Thrilling Krui Pro 2018 Surfing Competition at Tanjung Setia Beach, Lampung

Held for the second year running, the Krui Pro 2018 Surfing Competition now ongoing from 15th – 20th April, attracted 107 competitors from 17 countries, a considerable increasse from 83 last year.

"Tanjung Setia is a great new surf paradise" said Sujeong-im, surfing professional from South Korea, who has surfed the world over including Bali and Hawaii. The waves are magnificently long, the landscape is fresh with beautiful views, waving green palm trees and cool coconut water to drink. Tanjung Setia is this ideal spot for surfing, said this professional surfer to Kompas.com.

Secluded on the western coast of Lampung, at the southern tip of Sumatra Island, lies the enchanting hidden paradise called Tanjung Setia Beach beyond the thick forests of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Although away from the spotlights, the long waves at Tanjung Setia are touted as among the world's best by surfers from all over the globe, and at par with the world famous surf of Hawaii.

Located about 273 km or some 6-7 hours drive from the province's capital Bandar Lampung, in the Pesisir Barat Regency, the Tanjung Setia shore lies directly in the path of the large Indian Ocean currents that fill it with constant thrilling barrels. During the peak surfing months from June to August, waves reach six or even spectacular seven meters high, rolling the distance of 200 meters, making these a prime playground for surfers. Sticking to a true surfer's lifestyle, these tides riders often stay up to two weeks during a single visit, craving for ever bigger and better waves.

Image source: www.taranaki.id

Over the years, the beach has begun attracting more professional and world class surfers, especially to the small stretch of coastline at Krui which is the capital town of Pesisir Barat Regency. Since the debut of the Krui Pro International Surfing Championship in 2017, the spectacular waves of Tanjung Setia are gaining more and more international recognition.

Image source: qubicle.id

Aside from Krui, among some of the best surfing spots in the area are Ujung Bocur which is often compared to Uluwatu in Bali; Way Jambu which is frequently dubbed as ‘The Sumatran Pipeline'; Jimmy's with its long, hollow challenging left or a sucking, slightly less hollow right; and The Peak which is a short right tube that fizzles out into deep water.

Tanjung Setia also boasts a near virgin environment and some stunning natural beauty. Its soft white sprawling sandy beaches stretch from shore to shore, offering breathtaking sunsets and fascinating attractions along with the challenging waves. The shores of Tanjung Setia are also decorated with lush palm trees that give it a picturesque landscape and relaxing ambience as one waits for the perfect waves. Far from the shoreline and raging waves, the seas off the coast of Tanjung Setia await fishing enthusiasts to discover their rich treasures. The dive sites here are also legendary among dive aficionados, although nowhere near as popular as their counterparts in Manado or, again, in Bali.

Getting there, is however, still another adventure. This enchanting beach is situated about 273 km or some 6-7 hours' drive from the provincial capital Bandar Lampung. If you wish to take public transportation you can take the Krui Putra bus from Rajabasa Terminal at Bandar lampung that follows the Trans Sumatra Highway, and stops directly at Tanjung Setia Beach. For more convenient travel you can always rent a car or arrange the trip with a tour operator or travel agent. Along the way, you will be presented with some stunning sceneries of the Bukit Barisan Mountain ridge with slopes and winding turns passing stretches of some bumpy and some relatively smooth roads. (am/ws)

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