NIAS
Nias Island lies about 125 km from west Sumatra Island on the Indian Ocean. It is part of North Sumatra Province. This is one of the true hidden gems of the Indonesia archipelago and waiting to be fully explored. Previously, this island was less attractive because of the lack of facilities and inadequate access to the island. But recent infrastructure improvements mean that Nias is now accessible to anyone and ready to greet you all. The Nia’s highlights are world-class surfing, a unique culture, and a coastline dotted with incredible beaches and small paradise islands. Nestled among the green hills inland are waterfalls, caves, and traditional villages.
TELUK DALAM
The beautiful small town of Teluk Dalam is an amazing blend of beautiful scenery, unique culture, and interesting history, located on the southern tip of Nias Island, North Sumatra. Teluk Dalam is a place where surfers from all over the world gather to try to conquer the waves which is incredibly thrilling. This downtown is also the site of the feat of ‘stone jumping’, a well-known traditional act, a thrilling sport that requires great acrobatic skills and athletic ability
Teluk Dalam is the capital city of South Nias Regency which is administratively located in North Sumatra Province. In English, Teluk Dalam translates to “Deep Gulf”. Near Teluk Dalam, you can also see Megalithic relics located in Orahili Village, Gomo District. This large stone slab is located among the hills near the Gomo River. According to local history, megalithic stones are part of settlements dating from the Early Stone Age (Neolithic) around 1,000 BC to 1,500 BC.
SORAKE BAY
Nias Island is the ultimate recommend for all surfers in the world; with Sorake as base early surf explorers scoured Nias and nearby islands looking for waves. The best time to surf on Nias is between May to September, but in some years, can stretch from April to October. It depends on the seasons. June to August has the largest swell and this is the time when International competitions have been held on Nias.
LAGUNDRI BAY
It is located in the south of Nias and about 20 minutes walk from the Sorake. Lagundri is the most famous destination in Nias, especially for the surfers. Lagundri has a famous wave called The Point and listed as the top-ten list of the best waves in the world. The wave is very consistent and easily accessed. Not only expert surfers, but many beginner surfers also come to Lagundri Bay in the low season, when the waves are smaller than during the April to October swell.
Another Nias Destination Highlights
When you arrive in Nias island and want to visit village tourism, you can go to Botohilitano and Bawomataluo villages to see the traditional village with the King’s House made from massive wood. Bawomataluo lies about 15 miles from the heart of Teluk Dalam. This village is located on a hill about 400 meters above sea level. The houses in this village are all built using Nias traditional architecture, known as Omo Nifolasara, which has been used for hundreds of years. For another village, go to Orahili and Hilisimaetano traditional villages to see the habitual life of Nias. Also, visit the northern Nias traditional houses at Tumori village.
For historical tours, observed the megalithic cultures and the way of life of the Nias. Drive to Lahusa and explore the oldest Megalith site at Lahusa Satu. Tetegewo, Tuhegeowe and Tundru Baho.
How to reach Nias Island?
The easy way to reach Nias is by air. The gateway to Nias is Medan which has an international airport, known as Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO). From Medan, you will fly to Binaka Airport (GNS) in Gunung Sitoli town of Nias. Gunung Sitoli is the largest town on Nias and is the center town of the island.