Jelenga Beach has been famous as a paradise for surfing enthusiasts for many years. Surfers can spend weeks there to catch the scar reef.
The cheerful sounds of children aged 10 to 14 filled the air, harmonizing beautifully with the crashing waves at Jelenga Beach in the Jereweh District of West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on a lovely weekend afternoon in November 2024. Dressed in their bright, colorful shirts, the boys and girls joyfully raced from the soft, white sandy beach to the inviting water, creating a playful, contagious atmosphere.
They brought their surfboards along, specially designed for young surfers. Unlike the board adults use, these fun-sized surfboards are perfect for kids, carefully tailored to match their age and weight. Typically, children’s surfboards range from 140 to 170 centimeters long and can support up to 80 kilograms, making them just right for their exciting adventures in the waves.
Once they were about 3 meters from the shore in the gentle, shallow waters, the children excitedly climbed onto their surfboards. Instead of standing up right away, they lay down with their bellies on the boards, paddling through the water with their hands. They practiced this fun movement several times before discovering how to stand on their surfboards, arms outstretched, as they focused on balancing and staying on top instead of falling into the water.
A huge round of applause for their adorable stunts rises from the crowd of foreign tourists who are about to board a fishing boat for a fun-filled surfing adventure just a few kilometers from the beach. Instead of feeling disheartened, these children filled the air with infectious laughter, especially as they playfully watched some friends tumble off the surfboards.
The launch of the surfing program has generated much excitement. The West Sumbawa District Government initiated this new extracurricular activity in collaboration with a national private mining processing company in the region. The Acting Regent of Sumbawa Barat, Julmansyah, told Antara that this initiative is part of the Bumi Gora’s preparations to welcome the 2028 National Sports Week (PON), which is going to take place in NTB and East Nusa Tenggara.
Julmansyah disclosed that this surfing development program was established to discover and nurture young talents from NTB, helping them grow into competitive surfers on national and international levels. The initiative also seeks to establish surfing as a key component in developing a sustainable, community-focused tourism industry.
The plan to integrate surfing into the educational curriculum is reinforced by the Decree issued by the Regent of West Sumbawa number 100.3.3.2 of 2024 on the Establishment of Basic Education Units for the Implementation of Surfing Extracurricular Activities in West Sumbawa. “This program is intended to bolster the development of surfing in West Sumbawa and to prepare the region’s economic support sector in anticipation of the cessation of mining operations at Batu Hijau in 2030,” he added.
Julmansyah makes a valid point! Jelenga Beach has long been a beloved spot for surfing enthusiasts from all over the world. Unlike other beaches in the Bumi Gora area, which only see great waves during certain months, Jelenga Beach offers excellent rolling waves all year round. In fact, Lonely Planet recognized Jelenga Beach as home to the finest in Indonesia, outshining the famous waves in Labuan Bajo, Kuta, Mentawai, and Nias.
Mark Johanson, the manager of Lonely Planet, shared that Jelenga’s waves are outstanding. They boast the best Left-Hand Break, making them perfect for beginner and professional surfers.
The international surfing community dubbed Jelenga “Scar Reef” due to the waves’ resemblance to high carpet rolls. Surfers are prepared to spend weeks or even months there to catch and ride the one-kilometer-long rolled-up waves that break just at the beach’s edge.
Jelenga is truly a gem, offering much more than just the stunning waves of Scar Reef and its white-sandy beach. This beautiful area is surrounded by charming hills waiting to be explored, providing the perfect spot to catch the breathtaking view of the sunsets. You are treated to a spectacular coastline view from the tallest hill, where sparkling white sands stretch out beautifully into the distance.
You can also explore the beautiful mangrove forests on the southern side of the beach by renting a fishing boat. If you are looking for more adventure during your vacation, diving or snorkeling in the inviting waters of Jelenga could be a fantastic choice! You will be captivated by the breathtaking underwater views bursting with vibrant coral reefs and an excellent variety of colorful marine fish. Jelenga Beach is only 40 km from Poto Tano Harbor, seamlessly connecting Sumbawa Island with Lombok Island—making it an ideal escape!
To reach Jelenga from the heart of Taliwang District, you will enjoy a 30-km drive through charming villages, lush farmland, and scenic green hills. The smooth asphalt road offers a delightful journey, but be careful with the friendly livestock that might occasionally cross your path!
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