T-Land Surf Guide: Surfing One of Indonesia’s Longest Lefts

Known locally as Besialo, T-Land is a long left-hand surf spot located on the SW coast of Rote Island, Indonesia. With the right swells, T-Land becomes one of the longest lefts in the entire Indonesian archipelago.

Where is T-Land?

T-Land is located on the SW coast of Rote Island, Indonesia.

Is T-Land Crowded?

Short answer yes. T-Land is the most popular wave in the area, being one of Indonesia’s longest lefts, ease of access and constant offshore from the trade winds, T-Land is a popular wave and can get busy.

But, don’t let this put you off. As the reef is so long the wave has different peaks, which break up the crowds. So while there could be 50 total in the water, you could still be surfing a peak with only 10 or 12 people.

How do you get to the lineup at T-Land?

There are 2 options to get to the lineup at T-Land.

You take a boat:. Most of the resorts include boat transfers to and from T-Land in their nightly rate, which is good cause the resorts are not cheap!

If you are not staying at a resort there are surf boat taxis running all day everyday from the main harbour in Nemberala. The best place to get one is to go to The Boatmen Bar, where they will arrange your journey with one of the local crew. A return trip to the reef is 75,000 IDR and you can surf for as long as you want.

Or you can walk/paddle: While most people go for the boat option, if you don’t mind a longer trip out, then you can do it on your own. This normally requires a bit of walking and a bit of paddling as there are some deeper sections of reef. Just be careful of sharp sticks from old seaweed farms and bits of coral. The jump of the reef when there is a solid swell can also be pretty daunting.

What are the best times of year to surf T-Land?

T-Land can break throughout the year, but like most of Indonesia, for more consistent swells and offshore winds, you will want to visit in the peak season.

The different sections of T-land

T-Land has multiple sections along the reef, which with ideal swell conditions all link up to form Indonesia’s longest left. The sections of T-Land surf spot are known as:

The Point: This section is the first surfable part of the wave, which breaks fast and steep on a shallower section of the reef and can barrel in the right conditions.

The Pyramid: The second section where the wave fattens into triangle frames and open walls perfect for big open turns.

The Mountain: The third section that grows in size and can offer some backdoor tube sections in the largest swells.

Banana: The final section of the T-Land left, this section wraps tight around the end section of reef. In big swells this section is a playground of rippable lefts. On normal days it can be great for more beginner surfers.

How to get to T-Land

Reaching this surf paradise requires some effort, but it’s well worth the journey:

1. Fly to Kupang (El Tari Airport) in West Timor
2. Take a small plane or ferry to Rote Island
3. Arrange transportation to Nemberala (where T-Land is located)
4. Take a surf taxi out to the lineup. Surf Taxis run from the Boatmen Bar.

Read our detailed guide on getting to Rote Island here.

Surfing Etiquette and Safety at T-Land

While Rote is still a relatively untouched and remote island, there is no denying that it is not as quiet as it was just a few years ago. As more accommodation options open and as the journey becomes easier, more people are discovering our amazing island, meaning the lineups can sometimes be busy.

The lineup at T-land has long been a friendly place, and we all want to keep it that way. So here are a few tips to help you navigate the lineup and have the best session at T-land.

Respect the few local surfers there are: There are not many local surfers in Rote, and they are the ones with the biggest smiles on their faces in the lineup. They all work hard to make money for their families, driving boats for resorts, guiding guests to the best surf spots, and generally making sure we all have an epic time here in Rote. So when they get the chance to surf, make sure you let them get waves.

Respect the lineup and take turns: T-land has multiple peaks that spread along the reef and disperse the crowd. Once you have had a wave, avoid paddling straight back to the top of the peak, sit wide of other people, let them get waves and work your way back to the top. You don’t want to be that person constantly paddling past people and taking every wave. Sharing is caring.

Avoid paddling directly to the top of the peak from the boat: The surf taxis will drop you off anywhere you like along the reef. When you jump of the boat, be conscious of people already in the water who have been waiting for a wave. There are few things more frustrating than watching 5 people jump of the boat at the peak and paddle for the first waves that come through.

Surf all the sections: There are multiple sections at T-land all with their own characteristics. You will find steep peaks, big open walls, and even some barrelling sections which on the best days all connect into one super long left. Try them all and mix it up.

Be aware of your skill level and don’t paddle out if conditions exceed your abilities: While T-land is certainly not the heaviest wave in Indonesia, it still has a way of putting us in our place. Know your limit, there’s nothing wrong with sitting a big session out.

Bring a first aid kit for minor injuries: T-land breaks over reef, and while it is a relatively deep reef, there are some shallow inside sections, so reef cuts are common. There are limited medical supplies and services in Nemberala, so having a basic first aid kit is a great idea.

Be sun-smart: use high SPF sunscreen and stay hydrated: When the waves are pumping, T-land can break all day thanks to consistent offshore trade winds and the ability to break on all stages of the tide. Don’t get your session cut short cause of sunburn.

Beyond Surfing: Exploring Rote Island

When you’re not catching waves, Rote Island offers plenty to explore:

1. Visit traditional Rotenese villages
2. Try local cuisine, including the famous palm sugar
3. Explore pristine beaches and crystal-clear lagoons
4. Experience the unique Sasando music, played on a traditional instrument
5. Witness the island’s famous Ikat weaving

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

As a surfer visiting T-Land, it’s important to practice responsible tourism:

1. Respect the local environment and wildlife
2. Minimize plastic use and dispose of waste properly
3. Support local businesses and communities
4. Be mindful of water and energy consumption