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Which airline should you choose if you’re travelling with your surfboard to Indonesia?

Travel

20 May 2024

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With its 17,000 islands and 54,000 kilometres of coastline, the archipelago is one of the world’s finest surfing destinations. Indonesia is an undisputed paradise for the sport, and its history is relatively recent. It is thought that the first person to have surfed Indonesian waves was the American Bob Koke on the island of Bali, in Kuta, in the 1930s. But it was not until the 1960s that surfing in Indonesia became more widespread, with the arrival of Australian and American travellers in search of new spots. Furthermore, it was with the release of the film ‘Morning of the Earth’ in 1972 that Indonesian waves were brought to the fore. Since then, the destination has become a popular and unmissable destination for surfing enthusiasts.

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Which airline should I choose when travelling with a surfboard to Indonesia?

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Company name

Dimensions

Terms and Conditions

Singapore Airlines

The length of the surfboard must not exceed 300 cm and its weight must not exceed 23 kg.

A surfboard is treated as a piece of checked luggage. The airline therefore does not charge any additional fees for transporting a surfboard, subject to certain conditions.

The board must be in its travel bag.

Thaï airways

The length of the surfboard must not exceed 200 cm, and the weight must not exceed 23 kg.

A surfboard is treated as a piece of checked luggage. The airline therefore does not charge any additional fees for transporting a surfboard, subject to certain conditions.

The board must be inside its travel bag.

Boards longer than 200 cm will be charged as 2 checked bags.

Qatar airways

The length of the surfboard must not exceed 300 cm and its weight must not exceed 23 kg.

If the flight applies an allowance based on the number of checked items, the surfboard must not exceed 158 cm (length, width, and height included).

A surfboard is considered a piece of sports equipment and is accepted as part of the checked baggage allowance, subject to certain conditions.

The board must be inside its travel bag.

Transport costs are lower if you pay online up to 6 hours before the flight.

If you do not purchase the additional baggage option online, higher fees will apply at airport check-in.

Emirates

The length of the surfboard must not exceed 300 cm and its weight must not exceed 23 kg.

A surfboard is treated as a piece of checked luggage. The airline therefore does not charge any additional fees for transporting a surfboard, subject to certain conditions.

The board must be in its travel bag.

Cathay Pacific

The surfboard must not exceed 158 cm in length and 23 kg in weight, or 203 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height).

A surfboard is treated as a piece of checked luggage. The airline therefore does not charge any additional fees for transporting a surfboard, subject to certain conditions.

The board must be in its travel bag.

Turkish airlines

For domestic flights, the surfboard must not exceed 292 cm in length and 60 cm in width. However, for international flights, the surfboard is subject to excess baggage charges.

At Turkish Airlines, surfboards are considered sports equipment and are included in the checked baggage allowance, subject to certain conditions.

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The best surf spots in Indonesia.

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Uluwatu, Bali

As the name suggests, the “left-hander” is a legendary left-breaking wave. Located in Bali, this spot is highly popular among experienced surfers. It offers a magnificent spectacle when the swell is right. Powerful and fast, this wave is a true institution for surfers seeking thrills.

Level: Advanced

Mentawai Islands, Sumatra

These islands offer exceptional waves in a stunning tropical setting off the west coast of Sumatra. World-renowned surf spots such as Lance’s Right, Macaronis, and Telescopes provide perfect conditions for surf enthusiasts. Accessible by boat from Padang, the Mentawai Islands are an ideal destination for a surf trip in Indonesia. Numerous surf camps are available to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.

Level: beginner/intermediate/advanced

Nias, Sumatra

Located off the coast of Sumatra, the island of Nias is renowned among surfers worldwide for its powerful waves and rich culture. The Lagundri Bay surf spot is famous for “The Point” and offers long, fast barrels. A certain level of surfing proficiency is required.

Level: Advanced

G-Land, Java

On a wild stretch of the Java coast, deep within Alas Purwo National Park, lies a treasure for surfers. Far from the crowds, the legendary G-Land wave—also known as “Speedies”—can rise up to six meters high. Accessible only by boat, the spot retains its wild and authentic character.

Level: Advanced

Sumbawa

Sumbawa reveals itself as a secret paradise for surfers, far from the crowds of Bali. Perfect waves await you—from the legendary Lakey Peak, with its fast, hollow barrels, to the breaks at Maluk and Yoyo’s, all offering world-class waves in an idyllic setting.

Level: Advanced