10 sustainable surf resorts in Indonesia for eco-conscious shredders
- EcoOceanEscapes
- Feb 19, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 6
Looking for eco-friendly surf resorts in Indonesia? Discover our tried-and-tested collection of sustainable stays across the archipelago, from Sumba to Lombok and the Mentawais.
It’s no secret that Indonesia offers some of the most epic surf on the planet. But as more and more travellers flock to this Asian archipelago in search of adventure, rapid development has put a strain on island resources and the natural environment. Plastic pollution is an issue in many parts of the country and in some cases, profit is being put before people and long-term sustainability in a bid to secure lucrative tourist dollars.
But it's not all doom and gloom. We're here to tell you that you can still get your wave fix in Indo without it being to the detriment of locals and the environment. One simple way to reduce your impact is to be selective about where you stay.
Eco-friendly surf resorts and sustainable surf camps in Indonesia allow you to travel responsibly while living the surf life to its fullest AND supporting local initiatives.
Whether you’re after a luxury villa in Bali, a glamping resort in Java or a barefoot utopia on Rote Island, there are sustainable surf resorts in Indonesia that tick all the right boxes.
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Utopia Rote Lodge, Rote Island
Sustainable surf resort on Rote Island
Nestled in the hills of Rote, this eco-friendly surf lodge and wellness retreat opened in 2018 to provide guests with a nurturing escape surrounded by natural beauty. It’s fully off-grid, relying solely on solar power to minimise its environmental impact.
With composting toilets, homegrown produce and eco-conscious practices incorporated into the lodge's operations, sustainability is at the core of the Utopia experience.
On an island seeing a rise in tourism, this eco-friendly Indonesian surf lodge aims to embody mindful, green travel. During your stay, you'll get to experience one-of-a-kind accommodations featuring panoramic views and built using local materials.
When you’re not out surfing Rote’s legendary waves, you can relax beside the infinity pool or stretch it out during an afternoon yoga session. Plus, there's a restaurant featuring farm-to-table cuisine made from fresh, organic ingredients grown right on site.
Utopia Rote receives rave reviews for its commitment to sustainability and views of the T-land surf break.
"The whole experience at Utopia was incredible!” - Marie (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable surf resorts in Indonesia
An aerial view of Mana Eco Retreat in Lombok, Indonesia (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Mana Eco Retreat, Lombok
Eco-friendly yoga resort in Lombok
No matter what your budget is, this eco-friendly Lombok surf resort and yoga retreat has accommodations to suit. Set around two sparkling swimming pools, it features thatched-roofed cabanas, bungalows and dormitories, all within walking distance of Kuta Lombok’s main street.
We LOVE the vibe here - it's intensely relaxed, thanks in part due to the exceptional spa. Here, you can experience everything from Balinese-style massages to hair treatments and body scrubs (we recommend the lulur).
When you’re ready to explore, rent a motorbike to access the incredible surf that awaits near, then return to Mana to stretch your muscles during surf-focused yoga classes.
Included in the rates is a delicious breakfast, with Mana’s restaurant offering an enticing choice of vegetarian/vegan-friendly meals, plus healthy smoothies and barista-made coffee.
This sustainably-run Lombok resort takes environmental responsibility seriously. All of the septic waste and grey water gets filtered through an advanced tank system (transforming it into clean irrigation water) and they are eliminating plastic waste by offering free drinking water throughout the property.
One hundred solar panels generate clean energy to power this eco-friendly Lombok yoga retreat, with surplus electricity going back into the grid for others to use.
“Exceptional! This place was such a treat! The food at the restaurant was so so yummy and the free breakfast blew my mind.” - Amanda (read more reviews here)
You can learn more about planning a sustainable surf vacation in Lombok here.
Best eco-friendly surf resorts in Indonesia
Sun loungers beside a plunge pool at eco-friendly Cap Karoso Sumba (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Cap Karoso Sumba, Sumba
Eco-friendly hotel in Sumba
Located along Sumba's remote shores, this luxurious beachside resort aims to integrate the island's cultural heritage with eco-friendly principles....and we think they've succeeded in doing just that!
On arrival, you’ll be treated to a traditional Sumbanese blessing ceremony, surrounded by works of art created by local artisans. Handwoven ikat fabrics, wood carvings and earthen pottery are just some of the creations that decorate the property.
Each of the 44 rooms and 20 villas at this sustainable Sumba resort celebrate Sumbanese culture and provide a haven after long days spent chasing waves. On the surrounding coastline are breaks to suit all abilities, most of which are blissfully crowd-free!
Beyond uplifting local people through meaningful employment, Cap Karoso Sumba also cares deeply about protecting its surrounding environment. It utilises eco-friendly systems, relies heavily on solar power and has banned plastic usage. In addition, the expansive organic farm supplies the restaurant with fresh, local produce, ensuring the meals are to die for.
If you can afford to stay at this eco-friendly Sumba resort, we definitely think it's worth the splurge!
"One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve stayed in!” - Jessica (read more reviews here)
You can learn more about planning a sustainable surf vacation in Sumba here.
Sustainable surf resorts in Indonesia
Istana Ombak Eco Resort, Java
Eco-friendly surf resort in Java
Istana Ombak is a beachfront paradise on the north coast of Java that not only promises endless days of sun and surf but also a sustainable stay in Indonesia. This Java eco-resort was created through a partnership between the Indonesian government, local Javanese people and passionate surfers from both Australia and Indonesia.
Together, they have built one of Indonesia's most eco-friendly surf resorts, which benefits the community economically while providing an authentic Indonesian experience for travellers.
The name Istana Ombak means "Wave Palace" in Bahasa Indonesia, and rightly so. Just steps from their bungalows, surfers of all levels can paddle out to epic left and right-handers. More hidden waves dot the surrounding coastline and within an hour's drive, you can be at a half-dozen more surf spots - some barely touched by humans.
Beyond the surf, days at Istana Ombak Eco Resort include everything from snorkelling the surrounding reefs and hiking jungle trails to immersing yourself in Javanese culture. This is definitely one of the best eco-friendly surf resorts in Indonesia!
"This place is a hidden gem. If you really want quiet, no disturbance and having the feeling that you are close to maritime life, this is a wonderful place.” - Job (read more reviews here)
Sustainable surf holiday in Indonesia
Bilou Beach Villas, Mentawais
Eco-friendly surf camp in the Mentawais
Bilou Beach Resort is an eco-friendly Mentawais surf camp that aims to provide an affordable getaway for families and small groups seeking an unforgettable surf adventure. With just five spacious beachfront villas (each of which sleeps four and is equipped with its own kitchen), the resort manages to keep numbers low and maintain an exclusive vibe.
One of the great things about this sustainable surf camp in the Mentawais is that every villa has its own boat, meaning you and your family/friends can access the waves you want, when you want. After surfing up a storm, unwind over dinner and drinks at the laid-back beach bar as the kids play safely on the resort’s white sandy shores.
As a sustainable surf resort, Bilou Beach Villas is committed to protecting its island paradise. The villas blend traditional craftsmanship with eco-friendly design while the use of solar power, rainwater catchments and natural cooling minimise the environmental impact. Not only does the resort grow produce locally but it recycles waste and provides sarongs instead of towels to preserve water resources.
"Bilou is a truly unique experience. The concept of each villa having its own boat gives you the ultimate freedom to surf, dive, fish whenever you want to and wherever you want to.” - Barry (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly surf resort in Indonesia
A row of sustainably built bungalows at Seed Resort on Rote Island (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Seed Resort, Rote Island
Eco-friendly surf resort on Rote Island
Tucked away on the island of Rote, Seed Resort is a thoughtfully designed boutique hotel with sustainability at its core. It sits just steps from T-Land (known locally as “Besialu”), the region's most renowned wave. This long left-hand reef break is the stuff of legends, consistently delivering one of Indonesia's longest rides.
When you manage to pull yourself away from the waves, Seed Resort offers plenty of ways to explore the island's pristine natural beauty. You can kayak along the surrounding coastline, snorkel on the nearby reefs or grab a paddleboard to explore at your leisure.
At this eco-friendly surf resort on Rote Island, you’ll find nine palm-thatched bungalows, each with a spacious outdoor bathroom and a tropical garden patio. Healthy farm-to-table meals and yoga sessions add to the chill, sustainable vibe at what is an off-the-grid paradise in Indonesia.
"Amazing stay...Great food, incredible location. It really felt as if we were in paradise.” - Jenny (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly resorts in Bali for surfers
An aerial view of Grün Resort, an eco-friendly resort in Uluwatu, Bali (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Grün Resort Uluwatu, Bali
Eco-friendly resort in Uluwatu
Nestled in the hills of Uluwatu, Grün Resort is an eco-conscious sanctuary in one of Bali's most popular surf areas. Its sustainable villas blend beautifully into the forest setting, with incredible ocean views that are immediately relaxing. On the doorstep of this eco-friendly surf resort are some of Bali’s best waves, including Uluwatu and Padang Padang.
All of the villas have been innovatively designed, built on stilts with minimal foundations to enhance the existing nature, rather than disrupting it. Constructed mainly from renewable wood and steel, their small footprint and natural airflow systems leave only a fraction of the carbon footprint of conventional buildings.
At this sustainably-run Bali resort, solar panels provide clean energy with low environmental impact while rainwater is harvested and filtered to conserve precious resources.
Grün Resort Uluwatu is designed as a place to slow down and connect with nature, in between incredible surf sessions of course. It’s one of the more luxurious sustainable surf resorts in Indonesia on this list, but we think it's well worth the splurge!
"It’s one of the most amazing accommodations I’ve been to in Bali.” - Olena (read more reviews here)
Discover more eco-friendly resorts in Bali for surfers here.
Best eco-friendly resorts in Uluwatu
The luxurious treehouse villas at Grün Resort in Uluwatu, Bali (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Jawa Jiwa G-Land, Java
Eco-friendly resort at G-Land
Nestled amidst the protected forests of Alas Purwo National Park, Jawa Jiwa is a beachfront "glamping" eco-lodge and one of the best places to stay for surfing G-Land. It's surrounded by over 250 species of exotic birds and wildlife (we're talking deer, monkeys and wild bantengs), making it the perfect destination for nature lovers or anyone seeking a chilled-out Indonesian getaway.
From the comfort of your sustainably designed tent, you can gaze out over the famed waves of G-Land, one of Indo's most legendary surfing destinations. Spend your days riding barrels or exploring the ancient Hindu temples and pristine beaches scattered throughout the national park.
In the evening, you can listen to the soft crash of waves from your eco-friendly accommodation and dream about doing it all again tomorrow.
With its enchanting natural scenery, world-class waves and upscale camp setup, Jawa Jiwa G-Land offers a one-of-a-kind Indonesian escape. It’s the perfect destination for eco-conscious surfers wanting to reduce their environmental impact while staying in what truly is a tropical paradise.
"Earthly paradise. Jungle and waves. I would stay here forever.” - Federico (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly surf resorts in Java
Luxury "glamping" tents at Java Jiwa G-Land - an eco-friendly surf resort in Indonesia (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Kini Resort, Sumbawa
Eco-friendly surf resort in Sumbawa
Perched on the west coast of Sumbawa, Kini is an eco-friendly surf resort that prioritises sustainability, without compromising on luxury. It features just a handful of bamboo villas and a family-friendly villa, each designed to reflect the natural surroundings while offering all those comfortable amenities you’d expect of a high-end stay.
From the moment you wake up, you’re treated to incredible views of Yo-Yos - it’s easy to check the surf right from your bed. Simply roll out, grab your board and you’ll be in the water in minutes.
The private plunge pools attached to each villa give this sustainable Sumbawa surf resort that extra “glam” - this is the ideal place to unwind in between sessions while keeping an eye on the conditions.
When hunger strikes, the onsite restaurant, Sapphire, presents a thoughtfully curated menu that highlights the best of local produce, ensuring that every meal supports the community. Plus, the views from here across the beach are to die for.
"Best view onto Yo-Yos from the bed and terrace. Beautifully designed bungalows with private (and cool water) pool.” - Lena (read more reviews here)
You can learn more about planning a sustainable surf vacation in Sumbawa here.
Eco-friendly surf resorts in Sumbawa, Indonesia
Suarga Padang Padang, Bali
Sustainable surf resort in Uluwatu
Perched dramatically on the cliff's edge, Suarga Padang Padang offers exceptional views across some of Bali’s best breaks. This eco-friendly surf resort is built primarily on stilts to preserve the native plants and animals below while promoting natural airflow.
Constructed entirely from locally sourced reclaimed materials - think salvaged ironwood, recycled teak houses, bamboo and local limestone - Suarga Padang Padang integrates seamlessly into its surroundings.
Each of the 36 rooms have been designed as contemporary sanctuaries, blending modern comforts with indigenous artistry. Soaring vaulted ceilings and open-air designs let the ocean breeze ventilate the spaces, reducing the need for energy-intensive air-conditioning.
Beyond its sustainable architecture, Suarga Padang Padang aims to instil in each guest a passion for implementing small lifestyle changes to protect our planet. The result is an ultra-luxurious boutique resort that is architecturally spectacular yet gently treads on its landscape.
Suarga Padang Padang shows us sustainability can be stylish and we think it leaves a big impression!
"Second time staying here. It’s a really impressive location: right on the cliff with full view of Padang.” - Dmitry (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly surf resorts in Bali
The leafy grounds of Suarga Padang Padang - an eco-friendly resort in Uluwatu, Bali (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Staying at a sustainable surf resort in Indonesia
Gone are the days of having to stay at profit-driven resorts that ignore sustainability, particularly when it comes to surf vacations in Indonesia. Not only does this island nation boast some of the most awe-inspiring waves on the planet but it’s leading the charge when it comes to eco-friendly surf stays.
Many surf resorts in Indonesia are now designed with a commitment to environmental stewardship, incorporating sustainable practices such as renewable energies, waste reduction initiatives and local sourcing of organic produce. In our opinion, this shift not only enhances the surfing experience but also ensures that the natural beauty of the islands is preserved for future generations.
