ONE OF THE MOST PREMIER SURF DESTINATIONS
IN SOUTH EAST ASIA
​West Sumbawa's coast line offers some of the most consistent and uncrowded surf in Indonesia, with conditions that are somewhat steady year round and suitable for a range of skill levels. The coastline around Kertasari (where we are based), in particular, is home to a collection of reef breaks that work on different tides, wind directions, and swell sizes, making it possible to surf almost every day during the dry season (roughly April to October). Wet season (Dec-March) in Sumbawa is not as dramatic as it is in Bali, receiving only about half of rainfall that Bali gets, with winds remaining pretty steady too. Rainy season boasts showers but rarely full day rain, and long boarders enjoy this time in Sumbawa to the max.
Unlike the more crowded lineups in Bali or southern Lombok, surfers here can often score clean waves with just a few others in the water, or even have a break entirely to themselves. While some spots are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers with fast, hollow waves over reef, there is also a more forgiving break by the mangroves for beginners or those looking to build confidence. For those seeking a quieter, more authentic surf experience, where the focus is on time in the water and a connection to the landscape rather than the scene, West Sumbawa is a solid alternative to the usual surf circuit.​​
Surf breaks around Kertasari & West Sumbawa:
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​​Middle reef (Kertasari): A rippable left-hander over reef, suitable for confident beginners and intermediates. Friendly take-off zone, but keep an eye on the tide. 5 mins scooter ride from Kertasari village, in Moro bay.
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Northern rights (Kertasari): A faster right-hand reef break, best for intermediates to advanced surfers; works well on mid to high tide with a clean swell. 5 mins scooter ride from Kertasari village, in Moro bay.​
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Dirty Hippies (Kertasari): A punchy, more powerful reef break for advanced surfers, offering barreling sections when the swell is solid. Probably the most popular break in Kertasari area. 5 mins scooter ride from Kertasari village, in Moro bay.
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Mangrove (Kertasari): This is where the beginners usually start from, longboard galore!
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​Scar Reef & Supersuck (further down the coast, about an hour's drive): Famous, world-class reef breaks for experienced surfers only. Powerful, shallow, and technical, but worth the pilgrimage if you’re up to it.
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Yoyo’s (Secret Spot and The Hook): One of West Sumbawa’s most consistent waves, with two sections: The Hook is more intermediate-friendly on small days, while Secret Spot is fast and hollow, suited to advanced surfers. Yoyo's is about an hour and a half drive from base camp, and on the way to Tatar.​
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Tropicals: A mellow reef break with long rides, ideal for beginners and longboarders on smaller swells; can offer fun walls for intermediates when the swell picks up. Tropicals is another 10 mins down the coast from Yoyo's.
THE NEWBIE
New surfer? We gotchu. We'll go nice and slow, catch mellow waves together and look cool while at it.
THE ADVENTURER
Surf spots like Tropicals and Yo-Yo's for consistent waves and ample opportunities for progression.
THE I-KNOW-WHAT-I'M DOING
Thick and fast barrels, long rides and consistent, world-class waves year-round for advanced surfers.​