Indonesia surf forecast

Surfing in Indonesia

Indonesia's main surf coasts are the south- and west-facing shores of the island chain running from Sumatra through Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and Sumba. They face the Indian Ocean and receive long-period groundswell from storms in the Southern Ocean, which is why so many of the waves here are reef and point breaks that line up with machine-like regularity.

The year divides into two monsoon seasons. The dry season, roughly April to October, is the classic window: Southern Ocean swell is at its most frequent and the south-east trade winds blow offshore on many of the swell-facing coasts, including the west side of Bali's Bukit Peninsula and Java's G-Land. The wet season, roughly November to March, brings westerly to north-westerly winds, more rain and generally smaller, less consistent swell, but it turns some east-facing spots offshore, such as Keramas on Bali's south-east coast, and lineups are quieter.

Most famous waves break over shallow coral or rock, often with sharp reef and strong currents, so they suit experienced surfers, and tide matters at many spots because some reefs become too shallow at low water. There are softer options, including Bali's beach breaks around Canggu and mellow points such as Medewi, which are popular with learners and intermediates. Water is warm all year. Access ranges from short drives on Bali to ferries, long overland trips and boat charters for the outer islands such as the Mentawais. Use the island pages below to compare spots.