Latitude Zero is a boutique surf resort nestled on its own private paradise in the remarkable Telo Islands. The beautiful sandy beach around the headland where the resort is situated boasts clear, calm, aqua-coloured waters with no offshore fringing reef, making it perfect for boat access, swimming and relaxing. Experience this amazing island paradise located in close proximity to over a dozen incredible surf breaks catering to all standards of surfer. Spoil yourself and try Resort Latitude Zero for the ultimate Sumatran surf adventure.
Experience is second-to-none
Latitude Zero is the work of legendary skipper, Matt Cruden from the 'Manglaui Ndulu' (Mango). Matt is a surf pioneer in Sumatra and wants to share his remarkable ocean home with you. Matt surrounds himself with an array of Indo veterans at Latitude Zero, where all staff are focused on delivering an unforgettable island holiday experience for every guest.
Best of Both Worlds
Can’t decide between a surf charter or land camp? Now you can do both. Latitude Zero has a surf charter boat, the good ship ‘Mangalui', harboured on standby, if you feel like heading further into the surf wilderness. Choose from ‘resort-only’ packages or a ‘Mangalui-only’ surf charter, or combine the two for a week of each.
The Batu Islands (Telo Islands)
The Batu Islands, commonly known as the Telo Islands, are made up of three large main islands and approximately 48 smaller islands located right on the equator at latitude zero degrees. They are situated between Nias and the Mentawai Islands, which strategically places them in the centre of an archipelago that stretches along the west coast of Sumatra, a region that has become one of the international surfing Meccas of the world in the last decade. In 2003, Nias was divided into two regents (North Nias and South Nias) and the Telos are part of the South Nias regent, with its administration centre being Teluk Dalam. The Nias Island chain has been trading with other cultures, other islands and even mainland Asia since prehistory. Some archaeologists have cited the local culture as one of the few remaining Megalithic cultures in existence today. Nias is best known for its remarkable diversity of festivals and celebrations, with some of the best-known events being war dances and stone jumping (where the top of the stone board is covered with spikes and sharp pointed bamboo). The music of Nias, performed mostly by women, is noted worldwide for its haunting beauty. The predominant religion is Protestant Christian (around 80%) - a result of the early missionaries travels through the islands - with the remainder being Muslim or Catholic.
Accommodation
The resort's small scale accommodation complex consists of two beautiful timber Queenslander-style homes of pole construction. There is a separate open kitchen and dining gazebo between the houses that overlooks the 7 X 14m infinity swimming pool. The entire Resort Latitude Zero complex overlooks the beach and natural boat harbour where the resort speedboats are tied to floating pontoons just offshore.
The homes have wrap-around timber verandahs on the top floor providing cool breezes and awesome 270 degree ocean views. The top floor of both homes features a large hang-out lounge area with a huge flat screen TV and high ceilings, fans and lots of louvers produce a natural cooling affect. Each house at Resort Latitude Zero has six air-conditioned bedrooms on the top floor, two of which have ensuites. All bedrooms are interchangeable to suit the needs of individual groups – they can be configured as family rooms, twin share boy’s rooms or very private couple’s rooms. Each bedroom has a set of louvers and French doors opening onto its own section of the verandah.
The lower level of the homes is on the same level as the garden and pool and features an open plan layout. The south house has storage rooms for your bags and boards, a small gymnasium and entertaining area and the northern house contains the main office area, a library / chill-out area, massage tables and kitchen stores etc. The boatshed is located right on the beach facing the harbour area and houses all the marine toys. The staff quarters are located behind this shed. The waste-water system, designed and fitted by a registered Australian plumber, is very environmentally friendly and utilises aeration tanks that run off into hydrophilic gardens behind the resort complex. Being situated on its own island means Latitude Zero can instil systems to eradicate the risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. The Resort utilises a reverse osmosis water system ensuring all bathing and drinking water is purified and fit for consumption.
Surf Stay Options:
Resort Latitude Zero caters to the time poor traveller as well as those looking to really escape for an extended time. Holiday packages of 7, 10, 11 and 14 nights are available, as well as the possibility of mixing it up with a boat charter to experience both worlds. Get the crusty beard experience of a real saltwater adventure, then before returning home, embrace the remarkable comforts and luxury of Resort Latitude Zero. The best of both worlds!
Meals
Resort Latitude Zero offers a remarkable dining experience that draws inspiration from local and western dishes. See below for an example of dishes that can be ordered straight from the kitchen staff.
Breakfast - Eggs any style with bacon; pancakes, toast and whole array of choices that will see you in good stead for the epic surfs of the day ahead. In addition to this a full Continental Breakfast is available.
Lunch - Fresh fish with noodles and stir fry vegetables; chicken and prawn tortillas with salad; and all manner of tasty meat and vegetable dishes.
Dinner - Steak with creamy mash, jus and vegetables; Nasi Goreng; Curries; Stir fries; and desserts of black rice pudding, sorbets, ice creams and cakes. Any style of dish is possible from the expert kitchen staff at RLZ. Specialty diets and allergies can be catered for with enough notice. Please notify your consultant when making a booking.
Surf Resort Latitude Zero
The Telo Islands boast a variety of waves which are suitable for all levels of surfer. From beginners; cruisy older long boarders; stand up paddle boarders; advanced short board surfers; and even professionals love the area. The islands span over a 50 nautical mile area from north to south right on the equator with many little nooks and crannies to search and surf. Over the past 15 years the owners have been doing just that and every season they find something new. To date they have surfed over 40 quality waves in the area, all of which are accessible by fast speedboat.
The waves are consistently 3 to 5 foot, which increase in size when those larger swells roll up the Indian Ocean from an area 3000nm away known as the roaring forties. You will find quality lefts and rights, though what makes this area a bit different and uncharacteristic for Indonesia as a whole, is there are probably more rights than lefts.
There are quite a few less intense, deep water waves that suit the long boarders, SUP’s and the surfers not into risking life and limb for the barrels. With also plenty of shallower, across the reef- style barrelling waves that are nothing less than world class setups.
Resort Lat Zero has access to dozens of waves from 5mins to up to 45mins away from the resort. The Telos offer a wave set up for every type of surfer from mellow long board type waves to something more challenging. In the interest of keeping the breaks uncrowded and incognito RLZ has asked that we don't publish too much info. Suffice to say that we offer up to 30 different breaks that work on different conditions and suit different abilities. YOU won't be disappointed. Resort Latitude Zero also shares the wave locations with Telo Island Lodge. Please note that Telo Island Lodge and Resort Latitude Zero are in constant radio contact with each other and organise it so that you rarely see guests from either destination surfing the same break.
Optimum surf conditions for the Telo Islands:
Swell: South or SW
Wind: Any type of East
Videos
Non-Surf Activities
Fishing - Resort Latitude Zero offers a large range of fishing gear (for use free of charge) including 6 trawling rigs fitted with “Penn” reels, 4 overhead casting rigs, hand lines, a large stock of lures and fishing tackle. Readily equipped boats make for the perfect Telo Island afternoon fishing adventure over a few beers to reminisce about the days surfing.
Spear Fishing - A large number of local fish species accompanied by crystal clear Sumatran water makes for perfect spear fishing conditions, from beginners through to the advanced. We have 3 well maintained “Andre” teak timber spear guns available for guests to use free of charge whilst on board our fast boats in the surrounding Telo Islands.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) - was recently named the most popular Outdoor Recreational Activity in the World. The sport has multiple benefits providing a strong ‘core’ workout. With a range of great SUP friendly waves throughout the Telo Islands you'll have an opportunity to take advantage of the boards on offer at the Resort.
Snorkelling - No matter if its snorkelling around the Resort Island or out of the fast boats, we have a large stock of “Land and Sea Sporting Co” pro series snorkel, mask and fin sets for use free of charge.
Additional leisure activities - Local Village Tours; Island Walks; Swimming in the Blue Pools; visiting the Resort Gym or indulging in complete relaxation at the Karmah Spa.
Beach Dining - For those special romantic occasions with your loved one, such as a birthday, an anniversary, a honeymoon or even a wedding proposal, Resort Latitude Zero is able to offer you and your partner a unique dining experience on your own private beach.
