Gap year solo travel

[PipeDreams]

Hey all,
I'm new to forums in general but thought I would join a forum to chat to fellow surfers around the world
But that's besides the point, I will be hopefully taking a year out next year (2023-24) to surf and travel (been working hard to earn the money for it for a while now)
(Read all of the travel guides for specific places in the surf map and found them helpful )
I have been doing lots of my own research on places like Indo, Australia, Hawaii, Cali and various other places, and overall Indo has appealed to me the most (specifically southern Sumatra) because of the culture, waves and hopefully lack of crowds, a nice change from my local break which is mentally busy and normally flat (like flat flat), also looking from a break from the chilly UK waters
I was wondering if anyone has any experience or advice on places all around the world?
Preferably the vibe of a place not to be to Heavy too, its a miracle to get a smile in the water now days it feels like
Any thoughts would be much appreciated
Cheers!

[Geezer]

I have questions…..how well do you surf? Also, what level of accommodation/lifestyle activities are you looking for? Nias is almost all surf camps and $&$…..are you good with gulai kambing, nasi campur and Soto Ayam or do you need western foods?

Bang for the buck Indo, whether Bali, Lombok, Java or Sumatera are big values. Central America and Mexico as well. Hawaii, Cali and Oz, not so much. For everywhere, my advice is to not only consider your budget but how deep you want/ can immerse into the culture. I live in Bali and even here you can go on any level from surf camp to 5 star accommodation with private surf guide who will drive you to the various breaks all the way down to scooter and kost (single room with a bed that is not much larger than a bed, share toilet no AC) that will run under 100 bucks a month for both and eating indo mie instant noodles or nasi bungkus (rice mixed with protein elements and vegetables, aromatics wrapped in banana leaf - nasi jinggo in the neighborhood runs 5000 (40 cents usd) a portion).

Indo goes off in dry season. Especially May-August. Waves could be TOO good if you know what I mean. Central America I have heard is an intermediate’s paradise. All things to consider.

[PipeDreams]

I have questions…..how well do you surf?

Hey thanks for the reply
I'm an advanced surfer (but not expert) and looking to push my limits a little. I'm particularly intrigued by the surf camps in Indo for my budget. I'm not looking for 5 star hotel with professional surf coaches to control my day, Love experiencing foreign culture, but surf camp wise just somewhere to surf eat sleep repeat (With air con though, im used to sub 10 degrees)
I've been looking at waves like Ujang Bocur (AKA incorrectly as Karang Nymbior or something like that) as there is a cheap, chilled out surf camp with local cuisine included in the price which I can get all included for just over £500 or $750 a month with a whole variation of waves, from intermediate to advanced
Nias looked intriguing but I could only find expensive accommodation near the surf and Bali looks awesome but escaping the usual crowds would be nice too
Mexico and Central America did come up as a thought, I will look more into them, what about South America though?
Appreciate the reply

[jaffa1949]

Geezer has been on the money with advice for you, you will need to consider Indo visas as longer than 30 days needs pre approval and a little more upfront cash. The old way was a day trip to Kuala Lumpar or Singapore and then re entry
As you are doing gap year you are young enough to get good insurance, most camps have it as mandatory.
Consider too medical vaccinations tropical,diseases and malaria prevention, White English flesh is a mossie magnet!
Dengue typhoid typhus are considerations, controversial. but I would up to date on Covid vaccination too.
This applies to any tropical or subtropical surf zone, believe me the further you get from mega crowding the more prevalent the nasty bugs.
Where you are looking in is Sumatra is and the camps within budget, a range of good spots nearby , car trips along the coast won’t happen as to get to each surf area you have go up into the mountain spine and follow the next river down to the next coast area. Adventurous yep, cranks up the expenses.
The further out too, the more sketchy the internet connections become.
A flying within Indo, try to stick to Garuda, some of the other airlines are riskier.

Indonesians of all faiths are welcoming and if you enjoy interaction and learn to speak Bahasa Indonesian reasonably well and use smiles and respect you will go a long way.
A book I recommend is Indo Lingo and Surf by the late Peter Neely, has a wealth of surf spots and how and when they work best.
Also basic conversational and how to barter conversationally.

You need to self sufficient in safety in the surf, there are absolutely no life saving services, less so and the surf is generated on storm systems in the south of the Indian Ocean so swell trains can arrive suddenly jumping the surf suddenly, thankfully there is much better prediction available now than when I first went to Indonesia in 1979. Ouch that ages me!

Bear in mind too the Sumatera end of Indonesia is Muslim so respect manners and modesty are the norm!
You will be challenged in the surf, the waves are not lazy like the UK they move faster for paddling and pitching their faces, your surfing will improve greatly!

[PipeDreams]

Thanks alot for all the information, much appreciated

Geezer has been on the money with advice for you, you will need to consider Indo visas as longer than 30 days needs pre approval and a little more upfront cash. The old way was a day trip to Kuala Lumpar or Singapore and then re entry

You say the old way so do you think this would still work now? I presume its legal but alot of questionning?
If not, nothing really beats indo but is there anywhere near I can fly to and surf for a week or so to refresh preferably still pretty cheap

[BaNZ]

Take it with a big pinch of salt, my surfer friends say you can just bribe them. They went to the smaller islands like Lombok during lockdown. They need tourism to survive. How true it is, I have no clue. Never been.

[jaffa1949]

Indo rules went kerat during lockdown, sometimes bribes do work, or you can get worked further for more extortion!.
Remember in Indo jails you have to buy extra food. and basic amenities or your family do!
Being a Bule ( whiteforeigner ) on the wrong side of the law is seriously heavy.

Getyour visa right, show you have the funds , tidak apa apa! Translates as no what what, no worries!.
Indo needs recovery tourists after covid those who are there at the moment epic surf and NO crowds! Tidak apa apa indeed.

Lombok eastern end from Kuta Lombok east along the southern coast to Gerupuk and then Ekas there are home stays at still reasonable prices.

And go the pisang porridge. Kecap manis on Nasi Goreng, and a real jungle beef rendang!