1 Month In Indonesia - where to go?

[henrywing17]

Hi I'm looking to spend all of August in Indonesia. It would be a budget trip so looking for hostel/losmen/homestay sort of accomodation or cheap surfcamps. 20 years old intermediate surfer. I don't want to be surfing anything massive or super heavy and the smaller the crowds the better!

I've looked at central Java area and Batu Karas but looks too small/mellow from all the videos on youtube.
Krui area and Ujung Bocur looks good and plenty of cheap accom but with august being largest time of year for swell it might be too challenging.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Henry

[jaffa1949]

Batu Karas will get better during the peak swell season really from now until October , as will Krui.
Bantu Karas will be more forgiving at size than other Indo areas. you will run into Ramadan during this time , be respectful and be aware that some western behaviours will be best kept inside your losman.
Things like eating in public when the community are not eating or drinking during daylight hours have a read of what is considered polite for foreigners during this time.
Wherever you go please get decent travel insurance that will cover medical evacuation and to help heaps get Peter Neely's book Indo Surf & Lingo, great for descriptions of surf spots and some basic Bahasa Indonesian conversation. ( I recommend this book even after traveling to Indo since 1979 it still helps)



You will find your ability will stretch to better and more challenging waves the longer you are there

[henrywing17]

Thanks for the advice, particularly about Ramadam as I was unaware of that! Yeah, I never travel anywhere without insurance as its just not worth the risk. I've got the Lonley Planet SE Asia on a shoestring budget - Indonesia chapter which should help for general travel and the 3 stormrider world guides but I'll see if I can pick up a copy of Indo Surf & Lingo too. Any other breaks/areas that you would recommend?

Thanks,
Henry

[surfrat123]

Hey Henry,

August is prime time in South Sumatra. And the Krui area in South Sumatra is generally HEAVY. That said, waves like Ujung Bocur can handle a bit of size. As an intermediate surfer you'll be able to give it a bash even when it gets solid. There's a few sea urchins so wear booites for sure. Jennys right up North is also a good intermediate wave. But many of the other waves are super heavy like Way Jambu, Jimmys and Honey Smacks. Even great waves like Krui Left are shallow and should be treated with care! I heard the waves in Java can be good too - but the winds can be funky!? Thats just what Ive heard. Hope that helps.... Dave