Last updated on November 3rd, 2023 at 11:29 am
If you are looking for a surf camp in Indonesia, you came to the right place. In this article, we listed our top choices for a surf camp in Indonesia, where you can improve your surfing skills and have the perfect surf vacation.
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About Indonesia
Situated in Southeast Asia, Indonesia faces the Indian Ocean, and it is one of the best surf destinations in the world. When surfing in Indonesia, you can ride all types of waves for any skill level, from beginner to advanced.
With a developed backpacker scene, surfers, divers, and luxury vacationers staying here at any given moment, the beaches of Indonesia can get crowded, especially during the dry season. However, you can always find a quiet spot for yourself if that’s what you seek.
When choosing a surf camp in Indonesia, there are several key factors to take into account. The level of accommodation, transportation, location, and budget are obviously crucial, but not as much as the experience of the surf instructors and their coaching tools. Moreover, your current surf level and the kind of people you will meet are also things to consider in order to make the best out of the experience.
So let’s get right to it, in detail; these are the most recommended surf camps in Indonesia:
A List of the Best Surf Camps in Indonesia:
Endless Summer Surf Camp, Bali
The island of Bali is probably the most famous surf destination in the world. With perfect waves, kicking nightlife, and fascinating culture, it is no wonder surfers love it so much. Although it is famous for its hollow barrels, Bali also offers waves for beginners, and therefore, it is suitable for everyone.
Endless Summer is, without a doubt, one of the best surf camps in Bali, Indonesia. It has over 10 years of experience and operates in 2 different locations on the island- Kuta and Canggu. While Kuta offers a crazier vibe, the Canggu area is more chill and relaxed. Either way, the waves are awesome in both places.
For more details about surf camps in Bali, please click here.
Wave House Surf School, Bali
Wave House Surf School offers surf sessions for beginners and intermediate, surf guides for advanced surfers, comfortable accommodations, and a wide variety of activities around Bali. The camp is located in Canggu, in a beautiful area surrounded by rice terraces, close to shops, cafes, and bars.
The surf coaching at Wave House is conducted with an individual approach, and it is scheduled daily, depending on surf conditions and your skill level. All surf lessons last about 3 hours and include a theory part and in-water practice.
For more details about Bali surf camps, please click here.
Kima Surf Camp, Bali
Kima Surf Camp operates both in Indonesia and in Sri Lanka. Here in Bali, it offers surf coaching in Canggu and in Seminyak. Besides surf lessons for beginners and surf guiding for experts, the camp also manages various activities around the Bali area. All surf camps by Kima are always designed with practicality, authenticity, and comfort in mind to create the perfect atmosphere for your surf getaway. The camps are within walking distance of the beach, with world-class surf breaks only a few steps away.
For more details about surf camps and accommodations in Bali, please click here.
Mojosurf, Bali
Mojosurf is an Australian company that operates surf camps in Indonesia as well as in other different locations. It is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers who wish to learn how to surf or improve their surfing in a fun and safe environment. The Mojosurf Bali experience will introduce you to some of the best beginner and intermediate waves on the globe. Mojosurf is more than just a surf camp; it also offers yoga classes, activities, and more.
For more details about surf camps in Indonesia, please click here.
Mentawai Surf Camp
The Mentawai Islands are the ultimate surf paradise. This is where you can witness the most beautiful waves break consistently every single day in a variety of different surf spots. Therefore, it is a natural choice for a surf trip or a surf camp in Indonesia.
Mentawai Surf Camp is surrounded by over 20 incredible breaks within a 10 km radius. It offers all-inclusive surf packages for experienced surfers and lessons for novice ones. Luckily, there is a beginner’s wave just a few short paddles away, where you can practice with no danger.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawai Islands, please click here.
Wave Park Mentawai Surf Resort
Wave Park Mentawai is an excellent choice for those who want resort comfort on a private tropical island. It is exclusive to only 12 surfers and their families. It offers high-end stays, transfers, accommodation, surf guiding, food, drink, and activities, all included in your daily price. Whether you are a charger, a beginner, or anywhere in between, there is an abundance of waves that will suit your level of surfing. With tons of experience, the local surf experts will know how to guide you to the waves of your dreams.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawai archipelago, please click here.
Playground Surf Resort Mentawai
Playground Surf Resort has over 25 surf spots just a short boat ride from its doorstep. Therefore, staying here will ensure easy access to world-class waves like E-bay, Beng-Beng, Nokandui, Hideaway, Bank Vaults, Riffles, and Burger World. The team of surf guides checks the weather conditions daily to ensure you score the best waves every single day. It may not be the best choice for beginners, but if you are an experienced surfer, Playground Surf Resort is a great choice.
For more details about surf camps in Indonesia, please click here.
Surf Camp Lombok
The island of Lombok is known as beginner’s heaven. Compared to other islands in Indonesia, most of the waves here (not all) break softly over a sandy bottom. Therefore, it is a perfect place to practice and take some surf lessons.
Founded back in 2007, Surf Camp Lombok is one of the favorite surf camps in Indonesia. The highly qualified team here will care for your needs with great passion and local knowledge. The package includes all meals, accommodation, equipment, courses, yoga sessions, boat transport, and more. The camp offers you an opportunity to join a two-week experience with detailed step-by-step guidance, individual intelligent goals, and immediate informative feedback.
For more details about surf camps in Lombok Island, please click here.
Kura Kura Surf Camp, Lombok
Since 2015, Kura Kura Surf Camp has organized weekly surf adventures to explore countless waves on the beautiful island of Lombok. The camp offers surf programs for all skill levels. All packages include daily surf excursions, private rooms with air conditioning, hot water, a private patio, and access to a communal area, restaurant, and bar. In addition, yoga classes, dives, gym classes, and scooters are also available for your convenience upon request.
For more details about surf camps on the Island of Lombok, please click here.
Aura Surf Resort
Aura Surf Resort is a stunning Surf Resort situated on a pristine island in North Sumatra. Perfect A Frame break is right on your doorstep, hardly any crowds, and ease of access to a wide variety of surf spots, make Aura the perfect place for the surf trip of your dreams. The surf guides in the resort are very passionate about surfing. They are fully dedicated to getting you into the best waves, catering to all skill levels. The local team has the best knowledge on the island, with the best insight into all the breaks and conditions, ensuring you are in the best place possible to score quality waves. If you are an intermediate surfer and above, you will kill it here.
For more details about surf camps in Sumatra, please click here.
Joyo’s Surf Camp, G Land
G Land is one of the most respected waves in the world. This left-hand barrel will challenge any surfer, and if you are at the top of your game, you will probably have the best surf of your life on this wave.
Joyo’s Surf Camp was founded back in 1990 and is proud to be the first one among other camps in G-Land. The camp offers different packages for different budgets. Highly recommended for experienced surfers.
For more details about the best surf camps in Indonesia, please click here.
What is the Cost of Surf Camps in Indonesia?
When choosing a surf camp in Indonesia, the camp’s cost is definitely one of the main factors to consider. Luckily, in Indonesia, you can find a variety of surf camp packages to suit any budget, and most of them offer great value for your money. Factors like the quality of the accommodation, number of days, seasonality, and additional services determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that best suits your needs. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Indonesia costs less than booking all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package at a surf camp in Indonesia should cost you between $400 and $900.
What is the Advantage of Surf Camps in Indonesia?
Going on a surf trip on the beautiful beaches of Indonesia is one of the best things a surfer can do for himself. There is no greater fun than leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to simply riding waves. However, planning a surf trip can be quite a hassle, especially when you lack local knowledge. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty annoying.
This is precisely where a surf camp kicks in. By booking a surf camp in Indonesia, you simply remove the unpleasant part from the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp handles transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, you can relax and enjoy your vacation. In addition, surf camps in Indonesia provide a great environment to meet other people from around the world.
Are Surf Camps in Indonesia Suitable for Beginners?
It is a common mistake to think there are only barrels and reef breaks for advanced surfers in Indonesia. In fact, there are plenty of surf spots with waves that suit all skill levels. For instance, the waves in spots like Uluwatu can be hollow and powerful, but in spots like Lombok, you will find softer waves and an excellent environment for surfing lessons. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can attend a surf camp in Indonesia. Moreover, the instructors in all the surf camps in Indonesia know exactly where to take their students in order to keep them safe and help them practice in waves that suit their skills.
What Time of the Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Indonesia?
The surf season in Indonesia starts around April and lasts until November. During these months, the swells are consistent, and the weather is comfortable. In the peak of the season, between June and September, the waves can be huge, so these months are recommended for advanced surfers. In contrast, beginners can find smaller waves at the beginning or end of the season.
To clarify, these are only estimations, as the swells are unpredictable in their nature. However, different beaches receive different wave sizes, so you can always find waves that suit your skill level.
Which Island in Indonesia is Best for a Surf Camp?
Although there are many good surf islands in Indonesia, these are the most recommended ones for a surf camp:
1. Bali- With Indonesia’s most developed surf scene, this is the most famous island for both surfers and tourists.
2. Mentawai Islands- This area has some of the best waves in the world.
3. Lombok- On this Island, there are several beach breaks for beginners, and also G-Land, a famous spot with some giant barrels.
4. Nias- This location is suitable only for experts.
How to Book a Surf Camp in Indonesia?
Once you choose your preferred surf camp in Indonesia, booking it is pretty easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, should be what type of surf camp are you looking for, and these are the two main options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for surf lessons or a coaching program, the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about the surf instructors, weekly schedule, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and only need a place to stay close to the waves, you can simply book your stay at www.booking.com.
Both websites are trusted and user-friendly, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf camp in Indonesia.
Essential Things You Should Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Indonesia
Before choosing a surf camp in Indonesia, it is vital to understand exactly what the camp provides, so don’t forget to check the following:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf lessons? The smaller the group is, the more personal guidance you will get from the instructor. Therefore, look for a ratio of 5 to 1 or less.
2. Are surfboard rentals provided by the camp, or must you bring your own surfboard? Also, can you use the camp’s equipment for practice on your own?
3. Are airport transfers included, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots during the camp?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included and which are not?
5. How many surf lessons are included in the package each day? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? How many people will you be sharing the room with?
7. Does the coaching program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers during the sessions?
8. Which qualifications do the surf instructors have? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools will be used during the camp? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the initial price of the camp cover everything?
Conclusion- Final Thought
In summary, these are the top surf camps in Indonesia. Actually, it doesn’t really matter which one of them you choose, as they are all good, and offer pretty much the same things. What’s most important is your attitude toward the experience. If you come open-minded with the intention to learn, practice, and make the best of it, you can improve your surfing drastically, meet new friends, and simply have fun.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Indonesia, or the one about surf resorts in Indonesia.
