Discover why Southern Sumatra remains my favourite bodyboarding destination after more than 30 years of travelling the world. From perfect waves and expert coaching to jungle adventures, warm hospitality and unforgettable stories, this is more than just a surf trip—it’s an authentic Indonesian experience that stays with you long after you return home.
“If you could go anywhere in the world on a free surf trip, where would you go?”
It’s a question I’ve been asked countless times over the years, and despite having been fortunate enough to bodyboard in some incredible destinations around the world, my answer has never really changed. Southern Sumatra.
It’s not just because of the world class waves, although they’re undoubtedly some of the best waves I’ve ever seen. It’s the whole experience. The pace of life, the warmth of the local people, the dense jungle that tumbles down to the coastline, the wildlife, the incredible food, the warm water and the feeling that, for a little while at least, you’ve escaped the pressures of everyday life.
Every trip to Southern Sumatra reminds me why I fell in love with travel in the first place, and why, after all these years, I still get excited every time I step off the plane in Indonesia.
One memory, in particular, captures everything I love about the place.
It was during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations, a morning that had started just like every other during my six-week adventure exploring Southern Sumatra. I was up before sunrise, enjoying my usual breakfast of freshly made banana pancakes drizzled with local honey and washed down with a strong Indonesian coffee. As the first rays of sunlight lit up the jungle behind the accommodation, I strapped my bodyboard to the back of my moped and headed off along the coastal road in search of the best waves of the day.
The journey to the surf is almost as memorable as the bodyboarding itself.
The road hugs the coastline, weaving through small villages, lush rice paddies and thick tropical jungle before crossing a series of rivers and estuaries on narrow concrete bridges. Every morning we’d pass through the same villages, and before long the local children had learnt exactly what time the bodyboarders would be riding through.
As we approached one particular bridge each day, there they were. Eight or ten smiling children lined up on either side, waving enthusiastically and shouting, “Hello, Mister!” as we rode towards them. Their hands stretched out across the bridge, waiting for high fives as we passed. It became part of our daily routine, and one of those simple moments that never failed to make us smile. For a few seconds you felt like a pro surfer arriving at a contest, cheered on by your own enthusiastic fan club before disappearing down the road towards another day of tropical waves.
But this morning was different.
It soon became apparent that Indonesia’s Independence Day had brought more than just celebrations. The children had obviously received presents, because instead of holding out their hands for high fives, they were clutching brand-new BB guns.
As we rolled onto the bridge, they opened fire.
Plastic pellets rained down on us from both sides as we desperately tried to accelerate to safety, laughing almost as much as they were. By the time we’d escaped the ambush our legs, backs and arms were covered in little red welts. We looked like we’d come down with chickenpox overnight.
The kids thought it was hilarious. And to be honest, so did we.
Looking back, it’s those moments that stay with you long after you’ve forgotten exactly how many waves you caught that day. They’re the stories you tell your mates over a beer years later. The unexpected experiences that only seem to happen when you travel somewhere that still feels wonderfully authentic.
And that’s exactly why I always come back to Sumatra.
Yes, the waves are world class. Yes, the water is warm and the crowds are light. But it’s everything in between that makes this place unforgettable. It’s the jungle that stretches down to the ocean, the friendly locals who greet you with genuine smiles, the healthy food, the afternoon hammock sessions and the feeling that life has slowed down to exactly the pace it should be.
The Bodyboard Trip That Took Ten Years to Build
My fascination with Southern Sumatra actually began long before I first visited.
Back in the early 2000s I remember reading an article by Rob Barber, now owner of Bodyboard Holidays, then editor of ThreeSixty Magazine. Like many bodyboarders at the time, I was captivated by the photographs and stories of this untouched secret stretch of Indonesian coastline. Empty reef breaks, warm tropical water and an adventure that felt worlds away from the crowded surf destinations most people knew.
Ironically, Rob had had exactly the same reaction.
After his first visit, he vowed that one day he’d come back and run a bodyboard holiday there. Years later, when we began looking for another Indonesian destination to our Bali and Nusa Lembongan Bodyboard Holidays, that dream slowly became reality.
At Bodyboard Holidays we’ve always believed that the destination is only one part of the experience. Great waves are obviously essential, but equally important are the people you meet, the accommodation you stay in, the quality of the coaching, the food you eat and the feeling you have when you leave. We wanted guests to experience the real Southern Sumatra.
That’s where Grant, our Indonesian head coach, played such an important role.
Over the best part of a decade, Grant, who is fluent in Indonesian, explored this coastline, travelling from village to village, talking to the local fisherman, hand-drawing maps of surf spots, learning which reefs worked on different swell directions and tides, discovering the best local restaurants and building relationships with the communities we’d eventually become part of.
Some waves only work on certain tides. Others need a particular wind direction or swell angle. Some are perfect for progressing intermediate riders, while others come alive when experienced bodyboarders are looking for hollow, challenging barrels. That local knowledge simply can’t be found in a guidebook.
By the time we launched the Sumatra Bodyboard Holiday, we knew every detail had been carefully considered. And, looking back now, we’ve never regretted taking the time to do it properly.
World-Class Bodyboarding Waves for Every Level
Of course, the waves are what first draw people to Southern Sumatra, and it’s easy to understand why.
This stretch of coastline offers consistent swell and an incredible variety of breaks, meaning every day presents a new opportunity depending on the swell, tide and wind. Rather than being tied to a single wave for the duration of the trip, we’re able to move around the coastline and choose the best option each morning. That’s a huge advantage.
Some days we’ll be surfing long, playful walls that are perfect for building confidence, improving technique and working on manoeuvres. On other days we’ll head for shorter, heavier reef breaks that produce the kind of mechanical barrels most bodyboarders dream about.
The beauty of Southern Sumatra is that it caters for progression. Intermediate riders gain confidence because they’re bodyboarding quality waves every day with experienced coaches beside them. More advanced riders have the opportunity to challenge themselves on powerful, shallow reefs.
Every morning begins with the same question: “Where are the best waves today?”
Our coaching team checks the swell charts, wind direction and tides before deciding which break will offer the best experience. Sometimes it’s the wave everyone hopes for. Sometimes it’s a lesser-known gem that’s working perfectly while everywhere else is busy or blown out.
That’s where years of local knowledge make all the difference. And as one guest commented after returning home:
“The wave selection was incredible. Every day we seemed to be surfing the right spot for the conditions, and having local knowledge made such a difference.” – Read more testimonials on our Tripadvisor
Bodyboarding Progression Never Stops
One of the things we enjoy most about coaching on these trips is watching people improve over the course of a week. It’s amazing what happens when you surf consistently.
Back home, most of us are trying to squeeze sessions around work, family and the weather. You might surf once or twice a week if you’re lucky, and conditions aren’t always ideal. In Sumatra, it’s different.
You’re surfing quality warm water waves every day, analysing footage after each session and receiving coaching while everything is still fresh in your mind. Those little adjustments to your take-off, body position or line across the wave quickly become habits, and before you know it you’re making sections that would have seemed impossible only a few days earlier.
Video analysis is often the turning point.
It’s one thing for a coach to tell you that you’re taking off too deep or looking down the line too late. It’s another to see it on screen with your own eyes. Suddenly everything clicks, and the improvements come surprisingly quickly.
That’s why so many guests tell us they return home bodyboarding with more confidence than ever before. As another guest wrote after the trip:
“I improved more in one week than I had in the previous year. The combination of coaching, video analysis and quality waves was incredible.” – Read more testimonials on our Tripadvisor
For us, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of the holiday. Yes, we want guests to score amazing waves. But even more importantly, we want them to become better bodyboarders.
A Home Away From Home
Our accommodation reflects everything we love about Southern Sumatra.
Our accommodation isn’t about polished luxury or five-star resorts. It’s about comfort, authenticity and feeling genuinely connected to the place you’ve travelled so far to experience. Tucked amongst tropical greenery and only a short walk from the local village, it’s the kind of place where you wake to the sound of birds rather than traffic and fall asleep listening to the jungle instead of city noise.
One of the things that makes this place so special is the family who own it. They’re local to Sumatra and have welcomed us back year after year, gradually turning what started as a handful of simple rooms into a fantastic bodyboarding retreat. Every time we’ve returned, we’ve seen something new. They’ve listened to our feedback, invested back into the property and continually improved the experience, adding new rooms, a swimming pool, comfortable communal areas and thoughtful little touches that make the place feel designed with travelling bodyboarders in mind.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch that journey unfold. The money our groups have spent staying there hasn’t disappeared into a large hotel chain; it’s gone straight back into supporting a local family and helping them build something they’re genuinely proud of. In fact, they once told us that the booking we’d made just before the pandemic helped keep their family going through those incredibly difficult years. Moments like that remind you that responsible surf travel is about far more than simply finding good waves.
Over the years, they’ve also introduced us to local people, helped us build strong relationships within the community and become an important part of what makes the trip feel so authentic. By the time you leave, it no longer feels like you’ve been staying in accommodation. it feels like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s home.
The facilities themselves are exactly what you need after a full day in the ocean. Comfortable en-suite rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, a refreshing swimming pool, a relaxed dining area where everyone gathers for meals and video analysis, and even a few personal touches that make us smile every time we visit, including one of Rob’s bodyboards proudly hanging on the wall in the bar. It’s relaxed, welcoming and perfectly suited to the rhythm of life in Southern Sumatra.
Fresh, Healthy Food That Fuels Long Days in the Water
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors to Southern Sumatra is just how good the food is.
When people think of a remote surfing destination, they often imagine basic meals and limited choice. The reality couldn’t be more different. The food is one of the highlights of the trip and something many guests mention long after they’ve returned home.
Everything is fresh, wholesome and prepared using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Breakfast is the perfect way to start the day, with freshly made banana pancakes, tropical fruit, eggs, strong Indonesian coffee and refreshing fruit juices providing more than enough fuel for a long morning in the surf.
After four or five hours in the water, lunch always tastes even better. Freshly caught fish, grilled chicken, fragrant curries, noodles, rice dishes, colourful vegetables and tropical fruit all feature regularly on the menu. It’s simple food, but that’s exactly why it’s so good. There’s no unnecessary fuss, just honest, healthy meals prepared with care by people who genuinely love feeding hungry surfers.
Evenings are something everyone looks forward to. As the tropical heat begins to soften and the sun disappears behind the jungle, everyone gathers around the table to share another fantastic meal and relive the day’s waves. It’s often during these dinners that the funniest stories emerge. Someone will replay the barrel they made, another guest will describe the wave of the trip, while everyone else chips in with plenty of good-natured banter.
Those shared meals quickly become part of the experience. By the end of the week, it no longer feels like a group of strangers on holiday, it feels like a group of friends who have been travelling together for years. As one guest wrote after returning home:
“The food was incredible. Every meal was fresh, healthy and delicious, and there was always plenty of it after long surf sessions.” Read more testimonials on our Google Reviews
Where the Jungle Meets the Ocean
What really sets Southern Sumatra apart from many surf destinations is its landscape.
In some parts of the world, the surf feels disconnected from everything else. You drive through busy towns or tourist developments before arriving at the beach. In Southern Sumatra, nature is always part of the experience.
The jungle stretches right down to the coastline, creating a dramatic backdrop to every surf session. Towering palm trees sway above empty beaches, rivers wind their way through dense rainforest and vibrant green rice paddies stretch towards the horizon. Every journey to the waves feels like an adventure in itself.
Along the roadside you’ll see farmers working in the rice fields, children cycling home from school, fishermen preparing their boats and water buffalo cooling themselves in muddy pools. Life here moves at a pace that’s refreshingly different from what most of us are used to.
The wildlife only adds to the feeling that you’ve escaped somewhere truly special.
Keep your eyes open and you may spot monkeys swinging through the trees, colourful kingfishers darting across rivers, monitor lizards basking beside the road or huge butterflies floating through the jungle. The ocean has its own cast of characters too, with sea turtles, dolphins and vibrant tropical fish occasionally making an appearance during your surf.
As darkness falls, the soundtrack changes completely. The calls of birds are replaced by the chorus of insects and frogs hidden within the rainforest, while the stars above seem brighter than you’ve seen in years. It’s one of those places that quietly reminds you how connected bodyboarding can be with the natural world.
A Typical Day in Paradise
One of the reasons guests settle into Sumatra so quickly is because life follows such a wonderfully simple rhythm.
The alarm goes off just before sunrise, not because you have to, but because you’re excited to see what the ocean has in store. Breakfast is already waiting. Coffee is poured, banana pancakes disappear quickly and conversations immediately turn to swell direction, tides and which wave might be firing that morning.
Before long, boards are loaded into the vans and the daily adventure begins.
Some mornings the destination is obvious. Other days the coaching team studies the conditions before making the call, using years of local knowledge to decide which break will offer the best waves. It’s one of the real advantages of travelling with Bodyboard Holidays, you don’t waste time guessing where to surf. Someone who knows the coastline inside out has already made that decision for you.
The morning session often lasts four hours or more. Time seems to disappear when the waves are good, and before you know it the tropical sun is high in the sky and everyone is happily exhausted. On the drive back to the our accommodation we’ll pull up at our fave coffee shop. It’s a great time to grab a fruit smoothie, a coffee and a snack. Here, you’ll share tales from the session. Getting to know your fellow riders, learning about their homelife, their culture, their work, family and local waves.
Back at the accommodation, lunch is served while the stories begin. And after lunch comes one of the most valuable parts of the coaching programme, the video analysis.
Watching yourself bodyboard is one of the quickest ways to improve. Small details suddenly become obvious. You realise you’re looking in the wrong direction during your take-off, cutting short your bottom turn or missing lip opportunities that seemed invisible while you were in the moment. Combined with feedback from the coaching team, these sessions help accelerate progression throughout the week. You will see land, water and drone angles of you bodyboarding in the world’s perfect waves, you’re the star of your own bodyboarding movie.
Then it’s time to slow down. Most guests instinctively drift towards the hammocks with a book, a cold drink in the swimming pool or simply the intention of doing absolutely nothing for an hour or two. And that’s perfectly acceptable. In fact, it’s encouraged.
In a world where we’re constantly checking emails, answering messages and rushing from one commitment to the next, there’s something incredibly refreshing about an afternoon where your only decision is whether to read another chapter or close your eyes for twenty minutes.
As the day draws to a close, and the sun dips, we assemble for a cool drink and to watch the sunset, then everyone gathers once more for dinner. The conversation inevitably turns back to the waves, plans are made for tomorrow’s dawn patrol and before long it’s time for bed. Then the whole routine starts again.
More Than Just a Surf Trip
Ask anyone who’s travelled with Bodyboard Holidays what they remember most, and the answer is rarely just the waves. Of course, everyone remembers the barrels, the warm water, the long rides and the incredible coaching, but they also remember the people. They remember the laughter around the dinner table after a day in the surf, the van rides through sleepy villages, the children shouting, “Hello, Mister!” from the roadside, lazy afternoons relaxing in a hammock, endless plates of fresh tropical fruit and the stories that somehow become funnier every time they’re retold. That’s because the best surf trips are never just about surfing; they’re about shared experiences. Over the years we’ve welcomed guests from all walks of life, many of whom arrived on their own and left with lifelong friends. It’s one of the things we’re most proud of. As one guest summed it up perfectly:
“The waves were amazing, but it was the atmosphere that made the trip. By the end of the week it felt like travelling with a group of old friends.” – Read more testimonials on our Google Reviews
Another wrote:
“Everything was taken care of, which meant all I had to think about was surfing, eating and enjoying myself. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” – Read more testimonials on our Google Reviews
Reading comments like those reminds us why we do what we do.
Why I Always Come Back
When I think back to all the places I’ve been fortunate enough to bodyboard, Sumatra is still the destination that immediately comes to mind. Not because it’s the easiest place to reach or the most luxurious, but because it offers something that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find: authenticity.
It’s a place where adventure still exists, where local communities welcome you with genuine warmth and where every day feels wonderfully uncomplicated. The quality of the waves is matched by the quality of the people, and some of your favourite memories are just as likely to happen on the journey to the beach as they are in the water. Perhaps that’s why the story of the Independence Day BB gun ambush still makes me smile all these years later. It perfectly sums up Sumatra, unexpected, unforgettable and completely unique.
So, if you’re looking for more than just another bodyboard trip, if you’re looking for an adventure that combines world-class waves, expert coaching, incredible scenery and memories that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home, I’d encourage you to come and experience Southern Sumatra for yourself. I have a feeling you’ll understand exactly why I keep coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sumatra
How do I get to Krui, Southern Sumatra?
Most guests fly internationally into Jakarta before taking a domestic flight to Bandar Lampung. From there, it’s a scenic road transfer to Krui along Sumatra’s spectacular southwest coastline. Don’t worry about the logistics, Bodyboard Holidays provides detailed travel information before you leave and can advise on the best flight options and transfer arrangements.
How much spending money will I need?
Southern Sumatra offers excellent value for money. Meals outside of those included in your package, snacks, drinks and small purchases are all very affordable compared to Europe or Australia. Many guests are surprised by how little they spend during the trip. It’s fizzy drinks or alcoholic beverages that you pay for, so if you don’t drink either of them you will barely spend a penny. If you do, you may spend 60 bucks in a week!
Do I need vaccinations?
We always recommend speaking with your GP or a travel health clinic before travelling to Indonesia, as recommendations can change depending on your personal medical history and the latest travel advice. They will be able to advise on any vaccinations or precautions that may be appropriate.
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change over time. Many visitors are eligible for a Visa on Arrival or an electronic visa, but it’s always worth checking the latest Indonesian immigration guidance before travelling. The Bodyboard Holidays team supply all guests with a pre trip info pack which covers everything that you need to know.
What bodyboard should I bring?
We recommend bringing a polypropylene (PP) bodyboard for your trip to Southern Sumatra. The warm tropical water, typically around 28–29°C, is ideally suited to a PP core, which offers the right balance of stiffness, projection and speed in these conditions. If you have a choice of boards, leave your cold-water PE board at home and pack your favourite PP setup instead. We also recommend bringing spare leashes, fins, fin tethers and any other essential equipment, as specialist bodyboarding gear can be difficult to source locally.
What sort of waves can I expect?
One of Southern Sumatra’s biggest strengths is its variety. During the trip you’ll have access to a range of reef breaks and a beach break that cater for different abilities and conditions, from playful, confidence-building waves to powerful, hollow barrels. The coaching team selects the most suitable break each day based on the swell, wind, tide, and your level, ensuring you get the best possible surfing throughout the week.
Southern Sumatra Fact File
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Best Season | February-March |
| Water Temperature | 28-29°C |
| Air Temperature | 30-32°C |
| Currency | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) |
| Language | Bahasa Indonesia |
| Religion | Predominantly Islam |
| Typical Wave Size | 3-6 ft+, with larger swells throughout the season |
| Time Difference | GMT +7 |
| Wildlife | Monkeys, monitor lizards, kingfishers, sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish and exotic birdlife |
| Accommodation Style | Relaxed beachfront lodge surrounded by jungle |
Southern Sumatra Fact File
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Best Season | Year Round |
| Water Temperature | 28-29°C |
| Air Temperature | 30-32°C |
| Currency | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) |
| Language | Bahasa Indonesia |
| Religion | Predominantly Islam |
| Typical Wave Size | 3-6 ft+, with larger swells throughout the season |
| Time Difference | GMT +7 |
| Wildlife | Monkeys, monitor lizards, kingfishers, sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish and exotic birdlife |
| Accommodation Style | Relaxed beachfront lodge surrounded by jungle |
