Krui & Tanjung Setia area South Sumatra

Updated: May 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.

Tourism is not a primary industry and it's economic contribution to the area is minimal. Small pockets of development have taken place at Tanjung Setia beach, Mandiri beach and Krui. Once catering almost exclusively to international surfers recent years have seen a rapid shift toward domestic tourism.

If your expecting to find Bali as it was 40 years ago ... think again. Ninety six percent of the population are conservative Muslims and the vast majority do not rely on the tourist dollar.

Pesisir Barat is the 4th most poverty stricken district in Lampung with 17% of children living below the poverty line. Lack of education, health services and opportunities underline many people's lives.

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. Indigenous Lampungese, who were in a majority in the 1930s are now a minority ethnic group.

Subsequent marginalization has left many Lampungese suspicious and intolerant of outsiders. Add to the mix a mild dose of religious intolerance and you have a plausible explanation for the unpleasantries an outsider may experience traveling through South Sumatra.

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.