Waves for Intermediate Surfers in Indonesia

bali

  The Island of the Gods is blessed with a wide variety of waves for all levels of surfers. While this is a great destination to learn to surf, most spots are more challenging reefs that are perfect for taking your surfing to new heights. The iconic waves of Bali can behave differently depending on the swell and tide. By joining one of the many surf camps in Bali, you will receive professional guidance that will help you make the most of your trip and experience the best that these waves have to offer. The best time to surf in Bali, as well as the rest of Indonesia, is during the dry season, which usually lasts from May to September. But there is also good swell during the rainy season when east-facing spots start to work. Looking for more information? Here you will find everything you need to know to plan your surf trip to Bali. Balangan On the Bukit Peninsula, this long left wave is considered one of the best for intermediate surfers in Bali. Its big walls, occasional barrels, and multiple peaks will push you out of your comfort zone. Fortunately, the reef is flat and the waves break gently, making the spot relatively safe. Balangan is very consistent. During the dry season, the wind always blows offshore, and it is also sheltered during the wet season, so you can really surf here year-round. It works with all tides, but if you want more water over the reef, just head out with the incoming tide. Padang Padang Right Also known as Baby Padang, this is the little brother of Padang Padang Left. Located on the Bukit Peninsula, between Impossibles and Uluwatu, this beach break is right next to Bali's most iconic wave, Padang Padang, which is reserved for advanced and professional surfers. At high tide, it offers long, uninterrupted waves that are great for perfecting technique. Bingin South of the Bukit Peninsula, between Dreamland and Padang Padang, Bingin is famous for its powerful waves. But don’t let that discourage you. With a wave size of medium, between 1 and 1.5 meters (3-4 feet), and at mid tide, it is accessible for intermediate surfers as well. Dreamland What a name to describe a perfectly peeling wave that offers something for all levels! Dreamland is the only beach break on the Bukit Peninsula, and probably that’s why many people tend to underestimate its power. While it is true that the wave has several sections, some of which are soft enough even for beginners under the right conditions, Dreamland should not be taken lightly. With small swell, it is ideal for intermediate surfers. With big swell and low tide, it can throw some hollow waves up to 3.5 meters (12 feet) high. If you’ve never been barrelled before, Dreamland is the place to ride your first tubes. This is a very consistent spot that works in almost any condition and at all tides. Therefore, it often gets crowded. Airport Left and Right Located about 1 km (0.6 miles) offshore from Ngurah Rai International Airport, this reef can only be accessed by boat. You will find traditional boats offering rides for surfers from Jimbaran or Kuta. Airport Left is north of the runway and Airport Right is south. Both waves are powerful and fast, but suitable for intermediate surfers at mid tide and with wave sizes in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 meters (2 to 5 feet). When it’s higher than that, they are more recommended for advanced surfers. Canggu North of Kuta, Canggu has several beaches and reefs, some suitable for beginners and others that are a bit more challenging. You will find everything from soft, rolling waves to fast, shreddable peaks. With a wave size of between 1 and 1.8 meters (3-6 feet), this is a fantastic spot for intermediate surfers. The reefs can be tricky, and at low or high tide, they present a challenge even for advanced surfers. Therefore, it’s best to surf in Canggu at mid tide and early in the morning, before the trade winds pick up. Medewi This is Bali's longest left-hand point, with a smooth face that is perfect for practicing maneuvers. It is also less crowded than other spots, as it is further from Kuta. Medewi is often referred to as a beginner wave, but some experience is required to ride it, as you need to feel comfortable surfing unbroken waves and turning your surfboard. If you travel straight, you may end up right on the reef, with some nasty cuts as well. Medewi can handle big swell, and that’s when intermediate surfers should stay inside on the shoulder. Getting in and out of the water is also quite tricky. For a safer and more enjoyable experience, join a surf camp in Medewi that will offer you guidance.

The Mentawai Islands

Off the western coast of Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands offer one of the largest wave playgrounds in the world. There are literally hundreds of surf spots, and most surfers agree that these small tropical islands have the most consistent swell on the planet. Thanks to their year-round swell and the quality of the waves, with hollow tubes and steep walls, both lefts and rights, the Mentawais are a paradise for intermediate and advanced surfers. There are two popular options for surfing in the Mentawais: charter boat trip or surf camp. A surf charter in the Mentawai Islands is an excellent option for larger groups of similar levels. You will experience more of the Mentawai waves, as the charter boats are constantly moving, staying at a break for one to three sessions on average. Surf charters will choose the best spots according to the skills of the people on board. On the other hand, if you are traveling solo or in a small group and would like to spend more time surfing at a particular spot, then a surf camp in the Mentawais might be the best option for you. The Mentawais receive swell year-round from the south of the Indian Ocean, but the swell is most consistent between March and November, which also coincides with the dry season (June-September).

Surf Spots for Intermediate Surfers in the Mentawai Islands:

ben ben On the small island of Masokut, Beng Beng is one of the safest and deepest waves in the Mentawais. Despite its challenging walls, intermediates can handle this. This left reef is extremely easy to break and very consistent, offering rides of 50 to 150 meters (160 to 500 feet). The best wave size is 1-1.8 meters (3-6 feet). e-bay Next to Beng Beng, this fast left reef break is a favorite among photographers and has appeared in many surf movies and magazines. E-Bay can throw some incredibly hollow tubes and works best between 1.2 and 2.5 meters (4-8 feet). At high tide, it loses some of its power and becomes more fun and suitable for intermediate surfers. Pitstops Right next to E-Bay, this right-hander features a vertical drop that is excellent for working on your aerial maneuvers. It also works with small swell and is one of the most consistent surf spots in the Mentawais. The takeoff is challenging, but the wave itself is very fun. Nipussi Close to E-Bay and Beng Beng, Nipussi is a right reef that works with all swell directions. This is the most consistent wave in the Mentawais and is an excellent option when other waves are not working. With offshore wind, Nipussi throws perfect tubes, even with small swell. Of course, this also means it can get crowded. macarrones The crown jewel of surfing in the Mentawais, Macaronis has been dubbed "the most fun wave in the world." Even better, intermediate surfers can also give it a try. In Pasongan Bay, in the Southern Mentawai Islands, there are several spots at Macaronis. Macaronis Left is always in the spotlight, but the right is just as good and less crowded, while Mini Macas is the more accessible little brother for the less experienced. Considered one of the most enjoyable rides in the world, Macaronis offers everything you could dream of: barrels, lip-smacking, wall-pounding, air-popping. This is the most ripable wave in the Mentawais. It works at all tides and wind conditions, and is incredibly consistent. Lance’s Right Also known as Hollow Trees, Lance's Right is a world-renowned gem for intermediate and advanced surfers, one of the fastest and most hollow waves on the planet. This classic Indo wave can only be accessed by boat and has consistency year-round. Thanks to its various takeoff points, it doesn’t feel as crowded. When it’s in the 1 meter (3 feet) range, expect crumbling walls that are great for perfecting your turns. With bigger swell, the takeoff becomes very steep, with multiple barrels that will push your limits.

Lombok

As many of Bali's surf spots have become overcrowded, many surfers are heading to Lombok, which is often compared to how Bali was in the 70s and 80s. Most surf spots are concentrated on the southern coast, and you will find something for all levels.

Surf Spots for Intermediate Surfers in Lombok:

Gerupuk To the southeast of Kuta in Lombok, Gerupuk Bay is home to three reefs: Don Don, Inside Gerupuk, and Outside Gerupuk. Don Don is the beginner-friendly one of the three, and Inside is perfect for intermediate surfers, breaking over a soft sand bottom. Outside Gerupuk has a fast A-frame that breaks over a shallow reef, recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers. If you want to work on your cuts and deep turns against a spectacular backdrop, this is the place to be in Lombok. You need a boat to reach the waves, as they break offshore. Ekasa Bay East of Kuta, Ekas Bay is home to two reefs. Inside Ekas is a wave suitable for beginners and intermediates and a favorite spot for longboarders. Outside Ekas, there is an exposed reef that requires a 400-meter paddle, so it’s best to hop on a boat to get to it. It attracts a lot of swell and can become very hollow. It works best during the dry season with high tide and elevated conditions. are guling In the south of Lombok, west of Kuta, this reef throws powerful right and left waves. Are Guling is very consistent and can handle all swell directions and sizes. However, the best time to go is during the rainy season, between October and April. The types of waves vary depending on the swell size. With big waves, it becomes a fast, long, and hollow wave. When it’s not too big, it’s playful, fun, and long. Are Guling is less crowded than other surf spots in Lombok, even when conditions are epic.

East Java

Situated between Sumatra and Bali, the swell in Java is subject to the same conditions as the rest of the archipelago. In East Java, Grajagan Bay is home to some of the best waves in Indonesia, the most notable of which is the legendary G-Land.

Surf Spots for Intermediate Surfers in Java:

G-Land On the east coast of Grajagan Bay, G-Land is a reef/break point that throws some incredibly hollow left barrels. It is famous for its consistency: flat days are rare, and if G-Land isn’t working, it’s likely that the other surf spots in Indonesia aren’t working either. G-Land has several sections, and each has its quirks. This means that surfers of different levels can find something to play with. That said, G-Land is not recommended for beginners. It works at all tides and can handle waves from 1 to 4.5 meters (3-15 feet). 20/20 A little north of G-Land, this left reef offers a bit of everything: most days, it’s a fast, short wave, but on others, it can offer rides of up to 150 meters (500 feet). It works best with an east swell and at mid tide, and can handle waves from 1 to 2.7 meters (3-9 feet). Tiger Tracks Next to 20/20, this consistent reef is a peak that goes both left and right. It works best with mid incoming tide and can handle waves from 1 to 2.5 meters (3-8 feet). Like 20/20, it usually offers short rides, but there are days when you can score 150 meters (500 feet) in one go. It is suitable for surfers of all levels and can therefore get crowded.