Last updated on November 3rd, 2023 at 11:56 am
If you are looking for a surf resort in Indonesia, you came to the right place. In this post, we listed our top choices for a surf resort in Indonesia, where you can surf as much as possible and have the time of your life.
About the Surf in Indonesia
Located in Southeast Asia and facing the Indian Ocean, Indonesia is one of the best surf destinations in the world. It is a true surf paradise with waves of all types and for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Due to the popularity of Indonesia, the surf beaches can get crowded, especially during the dry season. However, there are plenty of waves for everybody, and their quality makes it all worth it.
When choosing a surf resort in Indonesia, there are several things you need to consider. For instance, the accommodation level, the food, and the service you get are obviously important. However, as a surfer, what you care about most is being close to the water and having easy access to the best surf spots.
So, let’s get right to it, in detail, these are the most recommended surf resorts in Indonesia:
A List of the Top Surf Resorts in Indonesia:
La Joya Balangan Resort
The island of Bali is the Indonesian surf capital and the place most surfers visit on their surf vacation. You will find here perfect left-hand barreling reef breaks, along with some beginner-friendly surf spots and everything in between. When it comes to surfing, Bali is the best you can get. For that reason, some of the best surf resorts in Indonesia are located here. Actually, surfers from all over the world come to Bali on a regular basis and create a magnificent surf scene. Bali is home to some of the best surf spots in the world. In addition, it offers excellent nightlife, diving, and fascinating culture.
La Joya Balangan Resort is situated just a 2-minute walk from the famous point break of Balangan Beach and a 20-minute drive from Uluwatu Temple. Featuring bungalows made of locally sourced white limestone, the property boasts local art, sculpture, and carvings. Facilities include 2 outdoor pools and a restaurant. Air-conditioned guest rooms are fitted with a fridge and a personal safe. The staff at the tour desk can help arrange various activities, city tours, or car rentals. Guests can also enjoy relaxing massages upon request.
For more details about La Joya Balangan Resort, please click here.
Hotel Tugu Bali
Still in Bali, a bit north of the massive tourism area of Kuta, you will find Canggu. The vibe here is more chill, and the waves are spectacular.
Hotel Tugu Bali, part of Tugu Hotels & Restaurants, is designed to recount the most romantic tales, folklore, and legends of Indonesia. Being the closest hotel to the fantastic waves of Batu Bolong Beach and in the very heart of the hip village of Canggu, the hotel is just steps away from the surf & sunset of Batu Bolong Beach, from all the best cafes, restaurants, and boutiques of Canggu. However, stepping into Hotel Tugu Bali means leaving the hustle & bustle behind and stepping into the true soul of Bali- timeless, surrounded by a vast collection of Balinese and Indonesian antiques and art pieces, together telling the beautiful stories of Bali’s rich history and culture.
The resort offers an all-suite luxury accommodation in the middle of Canggu. Nestled within private gardens, the hotel features an outdoor pool, an award-winning Indonesian spa, and thematic restaurants that offer everything from Indonesian home cooking dishes, royal dining experiences of the past kingdoms, international fares, and contemporary Japanese cuisine at the rooftop with an ocean sunset view. Guests can choose to dine indoors, within the gardens, or in any of the themed dining spaces available.
For more details about Hotel Tugu, please click here.
Awera Resort, Mentawai Islands
Famous for its outstanding surf conditions, the Mentawai Islands are the closest thing to surf heaven. In fact, you can find here hundreds of barreling reefs and point breaks spread along these Islands. Each one of these spots is pure perfection, and it is impossible to explain how good the surf in the Mentawai is unless you come and see for yourself.
Awera Resort in Tua Pejat Island in the Mentawais features a garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar. There is free private parking, and the property provides a paid airport shuttle service. Guest rooms in the resort are also equipped with a seating area. Featuring a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer, rooms at Awera Resort offer a pool view, and all guest rooms will provide guests with a minibar. Staying here will give you easy access to several world-class surf spots of the Mentawai Islands.
For more details about Awera Resort, please click here.
Ombak Resort, Lombok
Lombok Island is relatively close to Bali and similar to it in size. However, Lombok’s coastline is abundant with bays and offers mostly soft breaks that are more suitable for beginners. An exception to that is the famous break of Desert Point. If you come to surf Desert Point, make sure you are on the top of your game, as this amazingly fast barrel will throw you hard right on the shallow reef unless you know what you are doing.
Ombak Resort at Ekas, a luxury surf and kite surf destination, has an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge, and terrace in Ekas. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and room service. At the resort, the rooms come with a wardrobe, bed linen, and a balcony with a garden view. Breakfast is available every morning and includes à la carte, continental, and Full English/Irish options. At Ombak Resort, you will find a restaurant serving British, Indonesian, and Italian cuisine. A vegetarian option can also be requested. In addition, you can play billiards at the hotel, and the area is popular for hiking and other activities.
For more details about Ombak Resort, please click here.
Raffiel Nias
Situated on the North Shore of Sumatra, Nias offers some world-class breaks. Since it is so remote, you will hardly find any foreigners here. The most famous spot in Nias is Lagundri Bay, which offers an aggressive right-hand point break. Moreover, inside the same bay, there is a fantastic beach break for beginners.
With sea views, Raffiel Nias is situated in Lagudri and has a restaurant, a shared lounge, a bar, a garden, a terrace, and a barbecue. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. It is a basic place, definitely not fancy, but for the waves you will surf here, it should be the best value for money. All units are air-conditioned and include a seating and dining area. An à la carte, American, or vegetarian breakfast is available each morning at the property.
For more details about Raffiel Nias, please click here.
Surf Resorts in Indonesia- How Much Should it Cost?
Since Indonesia is such a famous surf destination, there are plenty of surf resorts spread along its coasts. The cost of the surf resorts is determined by factors like location, seasonality, the quality of accommodation, and the number of days. So, depending on your budget, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. As for the numbers, a surf resort in Indonesia should cost somewhere between $100 and $300 per night.
What Season is Best for Booking a Surf Resort in Indonesia?
Indonesia is exposed to year-round swells, and you can always find good waves here. However, the best time to surf in Indonesia is between April to November. This is the dry season, with great weather, consistent waves, and glassy surf conditions. During the peak of the season, in July and August, the waves are usually the biggest and are suitable for advanced surfers. If you are seeking more mellow waves, you will find them at the beginning and the end of the surf season.
Which Location in Indonesia is Best for a Surf Vacation?
As mentioned, there are many great surf beaches in Indonesia. It is a surfer’s playground, and with so many great spots, it can be hard to choose. So, to make it easier for you, here are our top picks of locations for a surf resort in Indonesia:
1. Bali- This is the most famous island in Indonesia, with perfect waves and a developed tourist scene.
2. The Mentawai Islands- This area has some of the best waves in the world, including world-class barrels.
3. Nias- This spot is suitable for advanced surfers only.
4. Lombok- On this Island, there are several beginner spots and also G-Land, a famous break with some huge barrels.
How to Book a Surf Resort in Indonesia?
Once you choose a surf resort in Indonesia, booking it is easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, is what type of experience you seek. These are the two main options:
1. If you are 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 surf programs, weekly schedules, and general guidance for beginners.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and only need a place to stay close to the surf, you can find the best deals on www.booking.com.
Both websites are honest and easy to use, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf resort in Indonesia.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To summarize, these are our top choices for a surf resort in Indonesia. Sure, there are other good ones we didn’t mention here, but obviously, we can’t mention them all. The most important thing is to enjoy a good surf vacation, so if you score good waves and have a good attitude, you will have fun, no matter where you stay.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Indonesia, and also the one about beginner surf beaches in Indonesia.
