The waves just flow right past! World Surfaris is the travel agent for the best surf camp in South Sumatra. Step back in time to the unspoilt Indonesian perfection of South Sumatra. Experience the remote South Sumatran lefts and rights staying in the simple and comfortable surroundings of the Ombak Indah surf camp (or ‘losmen’ in local language). Ombak Indah losmen is situated right in front of Ujung Bocur – the longest, most consistent wave in the area. It’s a left that handles most swells and offers something for everyone.
Remote Camp with surf out front
Ombak Indah surf camp (or losmen, as it is known) is Aussie owned and locally operated. The style of surfer accommodation is simple, comfortable and suited to the regional climate. The losmen is locally designed with high ceilings, large windows and wide verandas to capture the breeze, keeping you cool in the tropical heat. It is situated on just under a hectare of beachfront land, right in front of Ujung Bocu, the longest and most consistent wave in the area. In fact, Ujung Bocur starts from beyond the southern boundary and continues all the way past the northern most boundary of the property. You can watch the waves peel down the point while you have your breakfast or lunch.
The losmen staff are local English-speaking Indonesians who are committed to looking after their guests. The place has a tranquil, laid back atmosphere which is reflected in how the place is surfed… with a spirit of equality, consideration and sharing. There is no TV or DVD player! Just friendly staff and guests from all parts of the world. So if you are interested in learning how others live, sharing stories or just relaxing with nature, this place is for you. Of course, there is a sound system which connects to iPods etc.
The losmen is owned by a syndicate of five Australian east coast surfers known as the “Big Rock 5″. It is registered with all the required local Indonesian authorities and is becoming a welcome feature for regional tourist authorities. This part of South Sumatra is perfect for long walks along the beach, through the coconut plantations and local villages. There are good breaks in the reef for snorkelling, swimming and fishing. Further afield is the main town with local markets, shops and restaurants. Day trips to other places of interest can be arranged from the losmen.
Basic 
South Sumatra 
All Year Round 
All Levels 
Accommodation
Ombak Indah surf camp accommodates a maximum of 28 guests. All rooms have fans, linen, pillows, mosquito nets and power points for charging batteries etc. Nothing fancy just great surf and good times. The style of accommodation at Ombak Indah is simple, comfortable and suited to the regional climate. To keep with this ‘local feel’, away from the hustle and bustle of busy modern day lives, there is a No TV/DVD policy and guests really appreciate the peace this brings to camp. There is no hot water, just crystal clear, refreshing well water.
Three levels of rooms are available:
4 x Premium Rooms: New, larger rooms with tiled floors accommodating 3 or 4 people in each complete with en-suite western style bathrooms. Beds have spring based mattresses. These rooms are reserved for Premium Packages.
3 x Standard En-suite Rooms: These rooms accommodate 2 people and are complete with en-suite ‘mandi’ style bathrooms and beds with spring based mattresses.
6 x Standard Rooms: 2 x single and 4 x twin share located at the back of the main building. Beds have foam mattresses and external shared ‘mandi’ style bathroom located a short walk from your room.
Dining room and meals
Meals are served in a large common dining area overlooking the yard and reef. Three meals per day are included, along with hot drinks during meal times. Breakfast alternates between jaffles, omelettes, fried rice or noodles, toast and spreads and pancakes, all served with fresh fruit. Lunch and dinner are local style beef, chicken or fish dishes, served with vegetables and rice. Spices are toned down for the western palette, with sambal and kecup on the side. Servings are generous and delicious with an extensive variety on the menu.
Vegetarians can be catered for but due to the remote location this surf camp would have difficulty satisfying the dietary needs of vegans.
Communication
There is mobile reception in the area and most guests bring their own phones. There is a mobile phone at the losmen for emergency use by staff only. International calls can be made from the main town (half an hour away).
Shop
The losmen runs a small shop where guests can purchase basic necessities at reasonable prices including cold bottled water, beer, soft drinks, various snack food (chips, biscuits, chocolate etc.), soap, toothpaste, mosquito coils and repellent, batteries and so on.
Surfboard accessories and a ding repair service are available.
Transport
Premium Package:
The premium packages includes an English-speaking surf guide who accompanies you for the duration of the tour, daily transport to other breaks and places of interest and meals during transit to and from the losmen.
Standard Package:
Transport (cars and bemos) can be hired through the losmen at fixed prices, just speak to the manager. For the more adventurous, local public transport (bemos) run regularly along the nearby main road.
Surf South Sumatra Surf Camp
UJUNG BOCUR: Located directly in front of the Ombak Indah Losmen. The most consistent wave in the area, a long left reef break with rides of up to 300m. A great all-round wave and gets hollow on certain conditions. The reef is not too dangerous, best at 4-8 ft. and handles 10ft on the right swell direction. Trade winds blow offshore and surfable on all tides.
WAY JAMBU: Sumatran Pipeline, located 15 minutes south of the losmen. The best kept secret in Indonesia! Handles any size, big heavy barrels, hollow tubing lefts made up of four heavy connecting sections. A shallow reef, out of deep water. A heavy and challenging wave that needs medium to high tide to work and a nice straight swell.
BALI VILLAGE: A short hollow right reef, best at four foot (20 minutes south of the losmen).
TOWN LEFT: Excellent back door left that is good with size but inconsistent when small. Best in May, June and July.
TOWN RIGHT: A fast, fun right hand reef break that breaks on the similar conditions as the left.
JENNY’S RIGHT: A great right hand reef, needs medium to high tide 11/2 hours north of the losmen. Doesn’t like the trades, so early mornings or off-season best.
JIMMY’S RIGHT: A fast hollow barrelling right, experts only.
JIMMY’S LEFT: Just north of Jimmy’s Right, hollow and heavy.
BANANA ISLAND: Located 1/2 hour by boat from town has sketchy rights and lefts. Great fishing, snorkelling and sightseeing.
MANDIRI: Great beach break that picks up lots of swell.
There are other waves around… South Sumatra is such a great location for exploring.
Optimum conditions for the Mentawais:
Swell: Sth or SW
Wind: Any type of East
Non-Surf Activities
The area is perfect for long walks along the beach, through the coconut plantations and local villages. There are good breaks in the reef for snorkelling, swimming and fishing. Further afield is the main town with local markets, shops and restaurants. Day trips to other places of interest can be arranged from the losmen, including:
– Pulau Pisang (Banana Island), home of the famous “tapis” gold leaf and cloth weaving with a beautiful view back to the mainland.
– Treks through virgin rainforest. Tigers and elephants, along with many other species, roam wild in Sumatran jungles.
– Fishing by outrigger canoe (with small outboard engine). With an expert guide chase sailfish common in the area along with the usual varieties of game fish.
– Hot Springs of Danau Ranau
