Cost?

Here\'s a complete cost breakdown for 10-day land-based surf trips to Indonesia\'s secret spots (Krui, Nias, Rote, Sumbawa, Simeulue) vs. boat charters (Mentawai, Banyak). Prices in US$ for 2024-2025.

Budget Land-Based Trip (Krui, Sumbawa, or Rote)

• International flight: US$600-1,200 (US/Europe/Australia to Jakarta/Bali, varies by season/route).
• Domestic flights: US$80-250 (Jakarta/Bali to surf destination: Lampung, Bima, Kupang, Medan, etc. Book 1-2 months ahead for best prices).
• Ground transport: US$50-150 (airport→surf town taxi/car, scooter rental ₹50k-80k/day = US$3-5/day x 10 days).
• Accommodation: US$150-300 (guesthouse/homestay US$15-30/night x 10 nights).
• Food: US$100-200 (warungs ₹20k-40k = US$1.30-2.70 per meal x 3 meals x 10 days, mix local/Western).
• Surfboard rental: US$0-150 (if you bring boards: US$13-20 airline fee. If you rent: US$10-20/day x 10 = US$100-200).
• Boat trips to breaks: US$50-100 (some breaks need boats, ₹200k-400k split among 4-6 surfers = US$5-15 per trip, 5-10 trips).
• Activities/misc: US$100-200 (massages ₹100k, snorkeling, tours, beer, tips, laundry, repairs).
• Visa: US$0-32 (free 30-day visa or US$32 VOA if extending).
• Bali tourist tax: US$10 (₹150k if flying through Bali).
• Travel insurance: US$50-100 (10-day policy with surf coverage).

TOTAL BUDGET TRIP: US$1,200-2,300 (US$1,200 if you bring gear, eat local, stay basic. US$2,300 if you rent gear, mix Western food, upgrade accommodation).

Mid-Range Land-Based Trip (Nias, Simeulue with Surf Camp)

• International flight: US$700-1,400.
• Domestic flights: US$120-300 (to remote destinations like Nias/Simeulue, higher prices).
• Ground transport: US$80-200 (longer drives, private car needed).
• Accommodation: US$400-800 (surf camp US$40-80/night x 10, includes meals + boat trips).
• Food: US$0-100 (most included in surf camp, but add drinks/snacks/beer).
• Surfboard fees: US$13-20 (airline).
• Activities/misc: US$150-300.
• Visa: US$32 (VOA extendable).
• Travel insurance: US$70-120.

TOTAL MID-RANGE TRIP: US$1,800-3,000

Boat Charter Trip (Mentawai, Banyak Islands)

• International flight: US$700-1,400.
• Domestic flight: US$50-150 (to Padang for Mentawai, or Medan for Banyak).
• Boat charter (10-11 days): US$1,880-5,000/person (depends on boat quality: budget wooden boats US$1,880-2,300, mid-range modern boats US$2,500-3,500, luxury US$4,000-5,000. Includes: accommodation aboard, all meals, fuel, boat to breaks, tanks/weights for diving).
• Surf tax: US$65 (Mentawai ₹1 million for 2 weeks).
• Dive/surf gear rental: US$0-170 (if renting: US$17/day x 10).
• Tips: US$150-400 (10-15% of charter cost is customary for crew).
• Pre/post charter accommodation: US$60-150 (1-2 nights in Padang/Medan before/after).
• Visa: US$32.
• Travel insurance: US$100-150.

TOTAL BOAT CHARTER TRIP: US$3,000-7,500 (budget boat US$3,000-3,800, mid-range US$4,200-5,500, luxury US$6,000-7,500).

Cost Comparison Summary

• Budget land-based (Krui/Sumbawa/Rote): US$1,200-2,300 for 10 days.
• Mid-range land-based (Nias/Simeulue camps): US$1,800-3,000.
• Boat charter (Mentawai/Banyak): US$3,000-7,500.

Why land-based is 40-60% cheaper: No boat fuel costs (charters burn US$500-1,500 in fuel for 10 days), no crew salaries (boat charters employ 4-8 crew), no boat overhead. You trade access to 20+ breaks (boats) for 5-10 breaks (land), but save massive money.

Money-Saving Tips

• Book flights 2-3 months ahead: Domestic Indo flights fluctuate wildly. Booking early saves 30-50%.
• Travel shoulder season (April-May, Sep-Oct): Accommodations 20-40% cheaper, fewer crowds, still good waves.
• Bring your own boards: Saves US$100-200 in rental fees. Pay airline fee once (US$13-20), use boards entire trip.
• Eat local (warungs): Nasi goreng ₹20k (US$1.30), mie goreng ₹25k, fish ₹40k. Western food is 3-5x more expensive.
• Share boat costs: If a break requires boat access (₹300k), find 5-6 other surfers to split cost (₹50k each = US$3 vs. US$20 solo).
• Stay longer (14-21 days): Fixed costs (flights) spread over more days = lower daily average. 10-day trip costs US$1,500, 21-day trip costs US$2,200 (only US$700 more for double the time).
• Free 30-day visa: If staying 30 days, use free visa instead of US$32 VOA. Saves money.
• Rent scooter not car: Scooter ₹60k/day (US$4), private car ₹600k/day (US$40). If comfortable riding scooters, save US$360 over 10 days.

Practical Information: Visas, Surfboard Fees, Health & Etiquette

Indonesia Visa Requirements (2024-2025)

Free 30-Day Visa on Arrival (VOA): 140 countries eligible (US, UK, Australia, EU, Canada, Japan, South Korea, etc.). Requirements: (1) Passport valid 6+ months from departure date. (2) Proof of onward/return flight. (3) Sufficient funds (credit card or cash, rarely checked). Cannot be extended—if you overstay, fines apply (₹1 million/day = US$65/day).

Paid Visa on Arrival (VOA): ₹500k (US$32) for 30 days, extendable once for +30 days (total 60 days). Buy at airport immigration (cash or card). Extension costs another ₹500k, processed at immigration office in city (takes 3-5 days, bring passport photos). Best for surfers staying 30-60 days.

E-Visa (online): Apply at evisa.imigrasi.go.id 2-4 weeks before travel. 30 days stay, valid 90 days from issue date, US$50. Advantage: Skip VOA line at airport (faster entry). Disadvantage: Not extendable, costs more than free VOA.

Entry requirements (2024): (1) Passport valid 6+ months. (2) Onward/return flight proof (e-ticket). (3) SATUSEHAT Health Pass (free online self-declaration form for Mpox screening, required since August 2024). Fill at https://satusehat.kemkes.go.id before arrival. (4) Bali tourist tax ₹150k (US$10, since February 2024, paid online or at airport if flying through Bali).

Which visa for surf trips? 30 days: Free VOA (no cost). 30-60 days: Paid VOA + extension (US$64 total). Under 10 days: E-visa if you want faster airport entry.

Surfboard Transport & Fees

NO special surfing permit needed in Indonesia—tourist visas cover recreational surfing. But airlines charge surfboard fees:

• Garuda Indonesia: Surfboards FREE (up to 2 boards, max 23kg per board bag). Best airline for surfers.
• Wings Air: ₹200k (US$13) per surfboard bag. Most common for domestic flights to surf destinations.
• Lion Air / Batik Air: ₹250k-300k (US$16-20) per board bag.
• Citilink: ₹200k-250k per board bag.
• AirAsia: Surfboard fees vary, book \'sports equipment\' during booking (US$20-40).

Packing tips: (1) Use padded board bag (3-5mm padding, protects fins/rails). (2) Remove fins, pack separately in carry-on (avoid fin damage). (3) Wrap boards in bubble wrap or foam pipe insulation (extra protection). (4) Arrive airport 30min early (oversized baggage takes longer to check). (5) Check airline\'s size limits (most allow up to 277cm / 9'1' boards, longer boards may require cargo). (6) Bring repair kit (ding tape, solar resin, sandpaper—Indo surf shops limited, expensive).

Board rental option: If you don\'t want to bring boards, most surf camps rent: Shortboards ₹100k-150k/day (US$7-10), longboards ₹150k-200k/day. Quality varies (dings, old boards common). Serious surfers bring own boards; intermediates can rent.

Health, Safety & Insurance

• Travel insurance with surf coverage ESSENTIAL: Standard travel insurance excludes \'extreme sports\' (surfing over 6ft). Get specialized surf insurance: World Nomads (covers surfing up to 12ft), DAN (Divers Alert Network, also covers surfing), IMG Global (adventure sports policy). Cost: US$50-150 for 10 days. Covers: medical evacuation (critical—nearest hospital in remote areas 2-6 hours away), board damage, trip cancellation.
• Vaccinations recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus (up-to-date). Yellow fever NOT required unless coming from endemic countries. COVID-19 vaccines no longer mandatory (as of 2024).
• Malaria risk: LOW in most surf areas (Bali, Java, Nusa Tenggara, South Sumatra). PRESENT in North Sumatra (Nias, Simeulue, Banyak). Consider prophylaxis (doxycycline, Malarone) if staying 14+ days in North Sumatra. Consult travel doctor.
• Dengue fever: Present throughout Indonesia (mosquito-borne, no vaccine). Use DEET repellent 30-50%, cover up dawn/dusk (peak mosquito times), sleep under mosquito net in budget accommodations.
• Water safety: Tap water UNSAFE to drink. Drink bottled water (₹5k-10k per 1.5L). Avoid ice in drinks (made from tap water). Brush teeth with bottled water. Most surf camps provide filtered water refills.
• Reef cuts: COMMON in Indonesia (shallow reefs, urchins, sharp coral). Clean cuts immediately with freshwater, apply antibiotic ointment (bring Neosporin), cover with waterproof bandage. Infected cuts happen fast in tropics—see doctor if red/swollen/hot (₹200k-500k clinic visit). Bring first aid kit: antibiotic ointment, bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines, Imodium (stomach issues).
• Sun protection: Equatorial sun is INTENSE. Use SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide, NO oxybenzone/octinoxate—damages coral, banned at some spots). Wear rash guard (UPF 50+, protects shoulders/back). Reapply every 2 hours. Sun hat for land. Dehydration risk—drink 3-4L water/day.

Surf Etiquette & Localism

• Respect locals—they have priority: If a local wants a wave, let them have it. Don\'t snake (paddle inside) or drop in. Locals surf these breaks daily; you\'re a guest. Smile, share waves, be respectful = you\'ll be welcomed. Aggressive or entitled = you\'ll get confronted.
• Wait your turn: Don\'t paddle to the peak immediately. Sit wide, wait for waves nobody else wants, earn your position over 20-30 min. Gradually move up the lineup as locals see you\'re respectful.
• Communicate on A-frames: If wave breaks both ways, call \'left!\' or \'right!\' so others know your direction. Avoids collisions.
• Apologize if you drop in accidentally: Accidents happen (didn\'t see someone, misjudged). Paddle over, say \'sorry bro, my bad\' with hand wave. Most locals forgive honest mistakes. NOT apologizing = disrespectful.
• Help others in wipeouts: If you see someone held under or struggling, help. Hand them their board, ask if they\'re OK. Surf culture is brotherhood—support each other.
• Don\'t litter: Indonesia has major trash problems (plastic everywhere). Pack out your trash. Don\'t leave beer bottles, cigarette butts, wax wrappers on beach. Bring reusable water bottle, refuse plastic bags. Surfers should protect the ocean.
• Dress modestly on land: Indonesia is 87% Muslim. In villages, cover shoulders/knees (long shorts, t-shirt, sarong). Don\'t walk around shirtless or in bikini off the beach (disrespectful). At beach/surf breaks: boardshorts/bikini OK.
• Tip guides/boat drivers: If you hire boat to breaks, tip ₹50k-100k (US$3-7) per trip. If surf guide shows you secret spots, tip ₹100k-200k per day. Tips are significant income (wages low in Indonesia). Generosity builds goodwill.
• Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia: 'Selamat pagi' (good morning), 'Terima kasih' (thank you), 'Maaf' (sorry), 'Boleh?' (can I?). Locals LOVE when foreigners try their language. Even butchered Bahasa earns smiles.

Localism at secret spots: Minimal to moderate. Krui, Nias, Rote, Sumbawa, Simeulue, Banyak: Locals are friendly, welcoming, minimal aggression IF you\'re respectful. Desert Point / Bali: Heavy localism, aggressive (fights happen, don\'t paddle inside locals, don\'t be entitled). G-Land: Moderate (locals expect respect but less aggressive than Bali).

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Why Surf Indonesia\'s Secret Spots Instead of Bali?

Indonesia has 17,508 islands and produces some of the best waves on Earth. Yet 90% of surf tourists squeeze into Bali\'s Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Padang, Bingin, Balangan) or pay US$3,000-5,000 for Mentawai boat charters. This concentration creates absurd crowds (200-300 surfers at Uluwatu in peak season), aggressive localism (fistfights, snake sessions), and inflated costs (Canggu accommodation US$40-100/night for basic room).

The 7 secret spots in this guide—Krui, Nias, Rote, Sumbawa, Simeulue, Banyak Islands, Desert Point—offer world-class waves with 10-20x fewer surfers, 40-60% lower costs, and authentic Indonesian culture. Krui\'s 15+ breaks spread across 100km means you can ALWAYS find empty waves. Nias\' Lagundri Bay is arguably the world\'s best left-hander with 20-40 surfers (vs. 200+ at comparable breaks). Rote\'s T-Land delivers 600-1,200ft rides for under US$2,000 per 10 days (vs. US$5,000 Mentawai charters). Simeulue works year-round when other Indo spots go flat.

Trade-offs are real: Secret spots require longer travel (domestic flights + 2-6hr drives), basic infrastructure (guesthouses not resorts, warungs not beach clubs, slow wifi), fewer waves per trip (5-10 breaks vs. Mentawai\'s 20+), and more self-reliance (you\'re not pampered by boat crew). But for surfers who value uncrowded waves, cultural immersion, budget-friendliness, and the thrill of exploring over the comfort of all-inclusive luxury, secret spots deliver 10x better experience than Bali.

Who should surf secret spots: Intermediate-advanced surfers comfortable on reef breaks, solo travelers (land-based camps welcome solos), budget-conscious (US$1,200-2,500 vs. US$4,000-6,000 Bali/Mentawai), cultural explorers (want to experience real Indonesia), adventurous types (embrace discomfort, logistics challenges). Age 20-50 typically (though 50-70 year-olds do it if fit).

Who should stick with Bali/Mentawai: Beginners (Bali has safe beach breaks like Canggu for learning), luxury seekers (want yoga/spa/beach clubs), groups needing infrastructure (traveling with non-surfer partners who need shopping/restaurants), those with limited time (Bali is fly-in-scooter-out easy, secret spots take 2-3 days travel each way), older surfers (60+) who prefer comfort over adventure.

My recommendation for first Indonesia surf trip: Combine Bali (3-4 days, learn layout, surf Uluwatu once to see the hype) + secret spot (7-10 days at Krui, Nias, Rote, or Sumbawa). You get the 'Instagram Bali experience\' plus the reality of uncrowded Indo perfection. Total: 10-14 days, budget US$2,000-3,500. Second trip: Skip Bali entirely, go deep into secret spots (or Mentawai boat if you have budget). Third trip: Multi-island journey (fly Medan→Nias 5 days→Simeulue 5 days→Banyak 5 days) for 15-day adventure hitting three secret regions.

The crowds at Bali aren\'t going away—if anything, they\'re getting worse (2024 saw record tourist numbers). But Indonesia\'s 17,508 islands mean there will ALWAYS be empty waves for those willing to look beyond the obvious. The secret spots in this guide are your roadmap. Choose your destination, book your flights, pack your boards, and go discover Indonesia\'s true surf paradise—the one without 200 surfers in the lineup.