If your planning to surf the well known Ujung Bocur surfbreak of Tanjung Setia Sumatra you now have two new dangers to navigate. Which of the two is the most unpleasant is debatable. It's not debatable that this development is another step along the path towards the destruction of Tanjung Setia beach front and the reputation of the area.

Shameful attitude

Where once you could park your scooter for free under the shade of a beautiful Jambu tree and head out for a surf. Now there's no free public parking area and instead you'll be greated by an aggressive local demanding that you pay them if you want to go surf.

If you'd rather not reward such an unpleasant introduction to the local community you can park your scooter out on the road along with others who feel the same.

  You do not have to pay to surf at Ujung Bocur .... yet.

New ugly danger zone

As if the ugly attitude and concrete walls of the new bule containment zone were not enough a 2 mtr high breakwall was also contructed below the high tide mark.

For 60% of international visitors mid to high tide was the only time to surf Ujung Bocur. The extra water offering some added protection from the razor sharp reef. That protection has been diminished by the dangers the breakwall creates.

A new powerfull rip

Experienced local surfers are finding this new rip alarming. Inexperienced surfers who don't know the break will find themselves quickly dragged back onto the "Surgeon's Table" risking serious injury.

No safe exit point

Previously even during a solid swell at extreme high tide you could paddle safely onto the beach. Now you need to be careful you don't get knocked off your feet and experience a real beating against the granite rocks and concrete.