Lampung, Indonesia, EAST ASIA

Jimmy's Point, Anders

The Surf

The offshore islands of Nias and the Mentawais have been under the surf media spotlight for years, while Sumatra's mainland has remained off the radar of most travelling surfers. Despite an ideal orientation to Indian Ocean swell hitting the contoured coastline of the fifth biggest island in the world, Sumatra remains a quiet surfing backwater off the beaten Indonesian track. Sumatra has a reputation for being wild, riddled with malaria and the west coast of Lampung lies uncomfortably close to Krakatau, responsible for the most violent volcanic eruption ever recorded (1883) accompanied by 120ft (40m) high waves. Today the area remains scarcely populated and is rarely visited by tourists, despite the Bali bombing highlighting the fact that remote areas may be safer than tourist hotspots. The fishing town of Krui, is the centre of the region's coastal districts, being the first village accessed from the interior road network and providing the most services for locals and travellers alike.

When to Go

Roaring Forties lows send plenty of 6-12ft (2-4m) swells April-October. The SSW direction is perfect for this SW facing area. Off-season is rarely flat because of the Southern Ocean’s ability to produce constant swells in the 2-6ft (0.6-2m) range. Cross-shore winds are the rule as Lampung means “place of the southerly winds”. The SE trade-season starts in May with mild winds getting stronger towards the end of the season in October. NW winds dominate the rest of the year. Tides affect the way some spots break and how hard you'll hit the reef if you fall. There is a big tide and a small tide every day (mixed) so a tide table comes in handy, but don't expect to find one locally. Christmas Island (Aus) tidal charts can be found on the net and are relatively accurate.

Population
7M - Lampung

Coastline
4,870km (3,043mi)

Timezone
GMT +8hr

Travel Information

Weather This is a wet, tropical climate. The dry season, May-Oct is the best time to visit, with SE trades, clear skies nearly everyday and the occasional evening thunderstorm. The rainy season is a worry for inland travellers since the mountains are shrouded in clouds and rainfall in the highlands can dampen travel plans. On the coast, mornings can have drizzle whereas afternoons get intense rains or alternatively it can just tip down all day. Strong equatorial sunshine, intense humidity and loads of insects are a given. As for the water temperature, booties will be the only neoprene you need year round.

Nature Although Lampung has been inhabited since prehistoric times, don't expect many cultural sights. It's all about nature as you're surrounded by the Bukit Barisan National Park. Walk the beautiful beaches, bike from one village to the other, cruise the local market in Krui or stay wet by going fishing or snorkelling.

Hazards Close reef inspections are unavoidable, especially at low tides and at the treacherous Way Jambu. Check out the garbage thrown in Krui's river, explaining why rivermouths are off limits after the rain. Chloroquine-resistant Malaria is a risk throughout Sumatra, take appropriate prophylaxis

Hints This is not a tourist area, take everything with you! There's no bank to change money, no internet access and no surfshop. You’ll find wax & leashes at Ombak Indah. Water is warm but a shorty provides protection against reef cuts and wind chill. English isn't widely spoken, get a Lonely Planet Indonesian phrasebook and start learning.

Click here to find out more about advertising your business on this page

In the Shop..

The World Stormrider Guide Volume Two



East Asia eBook