How do you get in and out of the surf?

Entering the surf at all four spots is fairly straightforward. There is a clear channel at each spot. Take the time to see how strong the current is flowing out the channel to get an idea of what the paddle back in will be like. You’ll find that the current is at its slowest during the higher tides when there is more water on the reef. If you’re surfing The Peak, most surfers paddle out from the Joyus Surf Cafe or from in front of the golf course.

What is the beach like?

Lhoknga is a great beach for relaxing with a string of shaded, elevated sitting areas. You’ll notice it is lined with makeshift coffee shops which are quite popular with locals from as far as Banda Aceh. For swimming the best beach is the white sand beach at Lampuuk a short walk north. Remember to dress appropriately, local women swim fully clothed.

Yudis Place

Yudis Place is a quick 500m walk from the surf. Family-owned and operated by local surfer Yudi, they provide a fun and friendly environment for all. All rooms have an ensuite and views over the gardens. Each room sleeps two, with a large, family room also available that sleeps four people. Yudi also has surfboard hire, surf lessons, surf photography and boat hire available. Their onsite cafe is a big hit as well!

Joels Bungalows

Joels Bungalows is a great beachfront accommodation option located in front of Lampuuk Right. Surfboards are available for guests and there’s a restaurant serving western food with popular woodfired pizzas. Joels Bungalows is the only accommodation in the area with a view of the waves and the sunset from your room. A great option if you want to access the waves at neighbouring Lampuuk beach also!

What is the food like?

The local food here is super tasty and very cheap. You’ll find plenty of Rumah Makan (restaurants) within a short distance of the homestays, loaded with local dishes filled with beautiful local spices such as Nasi Campur. Small shops and cafes line the beach selling coffee, cold drinks, fresh coconuts, and food such as grilled fish.

Yudi’s Place is open for breakfast and lunch most days and offers a good variety of western and local dishes. They also serve up the best coffee in Lhoknga with only the best Arabica coffee beans from the famous Gayo Highlands in Sumatra.

There are plenty of secret surf spots as you drive down the west coast. Best to take a local guide to take you to the right spots on the right day.

The kite surfing season is generally between May and September when kite surfers can experience the strong westerly winds along the lagoon waters.

The province of Aceh is the only area in Indonesia where alcohol is banned. Although it has become a little more lenient about its alcohol restrictions of late, you still need to be very discreet. During Ramadan however, (the area practices Sharia law) it’s strictly forbidden and heavily policed.

Local surfers and businesses really appreciate tourists since the 2004 tsunami destroyed most coastal villages in Aceh. Over 130,000 died and millions were left homeless.

Where is Lhoknga?

Lhoknga is located on the northwest coastline of the Aceh province which sits above North Sumatra. Here, you’ll find Lhokngha 40-minute drive west of Aceh’s capital, Banda Aceh.

How to get around?

Motor bikes and bicycles are available for hire in the area. Just ask at your local accommodation.

How to get to Lhoknga?

How do you get in and out of the surf?

You have two options when paddling out at Ujung Bocur. The first option is the easiest and safest approach.

Option 1. Through the keyhole located at the end of the wave. Be careful coming back in through the keyhole on lower tides. If you float further down the reef with the current and paddle in over the next section of reef where another peak forms you can be left high and dry on a ledge of reef with sets of water pushing you across dry reef. It’s not a good feeling and certainly not a good look especially when everyone is hanging out at Lani’s for sunset beers and a prime view of you eating reef!

Option 2. Walk out over the reef at the top of the point and time it in between sets for a short paddle dash out back to enter the top of the lineup from behind the peak. Not for amateurs and don’t snake those waiting in line!

Ujung Bocur is a long way from anywhere you can get medical treatment. It’s also a very common occurrence that a lot of surf camps do not have a simple first aid kit on hand (especially budget surf camps). So it is vital that you are prepared and ensure that you have your own first aid kit with you.

Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Reef cuts and infections are a big deal…They require immediate attention to avoid countless health problems.

What is the beach like?

On a high tide the beach along the point is almost non-existent. The beach consists of broken down shell, coral and course sand. With the foreshore lined with surf camps almost the entire way along the point you’ll find nothing but a core surfing atmosphere.

Sumatra Surf Resort

Sumatra Surf Resort is located directly in front of Ujung Bocur. Surf all day and wash off in a hot water shower then chill out in the 10×5 metre pool, lookout tower or beach deck while you enjoy a few ice-cold Bintangs, beautiful surroundings, sunsets and prime views of the surf reeling down the point. Each bungalow has a large covered veranda, flyscreens on all windows, mosquito nets, bedside tables, wardrobe, air-conditioning, linen, pillows and bath towels (supplied/changed regularly). While out of the water at you’re never short on things to do with a huge common-area building that provides free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, pool table, lounge area and Satellite TV. Showing the NRL, AFL, live WSL events including other sports channels and more. Sumatra Surf Resort also caters for beginner surfers with qualified surf instructors and custom surf lessons depending on your experience. All in all,  easy access to world-class waves and superb facilities in a super fun environment at an affordable price.

Cabana Surf and Stay

Cabana is located on the point at Ujung Bocur. Just a few minutes walk to the surf. Cabana has two Ocean View Rooms, one Twin Bedroom, and a Backpacker Sharelodge Room for four people. In total maximum occupancy is ten people. All rooms are complete with a private bathroom and air conditioning. Some rooms are equipped with a balcony. Cabana has experienced staff and provides a great atmosphere for all guests.

Nearby waves?

Besides surfing the longest left in Sumatra, you can choose from heaving barrels at Way Jambu 15-minutes south, softer reef breaks like Krui Left 30-minutes north or endless beach breaks at Mandiri Beach 15-minutes away. Not to mention other world-class waves within an hour drive.

Is there food nearby?

Most of the accommodations have 3 meals a day included. The added bonus is that the surf accommodations here go out of their way to prepare good meals for their guests day in and day out. Unlike other remote surfing areas in Indonesia. However Lani’s Restaurant on the point is a great go to as outlined below.

Lani’s Resto and Room

Owned and operated by a friendly bloke by the name of Deano, Lani’s Resto and Room is the spot to congregate as the sunsets and sink the coldest Bintangs on the point. The food is pretty all-time as well, from burgers to Mexican, if you want a change-up from the food being served up in the neighbouring surf camps then call into Deano’s and fuel up on some good food and great atmosphere. Another added benefit is how Deano designed the restaurant/bar with open-air walls facing the SE to take advantage of the dry season breeze. Keeping the place nice and cool while you enjoy a Bintang with some surfing on the big screen and a yarn or two. He also has a comfortable room for rent upstairs with epic views over the point!

How to get around?

Scooter or car. The roads are wide open sealed roads in very good condition and the traffic is very low key. Making it very easy to get around and cover some distance with no trouble at all.

If you’re after a local surf photographer who is on top of his game, get in touch with Nana Gapero.

Where is Ujung Bocur?

Ujung Bocur is located 30-minutes south of Krui on the point beside the ting village of Tanjung Setia in South Sumatra.

How to get to Ujung Bocur?

Getting to Ujung Bocur is no walk in the park, however, the journey is nowhere near as difficult as it once was which is what kept the crowds away.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

Pick your peak, look for a rip/channel and paddle out.

What is the beach like?

Mandiri Beach is beautiful and the silent foreshore is twice as nice, with short green grass and sporadic coconut trees making it very photogenic.

Mandiri Beach Club

Located near the western end of Mandiri Beach is the Mandiri Beach Club. The camp has seven large air-conditioned rooms with en suites hosting a maximum of 14 guests at a time. Three beachfront rooms, two with pool views and two with garden views. Rooms in the camp are available for 10 night stays on a set schedule and include three meals/day, airport transfers, daily transport, surf guides and all photos/videos taken throughout your trip. They also have two beautiful villas available on Mandiri Beach as well. Villa Zimzalla is a two bedroom villa and Villa Ono is a three bedroom villa.

Samudra Villas

Located beachfront next to one of the more consistent sand banks along Mandiri Beach is Samudra Villas. Accommodation is provided in the way of two private rooms. Each with dual fans, a private bathroom complete with a shower, and Western-style toilets. Samudra Villas has been freshly built in 2020 and provides you with a very affordable but nice accommodation option with immediate access to the surf. Included in the cost per night are your breakfast and dinner in the form of Western and local foods cooked by their in-house chef. With Leafy’s Cafe just down the road, you’ll have great lunch options as well.

What other consistent sand banks are there along Mandiri Beach?

Down near the eastern end of Mandiri Beach near the river mouth there is often a heavy right hand sand bank which holds size. Referred to as Broken bridge due to the bridge being broken for quite a time which required a risky trip across. When it’s solid it is incredibly heavy so it certainly isn’t for an ammature barrel rider. Otherwise you might find yourself going home with all your boards in pieces. Park up at the local houses at the end of the bridge and slip them some rupiah to leave your valuables with them and make sure your scooters are safe.

How to get around?

The roads are in great condition by Indonesian standards and the traffic is light so getting around by scooter or car is super easy. If you’re going longer distances than 30-minutes, instead of toughing it out on a scooter, you might want to organise a driver and car.

Where is Mandiri?

Mandiri Beach is situated 10-15 minutes south of Krui and 10-15 minutes north of Ujung Bocur in South Sumatra.

How to get to Mandiri Beach?

Even from Bali it is no walk in the park getting to Mandiri Beach, however, the journey is nowhere near as difficult as it once was which is what kept the crowds away.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

At most spots in Krui there is a very clear channel for you to paddle out through. Check the conditions out for a while and then pick your safest route out.

Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Reef cuts and infections are a big deal…They require immediate attention to avoid countless health problems.

What is the beach like?

The bay at Krui is home to a long stretch of course and fine sand sections of beach. Unfortunately expect some rubbish.

BeOcean Krui

BeOcean Krui offers quality accommodation in South Sumatra set right on the beach with a variety of world-class reef breaks like Leftovers and The Peak right on their doorstep plus access to numerous waves nearby. Their super comfortable bungalows and facilities are surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens, which includes an infinity swimming pool, stunning views and chilled out vibes alongside with amazing food each day make this your perfect getaway. Ideal for all surfers, couples with a non-surfer partner and families. Get spoilt for choice with a variety of healthy, tasty dishes from breakfast to dinner that ensure you’re always charged up with enough energy to surf all day every day! Affordable packages include stress-free surf trips customised to suit your stay with three deliciously healthy meals each day, unlimited self-service water, coffee, tea, wifi, surf guiding and great amenities. Surf photography can be hired on-site as well. Enjoy the freedom and versatility of their open schedule surf trips to provide you with a stress-free stay.

When is the best time of year to visit Krui?

Krui is sheltered from the open ocean, making it best to visit from April-October during peak swells. Although the waves get really good in Krui they can often be frustratingly small for experienced surfers. However, surf spots south of Krui are exposed to ocean swells and therefore provide some of the most consistent surf in Indonesia.

What are the crowds like?

Crowds are very hit or miss in Krui. At times Krui can be quite crowded and frustrating, while sometimes the crowds can be very light for weeks at a time. It’s very difficult to time your trip right when considering how crowded it is going to be, however, generally earlier in the season around April or May you’ll have more luck finding less people in the lineup and a good chance of swell

How to get around?

The roads are in great condition by Indonesian standards and the traffic is light so getting around by car is easy. However, the best way to get around is by scooter if you don’t mind traveling longer distances of 30 minutes or more by scooter if you plan on venturing outside of Krui for surf.

Is there food nearby?

Sumatra is world renowned for its spices and succulent local dishes.

You can also stay in other areas of surf north and south of Krui.

• Mandiri Beach, 20 minutes south of Krui, has some nice villas and beachfront accommodation.
• The Point also known as Ujung Bocur is 40 minutes south of Krui and is lined with basic to resort-like surf camps. Way Jambu ‘Sumatran Pipe’ is 10 minutes south again if you’re looking for a real challenge.
• Within 60 minutes north of Krui is ‘Jennys and Jimmys,’ with plenty of long hollow waves for experienced surfers. There are homestays available there too.
• Banana Island is a one-hour boat trip from Krui that’s definitely worth ticking off your list.

Where is Krui?

Krui is a small sleepy town located in the heart of South Sumatra’s western coastline of surf.

How to get to Krui?

It is no walk in the park getting to Krui, however, the journey is nowhere near as difficult as it once was which is what kept the crowds away.