Lagundri Bay

Lagundri Bay, also called Sorake Bay, is a horseshoe-shaped bay at the southern end of Nias, off the coast of Sumatra, close to the town of Teluk Dalam, the capital of the South Nias Regency. Enclosed by the beaches of Lagundri and Sorake, it is the best-known surfing area of Nias, an internationally famous surfing destination, and the bay has both left- and right-hand breaks; while they wait for waves, surfers can often see sea turtles swimming below. Nias was part of the hippie trail of the 1960s, travelled above all by surfers on the way to Bali, and the island has been the site of several international surfing competitions. The bay is also a popular tourist destination.

Background

Lagundri Bay, also known as Sorake Bay, is a bay shaped like a horseshoe at the south end of Nias, an island off Sumatra in Indonesia. It is popular with tourists and known as a surf break.

Source: Wikipedia, "Lagundri Bay"

What you'll find

• Left- and right-hand breaks - the bay has both.
• The beaches of Lagundri and Sorake - enclosing the horseshoe of the bay.
• Sea turtles - often seen below by surfers waiting for waves.
• A long surfing history - Nias was on the hippie trail of the 1960s and has hosted international competitions.

When to go

May to September. A week.

What to expect

Lagundri Bay is a popular tourist destination, but it is known above all as a surf break. Binaka, the island's airport, is near Gunungsitoli, while the bay lies in the far south near Teluk Dalam, whose ferry terminal is served mainly from Sibolga.

Nearby

Bawomataluo, one of the best-preserved traditional villages of Nias, stands inland on a flat-topped hill, with large stone slabs in front of its houses; the Hinako Islands nearby have two more consistent waves, Asu and Bawa.

Key facts