From the beautiful “island of the gods”, Bali to remote islands outposts the Indonesian experiance is amazing.

To put it simply Indo has the world’s most perfect waves. Go east from Uluwatu to Lakey Peak and on to prehistoric villages in Sumba and Rotti. Or head north through G-Land up to, Panaitian, Sumartra, The Mentawaiis, and Nias. It would seem where ever you go there are perfect reefs to find and adventuers to be had.

Despite the fall out from the Bali bomb, most of Indonesians are welcoming and would love to see tourists return. There are some areas that are always volatile due to local conflicts, but check out travel, advisorries and you should stay safe. Guide books for this area provide essentail information on surf spots, travel and language. Surfing Indonesia and the Lonely Planet guides are very good and well worth the investment even if you’re just heading for Bali.

What to expect There are many perfect waves within the archipelago of Indonesia that could make this list but Bali is still the Island of the Gods. Despite the horrific bombing of Kuta in 2003, the island is
still a very special place. The hospitality of the people, beauty of
the countryside and perfect waves make it a magical place. And, although most of the famous waves break over sharp shallow coral reefs, there are also a number of beachbreaks suitable for beginners and intermediates.

When to go May to November is the dry season when the waves seem to be offshore every day and it never rains. You can score waves year round though.

Where to surf Beginners – Kuta and Legian Beaches offer great waves for learning, but watch out for rips. Intermediates – Dreamland and Cangu offer more of a challenge with the long rivermouth waves of Medawai offering an adventure. Advanced – Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Nusa Dua, Sanur – take your pick!

What will £20 buy you? Twenty sarongs, four slap-up meals or you could get your hair platted and your nails painted every day for a week!

BANYAK ISLANDS

If you fancy something a little more exotic then how about this group of islands just north of Nias in Indonesia?! It used to be a real hike to get to but, due to the increase in cheap flights around the Indonesian islands, is just opening up to those of a less feral disposition. Made up of 99 islands, Indo gets its surf from the southern ocean, but also from cyclones in the Indian Ocean, thus extending its season. There is also the added bonus of fewer crowds than the more famous Mentawai Islands in the south…

Read Hannah Harding’s Bali Life story here.