An Introduction To Indonesia Surf
-
By
Matt
- Updated | July 18, 2025
Indonesia surf is among the best in the world, with warm waters, a tropical climate, and its unforgettable waves breaking over hundreds of islands. Whether it’s peeling reef breaks, barrelling points, or mellow beach setups, Indonesia surf offers an infinite variety for surfers of every level.
Regular, rippling Indian Ocean swells, deep surf culture, and stunning coastal landscapes makes Indonesia sur one of a kind, with waves year-round and memory making experiences, in or out of the water.
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Overview: Where To Surf In Indonesia
Indonesia surf is home to a collection of towns that each offer a unique surf experience. Canggu in western Bali is a modern surf town. Its breaks are reef and beach types and have waves both for beginners and even for advanced surfers. With easy access to waves, cafes, and board rentals, it’s become a top choice for surf travelers from around the world.
Nearby, Seminyak has gentler waves and more of a resort feeling to the town, ideal for relaxed surf sessions and stylish beachfront stays.
A little further south lies the famous Uluwatu where surfers can find some of Bali’s most legendary reef break. It is characterized by long, powerful lefts that are perfect for advanced surfers looking for clean and consistent lines.
The much rougher Lombok provides a much quieter backdrop for a more raw and natural surf experience. Lombok has very fun, uncrowded waves, and a growing scene of surf stays and surf friendly services.
Desert Point on Lombok’s southwest coast is one of the most famous left-hand barrels in the world, but it only works under specific conditions and is recommended for experienced surfers. Cimaja adds another rhythm to the Indonesian surfing stew offering a reliable right-hand point break and a more traditional atmosphere away from the typical Bali crowds.
Best Indonesia Surf Towns
Canggu | Bali’s Trendy Surf Playground
Canggu surf offers a mix of beach and reef breaks with waves that suit all levels. Canggu Beach is good for beginners and longboarders, while Echo Beach caters to more advanced surfers with faster, hollower waves. Tide and swell direction change the vibe daily.
Canggu is one of the liveliest towns in Indonesia surf, it’s full of cafes, coworking spaces, yoga studios, and surf schools. The perfect mix of daily surf with a social atmosphere and a culture of digital nomads. Find Out More
Cimaja | West Java’s Hidden Point Break
Cimaja surf is centered around a long right-hand point break that wraps over smooth cobblestones. Best suited for intermediates and above, it offers long walls and occasional barrels when the swell’s solid. Smaller days can suit progressing surfers looking for flow.
Located far from Bali’s buzz, Cimaja is quiet and low-key with a strong local surf scene. It’s one of the more overlooked Indonesia surf towns, perfect for those seeking clean rights and a slower pace. Find Out More
Desert Point | Indo’s Most Famous Left-Hand Barrel
Desert Point surf is legendary with one of the longest and most perfect left-hand barrels in the world. It is definitely not a wave for beginners. When good, it is fast, hollow, and technical, rewarding surfers with rides over 20 seconds.
Located deep in remote Lombok, Desert Point is heaven for tube hunters. With few frills and a raw setup, this is classic, high-performance Indonesia surf at its most intense. Find Out More
Lombok | Quiet Escape With Quality Waves
Lombok surf offers a plethora of reef and beach breaks that suit both complete novices and seasoned surfers. Spots like Gerupuk serve mellow, rippable waves, while Mawi and Areuling serve punchy, exposed waves.
Lombok is quiet and still underdeveloped compared to its Bali neighbor. It’s calm with hardly anyone in the way of session activities. Ideal for surfers who would enjoy some variety without the bustle, it remains one of the best-balanced venues on the Indonesian surf itinerary. Find Out More
Seminyak | Soft Beach Breaks With Style
Seminyak surf represents a show of beginner and longboard friendly, very consistent soft beach breaks. It’s less powerful than neighboring Canggu, with sandy-bottom waves that roll in gently across the main stretch. Best during mid to high tide.
The town itself is chic, with upscale restaurants, boutique shops, and luxury stays. For stylish travelers who want to mix surf with comfort and convenience, Seminyak offers a polished slice of Indonesia surf. Find Out More
Uluwatu | Bali’s Iconic Reef Break Destination
Uluwatu surf is one of the most iconic in the world, known for its long, fast, and hollow left-hand reef that fires on solid south swells. Multiple take-off zones work across tides, with Temples, Outside Corner, and Racetracks offering different levels of challenge.
Set beneath towering limestone cliffs, Uluwatu draws dedicated surfers, but also sunset seekers and cliffside diners. With consistent swell and world-class scenery, it’s the high-performance heart of Indonesia surf. Find Out More
Accommodation In Indonesia
Booking your lodging through Trip.com is a great way to prepare for a Indonesia surf trip. Their selection covers everything from luxury beachfront resorts to affordable surf hostels. Reserving early means more time on the waves & less on travel details.
For a fuller surf experience in Indonesia, Tripaneer runs camps that offer coaching, comfortable stays, & a vibrant community. These camps help you embrace the Indonesia surf culture while advancing your skills in an enjoyable environment.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€18 to €35 |
$20 to $40 |
|
Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€50 to €120 |
$55 to $130 |
|
Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€140 to €250+ |
$150 to $270+ |
|
*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
|||
Indonesia Surf Camps
Indonesia surf camps are established in key surf regions like Canggu, Lombok, and Uluwatu. Canggu surf camps stand as a great place for beginners and intermediates. These camps offer daily classes and even equipment rental that provides easy access to various wave breaks. This venue has a very social vibe and a full range of activities, proving to be an excellent destination for solo travelers or a digital nomad looking to surf and socialize.
Lombok surf camps give a more laid-back getaway, offering the cleanest reef breaks, less crowded views, and personalized coaching in a quieter environment. The Uluwatu surf camps are excellent for advancing surfers with access to some of Bali’s most powerful reef waves, along with programs that include video analysis and surf specific fitness.
Use the Tripaneer search tool below to easily explore more Indonesia surf camp options.
Indonesia Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Travel Insurance For Your Indonesia Surf Trip
You’re mid-trip, your board’s snapped, and the nearest replacement costs hundreds. Without travel insurance, you’re out of luck. With it, you’re back on your feet, fast. Indonesia surf is too good to miss over avoidable problems.
Medical help, gear replacement, or new flights can all be covered. VisitorsCoverage connects you with easy, effective protection before you even leave. Surf travel is an adventure, but not one you should go into without a net.
Exploring Indonesia: The Best Sights & Landmarks To Visit
Indonesia is more than just a top surf destination. With its rich cultural heritage, volcanic landscapes, lush jungles, and ancient temples, the country offers endless opportunities to explore between surf sessions. Check out our 6 recommendations below!
For memorable experiences, check out GetYourGuide and Viator. From sunrise hikes up Mount Batur to temple tours in Yogyakarta and island-hopping adventures in Raja Ampat, both platforms offer unique ways to dive deeper into Indonesia’s natural and cultural wonders.
Find Your Next Indonesia Surf Destination
Written by Matt
Surfer for nearly 20 years and an environmental scientist for nine, Matt grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and now calls Melbourne home. He’s all about finding surf towns you can reach without a car and writes simple surf guides to help you do the same.