Afulu Retreat on Walo Beach.

Description: The reason travellers started coming to Afulu was a beautiful beach with a very good surf wave at its southern end. The beach is actually called Walo Beach, but surfers named the wave after the nearby village; Afulu. Today Afulu also have the only dedicated tourism accommodation in the north; Afulu Retreat. Initially only surfers made their way here, but today beach lovers and adventurous travellers also visit Afulu. It is a great base from where you can explore this beautiful part of Nias.

Walo beach is 2.5 kilometers long beach lined with coconut palms. It is one of the more scenic beaches along the west coast. The famous surf wave is located just of a rocky headland at the south end of the beach, right in front of the beach bungalows. The wave is a great lefthander but mainly for experienced surfers as it ends very close to the reef. It is rarely crowded here, except when surf-charter boats visit during the swell season. Beginners can play around in the beach break in front of the bungalows. The southern end is also a great place to swim, as it is protected from waves and currents.

Most people come to Afulu to surf or to relax on the beach, but if you get itchy feet there are many things to explore in the Afulu area such as Wunga Island, Tögi Gana’a waterfall and many beaches, for example Pasir Merah, Pasir Putih and Laosi-Laosi beaches. And of course there are more “secret” surf waves nearby. See the North Nias page for more information about the west-coast of North Nias.

Most visitors choose to stay at Afulu Retreat which is very comfortable with a great view of the beach. If the Retreat is full there are two budget options in the nearby village.

Getting there: From Gunungsitoli drive north along the main east-coast road. North of town turn left and drive across the mountainous interior. Follow the signs to Lahewa, the largest town in the north. When reaching Lahewa, turn and drive south towards Afulu. The drive is only 21 kilometers but may take up to up to 30 minutes due to the winding road. Walo Beach is just before Afulu village. The main signage leads to a café, take the second unmarked turnoff to reach the beach. Total driving time from Gunungsitoli is 2- 2.5 hours.

Indonesian name & location: Pantai Walo (Turedawöla), Desa Afulu, Kecamantan Afulu, Kabupaten Nias Utara.