Sumbawa is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is located between the islands of Lombok and Komodo and is approximately 300km long. It is 2 islands away from Bali. Its population of about 1.3 million inhabitants is friendly and welcoming. The main local religion is Islam. Geography wise, this beautiful island is located on the ring of fire: Sumbawa’s infamous volcano, the Tambora, erupted in 1815 leaving a massive caldera on the North of the island. Sumbawa distinguishes itself with its rocky mountain ranges, lower grasslands and white sandy beaches. Thanks to the mining industry, Sumbawa’s road infrastructure is very modern and well maintained. In terms of surfing, Sumbawa is a new fronteer and there is still so much to explore. Most of the tourist spots are located in Lakey Peak (on the South coast in the middile of the Island) and the West Coast (where Scar Reef Resort is). Further North is the naval route to the Molucca islands where you will find stunning scuba diving spots. Large hotel chains are starting to buy-up property in Sumbawa, and it’s only a matter of time before this island paradise will be a sought-after tourist destination.

Scar Reef is located on Pantai Jelenga: a big 3km long bay with beautiful white sand and a huge blue crystal water lagoon. You can see the shoreline and the magnificient Mt Ringiani from the beach at Scar Reef Resort. Jelenga village (300 inhabitants) is a located less than 1km away from Scar Reef Resort, further inland. Most of the inhabitants are farmers. There are fishermen who come and go, and from time to time, you will see the locals taking time enjoying the beach on Sundays. The people of Jelenga are friendly and sweet people and are always happy and curious to connect with foreigners. The rest of the time, it’s you, the big blue and that’s it. When we say the place is an island paradise, we mean it.

There are many ways to get to Scar Reef Resort. Please see our transport options for more information or ask our friendly staff.

No, Scar Reef Resort is on the far West of Sumbawa whereas Lakey Peak is in the middle of Sumbawa’s South Coast.

Unfortunately no. Please come with your own board if you haven’t joined one of our packages. Please remember to bring some tropical wax, an extra set of fins and a second leash, just in case.

The weather is tropical, the thermometer never goes below 25°C. Between April and October it’s hot and dry, and between November and April it’s hot and it sometimes rains. The climate in Sumbawa is dryer than in Bali.

If you’ve just come to stay the night (or a few nights), and haven’t signed up for a surf guide or a surf coach, it’s up to you to make sure you go out in the ocean in conditions that are OK for your surfing level. For our guests who have an all-inclusive surf package, a member of our staff will take you to your favorite break with our boat, stay in the water with you and advise which waves to take (and where to position yourself for your safety). Our helpful surf guides will not be coaching you, but they will be making sure you have the best time ever in the water. If you are not used to surfing in tropical conditions, we do not recommend surfing when the tides are too low, because the reef can be sharp. Otherwise from mid tide to high tides, the surfing is the best in the world. Compared to Bali where the waves are overcrowded, there is much less risk of getting hurt in the lineup, as you will be surfing almost alone (or at least with your favorite surfing companions).

Scar Reef gets big and gnarly about 30 days a year (mostly in the dry months because of the Antartic storms pushing the ground swells North). If the conditions are too challenging for you, there are other breaks and surf spots nearby that we can take you to. Depending on your package, we will be happy to make your experience in Sumbawa the best possible. Most of the time, you can expect perfect Indonesian waves: glassy barrels, long mellow rides, lefts, rights, wedges and reefbreaks that are ok for all surfing levels from beginner to advanced. Plus you’ll be surfing in 28°C water!

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Our surf guides are expert surfers who are used to surfing conditions in Indonesia. Our surf guide will make sure that you have the best experience in the water. We take you to the lineup and advise on placement on the wave.

Personal surf coach (subject to availability) : is an expert surf teacher who will coach you to progress and excel on our waves. He/She will brief you and advise on the best warmup practices, in the water, the surf coach will analyse and advise placement and techniques to improve your surfing, out of the water he/she will debrief on your session and give you tips and tricks to excel on your next session. Board rental included.

We would recommend to bring your own boards. But if you don’t have one, or you’ve left it at home, please join one of our packages and we’ll have you covered. We have a quiver of recent boards from longboards to shortboards that you can choose from. We even have some softboards for beginners.

Yes.

On site we have horses, but we do not accept imported pets according to Indonesian laws. Thank you for your understanding.

Tap water is pumped from our freshwater well. We haven’t had any trouble with drinking it but we would recommend using our water dispensers that deliver unlimited purified water to our beloved guests.

In the dry months, we don’t notice mosquitoes very much, but this is Indonesia and we recommend bringing your own insect repellent. There is no malaria in our area.

No. Indonesia is a country that has been registered as Malaria and Yello fever free. However, as we write, we cannot guarantee there is no health risk. Please consult your physician or your consulate before visiting Indonesia for more information on what vaccines or medical treatments to take before coming.

The biggest risk is the sun. We would recommend to come with some high protection sun cream so as not to get burnt the first day. If possible, please choose reef friendly sunscreen so as to protect our beautiful seabeds.

Yes. In Taliwang (30 minutes by car). There is also a doctor in Jelenga village (5 minute walk) who has a plentiful stock of medicine. There is an apotek (pharmacy) in Jereweh too (15 minutes drive).

We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance for your trip to Scar Reef Resort. Please consult your travel advisor or credit card company.

Yes. Our resort is gated. Our qualified staff is meticulously recruited and vetted. You will find safety boxes in your rooms and we will keep your valuables on request at reception. You will find out that Scar Reef Resort is a very calm and peaceful place. However, we do not insure the loss or theft of valuables stored at reception over USD 300.

We’ve noticed that the best way to Scar Reef Resort is to take the first flight early morning from Bali to Sumbawa Besar, using Wings Air via Nusatrip. We can arrange pickup at Sumbawa Airport and we will drive you back to Scar Reef Resort (3 h ). You will be surfing the same day !

You can go the way you came and we can arrange for your return to Bali. You will be in Bali by 14:00pm.

All airlines flying domestic in Indonesia accept surfboards until 7″ but be aware that not all companies can carry longboards .
In that case , you have to take a big plane until Lombok and there , no worries, the taxis and fast boats take surfboards. The Wings flights between Sumbawa Besar airport and Lombok are operated on small ATR aircraft (maximum length for surfboards: 7’) and your board may be delayed if the hold is full. But it will be sent on with the next flight. So if you are travelling with your longboard, we recommend going back via the fast-boat and flight from Lombok.