Learn to surf in Indonesia

Beginner surf spots in Indonesia

Quietest first.

Where to learn, area by area

Canggu · Bali

• Kuta Beach: Kuta Beach is a long stretch of sand with soft, crumbly waves in front of Bali's main tourist strip. A huge number of people have learned to surf here.

A week here costs from about $781 with flights from Europe, or around $1,432 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →

West Bali · Bali

• Medewi: Medewi is a slow left point in west Bali that peels over round boulders and sand for 200 to 400 metres. It's one of the longest rides on the island and a very good wave for longboards and mid-lengths.

Krui / Lampung · Sumatra-Nias

• Mandiri Beach: Mandiri Beach is a long stretch of dark sand south of Krui town with shifting beach-break peaks. It's where people go when the points are too small or too crowded, and you can usually find a peak to yourself.

A week here costs from about $725 with flights from Europe, or around $1,232 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →

Pangandaran / Batu Karas · Java

• Batu Karas: Batu Karas is a slow left point inside a sheltered fishing bay near Pangandaran. It breaks over sand and scattered boulders with an easy takeoff and a long shoulder, and it's one of the best places in Indonesia to learn.
• Pangandaran Beach: Pangandaran is a long beach below the nature reserve and one of the most popular seaside towns for Indonesian families. The waves are soft and reform on the inside, and it's a good place to learn.

A week here costs from about $683 with flights from Europe, or around $1,212 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →

Kuta Lombok · Lombok

• Tanjung A'an: Tanjung A'an is a white-sand bay east of Kuta Lombok with very clear water and soft waves breaking over sand and patches of coral in the middle. The waves are slow and small, from knee to chest high, and it's where most of the south Lombok surf schools bring beginners.
• Inside Gerupuk: Inside Gerupuk (the Bumbang side) is a rolling right over deep, friendly reef inside a huge bay east of Kuta Lombok. It breaks on most days of the year, from waist high to head high, and it's very forgiving.

A week here costs from about $732 with flights from Europe, or around $1,278 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →

When to go

April to October, the dry season. Beginner beaches like Kuta have waves all year, but the weather is much better in those months.

Best time to surf Indonesia, month by month →

Months when at least one zone is at its best: May · June · July · August · September · October