What are the dates Available?

If you click on the trip schedule link in the top navigation bar you will be able to see our availability

What is the scheduled transport to the waves?

The scheduled transport is for the waves that are offshore in the morning winds and are blown out by the trades. We are centrally positioned in a spot where the waves are offshore in the trades which start up usually around 11:00am. This all fits in perfectly with lunch and a relaxing afternoon at the camp, in and out of the water of course.

When are the biggest swells?

The biggest swells generally hit around July-August

How big are the biggest swells, whats it like in between?

The biggest swells we usually get are around 10-12ft. Around the months of May and July. Generally we get one swell a week that is between
6-8ft , in between it's usually around 2-5ft. Our biggest swell was 20ft Hawaiian , a once in 15 year swell we had in May 2007. There are sheltered spots if your not up for anything thats too big.

What are the conditions like March-May?

Some of the cleanest swells of the year exist during these months. Swells at this time of year are more perfect and groomed as the onshores down south in WA haven't eventuated yet, messy swells are less frequent than the mid-season of July-August. The winds are light, which can be better for some of the premier waves. Its not rare to have all day offshores in this region in March-May.
Some days can however be howling onshore and heavy rain all day. The rain usually hits midday- mid afternoon and after the rain you can get sheet glass conditions.
This part of year can also bring some great beachbreak sessions as the banks are better due to the rivers flowing and shifting the sand around. Don't be fooled that July-August is the only time of year, early and late season have brought us some of our best sessions in Secret Sumatra.
Be aware also that sometimes the rainy season can drag on longer than usual and bring long rainy periods even in April.

What is late season (Sept-Nov) like?

Much like Hawaii, the swells (which are usually more groomed) keep pumping with the trade winds backing off a bit, sometimes being glassy all day which can open up a whole new window of options.

The swells in Indonesia usually don't back off until the end of November, so we are still here getting shacked late season.

How many people stay at one time?

Our limit is 12 surfing guests and our mates drop in from time to time.

Where is the best place to fly into ?

We always recommend going in and out of Bali because an overnighter there is just a lot easier than trying to negotiate a massive city like Jakarta. The flight to Sumatra leaves from Jakarta at 0800 in the morning, so we travel during the day to Secret Sumatra and arrive at 1400-1500 to get a late surf in.

Can you organise my international flights?

As we're not a licenced travel agent we don't organise international flights, however we use flight centre for our personal flights and believe they have the best service and prices around.

What time does the flight leave Jakarta?

The flight to Sumatra only leaves from Jakarta and it leaves at 0800 and the return flight arrives back into Jakarta at 0940.

How much is the flight from Bali to Jakarta?

From Denpasar (Bali) to Jakarta, the flight cost will be $320au return.

What time does the flight leave from Bali to JKT?

The flight leaves at 0600 to connect through to Sumatra however flight schedules often change in Indonesia, guests will be notified on any amendments to flights.

Can I get my own hut? How much would that cost? Do they have toilets in them?

Everyone gets their own room, there are male and female bathrooms with western style toilets and showers that are seperate from the rooms.

How do we get to the waves?

Some waves are out the front and some are up to 50mins drive.

What non surfing activities do you have? I am thinking of coming with my partner but would like a few extra things to do, either why the boys are surfing

When the waves are small we usually do a trip to a small island on a fishing boat (photo's in the gallery) we walk around the island which takes about 2hrs the trip out can be nice as we reguarly see dolphins and just seeing the mountains from the boat is really nice, this is usually a great day for everyone.

We also send 'just the couple' out for a few different trips also, theres a valley you can view from as high mountain that is quite magnificent and about an hrs drive there is a Bali village with a few temples to check out. Last week a huge ocean liner got swamped on the reef there so if they don't remove it (fat chance) you will be able to check that out as well. Usually we organize this stuff on the small days when we have more flexibility with the cars.

As for stuff to do while the boys are out, i'd bring some books for timeout in the hammock. This year we are building a 100M2 eating area and bar with pool table and outdoor cinema which will be completed for the 09 season so there's that to hang out in. Also you could do the above things I have mentioned solo, we also had an couple where the girl was quite independent earlier in the year and she was going down to the market with the girls from the kitchen some days, there are some rice fields to check out. Some days u will be able to go with the boys when there's space in the car.There's a nice beach for swimming about a 15min walk (5 by car).

So that's what we can usually do for the non surfing partner to spice things up a bit.

Is it possible to get meals without meat in them?

There are vegetarian meals available for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Is there a time of the season that is the safest bet for good waves?

Our area has consistent swell all year round but the most consistent swell window is April-October.

Can you drive there and would it be worth having a car with us?

You could drive to us, but it'd be a more expensive and time consuming way to do the trip.

I just looked at your website i was wondering if Secret Sumatra has any softer waves I have a 14 year old son and he is a good surfer for his age

There are definatly less hollow waves around, there's a point that is a long lefthand style point with more wall and there are also beachbreaks in walking distance. He could work his way up to the more hollow waves through these spots for sure.

Where is your spot in relation to all the waves and town?

Our spot is a very central location in the middle of the radius of all the waves we surf.

Town is also close, so you can check out the markets and buy any items you require from the shops in town.

Is it worth bringing a short board or are semi-guns and guns the only
boards I'll need?

I'd say bring a short board, a semi gun and if your into real solid waves bring a gun also/ otherwise bring 2 semi's (4 boards is the maximum).

Where is the closest/best place to exchange dollars into local currency?
Bali or Jakarta

Bali is definately the best. Don't ever change money at Jakarta airport. Best exchange rates are usually at the banks. Upstairs at BCA bank Jl. Raya Kuta is great.

Are there other camps in the area?

We aren't the only camp in the area, there are currently 2 others about 30 mins from us that can accommodate about 15 guests each , they are a good option if you are mainly focused on surfing the left point. They have been running for many years and we've heard good reports from their guests.

Are there boat charters through this area?

No there aren't

Is there someone at the camp to advise ue on the best options according to the weather conditions?

Yes, we have a surfguide.

Could you tell me about the wave size we could expect and the board size?

The wave size will generally be from 3ft- 8ft I'd say bring a small wave board and 2 medium boards, if your into big waves bring a gun also (4 BOARDS MAX per person).

Is there a swimming spot for the ladies close by?

Right out the front or a 15 min walk to a white sandy beach.

Are there things for the non surfers to do? (We're not expecting "bells and whistles" low key things of interest)

Secret Sumatra is a place to relax by your own private white sand beach , we can organise to take non surfing partners to the Island close by. Snorkelling and fishing are great non surfing past times.

What's the situation with personal security (muslim/christian thing) and also valuables?

If you read the culture section on our site you will find some helpful information.

The people here are mellow, it's a place in the middle of nowhere and the people practice their own religion peacefully, I wouldn't go around handing out bibles as it's important to respect anyones beliefs in any other culture, but there definatly isn't any bad sentiment towards foreigners.

Our area is the most comfortable we've felt when we are in Indo, it's basically the middle of nowhere.

The people are the friendliest we've encountered not only in Indonesia , but in the world. They have helped us so much with Secret Sumatra and we are so greatfull to be where we are. It's a great alternative to Bali. Very relaxing. as you can see in the photos there aren't many people onto it yet.

Is it consistent?

We pick up A LOT of swell in our area, the waves rarely get under 3 ft and when its maxing there are sheltered spots to surf.

Do you have fishing and diving equipment or do we bring our own?

It's best to bring your own, although fishing equiptment is available in town.

What's the cost for non surfing partners?

For non surfing partners.

The couple stays in one room. The rooms have a double bed with a bedside table with a lockable compartment.

Prices as follows:

$2350au per couple for a 2 week package

2nd person doesn't get priority in transport to the surf breaks, however if there is room they may join .