"Fascinating Nias Island." Pulau Nias by EricLe_Rouge

Pulau Nias Travel Guide: 27 reviews and 15 photos

Nias isn't big: it's 140km (85mi) long and 50km (30mi) wide, but its isolation and rugged terrain have combined to make it a unique place. Before Nias was known for its tubes, the island was a hip anthropologist hangout - head-hunting and human sacrifice played a part in Niassan culture and that's always guaranteed to bring the anthropologists out in force. These days, travellers to Nias are less likely to be toting a clipboard, and more likely to be armed with a double board bag - 90% of visitors to the island are now surfers.

The reputation of this island among surfers started as a whisper - wave riders round the world talked about it the way little children talk about Santa's workshop - and gradually became a roar. A swathe of surf movies followed, and soon tiny little Lagundri Bay - where Nias' best surf can be found - became Surf Central. Unfortunately, it's also become scam central, with travellers reporting that Nias is now one of Asia's conman hotspots.

Today the beachfront is littered with tiny losman, warungs and a few western-style cafes; so far only one luxury resort hotel has opened, though there's talk of more of its ilk. But Nias' small size and the huge effort it takes to get there should ensure that this place doesn't undergo development on a Baliesque scale. That should make all those who want to come here for some of Asia's best surf happy indeed. (Lonely Planet's website on beaches)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Very undisturbed and cheap, back in 1992.
Cons:Filled with nostalgia for the times gone by...
In a nutshell:Surfers' paradise with a fascinating culture.

Last visit to Pulau Nias: Jul 1992
Intro Updated Mar 6, 2003
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Reviews (5)

Deforestation... Warnings and Dangers (1)

Surfin' dolphins ! Things to Do (1)

more travel advice

More info and photos to come... - Pulau Nias

More info and photos to come... Favorites (1)

Ever since 1975, the year a trio of wandering surfers discovered South Nias legendary point break at Lagundri Bay, this... more travel advice

Surfing kick! Sports & Outdoors (1)

The waves of Sorake beach on Lagundri bay are well-known as "the most notoriuous right band reef breaks. "This is why... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
How to get there.

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Comments (3)

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Goldenboy Apr 30, 2006 at 6:14 AM

Wonderful! I never visisted so far :(
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nomada Jul 16, 2003 at 2:42 PM

Another waves paradise !, interesting page.
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craic Jan 1, 2003 at 9:50 AM

What a fascinating page!