Which Tropical Escape Is Right for You?
We are running trips to both tropical wave-drenched archipelago countries around the same time of year and whilst both offer beautiful beaches, perfect waves breaking into turquoise ocean, palm trees, coconuts and epic scenery, the experiences you’ll have in each couldn’t be more different.
So which one is right for you?
Barreling Lefts? Indo or Maldives?
Indo
An archipelago is a nation made up of a group of islands and Indonesia is the largest in the world, with over 17,000 of them. It is also one of the planet’s most diverse destinations, culturally, geographically and in terms of adventure.
Indonesia has one of the lowest alcohol consumption rates in the world, with the average person drinking just 0.6 litres per year, not even a bottle of wine. Yet spend a Friday night at Old Man’s in Canggu and you’d find that hard to believe. You’ll encounter rice paddies that feel as ancient as the volcanoes themselves, alongside places where luxury hotels have been recklessly carved directly into these beautiful landscapes. There are countless untouched reefs with perfect waves surfed only by tropical fish and at the same time, lineups like Uluwatu in high season will have 80-plus surfers battling for waves.
Maldives
The Maldives is a picture-perfect island nation made up of more than 1,000 coral-fringed islets (very small islands), famous for luxury beach escapes, villas on stilts, crystal-clear lagoons and consistent perfect waves. It’s an indulgent playground for surfers.
But the Maldives isn’t just about high-end resorts. Many Maldivians live on local islands, supporting a smaller-scale, community-driven tourism scene. While it’s not a budget backpacker destination like Thailand, staying on local islands offers a more authentic experience at a fraction of resort prices, from guesthouses to local cafés, you can enjoy the stunning beaches and surf without spending thousands per night.
Empty line-ups? Indo or Maldives?
Travel
Indo
All of our trips start and end in Bali, which is well-connected internationally and from there we explore Lombok and Nusa Lembongan using internal flights, boats and land transfers.Travel in Indo feels like a proper trip, with lots to see within one destination.
Maldives
For our Maldives trips everyone flies into Malé and then get a not so speedy boat transfer to Thulusdoo island, where strangely enough a golf cart picks us up and takes us to the Surf House. Travel around the island is old school and foot powered, traveling to the waves involves a speedboat. It’s all very easy and convenient.
Surf
Indo
Indonesia is home to some of the best waves in the world, which means that on our trips, one of the main challenges for our Trip Leaders is finding the right waves for every surfer in the group. Fortunately, we’ve been running tours here for over a decade and our experienced team and local guides know the surf inside out. They not only help us navigate the best spots safely but also give insider tips on tides, breaks and conditions, ensuring every session is maximized for fun, progression and safety.
Maldives
From May to October, the Maldives lights up with clean Indian Ocean swell breaking over perfectly shaped reefs creating long, rippable rights and playful lefts, with options for all levels of confidence from cruisy walls to hollow barrels. Basically the stuff you have seen online is the reality. The waves themselves rarely get massive and most of the reefs are deeper than those found in Indonesia, making the Maldives an intermediate surfers paradise.
Adventure
Indonesia
Indonesia is a playground for adventurous travellers. Diving and snorkelling trips reveal extraordinary underwater biodiversity from vibrant coral gardens to playful reef fish. On land, volcano treks, jungle hikes and waterfalls around every corner make it feel like stepping into a real-life Jurassic Park. There’s always something new to explore, whether we’re chasing surf, hidden beaches, or cruising through remote villages on route to the aforementioned.
Maldives
The Maldives offers adventure, but in a more relaxed, accessible way. Clear waters, colourful reefs, manta rays and whale sharks await on snorkelling and diving excursions. The pace of life encourages low-stress, restorative experiences – swimming in tranquil lagoons, sunset fishing trips etc. It’s adventure with a more chilled, effortless vibe.
Vibes
Indo
Indonesia is an immersive experience, visually and mentally stimulating. Some spots are party-friendly (encouraging), while others are slow-paced and spiritual. Local life is everywhere, with vibrant local food, bustling markets and temples and offerings to Hindu deities everywhere you look. It’s like jumping head first into a living, breathing world rather than just visiting a resort.
Maldives
The Maldives is serene, semi-exclusive and designed for relaxation. A short stroll through quiet streets will leave you watching the waves, with the ocean as the only sound – a large part of its magic. The main religion here is Islam, and like in all coastal Muslim areas, there’s a mindful, unhurried rhythm to life. Combined with the calls to prayer and the peaceful atmosphere, it creates a calming, present-focused vibe. Add to that an abundance of fluffy Persian cats (yes, seriously Google it) and no dogs, you have a truly chilled, unique environment.
People
Indo
It’s worth mentioning here that the demographic in both locations differs. In Indonesia you will be sharing line-ups, guest houses and food and drink places with 18 year old travellers, 65 year old washed up Ex-Pats and everything in between.
Maldives
Not much of a young scene here, the lineups tend to be shared with middle-aged business men who are on their annual boat trip. The vibe on the island doesn’t feel overly social and you’re not likely to make any new mates apart from those on the trip with you.
Value
Indo
Often more budget-friendly overall with more affordable local eats and the fancy places don’t break the bank when compared to most travellers’ home countries. Transport and activities are cost effective due to the competition and whilst you can spend a fortune if you’re on the cocktails every night, it can work out as great value for those who settle into the daily life.
Maldives
Generally leans towards being more expensive but not what you would think. We include breakfast and dinners in our packages, so lunch and snacks are the only things you will spend your cash on and there are a few great local restaurants on Thulusdoo Island. Alcohol isn’t really available, so that doesn’t really eat into the budget. However, there are ‘booze boats’ that enter the area occasionally and you can get a $10 speedboat to these boats and spend $5 for a beer if you like.
Which one is right for you?
Choose Indonesia if you want:
- A mix of culture, food, surf and adventure
- A trip that feels like a world of experiences rather than a retreat
- More variety for your budget
Choose Maldives if you want:
- Calm, island vibes and total beach immersion
- World-class snorkelling/diving right from your doorstep
- Slightly more mellow surf with fewer crowds
Final Thoughts
Both Indonesia and the Maldives are incredible in their own right and either way, you’re headed somewhere unforgettable.
Give us a shout if you want to chat through the options more +44 20 8788 8668
More info on Maldives trips can be found here.
More info on Indonesia trips can be found here.