THE WAVES
surf in the mentawai islands
-surf conditions-
If you decide to come to Mentawais you can do it from March to November; due to their position in the Indian Ocean the islands are exposed to the South-Southwest swells, so from March to April the waves are smaller but consistent as well. Then they will become stronger in May. The same happens to the ending of October and the beginning of November: smaller but consistent waves again.
From April to October strong swells from South Africa and Antarctica reach our coral reefs carrying amazing waves that roll into clean and perfect barrels. Now you can plan your trip thinking of this: if your choice is NO crowded and easier surfing we suggest you to book in March, April, October and November, if you like to play rough you must book from May to September! Surfline suggests Mentawai in August is the Best Bet in the world.
-THE waves-
HT'S
Hollow Tree’s, known locally as HT’s or Lance’s Right, in short, is one of the best and most consistent fast, barreling right-handers in the world and our resort looks straight out over it. You are welcome.
The wave wraps around the south end of the island and into the sheltered bay where it unloads on the reef known as The Office and finally the Surgeon’s Table. As the name suggests, this wave is for intermediate and advanced surfers and rated as one of the top five waves in the world.
With 10 world-class waves within a short boat or bike ride from our resort, there’s surf to suit all levels. Or if you don’t want to hit the waves, then simply enjoy a tropical paradise and watch the action unfold from the beach.
LANCE’S LEFT
Lance’s Left is a long and consistent left hander right around the corner from the Resort. The wave offers a barrel of the take off and a long open face for multiple manoeuvers down the line. Being on the other side of the island and facing east the left is a good option when the wind is onshore at HT’s. Perfect for all levels and long perfect lefts lovers.
COBRA
Cobra is A frame peak just a few meters up from Lance’s left that offers a good backdoor left hand barrel. Don’t forget to kick out before it closes out on dry reef. Sometimes you may get lucky and connect with Lance’s Left and get one of the longest waves. This wave is a good option to get away from the crowd of Lance’s left.
LANCE’S LEFT
Lance’s Left is a long and consistent left hander right around the corner from the Resort. The wave offers a barrel of the take off and a long open face for multiple manoeuvers down the line. Being on the other side of the island and facing east the left is a good option when the wind is onshore at HT’s. Perfect for all levels and long perfect lefts lovers.
travel information
Frequently asked questions
What kind of money should I bring? And how much?
You should bring Indonesian Rupiah out to Nias. There are only two ATMs on Nias, the first is 20 minutes from the airport in the town of Gunung Sitoli and the second is in Teluk Dalam, southern Nias, just 20 minutes from Lagundri Bay. We recommend bringing as much Rupiah as you feel comfortable carrying. You never know, you may want to stay longer, buy a board from a new friend, get some massages, or have to pay for some ding repair to fix a stick…best bet is to come prepared. Asu is very safe, there is no crime here, our staff are totally trustworthy and your Bungalow is under observation all day.
Can I use my major Credit Card for purchases at Asu Camp?
We accept major bank issued International Visa and Master Card credit cards with our credit card machine at the camp. The charge is subject to a 3% bank fee.
What's not included in my paid stay at Asu?
Beers, sodas and isotonics, fresh fruit juices, Asu Camp T-shirts, Surf Yogis Zinc Sunscreen, Water Proof bags with Asu Camp logo, Over The Moon Bali Hammocks made from parachute material, and Bali sarangs are available for purchase.
Should I surf Lagundry Bay on my trip to Asu?
How are the crowds at Asu these days?
How is the food at Asu Camp?
Should I use Malaria medication?
If you ask your doctor, they will surely tell you that Nias is a malarial zone and that yes, you should take anti-malaria medication. There have been cases of malaria out on Asu since the earthquake and lift of the island which dried out the swamp that used to be in the middle of the island. But...it has been VERY rare. We live out here without using medication. We don't recommend that you use it, we don't like the side effects of the available meds. We recommend covering up with a light weight long sleeve shirt and pants at sunset if you're not comfortable with the odds. The mosquito population is a fraction of what it used to be on Asu when there was a swamp in the middle of the island. The swamp is dry now and the mossis seem to come out at sunset after a day of rain. They are worse some times than others, but i can assure you there are bottles of mosquito repelent here that people have brought, never used and left with us... It's just not really that bad.
Should I purchase Travel Insurance?
What are the Terms and Conditions of booking with Asu Camp?
By way of payment to Asu Camp, all guests abide by our terms & conditions.
Please read below carefully and if you have any questions – please don’t hesitate to email us at any time at info@asucamp.com
Asu Camp is not liable for any damage to any personal items, theft, illness, injury or death caused while travelling or staying at the camp.
Asu Camp reserves the right to cancel a person’s accommodation due to inappropriate behaviour.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: There will be no refunds issued once deposit payment is received. There will be no refunds on final payments.
Asu Camp reserves the right to withdraw a booking if deposit payment isn’t made within 90 days of departure. Remember that deposits secure room spaces. No deposit – means no reservation.
Asu Camp highly recommends that all guests have travel insurance and it is the responsibility of the guest to arrange his or her travel insurance prior to the departure of their country of origin. Please show proof of insurance including policy number and contact information upon arrival.
Asu Camp is not liable in any situation to pay extra expenses, which may be due to delays, natural disasters, war, civil unrest, terrorism, acts of god etc.
Asu Camp is not responsible for any guests actions and will not be involved in any legal matters related to crime, drugs or anything that is against the law, both in the guests country of origin and/or Indonesia.
Asu Camp’s guests must have more than 6 months validity in their passport at time of entry to Indonesia
Asu Camp will not be held responsible for any matters related to immigration and take no responsibility with regards to customers visas. Guests should be aware that tourist visa’s obtained on entry at any port in Indonesia is a 30-day non-extendable visa.
Asu Camp cannot under any situation extend a visa and will not be held liable for an overstay under any circumstances.
Asu Camp recommends that guests seek medical advice before departure and take the necessary medicines/vaccinations instructed by their doctor.
Asu Camp recommends all guests should check all safety issues, travel warnings, information and advisories related to entering Indonesia before departing their country of origin. It is the guest’s decision to enter Indonesia if there is danger present. All guests, if under the age of 18, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Asu Camp will not refund any portion of any trip if related to injury, sickness, or unlawful behaviour. Asu Camp will assist the guest to the best of their ability, but will not put any other guest in danger.
Asu Camp has the right to alter travel schedules due to weather conditions, safety issues or situations beyond our control.
Asu Camp has informed the guest that all travel is at the guest’s own risk. Searching in remote locations may lead to dangers in which the guest has total responsibility in agreement to engagement.
Asu Camp will do our utmost to maintain the prices indicated, however prices might need to be adjusted due to circumstances beyond our control.
Asu Camp reserves the right to amend prices, before or after your booking, until the full payment is received.
Asu Camp reserves the right to change the Terms and Conditions at any time. Costs not included in Price: Excess Baggage, Personal, Spending money, Food not prepared by Asu Camp (eating out is additional cost) Alcohol, Travel Insurance, Passport and Inoculation costs, Personal costs incurred through delay in transport or mechanical breakdown.
Asu Camp is not held responsible for tickets once the guests obtain them. We will not be responsible for airline tickets being lost once they have reached the hands of the guests.
Asu Camp reserves the right to refuse service to any individual.
Asu Camp is secure with all booking information and will not forward any information obtained, except for matters related to the law, which directly affect us.