NIAS SURF SPOTS

What kind of wave is Afulu?

Known as the undisputed best left-hander on Nias, Afulu is named from a nearby town and surrounded by countless un-named beach breaks. Afulu is known for long hollow barrel sections that break over a shallow section of reef.  The northernmost break on the island, Afulu tends to feel a bit more secluded than other waves on this list. Your best bet is dawn patrol as winds tend to be off-shore in the morning. Hop in the water on the Northern end of the beach to steer clear of the rocks and head straight for the peak.  Considering the razor-sharp coral just 2.5m below the surface, Afulu is not for inexperienced reef surfers. That being said, you’ll find an array of fun beach breaks for inexperienced surfers and the occasional reef break all to your lonesome.

What kind of wave is Asu?

Asu is a fast and predictable left-hander that opens up to a fast and open shoulder with almond barrel sections.  Known to break anywhere from 2-15 feet, Asu is sometimes considered one of the greatest waves in Sumatra, especially with offshore conditions. Asu handles larger swells with grace and poise, expect longer barrel sections where speed is essential. Located on the northern tip of Pulau Asu, a separate island from Nias, you’ll want to access this break by crashing at Sozinhos Surf Lodge, located directly in front of Asu. From Sozinhos, you can access plenty of other surf breaks in the area as well. These vary in left and right hand waves that all work on different winds and swells. 

What kind of wave is Hilisataro?

Hilisataro, or more commonly known as Rock Star, is another world-class wave on Nias.  A tricky take-off transitions to a right reef break that often offers a quick and clean barrel section for 50 meters.  You’re likely to find this reef to yourself, even in peak season. Recommended for expert level surfers, Hilisataro breaks best when the Point is maxed out with strong South or Southwest swell and light North to Northwest winds.  

What kind of wave is The Point at Lagundri Bay?

The Point has long since reigned among the top 10 greatest waves in the world.  Known as Nias, Lagundri or Saroke, The Point is a quick and easy paddle out to the line-up.  Once outside you can expect a predictable take-off and long, clean, barrel rivalling perfection.  The Point is known to break clean regardless of conditions and holds swell anywhere from waist high to double overhead plus. Expect heavy crowds, slight localism, and general tom-foolery in the lineup.  

What are the beaches like on Nias?

Nias is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sumatran archipelago.  Beautiful white sandy beaches fringed with often dry coral submerged in crystal clear turquoise water.  While the true draw of the island is surfing, there’s plenty of jungle to explore and coastline for sunbathing for the non-surfing travel partner.  The culture of Nias is relatively conservative and most people work 6 days a week. On Sunday, their one day of rest, you’re likely to find local families picnicking and enjoying beaches you may have found deserted the day before.  

Where should I stay?

You will find the point lined with a tonne of accommodation options in Lagundri Bay. If you want to get away from the crowds to find pumping waves and empty lineups check out Sozinhos Surf Lodges on Asu Island just a 30-minute boat ride west from Nias mainland. Read more on Sozinhos below.

Value for money – Sozinhos Surf Lodge

Looking for a true hidden gem with world-class waves, consistent swell, no crowds and value for money? Then you’ve landed in the right place. Sozinhos Surf Lodge is where the surfing dream still exists. Far from the crowds, cars and the hustle and bustle, Sozinhos Surf Lodge lies in the jungle on the northern point of Asu, right in front of the perfect left hand reef break. With seven other world class breaks nearby. Other than the exceptional surf at Sozinhos you’ll find quality accommodation, exceptional food and transfers from Nias included. Get in touch with Sozinhos Surf Lodge here to book your surf trip of a lifetime.

What is the food like in Nias?

Pork is a large part of the people’s diet in Nias and you will find it prepared in many different and delicious ways. There are always a few options around to eat out however Homestays typically have a “guesthouse” where guests are fed fresh and local food on a daily basis.  One of the best things about Nias is due to its remoteness you’ll find nearly all fresh and locally harvested ingredients.

What else is there to do in Nias other than surfing?

The Nias Stone Jumping Ceremony is an ancient tradition that is still performed to this day and is an amazing spectacle to witness. This ritual of leaping over an incredibly high stone wall combined with hazardous objects designed to cause injury if a jump isn’t successful is the final step where a Nias boy becomes a man.

What else do I need to know?

Tourism in Nias is still a relatively new industry and occasionally you may run into a few folks who have never encountered a foreigner.  Be sure to smile and keep a positive attitude. The people of Nias are warm and welcoming and often feel proud that travellers are visiting their home.  Considering the remoteness of the island, be sure to brush up your Indonesian. While it’s not the local language, most people are fluent in Indonesian but won’t speak much English beyond “hello mister!” or “good morning!”  The last thing to think about before your journey to Nias is your wardrobe. While this may seem a little intrusive, the island’s conservative culture stands in stark contrast to many of the beach resorts you’ll find in Bali.  Outside of Sorake, be sure to only rock your swimsuit on the beach and toss on a shirt before walking through town.

Where is Nias?

Nias is a small island bordering the western side of the Sumatran archipelago.  With open, unhindered access to swell from the Indian Ocean, it’s no surprise the surf here is epic.  While Nias is the name of the island itself, people typically use the name to include the smaller Batu Islands and Hinako Islands.  

How to get around Nias?

Road conditions on Nias tend to vary with the changing seasons.  

In the wet season, roads on the interior of the island are likely to be flooded or occasionally covered by landslides.  There are taxis on the island you can take, typically unmarked minivans and are a little on the luxurious side. It’s not common to rent a motorbike or scooter, most accommodations you choose from will have a prefered form of transportation.

If you’re looking to access any of the smaller outlying islands, consider taking a boat or private plane.  If you’re headed to Saroke, the main surfing area of the island, keep your eye out for cabs “going home” which tend to be a bit cheaper.  If you’re planning on staying in the east, or in any of the larger cities, don’t worry too much about transportation as there are plenty of rickshaws and shorter transportation options.

How to get to Nias?

Historically, Nias has been a pretty difficult place to get to. Today, due to a new airport, the great majority of tourists arrive by plane.

Step 1: To fly into Nias, you’ll need to travel to Medan, Indonesia’s 4th largest city, and only airport currently offering flights to Nias.  

Step 2: You’ll fly from Kualanamu International Airport in Medan into Binaka Airport in Gunung Sitoli on the east coast of Nias.  Flights on and off the island are relatively cheap ($90-120 USD).

Step 3: Then it’s about a 3-hour car journey around or across the island to Nias’s more famous surf breaks in the southwestern corner.