Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Uluwatu is Bali's most famous wave, a long, walling left-hander that breaks over a shallow reef at the base of dramatic limestone cliffs. The wave offers multiple sections—from the Outside Corner through Temples, the Racetrack, and finally the Inside—allowing for rides of 100+ meters on a good day. The trade winds blow offshore here during the dry season (April-October), creating perfect glassy conditions most mornings. Entry and exit are via a cave in the cliff face, adding to the adventure. The surrounding clifftop temples and warungs make it a complete surf experience.
🏛️ Legendary Bali left • Cave paddle-out • Multiple sections to mix
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-230°.
Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 110° (ESE). Offshore range: 70°-150°. Best window: morning.
Dry season only. Wet season has onshore winds.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🦔 Urchins, 👥 Crowded, 🚶 Difficult access
Cave entry/exit. Wear booties. Long paddle if you miss the cave.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
G-Land (Grajagan) is one of surfing's most revered lefts, hidden in the jungles of Java's remote Alas Purwo National Park. The wave offers multiple world-class sections—from the long walls of Kongs through the barrels of Money Trees, the speed of Launching Pads, down to the intense tubes of Speedies and Tiger Tracks. During the dry season, SE trade winds blow perfectly offshore, grooming these Indonesian gems to perfection. Access is via boat from Bali, and surfers stay at rustic jungle camps where the roar of waves mingles with the sounds of the rainforest. This is raw surfing adventure at its finest.
🌴 Jungle perfection • Multiple world-class sections • Seven Ghosts await
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 190°-240°.
Ideal size: 3.0m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 4.5m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 110° (ESE). Offshore range: 80°-150°. Best window: morning.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🦈 Sharks, 🏝️ Remote, 🚶 Difficult access
Unknown minutes drive from SUB airport. Requires boat access ($150/day).
Padang Padang is Bali's version of Pipeline—a short, violent, left-hand barrel that explodes over a dangerously shallow reef. Unlike Uluwatu which works on small swells, Padang needs solid 6-foot+ surf to break properly. When it does, it produces some of the most photogenic tubes in Indonesia: thick, round barrels spitting in front of a clifftop temple. The takeoff is critical, the bottom is shallow, and the crowd is intense. Access is via a set of stone steps that wind through a narrow gap in the cliffs. The annual Padang Padang Cup showcases the wave's world-class potential.
🙏 Balinese Pipeline • Temple backdrop perfection • When it's on, it's ON
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Very shallow. Only breaks on bigger swells.
HT's (Hollow Trees, named for the casuarina trees on shore) is the Mentawai Islands' most famous right-hander—a long, mechanical barrel that peels down a pristine coral reef on Lance's Island. The wave offers everything from rippable walls on smaller days to death-defying tubes when it maxes out. Unlike some Mentawai breaks, HT's is remarkably consistent and handles a wide range of swell sizes. The takeoff is predictable, the barrels are forgiving by Indo standards, and the channel makes paddling out relatively easy. Many consider it the best all-round wave in the Mentawais.
🌴 Mentawai masterpiece • The right everyone wants • Hollow perfection
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 190°-260°.
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 50°-130°. Best window: morning.
Remote. Boat access only. Reef cuts common.
Unknown minutes drive from PDG airport. Requires boat access ($150/day).
Lagundri Bay (The Point, Nias) is one of the world's most celebrated right-hand barrels—a mechanical reef point that produces tube rides of up to 9 seconds when solid SW swells wrap into the bay. The 2004 earthquake actually improved the wave by lifting the reef, making it even hollower. The takeoff is vertical, the tube is cylindrical, and the rides are long. The setting on Nias Island is remote and culturally rich. Getting there requires effort, but the potential for perfect barrels makes it worth every mile.
🌋 Earthquake-improved • 9-second tubes • Indonesian legend
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 200°-270°.
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 4.5m.
Offshore wind from 300° (WNW). Offshore range: 270°-340°. Best window: morning.
May-Oct dry season. 2004 earthquake improved the wave.
Shallow seaweed-covered reef. Vertical drops. Post-earthquake reef is shallower.
Surfer Today/Indonesian Surf Guide cross-reference
Fly to Gunungsitoli, drive to Sorake Beach.
Macaronis is the Mentawai Islands' most user-friendly world-class wave—a forgiving left that produces 4-6 second barrels followed by rippable walls, working in virtually any conditions. The reef is relatively deep and friendly, the wave handles all tides and even onshore wind, and the takeoff is predictable. The Macaronis Resort sits right in front of the break. When other Mentawai spots are too big, too small, or too windy, Macaronis usually delivers. It's the Mentawais' most reliable path to perfect barrels.
🍝 The consistent one • Works when others don't • User-friendly perfection
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-250°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 0°-90°. Best window: both.
Most consistent wave in Mentawais. Works all tides, all sizes, handles wind.
Sharp reef. Works in onshore wind too. One of the most forgiving world-class waves.
Macaronis Resort/Indonesian Surf Guide cross-reference
Macaronis Resort or charter boat from Padang.
Greenbush is the Mentawai's heaviest square barrel—a shallow left slab that only works on the highest spring tides but produces some of the thickest tubes in Indonesia when it does. The wave has three powerful sections that connect into an intense, ledging barrel over sharp reef. Timing is everything: show up at new or full moon spring tides, and you might score the wave of your life. Miss the tide window, and it's flat or too shallow to surf. High risk, high reward.
🌙 Spring tide slabs • Square barrels • Timing is everything
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 70° (ENE). Offshore range: 30°-110°. Best window: morning.
Early season best when winds lighter. NEEDS high tide - new/full moon preferred.
⚠️ Shallow, 🪸 Sharp reef, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote
Extremely shallow reef. Only works on highest tides. Wipeouts are consequential.
Charter boat from Padang. Time for spring tides.
Desert Point is one of the longest, most perfect barrel rides on Earth—and one of the most fickle. When SW swells combine with low tide and offshore winds, this Lombok left produces 300-meter tubes with individual barrels lasting 20+ seconds. But it's a demanding wave: the reef is razor-sharp, the timing must be precise (high tide = flat), and getting it perfect is rare. When it turns on, Desert Point delivers the stuff of dreams—mechanical perfection over shallow coral, far from the Bali crowds.
🏜️ 20-second tubes • World's longest barrel • Fickle perfection
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 200°-250°.
Ideal size: 3.1m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 4.5m.
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 60°-135°. Best window: morning.
Dry season. Very fickle - needs big SW swell AND low tide. Dead flat at high tide.
⚠️ Shallow, 🪸 Sharp reef, 🦈 Sharks, 👥 Crowded, 🏝️ Remote
Ultra shallow, ultra fast, ultra gnarly. Razor-sharp reef. Wear a helmet.
Surfline/Indonesian Surf Guide cross-reference
Fast boat from Bali or drive through Lombok.
Impossibles earned its name because it's usually too fast to make—the wave races down a shallow reef so quickly that most sections close out before you can reach them. But with offshore wind holding the lip open, Impossibles transforms into Bali's longest ride: 400 meters from the top section all the way through to Bingin. The wave requires precise conditions and committed surfing. When it connects, it's one of Bali's greatest achievements.
💨 Usually too fast • 400m when it connects • Earned its name
Ideal size: 2.6m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Dry season. Unrideable without offshore wind - too fast. First peak mid-high, second peak low.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 👥 Crowded, 🌀 Strong rips
Very fast, very shallow. Needs offshore to hold sections open. Finger reefs make exit tricky.
Bali Surf Report/Indonesian Surf Guide cross-reference
Telescopes is a Mentawai gem—a long, wrapping left-hander that offers 200+ meter rides through multiple barrel sections. The wave starts with a steep, hollow drop before transitioning into workable shoulder sections that allow for endless speed generation. Located in North Sipora, it thrives on W-SW swells and the typical SE trade winds. It's one of the most user-friendly quality waves in the Mentawais, making it popular with intermediate-advanced surfers looking for tropical perfection.
🔭 200m Mentawai left • Barrel to shoulder • Trade wind perfection
Works best with swells from 247° (WSW). Workable range: 225°-270°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 112° (ESE). Offshore range: 67°-157°. Best window: morning.
Unknown minutes drive from PDG airport. Requires boat access ($250/day).
Kandui Left holds the ominous title of "most dangerous wave in Indonesia"—a fast, hollow left-hander that breaks over a razor-sharp reef in the Playgrounds region of the Mentawais. The wave is unforgiving, pitching over extreme shallow reef and offering no safe exit on wipeouts. It must be surfed on fuller tides only, and even then, the consequences of mistakes are severe. For expert tube riders only, Kandui Left is simultaneously one of the most beautiful and terrifying waves on Earth.
☠️ Most dangerous in Indo • Low tide death • Expert barrels only
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: morning.
Rifles is pure Mentawai magic—a flawless right-hand barrel that can run for 200+ meters when the swell angle is dialed. The wave requires a precise South swell direction to connect all sections, and when it does, it's arguably the most perfect right-hander on Earth. The tube is round, the water is crystal clear, and the rides are seemingly endless. Located in the Playgrounds region of the Mentawais, Rifles is the crown jewel that boat charter dreams are made of.
🎯 200m flawless rights • Precision swell angle • Mentawai crown jewel
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 0°-90°. Best window: morning.
April-October. Precise south swell angle critical for long rides.
One Palm Point is an Indonesian legend—an 800-meter left-hand barrel located on remote Panaitan Island off the western tip of Java. Named for the single palm tree that marks the lineup, this wave is one of the longest and most perfect tubes in the world. Getting here requires a dedicated boat charter from Jakarta and a multi-day commitment, but for those who make the journey, the reward is mechanical perfection in complete isolation. This is surfing's ultimate treasure hunt.
🌴 800m perfect barrels • Single palm landmark • Java's hidden gem
Works best with swells from 202° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-225°.
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3.7m.
Unknown minutes drive from CGK airport. Requires boat access ($400/day).
Nias is one of the most perfect right-hand point breaks on Earth—a mechanical barrel machine in Lagundri Bay, off the coast of Sumatra. The surrounding hills funnel offshore winds into the bay, creating glass-like conditions that allow the wave to run for 200+ meters of spiraling perfection. The 2005 earthquake actually improved the wave by lifting the reef, making it even more hollow. This is Indonesia's answer to J-Bay, and many argue it's superior.
🇮🇩 World's perfect right • 200m barrels • Natural wind protection
30 minutes drive from GNS airport. Requires boat access ($150/day).
Cloud 9 is the Philippines' most famous wave—a hollow, dredging right-hand barrel on Siargao Island that has put Southeast Asian surfing on the world map. The wave breaks over a very shallow reef shelf, producing thick, spitting tubes that have hosted WSL Championship Tour events. When typhoon swells hit from the NE, Cloud 9 turns into a legitimate world-class barrel. The island vibe is tropical backpacker paradise, and the wave has transformed Siargao into Asia's surf destination.
🇵🇭 Philippines' crown jewel • Shallow reef barrels • Siargao paradise
Works best with swells from 45° (NE). Workable range: 20°-90°.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 225° (SW). Offshore range: 180°-270°. Best window: morning.
NE monsoon best (Aug-Nov). Typhoon swells.
Lakey Peak is one of Indonesia's most reliable and photogenic waves—a perfectly symmetrical A-frame that splits into quality left and right options. Located on Sumbawa's south coast (east of Lombok), Lakey produces textbook peaks with hollow, barreling sections on both sides. The dry season brings offshore SE trades, and the setup has developed into a full-fledged surf destination with accommodations and restaurants lining the beach. Indonesian perfection without the Bali crowds.
🔺 Perfect A-frame • Sumbawa's gem • Indonesia's most reliable
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-220°.
Offshore wind from 100° (E). Offshore range: 70°-130°. Best window: morning.
Sharp reef. Very consistent and can get crowded with travelers.
Uluwatu Bombie is Bali's big-wave arena—the deep-water outer reef that activates when massive Southern Ocean swells march north. While the famous inside sections of Uluwatu max out at double-overhead, the bombie handles waves up to 40 feet, producing thick, heavy walls that only a handful of local chargers dare tackle. Getting out there requires a long paddle past the cliffs and cave, and getting caught inside is serious business. Bali's heavyweight division.
💥 Bali big-wave • 40ft outer reef • Heavyweight Uluwatu
This is a big wave break, breaking left.
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 190°-220°.
Ideal size: 8.3m. Too small below 4.5m, too big (closeout) above 12m.
Needs at least 16s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Requires massive SW groundswells to activate the outer reef.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🪸 Sharp reef, 👥 Crowded, 🏝️ Remote
Massive volume of water. Intense hold-downs. Cave access difficult in large surf.
Cave entry/exit; paddle out to the horizon.
Bankvaults is a playful right-hander in the heart of the Mentawai's famous Playgrounds zone—a wave that rewards smooth, flowing surfing with multiple linking sections. The reef setup creates a series of workable walls that connect when the swell direction and tide align, offering opportunities for big carves and occasional tube sections. It's less intense than nearby Lance's Right or Macaronis, making it an excellent option for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for quality waves without the hectic crowds or heavy consequences.
🎰 Playgrounds multi-section right • Linking walls • Mid-crowd escape
Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 120° (ESE). Offshore range: 80°-160°. Best window: morning.
April-October dry season. SE trades offshore.
Unknown minutes drive from PDG airport. Requires boat access ($200/day).
Boat charter from Padang. Part of Playgrounds area.
Beng Bengs is the friendly left-hander sitting just up the channel from Macaronis, offering a refreshing counterpoint to its world-famous neighbor. Where Maccas is a precise, hollow machine, Beng Bengs is more forgiving—a rippable wall with occasional cover-up sections that welcomes progressive surfing and experimentation. When the Macaronis lineup is stacked with chargers, Beng Bengs provides breathing room and quality waves that are often overlooked. It's become a favorite among Mentawai regulars who know that scoring uncrowded perfection is just a short paddle away.
🔔 Maccas' mellow neighbor • Rippable lefts • Low-crowd gold
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Thunders earns its ominous name when solid south swells pour into the Playgrounds zone—a heavy, bowling left that detonates over shallow reef with serious intent. This is where the Mentawai experience steps up in intensity, demanding committed takeoffs and fast tube navigation. The wave jacks up dramatically on the takeoff before pitching into thick, grinding barrels that seem to thunder with each impact. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for surfers ready to match its power, Thunders delivers some of the most satisfying tubes in the island chain.
⛈️ Heavy Playgrounds barrel • Bowling lefts • Not for the timid
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 195°-245°.
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Offshore wind from 115° (ESE). Offshore range: 75°-155°. Best window: morning.
April-October. Needs solid swell to work properly.
Heavy wave. Shallow reef. For experienced surfers.
Boat charter from Padang. Playgrounds area.
Scar Reef lives up to its name with a wave that has left its mark on countless surfers—a perfect, mechanical right-hand barrel breaking over razor-sharp reef in Sumbawa. The wave peels with metronome consistency, offering flawless tube-riding opportunities, but the tradeoff is a bottom that sits terrifyingly close to the surface. Most surfers wear booties here, and even then, reef encounters are considered when, not if. The remoteness adds to both the appeal and the consequence; scoring Scar Reef uncrowded is the dream, but medical facilities are hours away.
🩹 Sumbawa's perfect right • Shallow reef gauntlet • Booties mandatory
Very shallow reef. Name says it all - expect cuts.
Unknown minutes drive from LOP airport. Requires boat access ($150/day).
Asu is Indonesia's best-kept secret left—a pristine, barreling wave off a speck of an island in the Hinako group that few surfers ever reach. The journey here is an adventure in itself: flights, boat transfers, and basic island living, but the reward is potentially perfect waves with a handful of other surfers at most. The left reels along a coral-strewn reef, offering long, makeable barrels when the Indian Ocean delivers. Asu represents the ultimate surf trip ethos: go further, score better, embrace the simple life.
🏝️ Hinako left reef • Remote perfection • Adventure required
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 200°-250°.
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 90°-180°. Best window: morning.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🏝️ Remote, 🚶 Difficult access
Very remote. Basic accommodation on island.
Unknown minutes drive from GNS airport. Requires boat access ($180/day).
Indonesian Surf Guide / Surf-Forecast cross-reference
Jacking Horse is Siargao's answer for surfers who want quality Pacific reef waves without the pressure of Cloud 9. Named for its playful, bucking sections, this right-hander breaks just down the coast and offers a more forgiving experience while still delivering legitimate barrel opportunities. The wave wedges up nicely off the reef, providing punchier sections perfect for progressive surfing. When Cloud 9 is maxing out or the lineup is too crowded, Jacking Horse becomes the locals' sanctuary—a reminder that Siargao's wave wealth extends well beyond its most famous break.
🐴 Cloud 9's playful neighbor • Punchy reef right • Crowd escape valve
Works best with swells from 80° (E). Workable range: 50°-110°.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 230°-310°. Best window: morning.
August-November peak. Pacific typhoon swells.
Tuason Point is Siargao's premier left-hander—a wave that provides the perfect counterbalance to the right-hand dominance of Cloud 9 and its neighbors. When solid Pacific swells wrap into the island's eastern shores, Tuason comes alive with long, winding walls that offer both barrel sections and open faces for carving. The wave requires more size than the nearby rights, but when it's on, it rewards goofy-footers with the kind of frontside perfection that makes the trip to this remote Philippine island worthwhile.
↙️ Siargao's premier left • Goofy-footer's paradise • Big swell treasure
Works best with swells from 70° (ENE). Workable range: 40°-100°.
Offshore wind from 290° (WNW). Offshore range: 250°-330°. Best window: morning.
August-November peak. Needs more swell than Cloud 9.
Unknown minutes drive from IAO airport. Requires boat access ($30/day).
Stimpy's is Siargao's welcoming committee—a friendly, approachable right-hander that serves as the perfect introduction to the island's reef break lineup. Named with characteristic Filipino humor, this wave offers shorter, mellower rides than its famous neighbors, making it ideal for intermediate surfers looking to build confidence on reef. The inside section is shallow, requiring awareness, but the overall experience is more playful than punishing. When the crowds at Cloud 9 reach critical mass, Stimpy's often has empty peaks waiting.
😊 Beginner-friendly reef • Siargao intro wave • Low-key sessions
Works best with swells from 75° (ENE). Workable range: 45°-105°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
August-November. Fun option when Cloud 9 is crowded.
Lance's Right, also known as Hollow Trees or HT's, is the Mentawai's most celebrated wave—a right-hand barrel machine that has established itself among the finest reef breaks on the planet. The wave jacks up on the outside reef before pitching over a shallow coral slab, producing flawless, symmetrical tubes that have become the defining image of Mentawai surf travel. When solid Indian Ocean groundswells arrive, HT's offers extended barrel rides that rank with the best anywhere. The remote location adds to both the challenge and the mystique of scoring this Indonesian perfection.
🌴 Hollow Trees/HT's • Mentawai's main event • World's best right barrel
🪸 Sharp reef, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote, 🦈 Sharks
Shallow reef. Heavy wave. Remote location.
Boat charter from Padang. Also known as HTs.
Bingin is Bali's picture-perfect barrel—a short, shallow, sucking left-hander that produces some of the most photogenic tubes on the island when conditions align. The wave breaks just meters from the limestone cliff, offering little margin for error on the takeoff but rewarding commitment with flawless, gaping pits. The steep staircase descent from the cliffs above adds to the adventure, while the packed lineup during good swells demonstrates just how coveted these barrels are. Bingin is Bali barrel surfing at its most intense and rewarding.
📸 Bali's photogenic pit • Shallow slab • Cliff staircase access
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 👥 Crowded, 🚶 Difficult access
Very shallow. Cliff stairs access. Crowded.
Long stairs down cliff. Paddle from beach.
Keramas is Bali's most high-performance wave—a right-hand reef break on the island's black sand east coast that hosts the WSL Championship Tour and features the world's only professional-grade night surfing facility. The wave produces fast, hollow barrels and rippable walls that reward aggressive surfing, with the unique opportunity to surf under stadium lights after dark. The partnership between competitive surfing and luxury resort culture has transformed Keramas into one of the sport's most distinctive venues. When southeast swells wrap around and northwest winds blow offshore, this is Indonesian wave perfection.
💡 WSL night surfing venue • East coast perfection • High-performance
Works best with swells from 195° (SSW). Workable range: 150°-220°.
Offshore wind from 300° (WNW). Offshore range: 260°-340°. Best window: morning.
Wet season. Works on SE groundswell + offshore NW winds.
Sharp reef. Crowded - night surfing facility.
Sorake Bay, commonly known as Lagundri or simply Nias, is one of Indonesia's original wave discoveries—a perfect mechanical right-hand point that produces rides of up to 300 meters when solid Indian Ocean groundswells arrive. The wave reels along a keyhole-shaped reef with such consistency that it became a pilgrim destination decades before the Mentawais were explored. The 2005 earthquake raised the reef and changed the wave's character, but Nias remains a special place where heavy barrels and world-class walls coexist. This is Indonesian surf history made manifest.
🏛️ Original Indo discovery • 300m potential • Surf history shrine
Works best with swells from 260° (W). Workable range: 240°-290°.
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 140°-220°. Best window: morning.
April-October. Indian Ocean groundswell season.
🪸 Sharp reef, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote, 🚶 Difficult access
Shallow reef. Long hold-downs on bigger swells. Remote island.
Fly to Gunungsitoli, then drive to Sorake.
Stormrider is the Playgrounds zone's heavy-hitter—a left-hand barrel named after the iconic surf guidebook series that first documented the Mentawai Islands for the traveling surfer. When solid swells march in from the Indian Ocean, this wave transforms into one of the heaviest tubes in the island chain, demanding commitment and delivering consequences. The shallow inside reef leaves no margin for error, but for those seeking serious Mentawai tubes away from the right-hand crowds, Stormrider offers the kind of raw barrel experience that defines Indonesian surf exploration.
📖 Guidebook namesake • Heavy left barrel • Playgrounds serious side
Balangan is Bali's approachable gem—a beautiful left-hand reef break on the Bukit Peninsula that offers world-class views and fun, rippable waves without the intensity of Uluwatu or the shallow terror of Bingin. The wave breaks in front of a picturesque crescent beach, providing an accessible paddle and a forgiving reef (by Bali standards). The barrel section delivers when conditions align, while the shoulder offers ample room for turns and progressive surfing. Balangan has become a favorite for surfers seeking Bukit quality in a more relaxed setting.
🏖️ Bukit's friendly face • Beautiful setting • Fun barrel potential
Batukaras is West Java's longboarding paradise—a long, mellow right-hand point break in a remote fishing village that has become a sanctuary for those seeking the simple surf life. The wave peels slowly along the bay, offering extended rides that reward smooth, flowing turns over aggressive maneuvers. The journey here is part of the appeal: winding roads through rice terraces to a village where the pace slows to match the leisurely waves. For those tired of competitive lineups and hollow slabs, Batukaras offers Indonesian surfing's gentle, soulful alternative.
🛹 Longboarder's heaven • West Java hideaway • Gentle right point
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 190°-250°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Remote fishing village. Basic but improving facilities.
Baler is where Philippine surfing was born—a historic beach in Aurora Province made famous globally by Apocalypse Now's iconic surf scene, though the waves here are far gentler than Hollywood depicted. Sabang Beach provides consistent, beginner-friendly peaks that have nurtured the country's growing surf community for decades. The five-hour drive from Manila through the Sierra Madre mountains adds adventure to the journey, while the town's laid-back atmosphere and affordable accommodation make it perfect for extended surf stays. Baler represents Philippine surfing at its most authentic.
🎬 Apocalypse Now fame • Philippine surf heritage • Beginner paradise
Works best with swells from 70° (ENE). Workable range: 40°-85°.
NE monsoon brings best waves. Typhoon swells in summer.
Birthplace of Philippine surfing. Sabang Beach main spot.
Kata Beach is Thailand's surfing headquarters—a gentle beach break that comes alive during the monsoon season when southwest swells push into Phuket's west coast. This is not the place for challenging waves; rather, it's where Thailand's growing surf community learns to ride, where surf schools dot the shoreline, and where the country's competitive surfing scene is slowly developing. The warm water, consistent small waves, and abundance of rental boards make Kata perfect for beginners. Between sessions, the full tourism infrastructure of Phuket provides endless entertainment options.
🇹🇭 Thailand's surf school • Monsoon season magic • Gentle warm-water learning
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 210°-270°.
Monsoon season only. May-October SW swells.
Gentle beach break. Beginner friendly. Rips on bigger days.
50min from Phuket International Airport.
My Khe is Vietnam's surf frontier—a beautiful beach near Da Nang named among the world's most stunning, where surfing is slowly gaining a foothold. The gentle beach break receives northeast monsoon swells from November through March, providing consistent small waves perfect for the country's growing surf community. Vietnam's surf scene is in its infancy, which means uncrowded lineups and the excitement of genuine discovery. The excellent cuisine, affordable costs, and fascinating history make Da Nang an increasingly attractive base for exploring surf in a region few have considered.
🇻🇳 Vietnam's surf awakening • Beautiful beach • Uncrowded discovery
Works best with swells from 60° (ENE). Workable range: 45°-100°.
Needs at least 7s period. Ideal: 10s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 225°-315°. Best window: morning.
Gentle beach break. Good for beginners. Rips on bigger days.
15min from Da Nang International Airport.
Ngwe Saung—Myanmar's "Silver Beach"—represents true pioneer territory in the Bay of Bengal, where monsoon swells occasionally create surfable waves along a coast that has barely been explored. The developing beach resort area offers basic infrastructure, and the shoulder monsoon seasons (avoiding peak onshore winds) provide the best windows. Political instability has complicated access, but for adventurous travelers, Ngwe Saung offers the rare opportunity to surf a country where the sport is virtually unknown, with uncrowded waves and genuine cultural discovery.
🇲🇲 Myanmar's silver beach • Bay of Bengal pioneer • Uncharted territory
Works best with swells from 230° (SW). Workable range: 200°-270°.
Shoulder monsoon season. Peak monsoon too onshore.
Remote. Limited infrastructure. Monsoon flooding possible.
5hr drive from Yangon. Developing beach resort area.
Cristo Rei sits in the shadow of Timor-Leste's most iconic landmark—a large statue of Christ overlooking Dili Bay, reminiscent of Rio's famous monument. The north-facing reef break catches monsoon season swells during the wet season, offering a surprisingly legitimate wave in Southeast Asia's youngest nation. The setting combines Portuguese colonial history, tropical warmth, and a surfing community that has grown since independence. For travelers exploring Timor-Leste, Cristo Rei provides accessible waves with meaningful cultural context.
✝️ Cristo Rei statue • Timor-Leste's wave • Youngest nation's surf
Works best with swells from 350° (N). Workable range: 310°-30°.
Ideal size: 1.4m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
NW monsoon season. North coast receives wind swells.
Coral reef. Near iconic Cristo Rei statue.
E-Bay is a heavy, hollow left-hander in the Mentawai Islands that breaks over sharp reef with two distinct rock sections. The wave produces excellent tube time in stunning emerald-green water, making it a photographer's dream. Located in the North Pagai island group, it picks up consistent SW swell during the April-October season and benefits from light easterly trade winds. The wave is best at medium tide and requires intermediate-to-advanced skills due to the shallow reef and rock hazards.
🌊 Emerald Mentawai barrel • Two rock sections • Heavy tube time
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 200°-230°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Offshore wind from 67° (ENE). Offshore range: 37°-97°. Best window: morning.
Best Apr-Oct (dry season, SE trades offshore). Swells year-round but wet season brings onshore winds.
Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr)
Scarecrows is an often-overlooked left reef break in North Sipora, Mentawai Islands, that picks up significant swell and delivers bowling waves with solid barrel sections. The wave offers big carving opportunities on the outside before transitioning into hollow inside sections. Its relatively low profile among the Mentawai lineup means fewer boats anchor here, providing a more peaceful session. Best surfed at mid to high tide with light easterly winds.
🌊 Hidden Mentawai gem • Bowling barrels • Uncrowded lineup
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 60°-120°. Best window: morning.
Pitstops is a playful right-hander with a sand and reef bottom in the Playgrounds zone of the Mentawai Islands. The wave is more accessible and forgiving than its neighbours like Kandui and Rifles, making it a great option for intermediate surfers looking for fun tropical waves. It offers rippable walls with occasional tube sections and works well on smaller to medium swells. The Playgrounds area is one of the most wave-rich zones in all of Indonesia.
🌊 Playgrounds fun right • Sand-reef bottom • All-level waves
Works best with swells from 230° (SW). Workable range: 210°-250°.
Ideal size: 1.4m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Offshore wind from 112° (ESE). Offshore range: 82°-142°. Best window: morning.
🌀 Strong rips, 🪸 Sharp reef, 🚶 Difficult access
Hideaways is a reliable swell magnet in the Playgrounds zone of the Mentawai Islands, offering plenty of barrel opportunities on a quality left reef break. While less famous than neighbouring Kandui Left and Rifles, Hideaways delivers consistent waves with good tube riding potential. The break is a great alternative when the more renowned spots are crowded, providing a quieter session in one of the world's most wave-rich areas.
🌊 Secret Mentawai left • Barrel opportunities • Less crowds
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Icelands (also known as Omak Tidur) is the premier big-wave location in the Mentawai Islands, capable of handling swells up to 20+ feet. Located in North Sipora, this powerful left reef break only wakes up on the largest W-SW swells and rewards expert surfers with massive, hollow waves. The wave is strictly for experienced big-wave riders, as wipeouts are extremely consequential on the deep-water reef. One of the most awe-inspiring waves in all of Indonesia when conditions align.
🌋 Mentawai big wave • 20ft+ faces • Expert-only reef
Works best with swells from 245° (WSW). Workable range: 230°-260°.
Ideal size: 4.3m. Too small below 2.4m, too big (closeout) above 6.1m.
Bintangs is a short, intense right-hander that breaks over an extremely shallow slab reef in South Sipora, Mentawai Islands. The wave demands technical precision, with a critical take-off leading into a quick, deep barrel over dry reef. Located near the iconic HT's, Bintangs offers a different challenge—shorter but more intense and consequential. Expert tube riders will find it exhilarating when the swell and tide align perfectly.
💥 Shallow Mentawai slab • Technical tube ride • Expert barrels
Offshore wind from 292° (WNW). Offshore range: 262°-322°. Best window: morning.
Rags Right is a super-shallow right-hand barrel in South Pagai, Mentawai Islands, offering multiple barrel sections with the potential for utter perfection. The wave breaks over an extremely shallow reef shelf, creating a critical take-off zone and fast, pitching tubes. When conditions align with solid SW swell and light winds, Rags Right produces some of the most photogenic barrels in the archipelago. Expert-level surfing skills are mandatory.
🌊 South Pagai perfection • Multi-section barrels • Super shallow
Works best with swells from 205° (SSW). Workable range: 190°-220°.
Offshore wind from 315° (NW). Offshore range: 285°-345°. Best window: morning.
Burgerworld is the most exposed break in the Mentawai Islands, picking up swell from every direction and sculpting quality right-hand tubes even during the low season. Located in the Playgrounds zone, the wave breaks over a shallow reef and can hold well on bigger days, offering consistent barrels when other spots may be flat. The diversity of swell angles it handles makes it one of the most reliable waves in the area.
🌊 Most exposed Mentawai • Low-season barrels • Sculpted right tubes
Works best with swells from 205° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-230°.
Lighthouse is the southernmost surf break in the Mentawai Islands chain, located in South Pagai. It needs a solid south swell to light up but rewards with very long, rippable walls that allow for extended rides with numerous turn sections. The wave faces more south than other Mentawai spots, picking up S-SW swells that miss breaks further north. Less visited due to its remote location, offering a more solitary surf experience.
🌊 Southernmost Mentawai • Long rippable walls • Remote solitude
Works best with swells from 185° (S). Workable range: 170°-200°.
Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Suicides Right is a fast, shallow barrel in South Sipora, Mentawai Islands, located near the legendary HT's. The wave breaks over an unforgiving reef shelf, creating quick, intense tube rides that demand expert-level surfing and precise wave knowledge. Named for the consequences of mistiming, this right-hander is strictly for experienced barrel riders who understand the risks of shallow Indo reef breaks.
💥 Near HT's • Fast shallow barrel • Expert-only commitment
Nusa Dua is a quality right reef break on the east side of Bali's Bukit Peninsula. The wave works best during the wet season (November-March) when westerly winds blow offshore, creating clean faces on the S-SE swell. It provides a good alternative to the crowded Bukit lefts, with less competition and a more relaxed atmosphere. The nearby resort area offers excellent infrastructure and easy access.
🌊 East Bukit right • Wet season performer • Less crowds than Bukit lefts
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 160°-200°.
Best wet season (Nov-Mar) with NW offshore winds. Also works in dry season.
Apocalypse is an epic tubing left reef break on Panaitan Island in the Sunda Strait, accessible only by boat charter from the Java coast. When a solid SW swell hits this remote island, the wave produces unforgettable barrel rides over shallow reef in a pristine tropical setting. The isolation and boat-access-only nature of the break means uncrowded sessions in one of Indonesia's wildest coastal environments, with the Ujung Kulon National Park as the stunning backdrop.
🌊 Remote Panaitan barrel • Boat access only • Pristine jungle setting
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 200°-240°.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🚶 Difficult access, 🏝️ Remote
150 minutes drive from CGK airport. Requires boat access ($150/day).
Boat charter required into Panaitan/Ujung Kulon; arrange permits, captain, and overnight logistics from West Java.
Cimaja is a reliable left point break on the south coast of West Java, offering consistent waves and a welcoming local surf community. As the most accessible quality surf spot from Jakarta (about 3-4 hours drive), it serves as a gateway to Indonesian surf culture for many visiting surfers. The wave works on a range of SW swells and produces fun, workable walls suitable for all skill levels. The village atmosphere is genuine and laid-back.
🏄 West Java point • Jakarta's closest quality wave • Welcoming community
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 105°-165°. Best window: morning.
Ombak Tujuh, meaning 'Seven Waves,' is a quality left reef break in the remote Ujung Kulon area of West Java. The wave breaks in a pristine setting near one of Indonesia's most important national parks, home to the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros. Access requires significant travel from Jakarta but rewards with uncrowded lineups and quality waves in an untouched tropical environment.
🌊 Seven Waves • Remote West Java • Ujung Kulon wilderness
Ekas Inside is a protected bay break on the southeast coast of Lombok that offers quality left reef waves with more consistency than the famously fickle Desert Point nearby. The bay setting provides shelter from the prevailing winds, creating cleaner conditions for longer periods of the day. With a range of tide stages working and less extreme swell requirements, it's a more accessible option for intermediate-to-advanced surfers exploring Lombok.
🌊 Protected Lombok bay • Consistent lefts • Desert Point alternative
Offshore wind from 337° (NNW). Offshore range: 307°-7°. Best window: morning.
Mawi is a powerful A-frame reef break on Lombok's south coast that produces fast lefts and rights depending on the swell direction and tide. The wave breaks over a shallow reef shelf with considerable power, creating hollow sections that test even experienced surfers. Located about an hour from Kuta Lombok, the break sits in a beautiful crescent bay with dramatic coastal scenery.
🌊 Lombok A-frame • Powerful reef break • Fast lefts and rights
Offshore wind from 22° (NNE). Offshore range: 352°-52°. Best window: morning.
Grupuk Bay hosts multiple surf breaks accessible by local boat, with Don Don being one of the standout lefts in the collection. The bay setting on Lombok's south coast provides a sheltered environment with several reef breaks offering different characteristics depending on swell and tide. The local boat shuttle system from Grupuk village makes access easy and affordable, creating a surf camp atmosphere popular with traveling surfers.
🌊 Lombok bay breaks • Boat access • Surf camp vibes
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 330°-30°. Best window: morning.
Road access varies by season; local guide/boat support is often used when the track or tide window is poor.
Super Suck is one of Indonesia's most intense barrel rides—a lippy, narrow tube that sucks hard off an extremely shallow reef on West Sumbawa's south coast. The wave is incredibly fickle, requiring specific W-SW swell direction to wrap into the break, but when conditions align, it produces world-class hollow lefts that rank among the best barrels east of the Mentawais. Located near Maluk, the wave is strictly for expert surfers.
💥 West Sumbawa slab • Extreme barrel • Fickle but world-class
Works best with swells from 235° (SW). Workable range: 210°-260°.
Ideal size: 2.6m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 3.7m.
WSL QS venue. Ridiculously fun right for high-performance surfing. Limestone backdrop.
🌊 West Sumbawa right • Pure fun • Tropical Indo
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 15°-75°. Best window: morning.
Lakey Pipe is a fast, hollow left reef break sitting right next to the famous Lakey Peak in East Sumbawa. The wave is gnarlier and more intense than its neighbour, producing pitching tubes over shallow reef that make it a favourite among bodyboarders and tube-riding specialists. When solid SW swell hits, Lakey Pipe lights up with barrel after barrel, offering one of the heaviest rides in the region.
🌊 Heavier than Lakey Peak • Fast hollow left • Bodyboarder favourite
Periscopes is a long, rippable right reef break in East Sumbawa that produces tight barrels over a safe reef platform. The wave works best at high tide and provides a quality alternative to Lakey Peak, offering longer rides with good barrel and turn sections. Its exposure to dry season SE trade winds can cause afternoon blow-out, making morning sessions essential for clean conditions.
🌊 Long Sumbawa right • Tight barrels • Morning glass sessions
Nungas is a long left reef break in East Sumbawa offering rides of 200+ meters. The wave provides a fun and accessible surfing experience near Lakey Peak, with long walls perfect for carving turns and the occasional barrel section. It's one of the more user-friendly waves in the Hu'u area, making it popular with intermediate surfers looking for longer rides in warm tropical water.
🌊 200m+ left rides • Fun Sumbawa waves • Near Lakey Peak
Indicators is a world-class right reef break at Lagundri Bay in South Nias, located around the point from the famous Sorake Beach. The wave produces incredible barrels when a solid SW swell pushes in at high tide, but becomes extremely dangerous at low tide when the reef is exposed. The rising high tide is the sweet spot—when Indicators turns on, it rivals any right-hander in Indonesia for raw barrel quality.
🌊 Nias barrel right • High tide perfection • Dangerous low tide reef
SW swell season (Apr-Oct), SE trade winds offshore
Fly to Gunungsitoli via Medan, drive to south coast
Bawa is Indonesia's answer to Hawaii's Sunset Beach—a massive right-hand barrel machine in the Hinako Islands off the coast of Nias. The wave handles enormous swells, producing thundering rights that only advanced and expert surfers should attempt. Paired with nearby Asu (a left that works on opposite wind), surfers can ride both breaks in the same day depending on wind shifts, making the Hinako Islands an incredibly versatile surf destination.
🌊 Indo Sunset Beach • Huge right barrels • Hinako Islands power
Unknown minutes drive from GNS airport. Requires boat access ($100/day).
Rockstar is a flashy right reef break on the east coast of Nias, about 25km up the coast from the famous Lagundri Bay. The wave offers a fun alternative to the main bay breaks, with quality barrel sections and more room to move in the lineup. Less traveled than Sorake and Lagundri, it rewards those willing to make the extra drive with uncrowded sessions and tropical scenery.
🌊 East Nias right • Fun alternative • 25km from Lagundri
300m ride through barrels. Private wave — NIHI resort only, max 10 surfers. One of the best lefts east of Desert Point. Holds any size.
🌊 West Sumba left • Epic long rides • Tropical Indo
Tarimbang Right is probably Sumba's most surfed wave, offering fast hollow sections that transition into softer shoulders, making it accessible to surfers of all abilities. Located on East Sumba's wild south coast, the wave breaks over a coral reef in warm, clear water with dramatic cliff scenery as the backdrop. It's the go-to wave for most visiting surfers, combining quality with accessibility in a stunning tropical setting.
🌊 Sumba's most popular • All abilities • Wild east coast setting
Pero Lefts is a highly consistent left reef break on West Sumba's south coast that holds as big as it gets. The swell refracts around the headland creating big bowl sections with ample tube time, making this one of Sumba's most rewarding waves for experienced surfers. The wave's consistency means it's rarely flat during the April-October swell season, providing a reliable option when exploring this remote island.
🌊 Sumba's most consistent • Big bowl barrels • Holds any size
Pantai Morosi is a quality left reef break around the headland from the famous Nihiwatu (Occy's Left) on West Sumba. The wave offers similar S-SW swell exposure but without the exclusive resort access restrictions, making it accessible to free-roaming surfers exploring Sumba's wild south coast. The wave works across a range of conditions and provides a good alternative when NIHI Sumba's break is off-limits.
🌊 Near Nihiwatu • No resort restrictions • West Sumba quality
The Hole is a deep-water right reef break on East Sumba's south coast featuring a large lineup with multiple take-off areas. The wave produces peaky bowls with considerable power, offering a different experience to the neighbouring Tarimbang Right. Its deep-water nature means it handles bigger swells better, creating powerful, open-face waves that reward advanced surfers with driving turns and occasional barrel sections.
🌊 Deep-water Sumba right • Peaky bowls • Multiple peaks
Rope Burns is a world-class right reef break that peels along dramatic sea cliffs on East Sumba's coast. The wave produces barreling rights over sharp, shallow reef with serious consequences for wipeouts—hence the name. When solid S-SW swell hits, Rope Burns delivers some of the best tube rides east of Sumbawa. Expert-only conditions and remote access keep crowds to a minimum.
🌊 Cliff-side barrels • World-class when on • Expert-only Sumba
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
T-Land (also known as Nembrala or Besialu) is one of Indonesia's longest left reef breaks, offering rides of 400+ meters through multiple named sections—The Point, Steeple, Magic Mountain, and Inner Tubes. Located on Rote Island, the most southerly inhabited island in Indonesia, it picks up every S-SW swell that rolls through the Indian Ocean. The wave works across all tides and handles swells up to 15 feet, making it one of the most versatile and rewarding lefts in the country.
🌊 400m+ Indo left • Four named sections • Rote Island perfection
Works best with swells from 212° (SSW). Workable range: 195°-230°.
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 4.6m.
Suckies is a high-quality right-hander breaking on an outer reef pass north of Nemberala village on Rote Island. The wave produces clean, hollow barrels that suck over the reef shelf, offering quality tube rides for experienced surfers. It pairs well with T-Land, providing a right-hand alternative when the swell direction shifts slightly. Accessed by short boat ride from Nemberala.
🌊 Rote outer reef right • Hollow barrels • T-Land companion
Boa is a quality right reef break on Rote Island that produces standout barrel sessions when conditions align. The key to scoring Boa is timing—it needs a specific combination of swell direction and tide to fire, making a local surf guide invaluable. When it's on, Boa delivers multiple barrel opportunities per wave, rivaling any right-hander in the eastern Indonesian archipelago.
🌊 Rote hidden right • Timing is everything • Many barrels per wave
Right-hander accessible by boat. Less crowded alternative.
🌊 Rote Island right • Reef right • Tropical Indo
🪸 Sharp reef, 🚶 Difficult access, 👥 Crowded
20 minutes drive from RTI airport. Requires boat access ($75/day).
Boat or arranged local transfer recommended; notes mention island/reef access and logistics should be confirmed before travel.
Way Jambu, dubbed the 'Sumatran Pipeline,' is one of the most perfect and heavy waves in Indonesia. The wave features a critical take-off into a top-to-bottom barrel with Kirra-like run-through potential over shallow reef. Located in the Krui region of South Sumatra, it's the crown jewel of a coastline packed with world-class breaks. Expert-only surfing with serious consequences for mistakes on the shallow reef shelf.
💥 Sumatran Pipeline • Kirra-style barrels • Expert-only heaviness
Ujung Bocur (also known as Karang Nyimbor) is the best and most consistent wave in the Krui region of South Sumatra, offering rides of 200-400 meters along a reef and point break. The wave has hosted WSL events and delivers long walls with barrel sections that accommodate a range of skill levels. Located on the Tanjung Setia headland, it picks up SW swell consistently during the April-October season with SE trade winds blowing offshore.
🏄 Krui's best wave • 200-400m rides • WSL event venue
Mandiri Beach is possibly the best beach break in all of Indonesia, producing triangular peaks that detonate with thick barrels on the sandy bottom. Located in the Krui region of South Sumatra, it works best during off-season or smaller swells when the sand banks are well-formed. The morning offshore winds create perfect conditions for barrel hunting on shifting peaks. A rare gem for beach break enthusiasts in a country known for its reefs.
🏖️ Indonesia's best beach break • Thick sand barrels • Morning offshores
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 205°-245°.
The Peak is a short, perfect right tube in the Krui region of South Sumatra that follows a simple formula—drop in, get barreled, repeat. The wave needs bigger swell to start working but when it does, it offers compact, intense barrel rides over shallow reef. Located among the cluster of quality breaks near Way Jambu and Ujung Bocur, it provides a right-hand option in a region dominated by lefts.
🌊 Short perfect right • Drop in, get barreled • Krui region gem
Honey Smacks is a steep, fast left barrel in the Krui region of South Sumatra, popular with bodyboarders due to its intense, close-out nature. The wave features a critical drop into a heavy barrel section that demands commitment and precise timing. Located near Way Jambu, it adds another world-class break to what may be the densest concentration of quality surf on Sumatra's west coast.
🌊 Krui heavy left • Steep fast barrel • Bodyboarder favourite
One of the area's premiere waves. Right over coral reef. An hour from most camps. Worth the drive.
🌊 North Krui right • Reef right • Tropical Indo
Krui Left has been compared to Bali's Bingin for good reason—it produces mechanical, perfect barrel rides over shallow reef when solid swell wraps into the break. Located in the heart of the Krui region of South Sumatra, the wave needs bigger swell to work but delivers quality tube time when conditions align. A left-hander's dream in warm, tropical water with a laid-back village atmosphere onshore.
🌊 Bingin of Sumatra • Mechanical barrels • Needs big swell
Banana Island Left is a fickle but heavy left reef break accessed by 15-minute boat ride from Krui on the south coast of Sumatra. The wave is a tube master's playground when it fires, producing sucky, pitching barrels over shallow reef in warm, clear water. Its fickle nature—requiring specific off-season W winds—keeps crowds minimal and rewards patient surfers who time their visit right. Expert surfing skills are essential.
🌊 Fickle Krui barrel • Boat access • Expert tube masters only
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 240°-300°. Best window: morning.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🚶 Difficult access, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote
240 minutes drive from TKG airport. Requires boat access ($80/day).
Boat access to Banana Island is required from the Krui/South Sumatra coast.
Shipwrecks is an epic right reef break off Nusa Lembongan, producing quality tubes in crystal-clear water just a short boat ride from mainland Bali. The wave breaks over a shallow coral reef and works best during the dry season (April-October) with SE trade winds providing offshore conditions. The stunning visibility of the water makes it a favourite for surf photographers, and the proximity to Bali's amenities makes it an accessible world-class wave.
🌊 Lembongan barrels • Crystal-clear tubes • Easy access from Bali
Unknown minutes drive from DPS airport. Requires boat access ($15/day).
Reach Nusa Lembongan by ferry/fast boat from Bali, then use local boat or reef access depending on tide.
Lacerations is a fast, shallow reef break between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan that fully lives up to its name—the razor-sharp reef can inflict serious cuts on any surfer who falls in the wrong spot. The wave offers both lefts and rights depending on swell direction, with the left being more hollow and the right offering longer walls. Booties are essential, and the break rewards confident, committed surfers with quality waves in a stunning island setting.
🌊 Sharp reef, sharp waves • Both lefts and rights • Booties essential
Reach Nusa Ceningan/Lembongan by ferry from Bali; local boats and tide timing matter over the shallow reef.
Playgrounds on Nusa Lembongan is a user-friendly A-frame reef break in stunning crystal-clear water, perfect for intermediate surfers looking for tropical waves without the intensity of nearby Shipwrecks. The wave offers both lefts and rights on a friendlier reef shelf, with consistent swell exposure during the dry season. It's one of the most photogenic surf spots in the Bali area, with turquoise water and white sand providing a picture-perfect backdrop.
🌊 Lembongan A-frame • Crystal-clear water • Perfect for improvers
Ideal size: 1.1m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 1.5m.
Reach Nusa Lembongan by ferry from Bali, then short local transfer or boat access to the Playgrounds area.
Barreling right on remote Simeulue. One of the best waves north of the Mentawais.
🌊 Simeulue Island right • Barrel rides • Tropical Indo
Tea Bags is another quality barrel on Simeulue Island, offering right reef break tube rides in a setting that is far less explored than the neighbouring Mentawai Islands. The wave provides a good alternative to Dylan's Right when the swell direction shifts, and the island's remote nature ensures uncrowded lineups. Simeulue is gradually gaining recognition as a quality surf destination for experienced surfers seeking adventure.
🌊 Simeulue barrel • Less explored • Quality right reef
The Peak on Simeulue Island is a picturesque A-frame reef setup that works on a range of swell directions, providing both lefts and rights depending on conditions. The break offers a more accessible wave compared to the heavier barrels of Dylan's Right and Tea Bags, making it a good option for intermediate-to-advanced surfers exploring this remote island. Clear tropical water and a beautiful reef setting complete the experience.
🌊 Simeulue A-frame • Range of swell angles • Picturesque setting
Treasure Island is a long, barreling right reef break and one of the standout waves in the remote Banyak Islands chain off northern Sumatra. The wave offers quality barrel rides with a consistency that makes it the go-to spot for surf charters visiting the area. The Banyak archipelago provides a raw, frontier-style surf experience far removed from the more established Mentawai circuit, with warm water and uncrowded lineups year-round.
🌊 Banyak's best right • Long barrels • Frontier surf adventure
Unknown minutes drive from SQN airport. Requires boat access ($80/day).
Lolok Point is a long, barreling left in the Banyak Islands that pairs perfectly with nearby Treasure Island for wind shifts. When the wind swings from east to west or vice versa, surfers can simply paddle across the channel to surf the opposite-facing break. This versatility makes the Lolok Point/Treasure Island combo one of the most practical surf setups in Indonesia's outer islands.
🌊 Banyak left • Pairs with Treasure Island • Wind-shift versatility
Joysticks is the most consistent spot in the Banyak Islands, offering a multi-sectioned wave with both tubing and whackable sections. The A-frame nature of the break provides options on both sides of the peak, making it versatile for different surf styles. Its consistency means it's rarely flat when swell is in the region, serving as a reliable fallback when other breaks aren't working.
🌊 Banyak's most consistent • Multi-section A-frame • Always something to ride
Premier left in the Telo chain. Hollow and mechanical on its day.
🌊 Telo Islands left • Hollow perfection • Tropical Indo
World class right in the Telos. Named after the giant trevally in the lineup.
🌊 Telo Islands right • World-class • Tropical Indo
The Office is a consistent left reef break in the Telo Islands that handles a range of swell sizes, making it a reliable go-to wave during charter trips to this remote island chain. Less heavy than nearby GT's, it offers long walls with barrel sections that suit intermediate-to-advanced surfers. The name reflects its status as the 'workplace' for visiting surfers—a dependable wave you can always clock in to.
🌊 Telo's reliable left • Range of swell sizes • Always open for business
Weetabix is a quality left reef break on the under-explored south coast of western Flores, facing the Indian Ocean and picking up S-SW groundswell. Flores is one of Indonesia's great surf frontiers—the south coast faces the same swell window as Bali and Sumbawa but sees a fraction of the surfers. The wave offers quality reef break surfing in a stunning setting near the famous Komodo National Park area.
🌊 Flores frontier left • Under-explored south coast • Near Komodo
Nangamunga is an emerging surf spot on the south coast of western Flores, offering good potential for quality reef breaks. The wave picks up the same S-SW swell as Bali and Sumbawa but the coastline remains largely unexplored by the surfing world. First principles suggest excellent potential—a south-facing coast on a large island intercepting Indian Ocean groundswell with offshore winds in the dry season.
🌊 Emerging Flores spot • Unexplored potential • South coast reef
Waigeo Lefts is pure expedition surfing territory in Raja Ampat, West Papua—one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. The wave picks up NW monsoon swell during the November-March season, with east-facing reefs providing rideable waves when conditions align. This is true frontier surfing, combining world-class diving and marine biodiversity with the raw adventure of surfing completely uncharted breaks in the far east of Indonesia.
🌊 Raja Ampat expedition • NW monsoon surf • World's most biodiverse waters
Works best with swells from 335° (NNW). Workable range: 310°-360°.
Offshore wind from 202° (SSW). Offshore range: 172°-232°. Best window: morning.
Unknown minutes drive from SOQ airport. Requires boat access ($300/day).
Wakte Island Right is an attractive right reef break near Kota Sarmi on the north coast of Papua, receiving NE swell during the short November-March season. This is true frontier territory—one of the least-explored surf zones in Indonesia, offering quality reef breaks with zero crowd pressure. The remoteness and short surf season make this a destination for dedicated surf explorers with flexible schedules.
🌊 Papua frontier right • Zero crowds • Short NE swell season
Works best with swells from 45° (NE). Workable range: 30°-60°.
Unknown minutes drive from SOQ airport. Requires boat access ($200/day).
Kolbano is a left reef break on the south-facing coast of West Timor, intercepting Indian Ocean groundswell that wraps around the southern Indonesian archipelago. The wave should be offshore in the NE trade winds during the dry season, providing clean conditions on S-SW swell. As one of the least-surfed quality breaks in Indonesia, it offers genuine discovery potential for adventurous surfers willing to explore beyond the beaten track.
🌊 West Timor discovery • South-facing reef • Off the beaten track
Green Bowl is a quality left reef break on the east side of Bali's Bukit Peninsula that picks up south swell and works best during the wet season with W-NW offshore winds. The spot is less crowded than the famous Bukit lefts due to its remote access down a long staircase carved into the cliff. The effort of the climb is rewarded with an uncrowded lineup, clear water, and quality waves in a beautiful cove setting.
🌊 Hidden Bukit left • Cliff staircase access • Wet season performer
🪸 Sharp reef, 🚶 Difficult access, 👥 Crowded, 🏝️ Remote
Serangan is a quality right-hander on Serangan Island (Turtle Island) in South Bali, offering hollow waves that work across a range of conditions. The break picks up S-SSW swell and benefits from W-NW offshore winds during the wet season, providing a year-round surfing option. Less crowded than the main Bukit breaks, Serangan delivers good value sessions with consistent quality.
🌊 Turtle Island right • Hollow and consistent • Less crowds than Bukit
Works best with swells from 195° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-210°.
Medewi is a long left-hand point break on Bali's west coast, offering the island's best longboard experience with rides of 200+ meters on good swells. The wave peels slowly along a cobblestone point, creating smooth walls perfect for nose-riding and classic longboard surfing. The atmosphere is notably more relaxed than the frenetic Bukit Peninsula, with a quieter scene and beautiful sunset views over the Bali Strait.
🏄 Bali's best longboard wave • 200m+ rides • Mellow west coast vibes
Temples is the section of Uluwatu's reef further up from the main Peak area, offering long lefts with fewer surfers than the iconic main break. The wave provides quality walls for carving and the occasional barrel section, with the added benefit of slightly less intensity and competition. At mid-to-high tide, Temples connects with the main Uluwatu sections for extended rides along the cliff-lined reef.
🌊 Extended Uluwatu • Less crowds than Peak • Long left walls
Nipussi is an easy-going left reef break on Siberut Island in the Mentawai chain, set against a beautiful tropical backdrop. The wave is one of the more accessible breaks in the Mentawais, making it ideal for intermediate surfers who want to experience the islands' renowned water quality and scenery without the intensity of expert-level breaks. A great warm-up or cool-down spot during Mentawai charter trips.
🌊 Siberut easy left • Great intermediate wave • Tropical backdrop
Playgrounds Left (also known as Karangbat, Karamba, Bikinis, G-strings, or Duckies) is one of several world-class breaks in the spectacular Playgrounds zone of the Mentawai Islands. The area hosts so many quality waves they've earned multiple names from different surf camps and charter boats. The left offers barrel opportunities on solid SW swell with the typical Mentawai package—warm water, tropical setting, and consistent waves.
🌊 Many names, one zone • Playgrounds barrels • Mentawai spectacle
4 Bobs is a fun all-round right reef break in the Playgrounds zone of the Mentawai Islands, producing almond-shaped barrels and good turn sections. The wave is more accessible than the heavy Kandui and Rifles breaks nearby, offering two-turn combos and fun barrel opportunities for intermediate-to-advanced surfers. A great option for variety during Mentawai charter trips.
🌊 Playgrounds fun right • Almond barrels • Two-turn combos
Pistols is a super fun right reef break in the Playgrounds zone of the Mentawai Islands, offering short but good barrels followed by nice turn sections. The wave is one of the more forgiving breaks in the area, making it popular during charter trips as a warm-up or wind-down session. Consistent SW swell and easterly trade winds create regular surfable conditions during the April-October season.
🌊 Playgrounds right • Short barrels, nice turns • Fun warm-up wave
Seven Palms is a quality right reef break in North Sipora that is often surfed alone, overlooked by charter boats heading to more famous nearby spots like Telescopes and Scarecrows. The wave picks up W swell and works best at mid tide with light easterly winds. Its low profile in the Mentawai hierarchy means empty lineups and peaceful sessions—a rare commodity in an increasingly busy surf zone.
🌊 Overlooked Sipora right • Often surfed alone • Quality solitude
Works best with swells from 255° (WSW). Workable range: 240°-270°.
Cobra is a short, hollow slab just up the reef from Lance's Left in South Sipora, Mentawai Islands. The wave produces quick, intense barrel rides that demand expert-level tube riding and precise positioning. Its proximity to the iconic Lance's Right and Lance's Left makes it a convenient third option in the HT's area, offering a different character with its shorter, more intense barrel.
💥 Near HT's • Short hollow slab • Quick intense barrels
Tropicals is the softest, most forgiving wave in West Sumbawa, breaking as both lefts and rights on a beautiful white sand beach. The headland provides shelter from certain wind directions, creating a protected zone that often stays clean when other breaks are blown out. It's the go-to spot for beginner-to-intermediate surfers in the area, or for anyone seeking a mellow session in a stunning tropical setting.
🌊 West Sumbawa's mellows • White sand beach • Sheltered from wind
Cobblestones is a small channel break near Lakey Peak in East Sumbawa, offering both lefts and rights on a compact reef. The wave provides a fun option when the main breaks are too crowded or too big, with shorter rides and a more relaxed atmosphere. It's one of several satellite breaks in the Hu'u area that extends the surfable options beyond the famous Lakey Peak and Lakey Pipe.
🌊 Near Lakey Peak • Fun channel break • Lefts and rights
Sebatu sits outside Lagundri Bay in South Nias, facing the full Indian Ocean swell window and producing serious big-wave conditions. The wave is for committed big-wave chargers only, with heavy, hollow faces that can exceed 15 feet. Its open-ocean exposure means it picks up every swell that the bay misses, offering a completely different challenge to the point breaks inside Lagundri.
🌋 Nias big wave • Outside the bay • Heavy and hollow
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 180°-260°.
Ideal size: 3.0m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 4.6m.
Walo Hiu is the most extreme left on Nias, producing barrel rides up to 10 seconds long in one of the most remote settings on the island. Accessing the wave requires a 30-minute jungle walk through dense tropical forest, adding to the adventure and ensuring virtually no crowds. The wave handles enormous swells and delivers world-class tube rides for expert surfers willing to earn them.
🌊 Nias's heaviest left • 10-second barrels • 30min jungle walk
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 180°-250°.
8-Frame is an excellent tube-riding right reef break near Hilistaro village on Nias's east coast. The wave offers quality barrel rides in a less-visited part of the island, providing a good alternative for surfers looking to explore beyond the famous Lagundri Bay area. The east coast exposure picks up different swell angles, extending the surfable conditions on the island.
🌊 East Nias tube right • Near Hilistaro • Less-visited quality
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 190°-240°.
Reverse G-Land is a quality long right reef/point break on the east coast of Java that effectively mirrors the famous G-Land left across the bay. The wave breaks along a similar reef structure but in the opposite direction, producing long rides with barrel sections and open walls. Difficult access and the requirement for off-season winds (November-April) keep this wave uncrowded and preserve its frontier character.
🌊 G-Land's mirror image • Long right point • Off-season secret