Indonesia is a worldwide notorious destination for surfers seeking sublime and demanding waves across its 17,000 islands. Meanwhile, the country is relatively virgin as far as kitesurf is concerned, despite having stunning and pumping kitesurf spots … charted or yet uncharted.

Indeed, Indonesia spreads over more than 5,000 km from Sumatra to Papua, and its 55,000 km coastline is scattered over both side of the equator. Definitely, a huge potential for kitesurf to be soon discovered by the global community.

Indonesia is a true blessing for a kitesurf trip in Asia.

Glimpse of why Indonesia should be in your bucket list for a kitesurf trip in Asia

Read: Which spots to learn kiteboarding in Asia ? What you should consider

The clear asset of Indonesia for kitesurf trip is an unparalleled diversity !!!

Diversity in kitesurf spots, people, culture, nature, fauna and flora. You will find a unique mix of kitesurf, stunning nature and ancient cultural sites.

That’s why we always recommend to our guests to plan a long stay to accommodate both kitesurf on different spots, and cultural visits. You cannot seriously come all the way to Indonesia to miss places such as Toraja, Borobodur, Mount Ijen, Toba lake and Bali lifetsyle … and so many others.

Here a review of the strengths of Indonesia – Obviously, we are biased since we love Indonesia!

1 – Kitesurf spots away from the crowd:

Apart from Bali, and soon Lombok, Indonesia is still mostly preserved from mass tourism.

You can find amazing spots out of the beaten tracks: Jeneponto, Rote, Aceh, Belitung, Sumbawa, Gilimanuk, Sumba, Java islands, … and so many others to be found (Muluku, Raj Ampat, Borneo, Papua?)

Wherever you decide for your next kite trip, you will surely find empty spots just for you and your mates.

2 – Stunning weather:

Unlike most of Asian spots, wind is blowing in Indonesia during dry season. Meaning a deep blue sky and no rain at all.

3 – Variety of kitesurf conditions:

From flat with strong winds to world-class waves, name it, Indonesia has it !

Unfortunately, there is no perfect spot yet charted that offers “excellence” in every aspects. Therefore, you will have to make choices regarding the kind of conditions you expect to enjoy your kitesurf holidays.

You have all-round spots like Aceh (North-Sumatra) or Kaliantan (Lombok). With a “plus” for the waves in Aceh, and a “plus” for the wind in Kaliantan.

Then, it is more specialized spots from pure flat (Tabuhan and Jeneponto) to world-class waves (Sumbawa).

If you wish to mix surf and kitesurf : Aceh, Lombok, Sumbawa, Sumba, Rote are the places that accommodate both … if you are willing to commute different beaches.

If what matters to you is the wind: strength, reliability, consistency … then Jeneponto is your spot. If what matters to you is big air jumping or unhooked tricks, then once again Jeneponto is your best choice.

4 – So many spots still to discover:

To compare with a popular kitesurf destinations in Asia, Indonesia has 41 times more coastline than Sri Lanka and 6 times bigger than Philippines and Vietnam.

The most popular Bali and Lombok just represent <1% of Indonesia. There is still so much to discover for kitesurfing. Discovering the best kite spots requires to wander off the beaten tracks, and Indonesia is heaven for adventurous kite surfers who want to pioneer new kite spots.

Take weather charts, book a flight, drive/boat through, enjoy the rides on virgin spots and then share your kitesurf trip with the Kitesurf Nomads Indonesia community.

5 – Easy to move from spots to spots:

As a 17,000 islands nation, Indonesia bet on the air to connect its people and nurture its economic development. Today, Indonesia possess an impressive airlines network (5th worldwide) with 673 airports and 55 local airlines companies transporting 96 Mio domestic passengers every year.

On top that, Indonesia has 11 remarkable International-Class Airports: Jakarta, Surabaya, Banyuwangi, Balikpapan, Medan, Makassar, Samarinda, Berau, Semarang, Sumbawa

It is actually very easy to travel domestic! You may want to enjoy different kitesurf spots in Indonesia, so we recommend you download the very user-friendly Traveloka App for domestic travels.

6 – “Unity in Diversity:

This is the moto of Indonesia that unite 300 ethnic groups with 700 languages spreading over the equivalent of Ireland to Turkey … from the modernity of Jakarta to the most remote tribes!

Diversity in kitesurf spots, yes sure, but most of all, diversity in people and culture. Each main islands has its strong main identity, and each of these islands gather multiple variety of culture transmitted over the generations.

Check this amazing article from TripCanvas presenting 12 fascinating indigenous tribes where you can experience ancient ritual.

Wherever you aim your kitesurf holidays you will encounter an authentic culture of welcoming, politeness and respect.

7 – Natural and cultural marvels:

Indonesia has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

4 of these are Natural with Komodo National Park, Lorentz National Park, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra and Ujung Kulon National Park. The other 4 are cultural sites with Borobudur Temple, Bali’s Subak System, Prambanan Temple, and the Sangiran Early Man Site.

4 sites in Sulawesi are in the tentative list for UNESCO nominations: Bunaken, Takabonerate, Wakatobi, Tana Toraja

In 2017, Phinisi – Art of boatbuilding in South-Sulawesi – were awarded by UNESCO of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

8/ Unparalleled biodiversity:

Indonesia is unquestionably one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and is a priority for global conservation.

Despite having the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia is still the most heavily forested place on Earth after the Amazon and is home to roughly 11% of the world’s flowering plants and 1,615 bird species.

Indonesia is the only place on Earth where rhinos, orangutans, elephants, bears, and tigers can be found living in the same forest

Indonesia has the most mammal species of any country with 13% of Earth’s mammals and is just edged out by Australia when it comes to fish species.

As far as sea is concerned, the famous Coral Triangle represents 76% of all coral species in the world.

8 Good Reasons To Choose Indonesia For A Kitesurfing Trip In Asia