Surf Banyak charters currently departs from Gunung Sitoli in Nias, and the easiest way to get there depends on whether you are coming from overseas or you are travelling elsewhere in Indonesia.
If you are coming directly from overseas, it is easiest to fly to Medan’s Kuala Namu airport (KNO), where we can organise a Meet and Greet for your domestic travel to and from Gunung Sitoli, so you don’t have to do anything. Most guests travel to Medan via Singapore (Silk Air, Valuair/Jetstar), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysian, Air Asia) or Jakarta (Garuda). You can order the transfer package as part of your trip with Surf Banyak at the following rates:
Transfers from Medan:
US$600, includes return flights from Kuala Namu Airport (Medan) to Gunungsitoli; Meet and Greet for all your flights; and transfer of boards/luggage to and from your charter, Also transport to and from hotels in Medan when required. (NB: Sumatran airlines usually cannot take an entire group’s surfboards and have restrictions on length/weight, due to small aircraft).
Please see SURFBOARD TRANSPORT below. Basically, with the transfer package you arrive in Medan and we look after the rest! ( Package allows for one board bag only, with up to 3 boards to 7’6″ length). Extra charges apply!
Alternatively, if you’re an hard core independent traveller with Indo’ experience, you can get yourself from Medan to your charter by public bus and ferry for under $50 in a day or two, but you’ll be needing more than a surf at the end of it! We recommend getting our transfer option unless you are fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and experienced in Sumatran logistics. In all cases, please run your itinerary by us before you book just to make sure!
Getting your boards to the boat
Please contact us for more information.
When do I need to get there?
You will need to be in Medan on the start of charter day, by 0830am on Monday, if you booked the transfer package. We recommend you to arrive a day before the charter starts. If you arrange your own transport (flight or car/ferry), you will need to be at Gunung Sitoli Airport by 11am Monday to meet with the rest of the guests for transport to Lahewa Harbour to board The Seriti.
When do I book my flight home?
When the charter finishes, it is possible to leave Medan on Friday night. We recommend a connecting flight after 7pm as the domestic flights from Gunung Sitoli to Medan are occasionally delayed or cancelled due to weather or operational requirements. It is necessary to have fully comprehensive travel insurance as we bear no responsible for missed connections due to domestic airline delays or cancellations. (If you can’t get a flight out after 5.30pm, best to stay overnight in Medan and depart on Saturday)
Can you organise accommodation in Medan?
Yes, Wings and Crew Hotels are 15 min from the airport at around US$30.
In the city, the Danau Toba Hotel or equivalent at $50/room/night for twin share ($60 for 3 people). There are great value of 4-5 Star hotels, like Cambridge Hotel or Marriott Hotel at $100/room/night twin share ($120/night 3 people).
If you get in late the night before the charter, it is best to stay near the airport, as it can be two hours drive into the city. There is also a very convenient train service to avoid the street hassle.
Please contact us with any questions – We’re happy to provide advice on any itinerary!