Krui & Tanjung Setia area South Sumatra

Updated: Nov 2025

Krui and Tanjung Setia are located in Pesisir Barat regency of South West Sumatra (Lampung). A large agricultural area with an amazing coastline that stretches 150km from Rata Agung in the north to Way Haru in the south.

Fifteen years ago it was an off the beaten track destination for surfers looking to escape the crowds. These days it's just another expected stop over for Millennials and Gen Zs travelling the Indo Surf Freeway. The current urban myth that Krui is the adventure that Bali was 40 years ago couldn't be further from the truth. That adventure took place even before Nev Hines and Co. explored and surfed the area from the rat infested rooms of the notorious Sempana Lima Hotel in the early 90's.

However thirty years later tourism's economic contribution to the area remains minimal. Small pockets of development have taken place at Tanjung Setia beach, Mandiri beach and Krui but they always seem to be teetering on the edge of collapse. Mismanaged ventures fade back into the jungle while right next door a new dream is materialising.

The local people

Indonesian's Transmigration Program initiated by the Dutch colonialists and continued by post-independence Indonesian governments has been significant in shaping Lampung's demographics. Eighty five percent of Lampung's population now consists of migrants. The indigenous Saibatin Lampungs who were in a majority in the 1930s are now a minority ethnic group with very little of their culture remaining.

Today the cultural backbone of South Lampung is that of a heterogeneous group of peoples assimilated into an Islamic agrarian village lifestyle.

Krui

Krui is the largest town in the area and the capital of Pesisir Barat. It's a port town with many small stores, a large central market and an Immigration Office. There are a number of beaches close by including Labuhan Jukung which is home to the well known surf break Krui Left.

Tanjung Setia

Tanjung Setia is a small town on the W Trans-Sumatran Hwy ( Jalan Lintas Barat ) located 30 min south of Krui. It's best known for the surf break Ujung Bocur / Karang Nyimbur. It has a few small stores, Alfamart (Indonesia's equivilent to a 7/11), and local market up the road in Sumur Jaya on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Biha

Biha is a small town south of the entrance to Tanjung Setia beach. It has an Indomaret, pharmacy, medical clinic, police station, doctors, scooter mechanic, electrical appliance store, barber, tailor, a few clothes shops and small warungs.