Simeulue Surf Lodges; a surfers’ dream
Simeulue… have you ever heard of it? I certainly didn’t, that’s for sure. This tropical island is just off the northeast coast of Sumatra and has waves rolling in from almost every corner. The only way of getting to Simeulue Surf Lodges is jumping on a tiny plane from Medan. In general jumping into tiny planes brings you to great places, so I got a very good feeling about this one.
Dylan’s right in our front yard
Like I said.. tiny plains and beautiful destinations
Simeulue is everything you imagine of a tropical island. Palmtrees swaying in the wind, the smell of the ocean in the air, and pristine white beaches with not a single soul on them. There are not many cars on the island, nor a lot of people, let alone tourists. This really is paradise.
Beach huts are my favorite
The moment we arrive at Simeulue Surf Lodges I go from overly excited to becoming a bit silent because of so much beauty. I think I’ve never seen a place like this. We have a little beach hut right in front of the bright blue ocean, with an open shower where you can hear the waves and the crickets as if they are showering with you. There’s a right-hander right in front of the place, with maybe one or two locals on it on a busy day. Although accommodation is basic, everything you need is there. You will be spending most of your time in the water anyways.
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- Checking out the waves
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- Sunsets and palmtrees are my favorite
The salt water pool at Simeulue Surf Lodges
During your stay at Simeulue Surf Lodges you will be taken great care off. Jenny cooks up the most delicious meals, cakes, treats and smoothies every single day. It really feels like you’re sitting at your mums kitchen table getting spoiled while she’s making sure you eat enough.
Eggs, pancakes, fresh fruits and smoothies.. Breakfast for champs
We’re not the only ones ready for breakfast…
Uncrowded waves near Simeulue Surf Lodges
There are more surf retreats on Simeulue, but on this side of the island there are only a few. This means hardly any other surfers on the breaks close to Simeulue Surf Lodges, in contrast to for example the famous break “the Peak”. And there are quite a few good breaks near Simeulue Surf Lodge. Keep an eye on Alus Alus, One Thong or Dylan’s right, which are the most popular waves on this part of the island. While staying at Simeulue Surf Lodges you get your own scooter which you can use during your entire stay with them to cruise around and discover new spots.
Sunrise surfs at Dylan’s right
Paradise Boat trips
If you aren’t satisfied yet on the paradise meter, then definitely book a boat trip to Teabags. This boat trip will take you out to one of the best breaks around Simeulue where you can get your barrel fix. Honestly, I don’t do barrels (yet), so for me it was just watching the big boys, but it was spectacular indeed. Since you got the boat for the whole day, Teabags doesn’t have to be your only destination. We went off to Pulau Mincau, an uninhabited island with the bluest water and whitest sand I’ve ever seen. Have a stroll around, snorkel a bit, encounter some strange animals and maybe even surf here.
Surfing deserted islands
Teabags… I’ll just watch, thank you very much
Early morning boat trips
Home sweet home
It’s funny how easy you feel at home at Simeulue Surf Lodges. Cruising around on the island on our scooters, searching for waves. Locals waving and smiling at you, children incredibly curious and cheeky using the five English words they know. Hey Mister! Even for us girls. Coming home to delicious food, watching the sun set behind the palmtrees while you’re sipping on your coconut in the swimming pool.
There’s not a lot you need in life and Simeulue Surf Lodges proves just that. Palmtrees, waves, great food and good company. Check, check, double check. Go experience it yourself and enjoy all those little things.
For more info on Simeulue Surf Lodges or bookings, check out their website.
Marthe
Ps. Bring your own boards, preferably two or three, cause you might break one. With mostly reef breaks and a few killer beach breaks, bringing an extra board isn’t a luxury.
This place is called paradise
Pulau Mincau… officially unhabitat
A pod of 50 dolphins was swimming along
Coco-loco
Wave check at One Thongs
Just cruising around
The view at SImeulue Surf Lodges.. priceless right?
Beach huts or tree houses… it’s up to you!
Can you please stay out of my room?
Take the scooter and just drive around… pretty vistas everywhere
Early mornings at Alus Alus
Never going home…
Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland©
Oh wat heerlijk!
This place looks like heaven! Wow! Have to see this with my own eyes :-).
You definitely got to! One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen..
Nice article Marthe!
I think you’ve written a really nice article about Simeulue and what surfers can expect. Its a beautiful place and is one of the most welcoming destinations in Sumatra. The surf is also excellent. The only discrepancy I would add is that the photos give the impression girls can wear bikinis on the beach which (unfortunately) they cant. I really don’t want this to be a negative comment! Its a welcoming and wonderful place and there is still opportunity for females to catch some rays in some privacy, but its also important to know before making the journey over. Keep up the good work…
Dave
Hi Dave! Thanks for reaching out to us! You’re absolutely right concerning the situation on the island. The Islam is an important part of daily live on Simeulue and we have lots of respect for that, which we think you should always have visiting a country as a tourist. Lucky for us we had the chance to walk around in bikini in a few places where we didn’t offend the local community. We absolutely loved the island, and I don’t think we’ve seen as many smiles anywhere else as we’ve seen in Simeulue. You’re a very lucky person living there! 🙂
Hi,
Awsome photos and it looks loke paradise!!!
So…you find a way to wear and walk in bikini in the island?
Some “private” beaches or just empty ones with respect to cover if someone apeears?
And just sunbathing only laying down in towel its possible?
HB
Hi!
Thanks so much for the sweet compliment! There are places where you can walk around in bikini, but those places are not public beaches. Simeulue is a Muslim island, with their own customs and values. When walking or driving around we can advice to cover up a bit as respect to the locals. We got to stay at this beautiful place, Simeulue Surf Lodges, where we had a swimming pool and where we were able to walk around in bikini on the property. We also visited a few deserted islands, where there was no one to offend.
Do always keep in mind that you are a visitor, and you have to adjust to local customs. It’s a beautiful place to visit, to surf and to explore, but not the place if you’d like to sunbathe on the beach.
Have loads of fun if you decide to visit!
Regards,
Marthe