THE REGION
SUMATRA, BEYOND THE MENTAWAI
Sumatra’s western coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres along the Indian Ocean and is scattered with island chains, remote bays, small fishing communities and excellent beef rendang. While the Mentawai Islands tend to dominate the conversation, several areas along the mainland and northern offshore islands offer a huge variety of landscapes, cultures and waves. Just north of the Ments lie the quieter Telo Islands, followed by Nias, home to the legendary Lagundri Bay, and the nearby Hinako Islands. Further up sit the Banyak Islands and Simeulue, even quieter regions that are very much worth the journey. It’s a vast, lightly travelled corner of Indonesia where epic surf, culture and raw tropical beauty come together.
THE SURF
THE OTHER SUMATRAN FRONTIER
The same Indian Ocean swells that power the Mentawai continue marching up Sumatra’s western edge, lighting up waves across several island chains. In the Banyak Islands you’ll find long playful walls, hollow slabs and perfect reeling barrels, including Treasure Island. Further south sits the big island of Nias, home to Lagundri Bay but also many quieter gems. Head north and Simeulue delivers long right-handers and one of our favourite A-frames in the country. About 90 nautical miles north of the Mentawai, the Telo Islands offer a huge variety of setups with dozens of waves packed into a compact zone, much like their southern neighbours. The remoteness, limited quality options and extended travel are also the reasons why surfing alone in these pristine waters is not uncommon.
