Made up of lots of islands, Indonesia is a fantastic place to go on holiday and with so many coastlines and beaches, it is among the top surfing destinations in the world.
It’s no wonder that surfers flock to Indonesia to perfect their craft no matter what time of year it is. Whether you’re wanting to learn to surf or are working on the skills you already have, Indonesia is a great destination to choose if you are looking for somewhere exciting and different.
Whether you’re wanting to venture to Sumatra or go to the popular destination Bali, there is a surfing location for everyone to suit all abilities. We’ve gathered the top 10 surf camps in Indonesia as well as letting you know everything you need to do to prepare for your trip.
Here are the top 10 surf camps in Indonesia that you should consider:
Based in the popular North Sumatra, Banyak Surf Resort is located in an uncrowded lagoon that has the best waves. Offering all inclusive packages, you will have everything covered when it comes to your trip including daily speed boat transport to the waves and three meals a day with additional drinks and snacks also included.
The surf spot is still undiscovered by mainstream surfers so you can be assured of a relaxing and positive experience while your qualified instructors ensure that you have a session that is tailored to your age and ability. With alternative activities available, you can also learn an additional activity on top of surfing.
Location: North Sumatra
Address: West Banyak Island, Aceh Singkil Regency, Aceh, Indonesia
Sumba Surf Camp is based in Sumba and boasts fantastic scenery and culture with epic waves. The beaches of Kerewe are often uncrowded while the surrounding area remains preserved and untouched so you will have beautiful views while you surf.
The Sumba Surf Camp is the only one of its kind in the area so when you are not surfing, you’ll be the only ones with a view of the beach. With packages that include accommodation, food and boat access to the prime surf spots, you’ll have a rounded experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Location: Sumba
Address: Patiala Bawa, Lamboya, West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 87214, Indonesia
Surf Camp Lombok was founded in 2007 and is run by staff who are extremely passionate about surfing no matter what your age and ability is. By the end of this camp, you’ll be riding waves with full confidence.
With a variety of different accommodation options available, you can opt to stay in a mixed dorm room, double room or even a private house. With packages available to suit an array of budgets and skill levels, you can be assured that you will have an experience that is tailored to you so you are not overwhelmed by the sport.
With prices for a two week course starting from €990 for full board, you’ll have access to transportation, food and accommodation as well as everything you need in terms of surfing equipment.
Location: Lombok
Address: Jl. Putri Pantai Mandalika No.Gerupuk, Sengkol, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83573, Indonesia
Mentawai Surf Camp is located in the extremely popular Mentawai region in West Sumatra and is a private beachfront villa with packages that start from AUD $249 per day to suit all budgets and requirements.
What makes this camp ideal is that it is surrounded by 20 perfect waves that are located within a 10km radius. Suitable for surfing all year round, surfers of all abilities can benefit from the various wave heights depending on what they are wanting to practice.
The best season to visit this camp is between May and October as there is lower pressure in the Antarctic Ocean which pumps higher lines of swell which is great for highly skilled surfers.
Location: West Sumatra
Address: Pasakiat Taeleky – Siberut Selatan, Kab. Kepulauan Mentawai, Pasakiat Taileleu, Seberut Barat Daya, Dusun PeiPei, West Sumatra 25393, Indonesia
LMBK Surf Camp is based in Lombok which is one of the best surfing locations in the world. This camp encourages its participants to get to know each other to create a friendly atmosphere no matter your skill level.
As Lombok isn’t as well known amongst mainstream tourists, you can be guaranteed tranquility during your lessons as well as sessions with qualified instructors who have your undivided attention. With an array of packages available to suit all kinds of budgets, you can choose to stay in a mixed dorm room or have a private room if you prefer.
Location: Lombok
Address: Jl. Raya Kuta, Kuta, Lombok, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83573
G-Land Jack’s Surf Camp is perfect for those who want a more laid back experience. Located in East Java which is near Bali, this camp is perfect for those who are more advanced and want to encounter some challenging waves. With all inclusive packages that cover everything you need, there is no need to worry about anything when you attend this camp.
Prices start at $550 which is great for all kinds of budgets and abilities and the ability to customize your package so it is more tailored to your requirements means that you will have the best experience and get the most from your holiday.
Location: East Java
Address: Plekung Beach, Alas Purwo, Banyuwangi, East Java – Indonesia
Macaronis Resort is perfect for solo travellers as well as couples and families as there are so many packages available to cater for all ages and abilities.
With all inclusive packages that guarantee all day surfing access, meals, ocean views, WiFi, live surf cam, transfer, recreational gear amongst much more, you’ll have everything you need in this resort to have a positive surfing holiday.
With access to the best wave to surf on the planet, this resort has seen lots of surf enthusiasts enter its door in the hopes of improving their technique to tackle more difficult waves. Whether you are a beginner or professional, you’ll benefit from the professional instructors and beautiful location.
Location: West Sumatra
Address: Silabu, North Pagai, Kepulauan Mentawai, West Sumatra 25391, Indonesia
Wave Park provides great comfort on a private island that is exclusive to 12 surfers and families for ultimate privacy. At this camp, you’ll have everything provided for you as well as your surfing sessions.
With prices starting from $500, the package includes surfing sessions, transfers, accommodation, guiding, food, drink and other activities so you can make the most of your holiday and have the most positive experience. With 26 surf breaks in the area, you have access to an array of different waves which is great for all skill levels and abilities.
Location: Mentawai
Address: Jl. Perak III No.18, Katurei, Seberut Bar. Daya, Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai, Sumatera Utara 25112, Indonesia
Another brilliant option based in Mentawai is Playground Surf Resort which has helped to provide jobs for locals and assisted in boosting the surfing industry in Indonesia. With passion at the heart of this camp, the qualified staff will tailor the experience for you and choose from one of the 25 surfing spots that you can enjoy and learn to surf in.
The experience guides will ensure that you are in an uncrowded area so you are not intimidated by fellow surfers and will have the area to yourselves. By the end of this camp, you’ll be able to identify an array of different waves and how to approach them with confidence.
Location: Mentawai
Address: Jl: tanah beroyo 84 -West Sumatra-Padang cep” 25000, Katurei, Seberut Barat Daya, Kepulauan Mentawai, Sumatra 25393, Indonesia
Storm Rider Surf Camp is based in Canggu and is ideal for those who are working with a stricter budget. With package prices starting from €273, you’ll be able to find an experience that is perfect for your criteria.
The camp has access to 10 waves within 15 minutes and an additional 20 when travelling via the surf guiding van. Regardless of ability, you’ll be able to challenge yourself and learn new techniques with a wide variety of different waves.
There are also options to incorporate yoga into your experience so you can maintain optimum mental health to coincide with the physical health that surfing provides. This surf camp caters for all travellers needs including a restaurant, pool, AC and WiFi so you can relax as well as have fun.
Location: Bali
Address: Jl. Sempol, Desa Pererenan, Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
How to Prepare
Travelling to Indonesia needs a lot of preparation, especially if you are flying from the United States as it is an extremely long flight so you want to make sure that you have sorted everything out thoroughly before take off.
The first thing to do is ensure that you have filled out the correct paperwork and have your Visa all sorted out. This will avoid any problems when you arrive. As well as this, it is recommended that you undergo some vaccinations which include: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria and Rabies to prevent any illness while you are on your holiday.
The languages most commonly spoken in Indonesia are Indonesian and Jawa, however, most surf camps will offer English speaking facilities and may give you the chance to learn a new language if that is something you are interested in.
While your camp portion of the holiday will be prepaid, a lot of the camps are based in remote locations so you will need to take some cash with you just in case you need it. Indonesia has the Indonesian rupiah so make sure you have an appropriate amount in case you need to rent any extra equipment or plan to take an adventure day out elsewhere.
As Indonesia is a long way away, you want to make sure that you take our travel and surf insurance to ensure that you are completely covered.
The surf camps may offer a quote on surf insurance but if not then you should be able to find a website that can provide a quote just in case. Other surf camps may ask for a security deposit on the rentals just in case but it’s best to ask them just in case.
