Surf South Sumatra, is the most complete unaffiliated quide to travel destinations and surf breaks surrounding the seaside towns of Tanjung Setia and Krui on the South West Coast of Sumatra.

Nestled at the base of the world's largest World Heritage National Park it's a destination discovered by surfers 30 years ago and you won't find many regular foreign tourists exploring this 150 kilometers stretch of Indonesian coastline.

The Krui Surf

Mainland South Sumatra gained a reputation for it's variety of easily accessible uncrowded surf breaks. However, due to inconsistent quality, this quiet stretch of coast remained off the map for over a decade, making it a unique Indonesian surf destination.

That changed in 2025 when the post COVID surfing boom arrived in Krui. The authentic village atmosphere began giving way to a steady stream of Millennials and Gen Zs (ages 25–44) travelling along the well worn Indo Surf Freeway.

Now Krui is rapidly transforming into the next Surf Nirvana for beginner to intermediate level surfers, surfing expats, Social Media "Legends" and the usual surf culture accessories.

What is Krui like ?

Though the demographic in and out of the water has changed radically, Krui itself remains remarkably the same.

If you're looking for a full-on daytime shopping experience, a place to party or hang-out in funky cafés and restaurants? Then the Krui area is definately not the destination for you: no air-conditioned shopping malls, no amazing markets, Mc Donalds or Starbucks, no fast food joints, night clubs, vegetarian / vegan cafés or gourmet coffee shops.

Hoping to find Bali as it was 40 years ago ... think again. Tourism accounts for less than 2.5% of Pesisir Barat's GDP. The vast majority of the population is convervative Islamic and don't rely on nor cater to tourists. Foreign tourists are not king here but rather a tolerated commodity.