Krui. Are you dreaming of the “Old Indonesia“? You know, that mythical vibe from 30 years ago before peak-hour traffic hit Canggu and smoothie bowls cost $15?
If you are nodding your head, it’s time to pack your board shorts and look towards southern Sumatra. Welcome to Krui.
Sitting quietly on the edge of the Indian Ocean in the Pesisir Barat regency, Krui is often called the “California of Sumatra.” But honestly, that doesn’t do it justice. Krui is greener, wilder, and significantly more relaxed. It’s a place where water buffalo still claim right-of-way on the roads and where the waves are consistently world-class without the aggressive crowds.
Whether you are a die-hard surfer hunting the barrel of your life, or just an adventurous traveler looking to escape the “Bali bubble,” here is why Krui needs to be next on your list, and exactly how to tackle the adventure of getting there.
Why Krui is the Real Deal
The main drawcard for Krui is undoubtedly the ocean. This stretch of coastline is a magnet for swells traveling across the Indian Ocean.
The Surf is Ridiculously Good (and Diverse) Krui isn’t just for pros. Sure, if you want to get terrified, you can paddle out at Way Jambu (the “Sumatran Pipeline”). But the magic of Krui is variety. The crown jewel is Ujung Bocur, a long, reeling left-hand point break that feels like a wave machine. If the reef breaks aren’t working, Mandiri Beach offers powerful, super-fun beach breaks that are perfect for intermediate riders. It’s an aquatic playground where you spend more time riding waves than fighting for them.
It’s Not Just About the Waves If you don’t surf, don’t worry. The vibe in Krui is intoxicatingly chill. You must take a day trip to Pulau Pisang (Banana Island). A rickety local boat takes you to an island with water so clear it looks like bottled mineral water. It’s perfect for snorkeling, napping under a palm tree, and pretending you own a private island.
Furthermore, Krui sits right next to the massive Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. It’s a lush, dense jungle home to tigers and elephants (though you’d be incredibly lucky to see them). The green mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the blue ocean every single day.
The Adventure: How to Get to Krui
Let’s be honest: part of Krui’s charm is that it’s not ridiculously easy to get to. The journey keeps the massive crowds away.
To give you some context on location:
- From Bali: It is far. Krui is on a totally different island. You are looking at a multi-leg flight journey or a multi-day overland expedition.
- From Jakarta: It is surprisingly close geographically, sitting almost directly across the Sunda Strait on the west coast of Sumatra. However, the mountains in between make the journey longer than it looks on a map.
Here are your three main options for arrival, ranked from “comfort traveler” to “iron-butt adventurer.”
1. The Classic Route (Airplane + Car)
This is the most popular and reliable method.
- Step 1: The Flight. Take a short flight (about 50 minutes) from Jakarta (CGK) to Bandar Lampung (TKG) in southern Sumatra. These flights are frequent and cheap.
- Step 2: The Drive. From Bandar Lampung airport, hire a private driver for the journey to Krui.
- The Reality: This drive takes between 5 and 7 hours, depending on traffic and how often you stop for coffee. It’s a beautiful drive that winds right over the Bukit Barisan mountain range. The roads are twisty, so pack motion sickness tablets if you get queasy!
2. The “Finger-Crossed” Shortcut (Small Plane)
Krui has a tiny airport called Taufiq Kiemas (TFY).
- The Method: Small charter airline Susi Air sometimes runs flights directly from Bandar Lampung (TKG) to Krui. It turns a 6-hour drive into a 40-minute scenic flight over the jungle.
- The Reality: These flights are notoriously irregular. Schedules change without notice, and they often don’t run at all in certain seasons or bad weather. If you can book it, it’s epic. But always have a backup plan to drive.
3. The Iron-Butt Challenge (Motorbike from Java)
Only for experienced riders eager for a massive road trip.
- The Method: Ride your motorbike from Jakarta to Merak port. Put the bike on the ferry to Bakauheni port in Sumatra (about 2 hours). Once in Sumatra, ride the remaining 6–8 hours across the island to Krui.
- The Reality: It’s an exhausting, long day in the saddle on roads varying from smooth highway to potholed chaos. It’s a genuine adventure, but not for the faint-hearted.
The Final Verdict
Krui feels like a secret that is just starting to get out. It offers a genuine Indonesian experience, incredible nature, and waves that will haunt your dreams in the best way possible. The journey there is just the price of admission to paradise.