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OMBAK INDAH LOSMEN
South Sumatra
Back-packer style accommodation
designed
for surfers and travelers
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About Ombak Indah Losmen |
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Ombak Indah (Beautiful Wave) Losmen is located in a very remote part of mainland south Sumatra in the Krui area. The area is relatively new on the surfing map and has only recently seen westerns chasing the great waves in the area.
English is hardly spoken nor understood and you'll often be an attraction for the locals, who, while sometimes are shy, are friendly, helpful and very curious about strangers. This place is similar to how parts of Bali were a few decades ago, with lots of small tracks weaving throught a vast coconut plantation and quality, uncroweded surf.
The style of accommodation is simple and comfortable, suited to the regional climate. The losmen is locally designed with high ceilings, large windows and wide verandas to capture breeze, keeping you cool in the tropical heat. It is situated on just under a hectare of water-front land directly in front of 'Ujung Bocur', the longest and most consistent wave in the area. In fact, the wave starts from beyond the southern boundary and continues all the way past the northern most boundary of the property. You can watch the waves peel down the point while sitting at the dining table.
The losmen is managed by Australian-Kiwi Nev Hines and his Indonesian wife, Ani. The staff are local Indonesians, who have a reasonable command of English and are committed to and well trained in looking after their guests. The place has a tranquil, laid back atmosphere, which is reflected in the how the place is surfed - with a spirit of equality, consideration and sharing.
There is no TV or DVD player! Just friendly staff, and guests from all parts of the world. So if you are not interested in learning how others live, sharing stories or just relaxing with nature, this place is not for you. Of course there is a sound system, which connects to iPods etc.
The losmen is owned by a syndicate of 5 Australian east coast surfers, known as the 'Big Rock 5'. It is registered with all the required local Indonesian authorities and is becoming welcome feature for regional tourist authorities.
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Accomodation, Facilities & Activities |
Rooms |
Ombak Indah accommodates a maximum of 22 guests. All rooms are twin share with fans, all linen and pillows and mosquito nets are provided.
Two levels of rooms are available:
5 x Ensuite (premium) rooms: Complete with ensuite bathrooms and beds have spring based mattresses. Two of these rooms have just been built and are larger with tiled floors and accommodate up to 3 people. The other 3 rooms accommodate a maximum of 2 people. These rooms are reserved for Premium packages.
6 x Standard rooms: beds have foam mattresses and external shared bathroom located a short walk from your room.
There is no hot water, just crystal clear, refreshing well water.
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Dining Room & Meals |
Meals are served in a large common dining area overlooking the yard and reef. Three meals per day are included, along with hot drinks during meal times. Breakfast alternates between jaffles, omelettes, fried rice or noodles, toast & spreads, pancakes all served with fresh fruit. Lunch and dinner are local style beef, chicken or fish dishes, served with vegetables and rice. Spices are toned down for the western palette, with sambal and kecup on the side. Servings are generous and delicious, with an extensive variety of menus.
Breakfast is served from 7-10am, lunch at 12 midday and dinner around 6pm. |
Power |
There is 240 Volt AC mains electricity, with a backup generator for when the power goes down. You will require an adaptor (2 pin, standard for Asia, pins are round, not rectangular) to connect to the power points to charge your batteries etc. |
Shop |
The losmen runs a small shop where guests can purchase
basic necessities at reasonable prices, including: cold
bottled water, beer, soft drinks, various snack food
(chips, biscuits, chocolate etc) soap, toothpaste, mosquito
coils and repellent, batteries and so on.
Surfboard accessories are also available. There is also a local board repair service that can handle anything from minor dings to snapped boards. |
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Transport
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Transport (cars and bemos) can be hired through the losmen at fixed prices. Just speak to the manager. For the more adventurous, local public transport (bemos) runs regularly along the nearby main road.
There is a local motor bike hire service. The bikes have board racks. If you plan to ride bikes, which is a great way to see the area, make sure that your travel insurance covers you for motor bike riding.
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Activities |
The area is perfect for long walks along the beach, through the coconut plantations, damar gardens, rice fields and local villages. The area has been cultivated for centuries and traditional methods are still maintained. Guided nature walks can be arranged at the losmen.
There are good breaks in the reef for snorkeling, swimming and fishing. Further a field is the main town, with local markets, shops and restaurants. Day trips to other places of interest can be arranged from the losmen, including:
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Pulau Pisang (Banana Island), home of the famous ‘tapis' gold leaf & cloth weaving, and beautiful view back to the mainland
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Treks through virgin rain forest. Tigers and elephants, along with many other species roam wild in Sumatran jungles. Guided treks can be arranged at the national Park, about 2 hours drive away.
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Fishing – charter an outrigger canoe (with small outboard engine) with expert guide and chase sailfish, common in the area, along with the usual varieties of game fish. Spear fishing and snorkeling is also very good out the front on small days, or if the swell is running, in the calmer waters at the end of the bay.
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Hot springs of Danau Ranau – situated 2 hours drive from the losmen is the volcanic lake know as Danau Ranau. Apart from the spectacular beauty for the area, its hot springs are the main reason people come to the area. This trip take the best part of a day and is a great option on small days, or if you are surfed out and your muscles need some attention.
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Medical Facilities |
There is a hospital and a couple of fully trained doctors operating their own practices in Krui. All minor ailments, wounds requiring stitching etc can be treated. Anything more serious may require treatment at larger centres in Bandar Lampung, Jakarta or back to your home country which is why travel insurance is MANDATORY. |
Communication |
The area has mobile reception (for all networks) although the signal strength can vary from time to time. International calls can be made from the main town of Krui, about 1/2 hour away by car or bemo.
There is an internet service in Krui, although it is not that reliable. Guests with laptops and modems that connect to their mobile phones should be able to get internet connection, but the connection speeds can be painfully slow. |
Other Info |
Read What To Bring (260KB PDF file), which has general, essential information about traveling and surfing in Indonesia. |
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