Crossed by the Equator, the island of Sumatra enjoys a warm and humid climate, ideal for water sports. It is also an area where the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea meet, and which therefore benefits from exceptional waves! From the main island to the archipelagos situated off the coasts: here is an overview of the most beautiful sites for surfing in Sumatra.

What are the best surf spots in Sumatra?

Krui reefs (Krui left and Krui right)

On the southwest coast of Sumatra, explore the town of Krui and its two essential reefs:

Krui Left

Fairly deep (but not dangerous), this spot is known for its barrels, much appreciated by riders (surfers and longboarders). It is also prized for its regular waves, which guarantee an excellent gliding experience... Note, however, that to have beautiful waves: swell is essential... If not? The spot offers a take-off that is not too steep – but ideal for learning to control your trajectory!

Krui Right

Located at the other end of the beach, this spot is equally pleasant... but more irregular than Krui left. Known for harboring one of the most capricious waves in the region, it is better suited to intermediate and experienced surfers.

Ujung Bocur

Not far from the small village of Tanjung Setia, you will find Ujung Bocur – and its Paradise Surf Camp. This gliding spot (also named The Point) is renowned for its long and regular waves. In periods of bright sunshine, it offers exceptional peaks. However, be careful: at low tide, the waves of Ujung Bocur (which are among the most prized in the South-West region of Sumatra) prove to be more hollow and more difficult to surf...

The Ujung Bocur spot is also known for its distinct surf sections, which make it a gliding spot suited to all levels. The first section is popular for its barrels, while the second is more conducive to maneuvers (ideal for refining the fundamentals). There is also a third, more difficult area. Finally, this spot is also appreciated for its reefs – and its small beachfront restaurants, called warungs!

Way Jambu

For a great surf session in Indonésie, do not miss the Way Jambu spot. Nicknamed Sumatra's Pipeline (in reference to the Banzai Pipeline reef, one of the world's most famous surf spots, located in Hawaii), Way Jambu is highly appreciated by experienced surfers. The reasons? An intense take-off and riders that can reach 150 meters in length...

Mandiri

Mandiri beach is a picturesque and wild area, prized for its regular waves (which make it an accessible spot in all seasons). It is also popular for the quality of its tubes, generated by the swell. For ideal gliding conditions, it is recommended to surf early in the morning (before the wind becomes too strong)

Honey Smacks

Located to the left of Jenny's right, the Honey Smacks spot is equally popular. It is a straight tube, equally appreciated by surfers and bodyboard enthusiasts. Exposed to the Indian Ocean, it is renowned for its (inconsistent) energy near the reefs… This shallow wave can therefore prove dangerous, due to the strong currents circulating in the area.

What are the nearby islands to Sumatra for surfing?

Mentawai Islands

Located 150 km off the western coast of Sumatra, discover Mentawai Islands. Renowned for the quality of its waves, this small archipelago is a surfer's paradise. Indeed, these islands feature many point breaks and reef breaks, as well as spots for all levels! Mentawai Islands is, moreover, a renowned gliding destination for its surf resorts...

Banyak Islands

In the province of North Sumatra, approximately 80 km off the coast of the main island, lies Banyak Islands. This archipelago, consisting of about sixty small islands and wild landscapes, is very sparsely inhabited...

Among the must-see spots, we mention Treasure Island (known for its famous reef break and its regular tubes), Lolok Point (a beautiful wave located in the Bay of Plenty, which offers rides over 200 meters in heavy swell), Cobras (a wave renowned for its exceptional tube) and Warrens, prized for its waves and tranquility.

What are the best periods for a Sumatra surf trip?

With annual water and air temperatures around 28°C, the island of Sumatra is an ideal surf destination at any time of year. However, depending on the spots, regions – and tourist seasons – gliding conditions can be slightly different…

Overall, the best surfing season is the dry season (between May and September). During this period, winds are favorable and waves are regular. The June-August period is particularly recommended, as it offers ideal weather conditions.

In the Krui region (in the south), the quality of the waves is considered superior. More wild, it remains however a surf area less explored than other parts of the island. Krui is thus an interesting alternative during the summer period (July-August).

The island of Simeulue (in the north of the main island) is also renowned for surfing. August offers ideal conditions (and slightly fewer tourists).

Where to surf in Indonésie as a beginner?

Thanks to their good gliding conditions, the beaches of Kuta and Bingin (located on theisland of Bali) are ideal for beginner surfers. In Sumatra, the Ujung Bocur spot and Krui bay also offer areas suited to inexperienced surfers.

Audrey Denjean