Trip planning guide

Nias is not difficult to reach, but it is remote, and a little planning makes the trip much easier. Here is how our guests usually plan, step by step.

Your trip in four steps

1. Book your room. Choose your dates and room on the Rooms page. Add the airport pickup and any rentals or lessons as extras.

2. Book your flights. Fly to Medan (KNO) or Jakarta (CGK), then on to Binaka (GNS). See Getting here. Check the airline's surfboard rules.

3. Insurance and health. Buy travel insurance that covers surfing and medical evacuation, and visit a travel-health clinic about six to eight weeks before you leave.

4. Pack. Use our packing list: most things are hard to find on the island, especially surf gear.

Visas and passports

Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Indonesia; the rules change, so check the official Indonesian immigration website (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) or your embassy before you travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after you arrive.

Money and ATMs

• The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Prices on this site are in IDR; an estimate in another currency may be shown next to them.

• There are ATMs in Gunungsitoli and Teluk Dalam, but none near the homestay. Bring enough cash for small shops, warungs, tips and markets.

• Cards are rarely accepted outside town. You can pay your booking online, by bank transfer or in cash.

Language

People speak Bahasa Indonesia and the island's own language, Li Niha. English is spoken in surf camps and by our team, but a few words go a long way: terima kasih (thank you), selamat pagi (good morning) and the Nias greeting Ya'ahowu.

Health

• Ask a travel-health clinic about vaccinations and medication. Nias is in a region with malaria and dengue risk: follow official advice from your health service, the WHO or the CDC on prevention and antimalarial medication.

• Use insect repellent, sleep under a mosquito net (every room has one) and wear long sleeves at dusk.

• Clean every reef cut straight away and keep it dry: coral cuts get infected easily in the tropics.

• Drink filtered or bottled water. We refill your bottle for free.

• There is a general hospital in Gunungsitoli and small clinics (puskesmas) in the districts. Serious cases are transferred to Medan, which is why insurance with evacuation cover matters.

Safety

• The reefs are shallow and powerful: surf within your limits and never alone on big days.

• Roads are narrow and winding; wear a helmet on a scooter and avoid riding at night.

• Nias is in an earthquake zone. In case of a strong earthquake near the coast, move to higher ground and follow local instructions.

• The island is generally safe and people are welcoming. Keep valuables in your room's lockable storage.

Best time to go

Nias has a tropical climate: around 25–32 °C all year, with the sea at 28–30 °C. Rain showers are short and frequent.