West Sumbawa · Indonesia
Surfing Scar Reef
A reef break in West Sumbawa, Indonesia, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size4-12 ft
- Best monthsMay-Sep
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Scar Reef is a left in Jelenga Bay, west Sumbawa, that bends around a finger of coral. The takeoff is steep and sucky, the middle section walls up and barrels depending on the day, and the inside finishes over shallow reef.
It picks up a lot of swell. Forecasts that leave Bali flat often mean head-high waves here. It also holds real size and keeps its shape above 10ft. Mid tide, SE trades and 4-8ft are the best conditions.
The bay has a black-sand beach and a few camps and losmen under the trees. The crowd is small and good. The last section is shallow, and if you lose your board in the middle of the reef, it's a long swim. Bring a shortboard and a step-up.
-8.868, 116.759 · SW swell, SE trades, mid tide · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Scar Reef
Scar Reef is at its best from May to September. Conditions it likes: SW swell, SE trades, mid tide. This is how the year looks across Sumbawa:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May to September | Prime | Dry season standard: consistent swell, offshore mornings |
| June to July | Prime | The biggest swells, when Scar Reef and Super Suck work best |
| Oct | Good | Smaller and quieter, Lakey at its easiest |
| November to April | Quiet | Wet season: waves keep coming at Lakey, and some camps close |
Waves near Scar Reef
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Suck | West Sumbawa | Reef Break | Pro | 13 km |
| Sejorong | West Sumbawa | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 15 km |
| Yo-yo's | West Sumbawa | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 20 km |
| Inside Ekas | Kuta Lombok | Reef Break | Intermediate | 33 km |
| Outside Ekas | Kuta Lombok | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 33 km |
| Inside Gerupuk | Kuta Lombok | Reef Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 45 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around West Sumbawa
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the West Sumbawa surf guide →
A week here costs from about $683 with flights from Europe, or around $1,159 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Scar Reef: common questions
When is the best time to surf Scar Reef?
Scar Reef works best from May to September. Ideal conditions: SW swell, SE trades, mid tide.
Is Scar Reef good for beginners?
No. Scar Reef is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Inside Gerupuk in Kuta Lombok, about 45 km away.
How crowded is Scar Reef?
Scar Reef is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Scar Reef?
Scar Reef is in West Sumbawa, in the Sumbawa region of Indonesia (-8.868, 116.759). The nearest wave we cover is Super Suck, about 13 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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