Sumatra Surf Resort

You know this is a "Surf Resort" right?

It is with great pleasure that I send this note. My friends and I just returned from a 19 night stay in South Sumatra. I am writing this as a seasoned surf traveller. My review is based on comparable 40+ years of experience in surf camps, including Costa Rica, Fiji, New Zealand, Spain, France, Mexico, Canada and Bali.

To be clear, comparing this “surf resort” to the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton would be a mistake. Specifically, South Sumatra is not a high end, limitless budget destination. It is a rural, no frills sliver of magic on the edge of the jungle.

First off, the facilities are top notch for a surf camp. Our bungalows were kept clean and well-maintained for the duration of our visit. I had no unexpected hangups that might come with an oceanfront stay. The young women whose job it was to clean up our rooms were professional and courteous. Their smiles were infectious, even as they folded my laundry. The guys were always polite, always helpful and a joy to hang out with. We were blessed with a great crew.

Second, the business side of the operation was exceptional. Mel and Raymond were always sure to meet our needs. Mel was a daily ray of sunshine, eclipsed only by the unreal surf we had the entire time. She is the type of employee who should never be let go. In my decades of travel I don’t know that I have ever been so enamored with the personality of the ‘front desk.’ This includes Raymond. He is a true ambassador for the operation. From our 3am arrival to our 3am departure 20 days later, he was awesome. He exudes confidence and surety in every aspect of the job. At no point did I feel I could not ask for his help, advice and perspective. We felt completely secure in knowing that Raymond and his team were there for us. Paired with Mel, I hope the resort does what it takes to keep them in the fold. They are irreplaceable. If I return to the resort and they are not a part of it, I will feel at a loss.

Finally, the food. I can’t say enough about the kitchen. A serious concern of mine when traveling is the food. Due to my ongoing battle with leukemia I am aways leery of my diet. Not once did I experience an upset stomach or queasiness. I consistently experience such things even when I prepare my own meals at home. Aside from that, the food was 5-star. Every dish had exceptional flavor and flair. As I personally told the women in the kitchen, I can tell they cook with love in their hearts because I can taste it in the food they serve.

In closing, without sounding hyperbolic, what they have in South Sumatra is special. I hope they do what it takes to maintain the positive vibe my friends and I have been expressing to everyone since our return to Hawaii.

15/10 for sure

Firstly I am the non surfing wife and I was stoked in the place. Facilities fantastic. From the minute we arrived we were welcomed, Raymond made me coffee and got a Bintang for my husband. There was a great crew of surfers in the resort also. We were allocated a surf guide And a BIG thank you to Hazma, you were awesome.

Our room was fantastic, bed comfy, hot water(just had to have it). Enough storage, lets face it when travelling in Indo you just don't need much. Bathroom always spotless, thank you to Rica, Nita and Enol. A tip: we had rain so used mozzie coils of a night in the room in case mozzie nets failed.

To the kitchen staff, Tenti,Odang and Fitri, you guys rock. The food was awesome, geared at hungry surfers but plenty of fruit always for those girls that maybe don't need the carb hit. Assortments of fish, chicken, shrimp, beef,tofu and Tempe. I cannot understand anyone that cannot find something there. They do burgers sometimes and I believe pizza but hey your in Indo.........enjoy the cuisine. As for previous comments. Treat those girls with respect and appreciation and they will certainly treat you well.

The break:

The outlook speaks for itself. There are plenty of waves nearby also and that's what the delightful surf guides are for. Just ask.

First aid, well we didn't need it but there were those that did and they have a very good first aid kit and Alexix does a great job there.

Finally Meli and Raymond you made our stay one of the best experiences, you guys run a fine establishment. If in Sumatra, Krui area this is a must stay and we will return.

To everyone else that I have not personally mentioned in the staff area, you do an unbelievable and very capable job looking after your guests. Thank you

Came for 10 days stayed for 28

Great staff, great facility. I booked for ten days and loved the resort and location so much I extended my trip for a month.

Easily the best Losman on the point, and while it does have one negative which is only a not perfect view of the wave that means a 100m walk down the beach to get the best perspective, this is minor. And more than made up for by having very comfortable cool and airy rooms with proper spring mattress and toilets.(most of the other Losmans have squat dunnies and a foam mattress on the floor).

However easily the best feature was the food which was plentiful and healthy. Another point was the fact that not one guest got sick in the whole month I was here (not the case in many others where half the guests got sick more than once in more than one).

The wave out the front Ujung Bacor (or simply the point ) was sensational with pumping 3-8 for waves the whole time I durin my stay.

I can't thank Ramion, Mely, Asahn, Peitre, Mata, Benny, Elian enough for the way they looked after me and I will be back one day for sure.