Exploring the Best Waves in the Banyak Islands: Top 5 Surf Spots
- John Bailey
- Sep 6, 2024
- 5 min read
"The Banyak Islands in North Sumatra are a hidden gem for surfers, offering some of the best waves in Indonesia. Known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class surf breaks, the Banyak Islands have become a top destination for adventurous surfers. In this guide, 'The Five Best Waves in the Banyak Islands,' I’ll take you through the top surf spots that make this region a must-visit for surfers seeking the ultimate wave-riding experience.
Located two hours by boat from the nearest town, Treasure Island is home to one of the best right-hand barrels in the Banyak Islands. This long, perfect wave offers three distinct barrel sections, making it a dream destination for surfers. If you catch this wave at the perfect size (a couple of feet overhead with the ideal swell direction) you’re in for a session you'll never forget.
Treasure Island has a clear takeoff spot, but you can often look up the point and imagine yourself riding bigger, rounder barrels. The late Mikala, a legend in these parts, was known for putting on an unforgettable show up there.
Once you drop in—whether you decide to backdoor the slab or roll in on the shoulder—the wave gently elbows, giving you a perfect view of the first barrel. Slow down, position yourself in the tube, and aim for the second barrel. Most times, it doesn’t connect, but when it does, it’s magical. Now, let’s talk about the third barrel, famously called ‘The Claw.’
The Claw is where things get serious. It gets super shallow, and if you don’t think you can make it, it’s better to kick out. Falling at The Claw will likely leave you with a ‘Sumatran Tattoo’—a reminder of just how shallow this spot can get.
Consistency - 6 out of 10
Quality - 8 out of 10
Crowds - Sometimes
2. Gunturs
Gunturs, also known as Joysticks, is a renowned surf spot located in the famous Bay of Plenty on the southern tip of Pulau Tuangku and just two minutes by boat from the Floating Surf Resort. This right-hand wave is a true swell magnet, capable of handling anything from one to ten feet. When the swell is smaller, Gunturs offers a fun, rippable wave, perfect for carving. But as the swell reaches head-high, the wave starts to barrel. Depending on the swell direction, it can connect from the outside takeoff spot all the way to the inside, offering long, rewarding rides.
In my experience, the barrel at Gunturs is at its best when the wave doesn’t fully connect. This creates two separate sections, which spreads out the crowd and makes the barrel rounder and more manageable. On these days, medium to high tide is ideal for the inside section, where you can score a double barrel. Medium tide is best for the outside, but if you’re into slabs, dead low tide with offshore wind can be incredible—and you’ll likely have it to yourself.
Once the swell grows to a few feet overhead, the wave starts capping on the outer reef before reforming and breaking on the inside reef. At this size, it’s often too big for the inside and not quite big enough for the outer reef, but still offers some fun waves.
When the swell pushes into the double overhead range, that’s when Gunturs really shines. The outside reef comes to life with a ledgy takeoff and a big, round barrel, reminiscent of the famous wave at Nias. Although the wave slabs hard, there’s a deep spot between the outer and inner reefs, so even if you send it, you’re not very likely to hit the bottom—unless you get dragged into the inside reef. On big days, if you’re caught way inside, it can get dangerously shallow, so choose your waves carefully.
Consistency - 8 out of 10
Quality - 7 out of 10
Crowds -Fairly
3. Cobras
Just around the corner from Treasure Island lies Cobras, a wave that can strike at any moment. This powerful left-hander is one of the heaviest waves in the Banyak Islands, especially when a big swell is running, but it can also be more user-friendly on smaller days.
While Cobras isn’t the longest wave, it makes up for it with intensity and raw power.
When the swell is waist-high to a couple of feet overhead, you’ll find occasional barrels and vertical faces perfect for carving. But once the swell picks up, Cobras becomes a different beast. Be prepared to pull in straight off the drop, as the takeoff can be challenging—but not as daunting as a slab. When it’s firing, Cobras feels like a mix of Pipeline and Teahupoo. If you commit to the wave, there’s no room for hesitation—it’s 100% or nothing.
One of the great things about Cobras is that it thrives in the same swell direction as Treasure Island but prefers an opposite wind direction. So when Cobras is onshore, there’s a good chance Treasure Island is offshore, and vice versa. This makes it easy to score perfect waves at either spot, depending on the conditions.
Consistency - 6 out of 10
Quality - 8 out of 10
Crowds - Rarely
4. Lolok Point
Lolok Point is a stunning long left-hander located in the Bay of Plenty on the southern tip of Pulau Tuangku. Once featured in Rip Curl’s iconic ‘The Search,’ this wave is one of the most photogenic surf spots in Indonesia when it’s firing. With a lush jungle backdrop, Lolok Point peels off the outermost tip of the bay, creating a breathtaking scene for surfers and photographers alike.
This wave only really comes alive when the swell is at least a few feet overhead, but it can handle the massive swells that roll through the region. I’ve seen 20-foot faces bend perfectly into the deep-water bay, creating barrels, long carvable walls, and extended rides.
If a big swell is in the forecast, bring a step-up board—you’ll need it. Lolok Point is a deep-water wave, and a fast paddle is essential to avoid getting cleaned up by rogue sets. While the drop-in is relatively easy, the wave offers options: you can either outrun the barrel and carve down the face, or stall to set yourself up for a long, round barrel ride
Consistency - 3 out of 10
Quality - 8 out of 10
Crowds - Rarely
Lizard’s Nest has quickly become one of the most sought-after waves in Indonesia, thanks to a viral video that dropped in 2023. Located just a 20-minute boat ride from the Floating Surf Resort in Bay of Plenty, this right-hander has been somewhat of a hidden gem in the region. However, it’s not for the faint of heart—Lizard’s Nest is heavy and extremely shallow, making it a challenge for even experienced surfers.
On its day, this long barreling right can rival the best waves in the world, but it’s notoriously fickle, highly sensitive to both swell direction and wind conditions. If you manage to score Lizard’s Nest when everything lines up, it’s a session you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Consistency - 1 out of 10
Quality - 10 out of 10
Crowds -Never
Editors Note: The Banyak Islands are home to many other waves. While the top five waves listed above were chosen for their standout moments rather than sheer consistency, there are many other incredible waves in the region that I considered for this list some of which are more consistent, others more temperamental, but each offers something special when conditions are right.
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