Country: Indonesia

Province: North Sumatra

Regency: South Nias

Municipality: Gunungsitoli

Population: 798,506 (2015 Census)

Religion: Protestant 86%, Catholic 7%, Muslim 7%

Cities: Gunungsitoli, Teluk Dalam, Lehwa

Economy: Agriculture, fishing, tourism

Exports: Rubber, Cocoa, cloves, copra

Location

Nias is located in the province of North Sumatra Indonesia. An island in the Indian Ocean that is part of the barrier islands known for its natural beauty and some of the best surf in the world. Remote enough to get you off the beaten path, but modern enough to provide you the creature comforts that make for an enjoyable trip. You can fly to the Nias airport called “Binaka” from the cities of Medan, Padang or Jakarta. Grace Wave Resort is located in south Nias. About a two and a half hour drive from the airport.

Geography

Nias Island is 120 kilometers (75 miles) long and 45 kilometers wide (28 miles). It is roughly the same size as Bali. Much of the coastline consists of sandy beaches and coconut palm trees, with dozens of smaller islands just off its coast making for a spectacular backdrop. The interior of Nias is as green as it gets, being covered in trees cultivated by the locals.

Culture

The culture of Nias is one of a kind. Complete with its own language, architecture, music, dance, dress, food, and customs. This ancient megalithic culture adds to the experience. One of the most notable features is the traditional stone jumping (hombo batu). Boys from the age of 10 literally leap into adulthood as they jump over a six foot stone wall. Take a short 30 minute trip to the king’s village and see an example of this ancient culture still active today.

Weather

The weather in Nias is warm and tropical due to its proximity to the equator. There is a wet and dry season but the weather does not very much year round. You can expect the rain and sunshine to trade off throughout the year. The average temperature is 32 degrees celsius (89.6 fahrenheit) during the day and 22 (71.6) at night. Because of the equatorial sun, you will want to have sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat so you are prepared to enjoy your activities.

Nias gallery

The point

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-SW
Height: 3-15ft.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 3 minute walk

This is the wave that put Nias on the surfing map. A world class right hand point break that offers everything from heavy barrels to playful walls depending on the swell. With the keyhole just above the wave, paddeling out could not be any easier. And being inside the Lagundri Bay, it handles the various wind conditions very well making it surfable all day long on most days. This is a dream wave!

Indicators

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-SW
Height: 5-8ft.
Level: Expert
Wind: N
Tide: High
Distance from Grace Wave: 3 minute walk

At the top of the point is one of the most beautiful and terrifying waves you will ever witness. A perfect wave but it peels just meters from the reef. This spot is rarely surfed and is for experts only. But us normal humans can get a read on the sets coming, hence the name “indicators”.

Sebatu

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-SW
Height: 3-10ft.
Level: Advanced
Wind: N
Tide: High
Distance from Grace Wave: 15 minute walk

Around the point and just up the beach from Sorake is wave that offers two different waves. First, Sebatu can be a good option when The point is too small. It gets the full swell direction being outside the bay. It is rarely flat here. Second, it is an option for serious big wave chargers when the swell is on. A very heavy and hollow wave with a real danger of getting caught inside and pushed onto the reef. Sebatu is a gamble but can pay off with barrels you will never forget.

Lagundri beach break

Type: Rights and lefts
Bottom: Sand
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 2-4ft.
Level: Beginner
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 15 minute walk

Inside the bay of Lagundri the sand collects and offers a great place to swin, boady board, or learn to surf. You can also enjoy a nice stroll along the beach here.

Rock Star (hilisataro)

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-5ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: N
Tide: Medium to high
Distance from Grace Wave: 40 minute drive

A punchy and hollow wave that is the second most popular spot in the area. Super fun with little to no crowd. Once you get barreld here you might get addicted to this spot. It is 75 meters of pure magic when it is on.

Walohiu

Type: Left
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-10ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: NE
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 15 minute drive plus 20 minute walk

Afulu

Type: Left
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-8ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: NE
Tide: Mid-high
Distance from Grace Wave: 3 hour drive

This wave is worth the travel. A left hand point break that peels for 150 meters over coral reef offering some great barrels when the swell and tide are right.

Asu

Type: Left
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-15ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: NE
Tide: Mid-high
Distance from Grace Wave: 2.5 hour drive plus a 20 minute boat ride

This is another world class wave in our area. A 200m left hand point break that offers multiple barrel sections and rippable walls. It can be heavy or playful depending on the swell and tide. Definitely a dream wave!

Bawa

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-15ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 2.5 hour drive plus a 30 minute boat ride

A super heavy deep water wave that packs a punch. Almost never flat, this challenging wave offers everything from tow-in big wave surfing to small slabs. A outer island wave that is adventure on steroids.

Excusions and rentals