Banyak Islands

The “many” islands, lie to the north of the island of Nias and south east of Simeulue, off the coast of North West Sumatra. They are made up of 99 sparsely inhabited islands many of which are home to world class waves including the waves of the “Bay of Plenty” as well as numerous other set-ups littered throughout the Banyak islands including “Treasure Island”.

Slightly closer to Sumatra’s coast than much of the other island chains – this less frequented surf region is still open to a large amount of groundswell that travels up from the Indian Ocean. And much like its neighbouring archipelagos, waves arrive at its shores incredibly groomed with extreme frequency. Located in the “doldrums” - just above the equator, winds are usually light or glassy which shape the swells with perfect regularity over its numerous coral reef passes.


Treasure Island

The surf season is divided by a high season (April until October/November) and a low season (November until March). From April onwards, consistent swells frequent the islands shores producing world class waves in the head high to double over head range. This is the busier part of the year regards crowds –with an average crowd of around 15 guys to be expected at most surf spots. It is also the dry season where you’d experience very little rain and so surfing during the mid day sun can be extremely punishing. Winds are light and variable most the year but from time to time a Southerly wind pattern will set in, limiting some of the surfing options.

During the low season the winds remain light and favourable with the exception of a passing storm. Rain is more common. The swell will also decrease in size and so the majority of the breaks won't offer any real consistency.

The Banyak's are without a doubt best accessed by a Surf Charter boat.

Banyak Surf Camps access only "limited waves"

The only regional surf camps are found in the Bay of Plenty but surfers are extremely limited to the waves on offer there. They face the prospect of being skunked when a southerly swell is running which bypasses the entire bay. For example, Treasure Island can be over head while the Bay of Plenty can be almost flat. In fact the camps don't include "daily" boat rides to Treasure Island, it's too far away. Only 1 or 2 per trip. And of course, when the Bay of Plenty is working, your charter boat will be on the spot, parked up before sunrise!

Banyak Surf Camps are faced with "unfavorable winds"

Winds can also be unfavorable for the Bay of Plenty. There are no trades winds and wind patterns change each day. Again, staying on the land, you're extremely limited and increasing the chances of getting skunked. Imagine being at a camp, watching the wind switch at lunch time, knowing that the best right hander in Sumatra is firing (TI) but you're stuck with the only option of surfing onshore waves. 

Banyak Surf Camps dont access the "exposed reef breaks"

The Banyak islands already receive less swell than other regions like the Telos & Mentawais, so occasionally, even in the high season, the Banyak charter boats will often spend a few days at the more exposed reef breaks like Pulau Babi, that the surf camps never visit. Again, these waves can be head high and super fun whereas the Bay of Plenty can be flat.

Banyak Surf Camps access just "a fraction of the waves"

Even if you're willing to risk getting skunked and are lucky enough to score the Bay of Plenty for most of your trip, why would you limit yourself to just a handful of the regions waves when you can explore the entire archipelago on board a surf charter? 

Your international flight should arrive into Jakarta, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

From Jakarta or KL, you will need to take a further flight to Medan Airport (KNO) - Kuala Namu International Airport

From Medan, when travelling to the Banyaks, you will then need a further flight to Nias (Gunungsitoli) or to the west coast (Sibolga), depending on the charter boat.

For more detailed information including airline information, airport transfers and hotels please check the charter boats tab above.

As a rule, Sumatra is best explored as an intermediate or advanced surfer although there are some camps that cater for beginners in the Mentawais as well as South Sumatra.

Beginner surfer – can only surf the white water & often misses waves. Leaner’s will wipe out regularly on take-off and whilst riding a wave.

Beginner-intermediate surfer – can catch waves regularly, trimming left & right but without performing many manoeuvres.

Intermediate surfer – Will rarely miss catching a wave & will complete most waves from start to finish. Surfers will perform basic manoeuvres such as a cut-back, re-entry and floater.

Intermediate-advanced surfer - will perform most manoeuvres including getting tubed and sometimes aerial manoeuvres. These surfers are competent on point breaks and reef breaks.

Advanced surfer – are fast, stylish and will make surfing look easy. If they’re not performing aerials, then they will be getting tubed all day long or displaying an array of carves, hacks and flowing turns.

Guests should be aware of the following hazards & natural disasters:

Malaria is something that exists but isn’t a problem if guests cover up at dawn & dusk and use plenty of anti-mosquito sprays when not in the surf. Anti-malarial medication can also be taken.

Earthquakes do occur throughout Sumatra on a regular basis. But most of them are non destructive. Most casualties are due to the poor state of its buildings, which 99% of the time, shouldn’t affect any of our guests.

Tsunami’s like the huge one in 2004 are rare. On average, once every five years or so, a large tsunami occurs in “Indonesia”. Generally, damage to the infrastructure exceeds the loss of lives. Most camps in the area have an evacuation plan as well as the charter boats. In fact being on a boat is probably the safest place to be.

Coral Reef – Although it helps shape the mechanical waves of the region, it is also something to be respectful of due it’s sharpness. It’s why we recommend only experienced riders venturing to some of the more dangerous surf spots.

All surfers visiting the Banyak Islands need to respect the rules.

Surfers should wait a little while before paddling out if there is a group already in the surf. Ideally 1 or 2 surfers at a time to paddle out.

Please take turns & don't snake. Everyone has the same right & being sat in the deepest spot doesn’t always mean you are next in line.

Whats also very important is that if you paddle for a wave and miss it, your turn has gone and you go back to the end of the queue. It can be frustrating to miss a wave but everyone will see you've missed the wave so please wait your turn again. If everyone does this, its not long until you'll have another go!

If it’s your turn and you realise you won’t catch the wave, raise your arms as soon as you can (or shout out) - to give someone enough time to paddle for the  wave. 

Never drop in on other surfers. An obvious rule but surfing over coral reef is a dangerous game.

Give away waves! Surfing is a pretty indulgent sport but it actually feels nicer when you share the waves amongst the group! 

Treasure Island is well known to be one of Indonesia’s most celebrated right hand reef breaks. With lengthy rides of over 200 metres long with three consistent tube sections - it's no wonder that this remote outpost of north west Sumatra lives up to the hype. Treasures requires a large swell to work and is a relatively user friendly, very perfect, mechanical right hander, best surfed around head high and bigger and on the higher tide. The wave truly has it all, from soft almond-shaped faces, easy tubes, challenging sections, all set against a mouth watering backdrop to something similar to that of Jurassic Park. The Indicator further out from the point also turns on during larger swells, as does Minis & Gorillas found further inside the bay. 

Gunter's, aka Joysticks is a super fun right hander found in the heart of the Bay of Plenty. This bowly wave produces a perfect tube on take-off before peeling mechanically along the reef for numerous top turn sections before linking up to the inside bowl for a second tube.  Perfect for intermediates on all but the biggest of days, this is a fantastic wave that everyone seems to enjoy. The only downside is that is requires some west in the swell, so although it usually has a wave, it's not always firing on all cylinders. 

Lolok Point is a very long barrelling wave found in the Bay of Plenty, that is set alight during medium to large swells. A phenomenal sight to behold when the swell, wind and tide combine together, the wave works from head high to triple over head – or bigger. Bring a big board for easy entry and you might just luck into the ride of your trip. It delivers high speed lengthy walls as well as a freight train barrel on the inside, with rides over 200m possible. This place holds serious size.

Cobras, is another world class wave found in the region. A reeling left hander that breaks with flawless cylindrical consistency, this truly is a tube riders dream. One of the more consistent waves in the area – it’s a real swell magnet that breaks when the Indian Ocean remains relatively inactive. But it also comes alight in juicier pulses, displaying incredible images of salivating tropical perfection that every surfer dreams of. 

A stone's throw away from Gunturs is Camel Backs. A thick lipped double humped beast that is more suitable for tube thirsty riders and body boards alike. Two outside peaks rear up from the deep offering an intense back door tube before racing down the line. A quality wave that often goes un-ridden whilst most opt to surf Gunters.  

Shorty’s is also found in the Bay of Plenty, just up from Camel Backs. Despite its inability to offer lengthy rides – it certainly makes up for in shear quality. This wave gets perfect. On its day, it’s a thing of beauty, with cylindrical perfection offering fast bowl tubes time and time again. It’s certainly a great option for intermediate and advanced riders when some of the more popular waves are lacking size.

Toytown left is really fun and perfectly shaped left-hander found deep in the Bay of Plenty. This top turn machine rolls along the reef at a rhythmic pace delivering countless dreamy sections and even the occasional tube. Everyone simply loves this wave and is often compared to a softer version of Macaronis. Memorable sessions are guaranteed if the swell pulses enough, with unforgettable visions of this iridescent tropical playground & its mesmerising tapering walls. A regional classic for all abilities.

Situated on the same stretch of coast as Cobras, this fun wedgey wave offers a playful option with occasional barrel sections when the surf is small. This consistent left hander peels over sand and reef before a final section that breaks into a white sandy beach. This stunning location is also positioned in the heart of a turtle nesting area on Bangkaru. 

Somewhat reminiscent of Pitstops in the Mentawais, Warrens is also a fun right-hand peak that’s located close to the left hander, Cobra’s. A wedgey peak jacks up to deliver fun workable walls with the odd barrel section.  The wave breaks over a mix of reef and sand which can finish on a beautiful white sandy beach. It’s not the best wave in the area, but certainly worth a look.

Somewhat of a swell magnet, The Pig is an extremely good option due to its consistency especially when Indian Ocean is resting in between swells. A deep water peak that is a little exposed to the wind, a bigger board is preferable for its Hawaiian style take-off and big open walls. Further on the inside is Migilas, another right hander that produces some quality tubes and fun workable walls.

Lizards Nest is an uber hollow left that will dish up some of the best barrels available in Sumatra. If you’re lucky enough to score this fickle crown jewel, be sure to bring some bigger boards. Shallow, ferocious and extremely photogenic, it’s a perfect wave for those willing to charge. A jaw dropping sight to behold, when the swell, wind and tide unite, this wave will remain embedded in your mind for ever.