Waves & Surf Report

We are the ONLY land-based camp in the Banyak Islands, offering unparalleled access and knowledge to over 10 waves in the region.

The recent APRIL 2010 QUAKE has blessed the Banyak region, raising the hide tide mark and IMPROVING wave quality at all 3 breaks in the Bay of Plenty. All 3 waves are surfable on ALL TIDES! As well, multilple spots that were previously too shallow to surf have come to life, unveiling hidden jems you have to see!!! Check out our new award for WAVE of the WEEK

The Banyaks offer a wide range of surf suitable for all levels, styles and ages. We’ve had guests ranging from 12-65 years old surfing in the islands, all of them going home with fond memories of perfect un-crowded surf in one of the last frontiers.

Due to its northern hemisphere location the banyaks are blessed with year round surf.

Trade winds from october to march blow offshore in the bay of plenty. West swell that hits the bay of plenty directly are generated by a combination of tropical cyclones in the indian ocean while being enhanced by lingering swells from the south. 2008/9 offseason saw back to back swells that ranged from 2-6ft. read article from surfline

From april to october winds are variable and usualy tend west to south/west late morning making a combination of bay of plenty in the mornings and treasure island in the afternoon the chosen spots for optimal surf time. Ground swells from south-africa generate waves that range from 2-10ft with the odd swell reaching 12. When the big swells hit theres no other place to be than the banyaks.

Due to the sensitivity of the area we will only describe the waves that are known by most visiting charter boats.

We offer access to 5 other SECRET SPOTS that break on different wind/swell directions and sizes.

Some are not even accessible by the large charter boats, ensuring the UNCROWDED PERFECTION you search for!

Note: Distances from lodge to waves is approximate best on based equipment and conditions. All waves can be reached in less than 45min from lodge.

Lolok Point - 3min- More Lolok Photos

A picture perfect wave with a backdrop to suit. Long world class left that has a few different moods depending on swell direction and size. Holds as big as it gets!!! Moderate to large swell needed to get this wave at its best. Easy deep water take offs and big down the line walls with intense tubes on the inside for the barrell hunters. On smaller swells the wave is shorter and less intense, but can get a little shallow.

Dindos - 10min walk- More Dindo's Photos

 Located deep inside the bay, this is the refuge when the giant swells come. A 10 min walk out from the lodge gets you right in the line-up. Most days it doesn't get over shoulder high, but when moderate to BIG swells hit this wave go's off and rates up there with the best. Breaks on a perfectly shaped semi-circle reef and offers extremely playful walls and tubes. Great for intermediate surfers or experienced ones who want to let loose.

Gunturs - 2min - More Gunturs Photos

Treasure Island - 40min - More TI Photos

 Cobra Logs - 45min

 The wave magnet. When the points aren’t on this spot comes to the rescue and usually has something to offer. Fast down the line left offering intense tubes and rippable walls. Can be a world class wave on the right direction swell. If the bay isn't working Cobra Logs or Machine Guns will be.

More images of secret surf spots to come....

Kelly's - Location Undisclosed

No Kelly, wasn't the first one to surf this spot, but you would sure love to see him do his thing out here. Kelly's is a remarkably long right reef with potential for incredibly fast long rides and barrels. It is one of our savior's when big swells come to the bay and the winds turn onshore. Everywhere else will be too big or blown out, and Kelly's will have fun walls and barrels sections. While the charter boats get on the piss and pray for better winds, we pack up our gear and zip around the corner for uncrowded offshore surf.  Only Lodge guests in the lineup.

Kankungs - Location Undisclosed

Welcome to the one palm point of the banyaks. Surfed for the first time this season in July, Kankung's is one of the hollowest left handers in Sumatra.A fast heavy left for expert surfers and hellman only. It comes out of deep water and unloads a relentless 8-10 second tube on shallow reef. On high tide and big swells it becomes more friendly and off the reef. Kankungs holds any swell and breaks longer and hollower the bigger it gets. Only lodge guests in the lineup offering uncrowded barrels for the BRAVE!

Camel Backs - Location Undisclosed 

C-backs is a heavy barreling right for experienced tube riders only. It comes out of deep water and heaves a backdoor style A-frame peak that barrels for 3+sec and spits like a camel. Best on westerly swells, it starts working at 4ft and holds up to 7ft. The bigger the better, to get it breaking off the reef!

Surf Report

14 -8- 10- The big swell showed up yesterday but conditions were a bit bumpy. A large storm system over all of Java and Sumatra junked up the swell a bit and added some lump. Onshore winds this morning sent us to one of our secret spots around the back of the island, Dutchies. It was heavier than usual with fast barrels that were a bit sectiony. After breakfast the winds went offshore and our guests got some fun overhead waves at Dindo's to theirselves. Although it was nothing for the record books there were plenty of fun waves and smiles all around.

11 -8- 10- Treasure Island has been the call the past couple days. As the big swell faded in the bay all the boys at the camp were frothing waiting to head out to the island. Sure enough, it turned on for us. The past couple days, we've been eating an early breakfast and heading out to treasures with lunches packed and eskies full of beer. 3 boys at the camp were claiming the best barrels of their lives on more than one occasion....what more needs to be said!!!

6 -8- 10- What can I say...BEST SWELL OF THE YEAR thus far! The biggest and best the bay has been all season. 4 days of perfect winds and 6-8ft waves. Of course Dindo's was doing its best macaroni's impression at about 4-5ft, with only 4-8 guys in the lineup. While Gunturs was offering up massive tubes, Lolok had down the line faces that looked like the great wall of china. For a few hours today the wind went onshore...so while the charter boats sat in the bay twiddling their thumbs, we headed out to Kankung's where empty HEAVY, 5-6ft offshore barrels greeted us. A few boys opted to sit on the boat and watch while the tube riders put on a show.

1 -8- 10- Some fun waves over the past week have kept the crew in the lineup. Mostly in the head high range at Gunturs with a few fun chest high days at dindo's. Surfing only with the guests at our lodge and one guy from a private yacht. Fun waves and no crowd, just another week in the banyaks. Everyone is gearing up for the BIG swell coming in a few days.

24 -7- 10- WHAT A SWELL! The swell was a bit south so it wasn't breaking too big in the bay. We knew it would be bigger out at Treasure Island, but had no idea how perfect it would be. 3 days straight of head high - double overhead machine guns. 2-4 barrels per wave, and 200m+ rides were the norm. By the end of the few days our arms and legs were so tired, we had trouble lifting our bintang cans and walking to the esky. ONLY 10 or less guys in the lineup the whole time, these kind of swells at treasures are what surfers spend their whole lives searching for and rarely get. Banyak Island Perfection without the crowd!!!

17 -7- 10- This weeks expected swell didn't quite show up as planned. lt came late and didn't quite have the umph neccesary to put the waves in the double overhead range as previously predicted. We still managed to score 4ft treasures barrelling very nice and only 10 guys in the water. The bay has been breaking everyday witht he best surf at Gunturs in the head high+ range. Still far from what the bay can offer when it is truly on...luckily there's more swell around the corner, and I have a feeling August is gonna be a good month!

10 -7- 10- This week has been small but fun. Although the surf hasn't dropped below head high, we haven't had anything massive either. The remnants of the last swell have lingered westerly swell in the region, and provided chest - over head surf at Dindo's and Gunturs. Tomorrow we are expecting an AWESOME run of surf to start with back to back 2.5m+ swells, with possibly the biggest swell of the season hitting in a few days time...STAY TUNED!!!

4 -7- 10- The long awaited swell finally arrived. Combined with a westerly swell from the the North Indian Ocean, conditions were shifty but hollow. With the high tide Gunturs was well overhead and linking up both barrel sections into an intense high speed ride. Dindo's had a few hours of brilliance with head high sets reeling down the point, offering LONG rides with only 3 guys out! Lolok had the size, DOH, but with the west in the swell it was a bit fast and sectiony, far from what it can be. Without the proper knowledge, the one charter boat that showed up sent their guests out their regardless. Our guests scored tubes at Gunturs in the morning well before the charter showed up, and surfed Dindo's/Gunturs after lunch. A few of the boys said it was the most barrels they have gotten in one day in their life. 

3 -7- 10- As the swell started to kick in, Gunturs came to life. Early morning saw 3-4ft sets, with nice conditions and not another surfer in the bay besides guests from the lodge. After lunch the winds kicked up from the west, so we knew treasure island would be working. Although the angle wasn't perfect for it there were still 1-2 barrels per wave, and only 2 small charter boats.  

26 -6- 10- The best swell of the season has finally faded out days after 3 days of epic surf and conditions. Now the swell has faded and we will enjoy a couple of lay days on the booze watching footy and wimbledon.

17 -6- 10- The last 2 days of swehad nice sized swell and conditions. A nice 2m swell brought clean 4-5ft lines to Gunturs and Lolok. Dindo's had a perfect angle to the swell and was reeling nice 2-3ft waves perfect for any type of board. This morning Gunturs had ideal winds and stand up barrels on offer, with nboth sections linking up offering 100+m rides. Just another perfect day in the bay. SOLID swell coming tomorrow, and no signs of it stopping soon.

11 -6- 10- What a day! This swell is showing no signs of stopping any time soon. Again, all 3 waves were going ballistic. The swell cleaned up even more and was bringing in sets non-stop. Even with a couple boats in the bay, there were so many waves to go around it was laughable. Lolok - 6-8ft with 200m lines consistently reeling down the point ending in heavy barrel sections. Gunturs - 5-6ft with all the barrel sections linking up offering 2-3 tubes per wave, with hackable walls in between. Dindo's looked just like a mini-macaroni's today and was pulling in well overhead sets with some serious tubes on the inside for those that were keen. Another perfect uncrowded day in the BAY OF PLENTY....more on the way!

 10 - 6- 10- The bay was ON FIRE today. All 3 waves breaking spread out the guys in   the lineup. Lolok pushing 6-7ft sets. Gunturs was barrelling its nut off at around 5ft+ SOLID, with spitting tubes! Dindo's was holding nice 4ft sets with reeling lines that offered a nice refuge for those not keen to take on the big stuff. Perfect winds all day with sunny skies... all in all, a beautiful day in the bay.

8 -6- 10- The wind was a bit funky for the first few hours of the moring, but after a good sleep in, we woke up to perfect offshore conditions. Gunturs was holding 4ft+ sets with makebable 4sec barrels on offer for those keen to pull in to the end section. Only 3 guys in the lineup all day, not a boat in the bay made a very peaceful and stoke filled session.

4 -6- 10- After our last session on the 28th, it has been difficult to get the motivation to go out there. It's been 2-3 ft for the last week with nice conditions. If you just rocked up from your home town you would have been out there every day!!! Got a beautiful surf in yesterday, nearly 4ft at Gunturs with only 2 guys on it. I reckon we will wait for incoming swell to get back in the water.

28 -5- 10- While all the surfers in Bali struggle to find a wave, battered by onshore winds, Gunturs had one of it's best days ever. 4-5 ft offshore and roping 3-5 second tubes!!!! Not ONE boat in that bay, and only 3 guys surfing left plenty of extra waves to go around. To keep it brief "GUNTURS WAS EPIC TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

15 -5 - 10- Another beautiful set of swells lit up the bay. The storm in the Bay of Bengal sent some nice NW wind swell that combined with the long period SW swell and turned Gunturs into barrel heaven. Consistent sets in the head high to DOH range rolled in for 3 days straight. Lolok was showing some nice over head sets with no one out! As always Dindo's offered a nice refuge for those trying to let loose, bringing in shoulder high sets.

10 -5 - 10- Its been an INSANE few days in the Bay of Plenty. Swell dropped off today, but the last four days saw a beautiful run of SOLID long period SW ground swell. Gunturs has been linking up both sections even at size now and was holding 5-7ft sets with the occasional Triple Over Head Bomb! Lolok broke nicely for two days with never more than 2 guys on it 4-7ft. Dindo's was the swell refuge offering head high tubes for a couple of days. More swell coming on the 15th...Update coming then!

2 - 2 -10- New year started with a big high tide and a big cyclone swell that lasted for a week or so, a few of our secret spots where pumping, that swell merged with a swell from the south and continued through to mid month, then another cyclone formed off North Sumatra producing 4- 5 ft waves that lasted for 5 days. Towards the end of month a small swell from the s/s/w gave us another push which lasted a few days, overall a really consistent month with good winds and great waves.  

18-12 -09- The swell at the start of the month was a bit of a fizza but it still got to 6ft for a day and a half till it dopped off to nothing, waited 8 long days till a swell from a distant cyclone in the indian ocean produced a slow building swell which gradualy picked up to a respectful 5 foot, our 2 guests terry and paul from the gold coast finaly got a small taste of what the bay can produce, unfortunately they had to leave at the peak of the swell and didn't get to enjoy dindo's which broke for another 2 days after their departure. Conditions turned ugly after that which is usualy a sign of another tropical depression moving out to sea to form into another cyclone.

30-11-09- Since last surf report conditions have been mostly small with offshore winds most of the time. Gunturs has been the pick with fun peaks on the outside section. 4 days back the swell picked up to a respectful 6ft. It was a very consistent swell with 3-5 waves in a set and coming through every 5 to 10 min. I'm certain a few of our secret spots would of been on. Out front dindo's was showing what it can do if it gets the right tide and swell direction. It was'nt breaking as long as last swell but it sure made up for that in hollow tube sections. Guntur's was copping the brunt of swell and had constant over head bombs coming through. In the following days the swell dropped bit by bit but is now picking up again with the next forecasted swell. Should be good one.

14-11-09- 11 of 14 days this month have seen good conditions and swells hovering between the 4 to 6ft mark. On the 11th the first 2 cyclones of the season formed in the northern indian ocean producing 2 swells that hit the bay simultaneously. Lolok Point was getting it square on making it too shallow. Down in the bay dindo's was the best i've ever surfed it, the 2 different swell directions where allowing it to break from the very outside corner making it 50meters longer than it usualy is, perfectly shaped walls and fun tube sections on the inside where the order of the day. Gunturs as usual was going off and was also breaking unusualy long for a normaly short wave. Looking out there today it seems to have backed off a bit but knowing how much the tide effects this place it will probably pick up again with the fast incoming high tide this afternoon. Should get another few days or more of cyclone swell and according to the forecast we can expect a south swell to hit in a few days time which could very well link up with the ongoing cyclone swell.

30-10-09- Woke up this morning to the sound of a new swell. First light revealed perfect conditions with a moderate swell lighting up all 3 waves in the Bay of Plenty. Hard to make a decision on where to surf, Gunturs looks very inviting but being a goofy Dindo's looks like the go for the morning session. Hopefully the winds will be the same this afternoon which will give us the jewel in the crown, Lolok Point. Swell is suppose to hang around for a few days + more coming according to the forecast. Great time of year with trade winds starting to kick in and not a single charter boat in sight