South Sumatra Surf Travel Guide
It is slight miracle that the coastline around the town of Krui, a six-hour drive from Bandar Lampung in South Sumatra, has been such a well-kept secret for so long. However the reputation of the area’s most consistent wave Ujung Bocur or Karang Nyimbor, eventually seeped through to the wider surfing world, especially when Gabriel Medina turned up in early 2019 to surf in the Krui’s first professional surfing. There are however a number of excellent reefbreaks and one world-class beachbreak within a short distance of Krui.
Where to surf in South Sumatra
Mandiri
This quality beach break is a 20 minute drive from Karang Nyimbor.
Krui Left
A quality bowly left hander that needs a bit of swell to start to work.
Krui Right
Krui Right is a superb right hander, one of the best in the area but needs a bit of swell to start to work. While at Krui, you can also catch a boat to Banana Island
The Peak
A heavy peak that offers a short but perfect barrel.
Jimmy’s Right
A stone’s throw away from Jimmy’s left, but nothing like it if you want heavy sucky barrels.
Walur
Just a short drive from Drew’s, Walur produces heavy sets of perfect waves.
Banana Island
Take the short 15 minute boat ride from Krui to ride these two rarely ridden waves that break around the island.
Ujung Bocur
A long, wally left with the odd tube section that handles most swells and caters to surfers of all abilities.
Way Jambu
Known as the Sumatran Pipeline this is one of the most perfect, and heavy, waves in Indo. Inexperienced surfers need not apply.
When is the best surf season in Sumatra?
The main season runs from June - October. This is the most consistent time of the year for swell, offering the most variety of waves to surf and offshore tradewinds. The late season runs from November to January, when the beachbreaks turn on every day. The early season runs from February to May and features consistently clean, small to medium swell, great for both the reefs and beachies.
Attractions
Central to the Southern Sumatran province of Pasisir Barat lies Krui - a small fishing town neighbouring the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Krui town hosts two food markets, a fishing harbour and a street of shops - Supplying the residents with everything they need. Walking around the sleepy town feels like you've stepped back in time. Either side of Krui, you'll find vast stretches of untouched coastline. Palm trees for as far as the eye can see, shadowing an array of stunning, white-sand beaches. The nearby Banana Island has been a popular day trip for guests. The island has some of the most transparent waters and the most beautiful beaches in the area. Most of the reefs provide good snorkelling. With the national park on your doorstep, you will have a few different treks available. Short, 20 minute walks, to half-day outings - delving into to think Sumatran jungle. Almost all the treks available lead to waterfalls.
The Country
The nation of Indonesia is almost unimaginably vast: More than 17,000 islands providing 108,000 kilometres of beaches. Laying on the western rim of the Ring of Fire Indonesia has more than 400 volcanoes, of which 130 are considered active, as well as many undersea volcanoes. The island of New Guinea (on which the Indonesian province of Papua is located) is the second largest island in the world. With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. About 240 million people live in this fourth most populous country in the world — after China, India and the USA — and by far the largest country in Southeast Asia.
How to get to South Sumatra and Krui for surf?
Fly into Jakarta International Airport (CGK), then a take a 40-minute domestic flight to Bandar Lampung domestic Airport (TKG). From there it’s a six-hour drive to Krui which your accommodation will organize in advance.
Travel Information
Time Zone
UTC +06:00
Currency
IDR
Calling code
+62
Electric
230 V – Plug type C, F