The Magical BonoSurf of Kampar River
Kampar River in Riau province has become the latest destination for world surfers. They come to ride the magical, four meter-high tidal bore, moving at a speed of 50 kilometers an hour, known by the locals as the bono. French surfer Antony Colas, author of a guidebook for surfing enthusiasts, lists the Kampar river surf as the third best in the world, after those in China and Brazil. The bono phenomenon has resulted in a complete turn-around of activities in the area once known for its illegal logging. Both the central and local governments are supporting efforts to develop the area as a tourism spot. By the end of December, the first home-stay accommodation was established. Tempo English reports from the Kampar River in Riau.
January 14, 2014
A pompong, a type of wooden boat with a diesel engine, pulls up in the yellow-brown waters of the northern shore of the Kampar River. With more than a dozen local surfers on board, the pompong had earlier set out from the dock in the Meranti Bay subdistrict, Pelalawan regency. The sun shines intensely, beating down on the crowns of the surfer's heads. They jump to land, seeking shade under the foliage along the riverbank.
The boat's engine is swi
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