The Telos are a small archipelago between Nias in the North and Mentawai to the south that have emerged as a real alternative to the Mentawai Islands. It’s slightly more user-friendly, but no less perfect waves are all bunched closely together and the protected channels between the islands offer fast speedboat access to all the waves. There is also a great blend of accommodation from family friendly luxury resorts to core surf camps. Oh, and as a real sweetener there is that rare Indonesia bird, a world class beachbreak, in the mix.

What we love

Rare beachbreak waves and massive amount of waves

Eco-friendly lodges, luxury and mid-range options and lodges with a wave out front

Absolutely stunning backdrop

Limited surfer numbers and experienced surf guides

Where to surf

The Telo Island offer a wave to surf almost every day due to refraction and changing wind conditions. Unlike the Mentawai, the 100 islands in the Telo can be navigated through a series of protected channels and lagoons. These flat stretches of aqua-blue water, reminiscent of the Florida Keys, not only make for quick travel through the archipelago, but offer safety from the wild waves and winds of the Indian Ocean. Most of the chain’s recognised 20-odd breaks are within an hour’s boat ride of each other.

When to go

Peak season is really between April and October when swell swinging up from the Roaring Forties and Howling Fifties march south-west across the Indian Ocean and combine with light trade winds blowing from the south-east. However even during the off season when the trades swing west, there are still quality waves to be had and the swells are still relatively frequent. Located on the Equator the wind patterns are relatively calm. This means glassy days are frequent in both seasons. Sea temperatures remain boardshort steady at around 28°C or 82°F.

Attractions

Most resorts offer fishing trips, usually on the way back from the surf. There is great snorkelling around the reefs with limited commercial fishery there is some amazing sea life to be seen on the clear days. Telo Islands are home to several beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, white sand, and palm trees. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The islands offer several hiking trails through the jungle, providing the opportunity to explore the island's natural beauty and learn about the local flora and fauna. The Islands have a rich cultural history, and visitors can learn about the local way of life by visiting traditional villages and interacting with the friendly locals. here are several waterfalls on the Telo Islands that are worth visiting, such as the Danau Kembar Waterfall and the Pantai Waterfall. These waterfalls offer a refreshing break from the hot and humid weather, and are a great place to take a dip in the cool waters.

The Country

Indonesia is a paradise for surfers, with its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and a rich array of flora and fauna. The country is made up of more than 17,000 islands located between the Indian and Pacific oceans, and is home to some of the world’s most famous and beautiful surfing spots. These spots offer challenging waves for experienced surfers, as well as more beginner-friendly breaks.

In addition to its world-class surfing, Indonesia is also known for its diverse culture, which is influenced by its long history and its position as a crossroads between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The country is home to a wide variety of languages, cultures, and religions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Aside from surfing, Indonesia also offers a variety of other activities and attractions for travelers, including trekking through the jungle, visiting traditional villages and cultural landmarks, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Indonesia is a must-visit destination for any surfer or beach lover.

Getting There

There’s a few options, but the main ways to get to the Telo Islands are either speedboat transfers from Padang or Nias or a charter plane from Padang (PDG) or Medan (KNO). Both Padang and Medan are reachable from international airports at Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar.

Travel Information

Time Zone

GMT +7

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Calling code

+62

Electric

230V