How do you get in and out of the surf?

It’s a cautious by quick clamber out over the rocks and into the water further inside the harbour from the end section or a quick paddle out from the boat anchorage.

What is the beach like?

At Sirombu Beach you’ll find wooden huts built right on the foreshore and the opportunity to purchase freshly grilled fish from Pondok Ikan Bakar Hutagalungquite. Approximately 100,000 IDR will get you a grilled fish of your choice weighing one kilogram. Sirombu Beach is a popular spot with the locals during the weekends and the beach break provides consistent conditions for beginner surfers. At the northern end of the bay, you find the jetty and small village, while if you venture down the beach and around the bay towards the south it becomes more secluded. At this end of the bay, you may also find a left-hand wave breaking across a sand build-up from the broken headland.

Are there other waves nearby?

The beach break in Sirombu Harbour is fun for beginners and at the southern end, you’ll find a fun left-hand sandbank that has built up from the broken headland which can get good for experienced surfers as well. The two to three hour drive south along the coast to Lagundri Bay is a beautiful one providing a lot of opportunities to discover empty lineups if you take the time to look.

Where is Sirombu?

Sirombu is located in the middle of the west coast of Nias. It is the main gateway to the Hinako Islands via a quick 30-minute speedboat ride from Sirombu Harbour.

How to get to Sirombu?

How do you get in and out of the surf?

Best accessed by boat with someone on hand in case of an emergency.

What is the beach like?

Salonako isn’t your typical Indonesian beach of beauty. This remote area is home to a few small desolate bays and peninsulas. The main bay has a river mouth running into the bay and the water is generally murky from the mixture of freshwater, muddy foreshores and churned up sand salt ocean water.

Are there other waves in the area?

There are several unnamed beach breaks between Salonako and Afulu that you can check out on your drive to and from Afulu if you happen to go that route. Also, check the northern end of Pantai Pasir Putih for a fun right-hand reef break.

Can I organise a boat from Salonako?

Near the point there is reportedly a small cafe owned by the village chief Mr Soliderman Zalukhu. Although he doesn’t speak any English he is known to be very helpful to surfers and can assist in arranging a boat out to the break.

If you are staying Afulu Retreat, Makmur will be more than happy to help you out in organising a boat from Afulu as well.

Where is Salonako?

Salonako is 15 kilometres south of Afulu on the western coastline of northern Nias.

How to get to Salonako?

If you are staying in Afulu drive south along the coastal road. Although the drive is only 15 kilometres expect it to be slow going. In the middle of the small village of Faekhuna’a, turn right and drive towards the ocean. After approximately a kilometre along the thin dirt road, you will reach the point of Salonako. The wave can be seen out to sea to the left of the peninsula. To your left is a lagoon with a boat landing and to the right is Mr Soliderman’s café.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

Rockstar breaks relatively close to shore and is a quick and easy paddle out through the break. While you won’t have your feet on the ground for long, expect to trek through a bit of coral on the way out. For this reason, it’s a safe bet to rock a pair of booties but not entirely necessary. Located on the coastline of Hilisataro Village, Rockstar has easy access from the main road.

What is the beach like?

There is literally no sand. You walk from the side of the road onto rocky reef.

Did the 2004 and 2005 earthquakes affect the surf at Rockstar?

The reef has raised slightly meaning Rockstars is only surfable from mid-tide above, however, it breaks much the same as before. Some say the wave quality has improved here, while some say it’s slightly worse.

Are there other waves nearby?

Between Rockstar and Teluk Dalam, there are a number of lefts and rights that peak during good swells. Some can be seen from the road, while others require a trek through the jungle. If you are in the mood to get away from Sorake for a day organise one of the local surfers from Sorake to show you the way by car or boat from Sorake. Dipi is just five to eight minutes back towards Lagundri Bay.

Where is Rockstar?

Rockstar is approximately 45 minutes east of Langundri Bay by car along the southern coastline of Nias.

How to get to Rockstar?

Follow the directions in the map below or better yet organise a guided car or boat trip from Sorake with one of the local operators to score Rockstar and other spots in the area outside of Lagundri Bay. The guys at KabuNohi Sorake Resort or Nias Keyhole Surf Camp can sort you out by car or boat.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

DP is relatively easy to access off the main road. Located near the southern tip of the Nias Island, near the village of Hilliduha just south the other well-known wave in the area, Rockstar. From the beach spot the clear channel to your right, take your time walking out over the reef and paddle out back around the peak.

What is the beach like?

This stretch of coastline is mostly rock to reef with very little sand.

How far away is Rockstar?

Rockstar is just five to eight minutes further up the road.

Are there other waves nearby?

Between Rockstar and Teluk Dalam, there are a number of lefts and rights that peak during good swells. Some can be seen from the road, while others require a trek through the jungle. If you are in the mood to get away from Sorake for a day organise one of the local surfers from Sorake to show you the way by car or boat from Sorake.

Where is Dipi?

Dipi is approximately 40 minutes east of Langundri Bay by car along the southern coastline of Nias.

How to get to Dipi?

Follow the directions in the map below or better yet organise a guided car or boat trip from Sorake with one of the local operators to score Dipi and other spots in the area outside of Lagundri Bay. The guys at KabuNohi Sorake Resort or Nias Keyhole Surf Camp can sort you out by car or boat.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Afulu?

The surf is a just a few minutes walk down the beach from Afulu Retreat, 15 minute walk north from Afulu village, a short boat ride from the Hinakos, or a long overland drive from Lagundri Bay. Either way from the southern end of Walo Beach you can make an easy paddle out from the beach around the rocks and reef towards the peak up the point. The beach is very protected here making entry nice and easy. There is a small track through the bush leading to the wave from the Afulu township onto the point, however, only use this track to check the surf as entering the water from the reef here is dangerous and will likely result in you losing some skin!

How do you get in and out of the surf at Red Sand Beach?

Red Sand Beach is easily reached from Afulu. Drive north towards Lahewa for approximately 6 km and you’ll notice Red Sand Beach is right next to the road and the wave can be seen at the northern end of the beach on the point. Continue driving past the beach and as you start to go up hill look for a small road turning left. The turnoff is near the ‘LHW 14 Km’ road marker. Take caution after turning off as this road is steep. Find somewhere safe to park and walk the rest of the way (approximately 300 metres) following the track to the beach. Access into the lineup is easy from the beach, simply paddle out through the wide opening in the reef at the end of the beach. You can’t miss it.

What is the beach like?

If you are searching from some serious downtime away from the hustle and bustle then this is the spot for you. There are enough beautiful empty beaches for you to choose one for every day of the week.

Afulu Retreat

Afulu Retreat is located on the beachfront at the southern end of Walo Beach, nestled in amongst the coconut trees, with views of Afulu breaking down the point. The accommodation is basic but provides all you need to score epic surf in the area consisting of four cosy beach bungalows each with ceiling fans and thoughtfully designed private outdoor showers. There are two shared western style toilets at the back of the accommodation area. The accommodation is run by Makmur who speaks good English, knows the local surf spots and can help arrange anything you need from locally such as motorbike rentals, transport and boats to Wunga Island.

Surf Charter Boats

Charter boats that visit Nias are usually based in Sibolga or Padang in Sumatra. There are many to choose from but JIWA is one that regularly visits the northwest coastline of Nias during the surfing season.

Did the 2005 Nias/Simeulue earthquake affect the reef at Afulu?

The reef was significantly affected by the earthquake, rising up by approximately two to three metres. Unfortunately the wave isn’t as consistent as it used to be. However, it still gets very good, but only really lights up when all the other waves are too big and maxed out.

Where is Afulu?

Afulu is located on the northwestern coastline of Nias. Nias sits to the south of Simeulue Island and to the north of the Telos Islands off the western coastline of North Sumatra.

How to get to Afulu?

If you are coming from Bali your trip will look like this.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Indicators?

Between The Point and Indicators is a keyhole in the reef. From The Keyhole, Indicators is approximately a 250 metre paddle. Head far to the right and you’ll see Indicators peeling over the reef. Stick to the channel until you make it to the peak and keep your eye out for dry reef on the inside. If it’s your first time surfing Indicators, stick to the line-up for the first few waves and keep an eye on where and when other surfers are kicking out. It’s good to be conservative on your first session anywhere, but particularly so at Indicators. Don’t get caught on the inside.

How do you get in and out of the surf at The Point?

The Point put Nias on the map as one of the greatest waves in the world and potentially one of the easiest paddle outs too. Surfers paddle out through a small break in the reef called the keyhole located directly in front of Sorake Beach on the topside of The Point. A quick 1-2 minute paddle puts you at the peak with dry hair. While The Point is predictable, easily accessed, and by far one of the best waves globally, know your limitations and be prepared for thick, heavy, reeling barrels. If you’re caught in the impact zone instead of paddling through the oncoming sets you can head for the deep water of the channel and back out to the point. It is also reassuring to know that The Point breaks in deeper water and it is rare to touch the bottom even if you kook it over the falls. When you come in, catch a wave prone across the top of the reef to the step stone walk in front of KabuNohi.

Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Reef cuts and infections are a big deal…They require immediate attention to avoid countless health problems.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Kiddies Corner?

You can enter and exit the lineup over the reef. Just take your time, watch it for a while and wait to paddle out in between sets steering well clear of other surfers.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Lagundri Beach?

Depending on the conditions and the sand, take some time to see what the waves are doing and then pick the best route to paddle out.

What is the beach like?

There is just a thin strip of beach lining Lagundri Bay with the most sand located in the deepest part of the bay at Lagundri Beach. These days the bay is busy with surfers and locals that make their living off surf tourism, however, if you want to escape the crowds you can venture off to neighbouring beaches which are much more secluded. However, the beaches in the south or Nias aren’t that pretty compared to most Indonesian beaches.

Nias Keyhole Surf Camp

Nias Keyhole Surf Camp is aptly named for the very reason that you have access to the keyhole right on your doorstep. Literally, the closest accommodation to get you out into the lineup through the keyhole at the point, Nias Keyhole Surf Camp is a budget-friendly guesthouse for an ultimate Nias adventure. Family owned and operated, they have six air-conditioned rooms each with a private bathroom and one large air-conditioned room with 2 bathrooms perfect for families or groups.

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Jamburae Lodge

Located beachfront down the end of the point with views over the surf in Lagundri Bay. Jamburae Lodge is a story building with private rooms in what you could say is an extra-large home. The perfect place to stay for surfers who are looking for a nice accommodation with prime views of The Point from a spacious second-story terrace. From the terrace, you can check the wave conditions or just relax and watch the surf for hours while sipping on a smoothie or beer. All in all Jamburae Lodge provides good food, helpful staff, and the local owner-operator Site is a great host too!

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KabuNohi Sorake

KabuNohi Sorake is the first upscale resort in Lagundri Bay and as far as accommodation goes it is as good as you can get. The resort stretches over 100m from the front gate on Sorake Road through to the ocean front with views over The Point and Kiddies Corner. Within the open space resort you will find a restaurant, beautiful bar, shared lounge and immaculate gardens. Choose from standard bungalows, deluxe bungalows or the KabuNohi Surf House during your stay. The main building has been built in an impressive traditional South Nias style where the open plan ground floor and local carved furniture is sure to impress and provide a super relaxed atmosphere. 

How did the 2005 Nias–Simeulue earthquake affect the waves at Lagundri Bay?

While the earthquake actually improved The Point and increased the time spent in the barrel, on the opposite side of the bay, a left-hander called The Machine now rarely breaks, requiring a very high tide and large swells.

Who was the first to surf at Lagundri Bay?

The Point was discovered in 1975 by travelling Australian surfers Kevin Lovett and John Giesel. Accompanying them were Peter Troy and Wendy Adcock of Australia, New Zealander Michael Day and Australian Patrick Waite. Lovett and Giesel, aged 20 and 22 at the time, were travelling through south-east Asia, living rough and pursuing the surfer’s dream of perfect uncrowded surf. They were drawn to Nias by a map they saw in a chieftain’s house in North Sumatra. On their final sea leg to the island they found legendary surf traveller Peter Troy and his partner Wendy Adcock. Michael Day, 25, a former surfer, and Patrick Waite were travelling in Indonesia and just happened to arrive at the time of the discovery.

On the island and after traveling 15 km through the jungle they finally reached the bay and were greeted by, as Lovett put it, “Relentless sets of smokin’ 6-to-8 foot almond-eyed waves”. Those who surfed it for the first time were Kevin Lovett, John Giesel and Peter Troy. Michael Day, who swam in the break, could speak Indonesian and, at the request of Lovett and Giesel, asked a local to build a shack for them, and he agreed. That was the beginning of the surf village now there. Lovett and Giesel lived there for 3 months surfing it alone.

Where is Lagundri Bay?

Lagundri Bay is located on the southern coastline of the island of Nias. Nias sits to the south of Simeulue Island and to the north of the Telos Islands off the western coastline of North Sumatra.

How to get to Lagundri Bay?

If you’re determined to score one of the most perfect waves on the planet, then the gateway to Nias Island is Medan in Sumatra. Here, flights run daily to and from Nias…seriously don’t bother with the slow ferry option. If you are coming from Bali your trip will look like this.