Indonesia's Beaches Favorited by World’s Top Surfers

Indonesia has now become one of the most popular countries for wave hunters a.k.a. surfers. Various international surf and diving events are held in Indonesia; in 2019, Indonesia's Tourism Ministry will hold 11 events of the World Surf League (WSL).

WSL showcases professional surfers in action, and it is dedicated to present the world's best talents. WSL was previously known as Association of Surfing Professionals which was established in 1983.

The 11 locations chosen for the events are West Sumbawa (West NusaTenggara/NTB) from April 2-7, 2019; Ujung Bocur (Lampung) from April 15-20, 2019;  Mentawai (West Sumatra) from April 23-28, 2019; Simeuleu (Aceh) from June 18-23, 2019; Cimaja (West Jawa) from April 16-21, 2019, Pacitan (East Java) from July 23-28, 2019, Kuta (Bali) from August 13-17, 2019; Keramas Beach (Bali) from May 13-24, 2019; Mandalika (NTB) from August 21-25, 2019; Nias (North Sumatra) from September 9-15, 2019; and Bo'a Beach in Rote (East Nusa Tenggara/NTT)from October 15-20, 2019.

Indonesia actually has many surf spots, but currently, there are only 30 spots that are popular in the world. "Of the 30 spots, 11 were chosen as the locations of WSL 2019 which places Indonesia as the number one surf destination in the world," Tourism Ministry Marine Tourism Development Acceleration Team Leader Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo said (Detik.com, Tuesday, November 20).

According to Indroyono, surf events are some of the right moments to promote the beauty of Indonesia's unexposed beaches. Of course, the activity is related to tourism sector. 

For example, Krui regency in Lampung. This area used to be under the radar of most people. Now, as more surfers try out their skills there, Krui has become more popular and developed into one of tourism destinations in Lampung. "This year, Krui also participated in WSL by hosting Krui Pro 2018, which was attended by 107 surfers from 17 countries," Beritagar.id wrote, Wednesday (November 21).

The support for the attractiveness of surf events also comes from Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration Ministry. The ministry is committed to help Manggarai regency administration in developing Mules Island as a top tourism destination. 

Village Ministry Development of Specific Areas Director General Johozua M. Yoltuwu, as quoted by Antara, Monday (March 26), explained that Mules Island has an area of 18,029 hectares. This island offers beautiful views of nature, such as a view of rocky hills and grassland in harmony with the trees, resembling a silhouette of a beautiful sleeping princess.

The underwater view in Mules Island does not lose in beauty. Around the island, various animals live, such as turtles, dolphins, reef fish, and colorful coral reefs."With medium-sized waves, this place is suitable for surfing, snorkeling, and diving," he said.

There is also Bo'a Beach, Rote Island, NTT. "This beach is a heaven for surfers," detikTravel wrote (August 13, 2013). This beach is around five kilometers away from Nembrala Beach.

Meanwhile, Bali administration also welcomes the international surf event. Bali Tourism Office Head A.A Gede Yuniartha Putra admitted that he did not expect the impact of the world championship would be that big. 

"I did not expect that. Hotels between Gianyar and Klungkung and its surrounding were suddenly fully occupied. This is an interesting thing, there were so many followers. They brought their families, teams, partners, colleagues, and fans," he said (Kompas.com, Wednesday, November 21).

The impact of surfing to the tourism sector also receives support from vehicle rental business players. Transportation support is very needed to give comfort to the tourists. This is what TRAC, a subsidiary of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) in vehicle rental business, does. 

This year, TRAC focuses on increasing customer satisfaction and developing transportation solution that can give comprehensive services, not only vehicle rental.This transportation solution was designed to fulfill the needs of corporate and individual customers.

Moreover, TRAC provides car rental service for domestic tourism needs. TRAC also offers various tour packages to popular and unique destinations in Indonesia. 

Of course, the need for safe and comfortable transportation is one of the main factors in gaining more tourists, especially since Indonesia will hold various world-class events soon.

Please click this page to find out more about TRAC's services.