Surfers Paradise

Three Weeks of Waves & Wonder: A Surfer’s Indonesian Escape

James had been eyeing the winter calendar for months. Between the rush of work emails and the endless demands of family life, his board sat gathering dust in the garage back home. “Maybe one day…” he'd joked to his wife. But one evening, over tea, she looked him in the eye and said simply: “Book the ticket. Go.”

And so it began — three weeks unplugged, sand beneath his feet, and the promise of some of the world’s best waves calling from the Indian Ocean.

Week 1: Bali — Rolling Into Rhythm

Touching down in Bali, James felt the hum of excitement immediately — a blend of salty air, scooters zipping past, and laughter from beachside warungs (local eateries) lining the street. Bali isn’t just a surf destination — it’s a lifestyle codified by sunrise paddles, rice fields, ancient temples, and late afternoons chasing barrels at Uluwatu and Canggu.

His mornings began early — tip-in board shorts, coffee in hand, paddling out before the sun kissed the reef. The waves here were classic Indonesian: long, rolling walls that invited playful turns and endless rides. Locals nodded and smiled — there’s a welcoming etiquette in the lineup if you respect it.

At midday, when the swell softened and the breeze warmed, James explored Bali’s culinary delights. He discovered nasi goreng — aromatic fried rice spiced with sambal and topped with a perfectly runny egg — at a bustling beach shack after a session at Padang Padang.

Later, he savored sate lilit, Balinese satay made from minced meat or fish wrapped around lemongrass and grilled over charcoal, the rich coconut and spice mingling on his tongue.  And for a truly memorable meal, he dove into bebek betutu, slow-cooked duck infused with turmeric and local herbs — rich, earthy, and utterly unforgettable.

Each evening, he watched fiery sunsets drape the horizon, chatting with surfers and travelers alike, trading stories over iced coconut water served fresh from the beach.

Week 2: Lombok — Pristine Breaks & Quiet Shores

After a week in buzzing Bali, James found himself on the nearby island of Lombok — less crowded but just as beautiful. The waves here were a bit more secluded, with pristine reef breaks that rewarded patience. Small beach towns offered quiet spots where the surf lineup felt like a secret club.

When not chasing waves, he rented a scooter and wound through rice paddies and coconut groves. One afternoon, he stumbled on a humble roadside stand serving ayam taliwang, Lombok’s punchy grilled chicken smothered in fiery sambal. It was spicy, smoky, and utterly addictive — a perfect post-surf feast.

He also tried plecing kangkung, a vibrant water spinach dish topped with tangy chili sauce, and sate bulayak, tender meat skewers served with soft rice cakes wrapped in sugar palm leaves.

At night, he wandered local markets lit by lanterns and sampled serabi, sweet coconut rice pancakes drizzled in syrup — the ideal treat after a day of splash and salt.

Week 3: Island Hopping & Endless Horizons

For his final week, James booked a simple bungalows tour to lesser-visited breaks: the classic lefts of Nias’s Lagundri Bay and remote reefs that broke in perfect harmony with the sea breeze.

Here, the water was warm and clear. Fish darted beneath the surface while gentle palms framed every horizon. Some days the waves were perfect; others, he simply lounged on quiet beaches, snorkeled vibrant coral gardens, or found shady hammocks with a travel journal in hand.

Cuisine became part of the adventure too — fresh ikan bakar (grilled fish sprinkled with coastal spices) served right by the shoreline, and warm nasi campur, a generous rice plate piled with spiced meats, veggies, and sambal to fuel another session.

Memories Etched in Wave & Wind

By the time his ticket home called, James was a different man. He had wiped out, laughed, made friends, tasted foods his palate had never met before, and felt oceans of gratitude for quiet dawns and shoulder-high swells.

Three weeks in Indonesia didn’t just fill his surf log — it filled his soul. And back home, gazing at his well-worn board, he knew one thing for certain: He would be back.

Take care!

Prof. Carl Boniface

Vocabulary Section

Match each word with its meaning or use it to improve understanding of the story.

Key Vocabulary

1. Unplugged– Taking a break from technology, work, or daily stress.

2. Warung– A small local Indonesian café or food stall.

3. Lineup– The area in the water where surfers wait for waves.

4. Etiquette– Accepted rules of polite behavior in a specific situation.

5. Aromatic– Having a strong, pleasant smell, especially related to food.

6. Secluded– Quiet, private, and away from crowds.

7. Punchy (flavor)– Strong, bold, and intense in taste.

8. Pristine– In perfect condition; clean and untouched.

9. Horizon– The line where the sky seems to meet the sea.

10. Gratitude– A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.

    
    

Vocabulary Practice (Optional)

Fill in the blanks:

1. James enjoyed the ________ beaches of Lombok because they were calm and uncrowded.

2. After surfing, he ate an ________ dish full of spices and herbs.

3. Surf ________ helped him connect respectfully with local surfers.

4. The three-week trip left him feeling deep ________ for the experience.

   
   

Reading Comprehension Section

Questions

1. Why did James decide to take a three-week break?

2. How did Bali and Lombok differ in atmosphere and experience?

3. Give two examples of Indonesian food James tried and describe their flavors.

4. Besides surfing, what other activities did James enjoy during his trip?

5. What changes did James experience by the end of the journey?

   
   

Critical Thinking / Discussion

1. Why do you think travel can change a person’s perspective on life?

2. How did the slower pace of life contribute to James’s experience?

3. Would you prefer a busy destination like Bali or a quieter one like Lombok? Why?

4. What role did food play in James’s cultural experience?

   
   

Writing Extension (Optional)

✍️ Imagine you are James returning home. Write a short paragraph describing one moment from the trip that you will never forget.