SUMBAWA

Sumbawa offers some classic tropical surfing with two main surfing areas: West Sumbawa and the Lakai area.

West Sumbawa is mostly made up of hollow lefts that are best accessed by boat charter. The charters will pull up and anchor at the best breaks for easy access to the surf. This area has many steep cliffs that offer scenic backdrops to the epic surf.

The Lakai area can be accessed by charter, as well as by ferry and overland transfers, or flights from Bali. Merpati Airlines flies direct to Sumbawa although current reports indicate that they do not transport surfboards due to size limitations. The ferry from Sanur to Bima is probably the best transport option for surfers but it can take up to 10 hours to reach Bima and then another 2 hours by Bimo taxi to the Lakai area. There are some hotels and surf camps in the Lakai area located right in front of the main breaks of Lakai Peak and Lakai Pipe, with other waves within walking distance. Reef booties are recommended as most waves are a long paddle or walk across the reef depending on the tide.

During the dry season (May – October), the trade winds blow from the southeast offering offshore winds to the lefts of West Sumbawa. Alternately, the winds in the wet season (November – April), blow from the southwest which results in more right breaks with offshore conditions like Yo-Yo’s. Water temperatures are in the mid 70’s, but a vest or spring suit can come in handy on windy days. The sun is directly overhead this close to the equator so lots of sunscreen and rash vests are highly recommended.

Resorts, Surf Camps and Boat Trips in Indonesia:
Check out Aloita Resort and Spa, Dreamweaver Surfing Adventures and G-Land Jungle Surf Camp