Major city · Indonesia
NiasPulau Nias
Spend 2–3 days on Nias for surfing at Sorake Bay and a cultural visit to Bawomataluo; longer if you want multiple surf spots.
Nias Island off North Sumatra offers world‑class surf breaks at Sorake Bay and Hinako Islands, plus distinctive megalithic villages and a heritage museum. A short stay covers the main surf spot and one cultural site; add days for extra surf spots or deeper cultural immersion.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- IDR
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (dry season, best surf conditions)
- avoid Nov–Mar (rainy season, rough seas)
- Airport
- GNS
- Nights
- 2–3
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Nias110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Nias, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.Indonesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTelkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.Indonesia-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.Indonesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.Indonesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Indonesia-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; watch for petty theft in crowded markets and be cautious on steep coastal roads, especially after rain.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.Indonesia-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 118 fire and ambulance · 112 General emergency (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysBali shuts completely for Nyepi; government offices close Friday midday for prayer; Lebaran slows the country for two weeks.Indonesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGNS Binaka Airport (Gunungsitoli).
- Getting aroundMotorbike rental is common; taxis and local minibuses connect Gunungsitoli, Teluk Dalam and ferry terminals.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (within town, 5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (within town, 3.1 mi (5 km))Rp30,000–45,000
- Budget bedGuesthouse room (double), a night, per roomRp150,000
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse room (double), a night, per roomRp250,000
- High-end bedGuesthouse room (double), a night, per roomRp450,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp70,000 · Mid Rp150,000 · High Rp300,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GNS Binaka Airport (Gunungsitoli)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Nias: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
7 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
7 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Motorbike rental is common; taxis and local minibuses connect Gunungsitoli, Teluk Dalam and ferry terminals. Ferries from Sibolga or Medan to Gunungsitoli (check active terminal).
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bawomataluo village
goDoor to door: ≈2 h
Motorbike from Gunungsitoli, about 2 h via coastal road
UNESCO tentative site; see stone‑jumping ritual.
Sorake Bay surf spot
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Taxi or motorbike from Teluk Dalam, 10–15 min
World‑class left/right breaks; best early morning.
Hinako Islands (Asu, Bawa)
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h total
Boat from Teluk Dalam harbor, 1–1.5 h
Boat schedules irregular; check locally.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Gunungsitoli town centre
Most guesthouses and small hotels; close to airport and museum.
Teluk Dalam surf area
Bungalows and surf camps near Sorake Bay; ideal for surf‑focused stay.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Rp70,000–120,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- Rp120,000–250,000 excl. bed
- High
- Rp250,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse room (double)1 × 2 nights × Rp250,000 | Rp500,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × Rp150,000 | Rp600,000 |
| Binaka Airport → Gunungsitoli taxi2 × Rp30,000 | Rp60,000 |
| Motorbike rental (per day)2 × Rp30,000 | Rp60,000 |
| Surf‑camp package (1‑day guide + gear)2 × Rp500,000 | Rp1,000,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Rp222,000 |
| Trip total≈ Rp610,500 per person per day, bed included | Rp2,442,000≈ US$150 |
2026 estimate in IDR; flights and international transfers excluded.
Prices of common things
| Local meal (nasi goreng, fish, or pork dish) | Rp20,000–45,000 |
| Bottled water (1 L) | Rp3,000–5,000 |
| Motorbike fuel (per litre) | Rp10,000 |
| Taxi (within town, 5 km) | Rp30,000–45,000 |
| Surf board hire (half‑day) | Rp150,000–250,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferry services can be irregular; verify which terminal (Gunungsitoli or Teluk Dalam) is operating.
- Surf conditions vary with monsoon; check local surf reports before heading out.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 118
- General emergency
- 112
Pocket card
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NiasPulau Nias
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ke alamat ini, tolongTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance118
- General emergency112
Embassy
US consular services are in Medan (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Binaka Airport → Gunungsitoli taxi: ≈ Rp30,000
- Motorbike rental per day: ≈ Rp30,000
- Surf‑camp guide + board: ≈ Rp500,000
Say or show
- Maaf — Excuse me / Sorry (ma-fah)
- Terima kasih — Thank you (tuh-ree-mah kah-see)
- Berapa harganya? — How much is it? (buh-rah-pah har-gah-nyah)
- Di mana toilet? — Where is the bathroom? (dee mah-nah toilet)
- Bisa pakai kartu? — Can I pay by card? (bee-sah pah-kai kar-too)
- Saya butuh taksi — I need a taxi (sah-yah boo-tooh tak-see)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Nias. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (dry season, best surf conditions) · avoid Nov–Mar (rainy season, rough seas) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Arrange airport‑to‑guesthouse transfer via local taxi (≈Rp30,000).
- Motorbike rental (≈Rp30,000/day) for flexible island travel.
- Surf‑camp packages include gear and guide (check surf schools).
Sources
Ask about Nias
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