introduction

Telos is an extremely remote group of islands in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

To prepare for your trip, make sure you learn to speak basic Bahasa Indonesia, or getting around will be extremely difficult.

Surf spots there are very spread out and you will need to prepare a map for the places you plan to surf at. 

surfing

The Telos island group consists of 51 islands and is located at the top of the Batu Archipelago between the Mentawais and Nias Island. They are largely unexplored but that is rapidly changing with new breaks being found all the time, many of them still remaining a secret.

The surfing here is still uncrowded but there is now a surf resort offering luxury accommodation and daily boat charters to the many left and right reef breaks within a 20 minute ride. The surf is consistently 3-5ft and with breaks facing in many directions and working at different tides it is likely there will be an offshore spot breaking somewhere around whenever there is a swell.

where to stay

You have a couple of options of where to rest your weary head after a hard days surfing here.

Several companies offer live aboard charter boats that are fully self contained and of course mobile - so you can scout around to find the best and most uncrowded breaks. These are geared solely towards surfers and the trip typically last 12-15 nights with all meals included and has a capacity of 6-12 guests.

Another option for this region, which is also much cheaper though not as convenient is to base yourself at Telos Island. There is a purpose built surf camps right on the beach. You can also charter small boats from here to take you on day trips to breaks further a field. Bring a mozzie net, insect repellent preferably containing DEET (N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) and anti-malaria medication with you.

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