Telo Islands Surf Guide
World Surfaris’ Overview
The Telo Islands are one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets, offering a perfect blend of world-class waves and minimal crowds. Located just north of the Mentawais, the Telos sit in the swell path of the Indian Ocean and deliver consistent, high-quality surf from March through November, with a wide variety of reef breaks, points, and beachies to suit all skill levels. From the long, playful walls of Max’s Right to the hollow perfection of GTs and The ER, the region is loaded with mechanical setups that hold in a variety of conditions. Most breaks are boat-access only, and with shifting winds and tides, local knowledge is key – making guided charters and surf resorts the best way to score.
On a Telo Islands surf trip, expect fewer boats, lighter crowds, and a more relaxed pace compared to other Indo hotspots. The Telos are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for a premium experience without the lineup pressure. With a great balance of lefts and rights, rippable peaks and heavy barrels, this wave-rich chain is perfect for small groups, solo travellers or families wanting a quality surf adventure in one of Indonesia’s most consistent and low-key surf destinations.
The Region
Location
The Telo Islands are a small island chain located off the west coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia, positioned between the Mentawai Islands to the south and Nias and the Hinako Islands to the north. While nearby regions like the Mentawais are known for their density of surf spots and charter traffic, the Telos offer a more laid-back, uncrowded alternative with equally world-class waves. Compared to the heavier, more advanced waves of the Hinakos or the remote, exploratory nature of the Banyaks, the Telos strike a perfect balance of the two.
Tourism, Culture & Religion
The Telo Islands are part of Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim region of North Sumatra, but the local Telo communities also blend in traditional customs and a strong sense of hospitality. Life in the islands is simple and village-based, with a laid-back pace and a deep connection to the ocean. Surf tourism has grown steadily over the past decade, with a handful of land camps and surf charters now operating in the region. Most surf operators in the Telos have strong ties to local communities, and World Surfaris proudly supports these operators to help keep surf tourism in the region sustainable, respectful, and positive for everyone.
Surfing The Telos
Surf Seasonality
The Telo Islands enjoy a consistent surf season from March to November, with reliable Indian Ocean swells and a variety of conditions.
March to May and September to November offer fun-sized, clean surf ideal for intermediate surfers, while the peak season from June to August delivers bigger, more powerful swells suited to advanced surfers.
Wave Breakdown
The Telo Islands offer exceptional wave variety, with a balance of long rights, hollow lefts, playful peaks and heavier barrels spread across the region.
Well-known spots like Pinnacles, Coconuts and Pasti highlight the range of setups, from user-friendly walls to fast, shallow tubes, catering to both performance surfers and those chasing fun, rippable sessions.
Planning Your Telo Islands Surf Trip
Planning your Telo Islands surf trip is easy with World Surfaris. Our expert consultants have strong connections with the region’s best surf resorts and charters, and firsthand knowledge of the waves, seasons, and logistics.
Whether you need flights, travel insurance, flexible payment plans, tide and swell advice, or just a smooth booking process from start to finish, World Surfaris is here to make your Telos surf trip hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Telos compare to the Mentawais?
Compared to the Mentawais, which offer a higher wave density and fast-paced surf scene, the Telos deliver a more laid-back experience with fewer crowds – ideal for surfers who want quality waves in a relaxed, uncrowded setting.
Should I book a surf resort or a charter boat?
Resorts offer more comfort and amenities, while charters give you the freedom to move between breaks and surf more remote spots. World Surfaris can help you choose based on your style, group size and goals.
How do I get to the Telo Islands?
Getting to the Telos involves flying into Medan, followed by a short domestic flight or ferry and a boat transfer to your resort. If you’re joining a charter from Padang, the boat usually travels overnight, arriving by morning. It’s a multi-step journey, but we handle all the logistics to keep it seamless.
Telo Islands Surf Camps & Resorts
Surfing Village
Surfing Village is a remote, core surf camp in the southern Telo Islands, perfectly positioned in front of three world-class right-handers – offering direct access to long, clean walls just a short paddle from the beach. With its thatched-roof bungalows, communal open-air dining area, and an epic surf viewing tower perched above the main break, the camp blends comfort with a truly authentic Indo surf trip feel. Surfing Village is all about chasing waves, living simply, and scoring with minimal crowds – perfect for experienced surfers seeking raw, consistent surf and a tight-knit, ocean-focused experience.
Telos 101 Resort
Telos 101 Resort offers a more refined surf experience in the Telo Islands, combining world-class waves with resort-style comfort and amenities. Set on a private island surrounded by palm trees and pristine water, the resort features modern air-conditioned bungalows, a pool, yoga pavilion, and thoughtfully designed spaces perfect for relaxing between surfs. With easy access to a variety of waves nearby, Telos 101 caters to surfers chasing quality sessions as well as non-surfing partners or families seeking a tropical escape.
Intermediate Catering to mostly repeat guests, Surfing Village in the Telos delivers a unique and authentic beachfront experience with world-class waves right out the front.
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Tanah Mympi is a newly refurbished premium island resort in the remote Telo Islands, combining exclusive surf access with quality waves just minutes from the resort.
Explore TripTelo Islands Surf Charters
The Telo Islands are serviced by a range of quality surf charters, with some boats based in the region and others offering limited trips each season as an alternative to their usual Mentawai routes. Well-known boats like Mangalui, Asia Surf Charters, Star Koat, The Barrenjoey, and the fleet from Sibon Charters regularly score uncrowded perfection in the Telos, guided by experienced crews who know when and where to be. These charters offer a more surf-focused approach to exploring the Telos, with the flexibility to move between breaks, chase optimal conditions, and enjoy direct access to waves right from the boat.
From the moment you step on board the 84ft Mangalui Charters, you’ll know you’re in the right place for an epic surf trip. Purpose-built for…
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Star Koat 2 is the ultimate Banyaks surf trip, with consistent swells and world-class waves around every corner. Newly built with an expert team of surf guides, jump aboard Star Koat 2 for a surf trip to remember.
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The Australian-built Barrenjoey offers an unforgettable surfing experience across some of Indonesia’s most renowned and secluded surf spots.
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Recently refurbished in 2023, Huey Surf Charter specialises in premier surf trips through the Mentawais, Telos, Banyaks, and West Sumatra, providing access to some of the best waves in the world.
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Australian owned and operated, Asia Surf Charters delivers an exceptional surf adventure in the Mentawai and Telo Islands, two regions renowned for their world-class waves and variety of breaks.
Explore Trip Equipped with all the features needed for an ideal surf trip, Sibon Baru invites you to explore the untouched beauty of the Mentawai, Telo and Banyak Islands.
Explore TripBeyond The Surf
Non-Surfing Activities & Experiences
While the Telo Islands are all about world-class surf, there’s plenty to enjoy out of the water too. Between sessions, surfers can go fishing, diving or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, explore nearby island villages, or simply relax on secluded beaches. Many surf camps and charters offer beach BBQs, bonfires, and trips to uninhabited islands, with stunning natural beauty and a laid-back island vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a Telo surf trip?
Spots – especially on charters – fill fast, so it’s best to book 12+ months in advance particularly for peak season.
Is the Telo Islands suitable for non-surfers?
Yes, especially at resorts like Telos 101, which offer pools, yoga, snorkelling and comfortable accommodation for partners or families.
Are the waves suitable for all levels?
Most waves in the Telos are best for intermediate to advanced surfers, though the region includes some more forgiving breaks depending on swell size and conditions.
Telo Islands Videos
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Telos Surf Trip
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