The final destination on our North Sumatra trips is the Banyak Islands — a remote tropical paradise that once felt like the final frontier of Indonesian surf exploration. Sumatran Surfariis first surfed here in 2000, uncovering flawless rights and lefts that would become legends.

Though the reefs shifted after the early 2000s earthquake and the area is now more accessible, the Banyaks still deliver world-class surf when the swell and angle align. It’s a place of long rides, turquoise water, and cinematic backdrops — pure Indo magic when it’s on. From the endlessly long and barrel-filled walls of the righthander Treasure Island to thick and slabby lefthand tubes of Cobras, the Banyaks has it all. Lizard’s Nest, Gunturs, and Lolok Point are just a few more that offer a ton of variety in such a small area.

As good as it gets, a trip all the way up to the Banyaks is one where all factors should be considered before traveling all the way up there. Because of the distance, you will lose a fair bit of surf time due to the long crossings, even from the Hinakos or Nias. We also have to charge an additional fuel surcharge to cover this extra distance. Also, the Banyaks are a bit fickle, needing a certain swell angle and size to really light up, and these days, there is basically a built-in crowd due to land camps and boats that never leave the area. You will likely score A LOT of waves already through your travels through the Telos, Nias, and Hinakos, so all factors should be considered thoroughly between the guests and guide before deciding to travel further up.

But when it’s on, it’s ON. It’s truly a special location, with the beauty of the backdrops only surpassed by the waves themselves. For those willing to make the journey, the reward is surfing some of Indonesia’s most gorgeous and remote waves.