The Hinako Islands and 6 need to know facts

The breaking pattern of the waves at both Bawa Island and Asu Island were significantly affected by the March 2005 earthquake that measured 8.6 on the richter scale. The seafloor raised by approximately two meters and evidence of this fatal earthquake can still be witnessed all around the North Sumatran Province. 

The Hinako Islands have a variety of waves, but perhaps the two most recognisable and well-known is Asu & Bawa. Asu is a long walling left-hander that can handle anything from 3ft-20ft and Bawa is a right-hander that can be surfed from 4ft-20ft. Most of the time these two waves are best surfed around 6-8ft by intermediate + surfers only.  

A number of other world class waves surround the main island of Asu with a mixture of rights and lefts. 

Apart from Asu and Bawa, perhaps the best waves in the Hinako archipelago can be found on the main land. Accessible from Puri Asu Resort in their high powered speed boat around 30 mins away. A perfect left-hander known as Afulu and and an equally perfect right-hander called Salonako. These waves are amazing and you are likely to surf there by yourself whenever the swell at Asu reaches around 8ft. Anything under this....don't waste your time. 

Depends on where you stay and what type of accommodation you opt for. Most accommodation is on Asu Island and the best choice is Puri Asu Resort. Here sits a beachfront resort with air conditioned villas and food that is world class. Anything from fresh fish, chicken, pork, beef, lobster and an amazing variety of pasta’s. Keeps you in the water, surfing longer. The chef can also whip up snacks if you get a bit peckish between surfs and if you catch a fish, there's a good chance the best sashimi of your life will be on the menu the next day! 

In the rare occasion you aren’t surfing or the non-surfers out there don't get bored. The Hinako Islands are your quintessential aqua marine park with world class reef set ups perfect for snorkeling, fishing or just cruising on a stand up paddle board. Stand up paddle boards can be taken from the Puri Asu Resort (for guests only), massages are also available and the fishing is world class, Either off the rocks or trawling the local region.  

The island is only small, you can walk around it in 30 mins but non-surfers can also stay active in the Puri Asu Resort gym and yoga studio. 

A selection of movies, playstation games and of course, the trusty pool table make it easy to pass the time when you aren't surfing. 

The Hinako Island peoples have a welcoming culture with tourists often greeted as they pass through small village townships on their way to the waves by young kids shouting “Selamat Datang Turis” (Welcome Tourists). War dance welcomes are often performed by men while the women play beautifully haunting music in the background. Although its not completely evident you will see these traditional customs. It is usually more evident on the mainland of Nias.