Rote Island, one of the farthest-flung Indonesian destinations in East Nusa Tenggara, is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier surf destination. Known for its amazing waves and laid-back atmosphere, Rote offers a unique alternative to the more popular surf spots in Indonesia.
Most surfers come for T-Land, a super rippable, user-friendly version of G-Land that can stretch over 1,000 feet in front of the main surf town Nemberala. But explore Rote a bit further, and you’ll find a variety of other spots, including some serious right-handers and remote setups with empty lineups.
While other islands like Bali and Mentawai dominate the Indonesian surf scene, Rote Island offers a unique experience with world-class breaks, a relaxed vibe, and a growing choice of amazing resorts, and local homestays.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to score round two, this is your go-to guide for surfing Rote Island.
Rote Surf at a Glance
Peak Season: May–October
Water Temp: 27–30°C (boardshorts year-round)
Base Town: Nemberala
Famous Breaks: T-Land, Boa, Suckies, Bommie
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Access: Paddle or boat
Pros
- Less crowds
- High concentration of high quality rights
- Home Indonesias longest left
- Consistent offshore winds at Nemberala breaks in peak season
- Crystal clear warm water
- Ability to handle all size swells
- Amazing accommodation options
- Variety of waves from heaving barrels to beginner friendly reefs
Cons
- Dry season trade winds are not good for most of the good rights
- Narrower swell window than other Indonesian islands
- Many surf spots are boat access only
- Getting more popular every year
- Some large resort developments are starting to limit wave access
What Makes Rote a Great Surf Destination?
Over the past few years the name Rote has come up more and more often in the surf world.
Rote islands days of flying under the radar are no more. Surfers around the world are catching on to just how good this island is. Here’s why it should be at the top of your list:
- A variety of surf-friendly stays from luxury to homestays
- Home to one of Indonesia’s longest lefts (T-Land)
- High concentration of world-class right-handers
- All-day offshore winds during the dry season
- Crystal clear warm water
Is T-Land Really the Best Left in Indo?
That, depends who you ask.
T-Land, known localy as Besialu, is the jewel of Rote Island. It’s long, playful, and breaks in multiple sections: The Point, The Steeple, Magic Mountain, and Inner Tubes. On the right tide and swell, it runs over 400 meters with rippable faces, fun barrels, and open shoulders.
It’s more accessible and less intimidating than the spot it is named after, G-Land, making it perfect for intermediate and up surfers who want to push their limits without getting slammed.
While the number of surfers is on the rise, T-Land sees significantly fewer crowds than other Indonesian waves like Uluwatu or Desert Point, and it breaks consistently through the peak season, making it an everyday surfer’s paradise.
So there are a lot of reasons T-Land might be Indonesia best left to some people. Sure if you want short stand up slabbing barrels, this is not it. But to the everyday surfer, T-Land is an incredibly fun wave.
Learn more: T-Land Surf Guide
Rote Island Has A High Concentration of Quality Rights
While T-Land might be what a lot of people come for. You will find several, extremely high quality rights on the island. Boa, Do’o, Petrol Bombs (not for the faint hearted), and Suckies (Peanuts/Sakunamo) are just a few of the very good barreling rights you’ll find. Beyond this there are several other secret spots that are worth hunting for.
Rote’s Seasonal Trade Winds Abundance and Swell Means Waves Everyday
During the dry season from May-August, the east-southeast trade winds blow offshore in Nemberala from dawn till dusk, meaning spots like T-Land are offshore all day everyday. This combined with the south-southwesterly swells rolling in from the roaring 40s during this period create the perfect setup for T-Land and other southwest-facing breaks and there are surfable waves pretty much everyday.
Early and Late Season Glass
In the 1-2 months before and after the trade winds start and finish, the wind in Rote is very light and variable, making for some of the glassiest surf conditions you will find anywhere in the world. In these months, spots that are negatively effected by the trade winds come alive, and you can score the session of sessions, with just you and your mates.
Rote’s Best Surf Season
| Month | Conditions Summary |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Light winds, occasional swell, off-season |
| Apr | Light wind, early pulses begin |
| May–Aug | Peak swell, consistent trades, daily waves |
| Sep–Oct | Glassy mornings, mix of swells |
| Nov–Dec | Calm winds, smaller waves, beginner-friendly |
Best conditions: May to August for consistency, or April and September for glassy perfection.
Rote Island Sea Temperature
No matter the season, Rote’s sea temperature remains very tropical, ranging from lows down to 25.5°C in July/August up to a highs of almost 32°C in December. So it is boardies all year in Rote!
Rote Island Surf Spots
If you have heard about Rote, you have probably heard about T-Land. But there are a lot more waves than that. The majority of surf spots are in the South West corner of Rote, around the town of Nemberala, where the full impact of the Indian Ocean swells are felt. But for those willing to go put in the miles in search of empty lineups, the whole region lights up in the right swells.
Here is some info about Rote Islands more well known surf spots around Nemberala.
T-Land (Besialu)
T-Land, is the most well known wave in Rote, and breaks directly infront of the resort lined shores of Nemberala. This multi-section left break rivals the famed reefs of the Mentawais and Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, but with a fraction of the crowds.
It is one of the longest lefts in Indo with waves running 600ft-1.200ft and it’s quality and consistency allows you to surf anything from 2ft to 15ft and above.
T-Land is a long, flat reef that is broken into four main sections: The Point, the Steeple, Magic Mountain and Inner Tubes
It breaks on all tides, but high tide can get a bit fat and slow in smaller swells.
Best Swell Direction for T-Land: SW
Best Wind Direction for T-Land: E-SE
Best Tide for T-Land: Low (Breaks on all tides, but high tide can go slow and fat with small swells)
Learn more about T-Land in our detailed guide: T-Land Surf Guide: Surfing One of Indonesia’s Longest Lefts
Bommie
A short, fast right just north of T-Land, breaking on a section of reef infront of the harbour. The Bommie only breaks on a low tide and with a large swell and is a wave for those who don’t mind paddling hard for a short ride.
Recently it has become very popular with foilers as when it is not properly breaking, the reef creates long running swell lines, which foilers love.
Best Swell Direction for Bommie: SW
Best Wind Direction for Bommie: E-SE
Best Tide for Bommie Low
Suckies/Sakunamo:
One of the very high quality right-handers on the island. Suckies breaks far out on a reef pass a few KMs north of Nemberala. While it’s best (safer) accessible by boat, if you fancy a long paddle across shallow reef and seaweed farms, it is possible to access from land.
It’s a wave for more advanced surfers only, Suckies is a poweful right hand wave with barrel sections and a suprise peak that can easily catch you out when a bigger set comes through. The inside current pulls you deeper into the inside, meaning getting caught inside can result in a long and hard paddle back to the channel.
During the peak season, you will need to get up early to score it as the trade winds rip it apart quickly due to the distance from land the wave breaks.
Best Swell Direction for Suckies: W-SW
Best Wind Direction for Suckies: NE
Best Tide for Suckies Mid-High (but not too high)
Boa
Another of Rote Islands pumping rights, Boa is dream wave for surfers seeking powerful right-handers. 10-15 minutes south of Nemberala by bike, on the lower tides Boa becomes a roaring A-frame that throws out long, slabby walls and solid barrel sections along a shallow reef. On the high tide Boa becomes a much more mellow rippable wall.
During the peak season it’s a very tricky wave to get good because of the strong East trade winds, but in the early and late seasons, Boa becomes an absolute playground.
Best left to advanced surfers on the lower tides, due to the shallow reef and potential for hold-downs on the inside sections. There have been several very scary moments where people have had their leashes wrapped around the reef and held under water. The more south the swell goes the heavier it gets.
High tide though can be fun for intermediates and above.
Best Swell Direction for Boa: SW
Best Wind Direction for Boa: N
Best Tide for Boa: Breaks on all tides. Heavier at low.
Want to score pumping waves at Boa? Look no further than, Boa Vida Resort.
Where to stay at T-Land?
There is now a lot of choice when it comes to finding a place to stay near T-Land. You will find everything from local homestays to luxury resorts, covering all budgets and preferences. Check out the guide below for more information on T-Land Resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Rote good for beginner surfers?
A: While most breaks are reef-based and better suited to intermediate/advanced surfers, T-Land’s inside Bananas and the easy wave of Squealers that breaks just north of the harbor are good beginner spots.
Q: How crowded are the surf spots?
A: Much less crowded than Bali or Mentawai. T-Land can get busy, but nothing compared to Uluwatu. You can still score solo sessions with the right timing.
Q: What boards should I pack?
A: Two boards is enough for most. One daily driver and one step-up or groveler depending on the season and forecast swell. Check out our Essential Surf Travel Packing List for gear tips.
Q: Can I surf year-round in Rote?
A: Technically yes, but May–October is the most consistent for waves. Early and late season bring glassy conditions and less wind.
Q: Is Rote good for longboarding?
A: Yes. T-Land can offer up some amazing long walls, perfect for longboarding. Just ask @thewanderlover. Squealers is a great spot for more beginner longboarders also.
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