Directions to Asu Island

To reach Asu my favorite option is to fly to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur Malaysia catch a budget flight into Medan Indonesia (Make sure you have a roundtrip ticket) as Indonesia regulations require on onward ticket. Travelers can also fly to Medan from Bali, Jakarta, KL, Singapore, or Bangkok.

Indonesia has a reliable transportation network that operates 24/7/365.  Most Indonesians do not have cars so transportation is available everywhere in Indonesia.

From Medan Indonesia you can fly or go overland to Nias. We recommend going overland for those of you with surfboards.  Travelers can book online through Merpati Airlines. Surfer’s who fly should be prepared to pay for their boards as the planes are small and space limited. Be sure to explain to airline staff that you are bringing surfboards. Overland takes 24 hours while flying takes only an hour.

Overland travelers will catch a minibus from Simpang Yuki Raya area in Medan. Mini Buses to Sibolga have stands in this area. Minibuses leave in the morning and evening and will carry your boards for a small fee.

Some travelers break the trip up by staying overnight at Lake Toba which is about halfway to Sibolga. Lake Toba and Samosir Island are unique and beautiful. If you want to stay here you can buy a ticket to Parapet and from Parapet you can buy another ticket to Sibolga. The movie Bali Hai documents surfer’s making this trip during the 80’s.

From Padang in West Sumatra a tourist can catch a bus to Sibolga in North Sumatra. The bus ride is about 12 hours. Another option is flying from Padang to Nias. Flights from Padang to Nias are not as frequent and more difficult to book. Merpati and SMAC Airlines service Nias.

After arriving in Sibolga, and seeing the Indian Ocean, you will catch a big speedboat or ferry to  Nias. Once you are on Nias you can go to Sirombu and catch a canoe or ferry to Asu Island which is easily visible from the Harbor.

When you get to Asu walk to the furthest camp.  There are two camps at the end of the trail. We are the second camp. We are the Asu Point Surf Camp.

Travelers can also get to Asu by chartering a boat from the city of Telukdalam which is close to Lagundri Bay. You may wish to go to the legendary right-hander at Lagundri Bay first? One of the best rights in the world Lagundri is a spectacle to see when it’s doing it’s thing. Accomodation on Sorake Beach (The name of the beach in front of the right) are also very reasonable. Tourists should make a trip to the local villages here to see traditional Nias culture.

Before you leave Nias and come to Asu Island you should do some shopping In Gunungisitoli or Telukdalam for food for your stay. If you bring your own food you can use our cooking facilities. You have to do your own dishes and clean up after yourself. Ten Dollars a day includes your bungalow for as long as you want to stay.If you want us to cook your food it’s $20 a day. If you do not bring any food with you we will feed you three meals a day for $30 dollars a day.