Packing list

Shops on Nias are small and surf gear is hard to find, so pack carefully. Use these lists as your checklist: tick items as you pack, and your ticks are saved on this device.

Everyone

Documents and money

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival

• Visa or e-visa (check the rules for your nationality)

• Travel insurance documents (with surfing and evacuation cover)

• Printed or offline copies of bookings and flight tickets

• Cash in Indonesian rupiah, plus a debit card for ATMs in town

Health and protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen and zinc for your face

• Insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin)

• Personal medication with a copy of the prescription

• Malaria medication if advised by your travel clinic

• Small first-aid kit: antiseptic, plasters, gauze, tape

Clothes and everyday things

• Light, quick-drying clothes and a long-sleeved shirt for the evening

• Sarong or modest clothing for village visits

• Sandals and shoes with grip for walks

• Rain jacket or poncho

• Head torch or small torch

• Refillable water bottle

• Power bank and adapter (plugs are type C/F, 230 V)

• Dry bag for boat trips and rainy rides

Surfers

• Boards in a padded travel bag (and a step-up for big days)

• Tropical wax, base coat and a wax comb

• Spare leash (or two)

• Spare fins, fin screws and a fin key

• Ding repair kit (sun-curing resin)

• Reef booties

• Rash vest or long-sleeved surf top for the sun

• Surf hat or cap

• Earplugs (they help against surfer's ear)

• Helmet for shallow reef days (optional)

• Antiseptic and iodine for reef cuts

Forgot something? We rent boards and have wax, leashes and a repair kit at the homestay.