On Sundays many locals come to Tureloto to enjoy their day off.

Description: Tureloto is a large turquoise lagoon in the north-west corner of Nias.  It is a very beautiful place which is safe for swimming all year around. What makes Tureloto special is that it has only existed since the 2005 earthquake. During this seismic event the western coast of Nias Island was uplifted, in places up to three meters. It dramatically changed the north-west coastline of the Island. As a result the old pre-earthquake beach now lays 300 meters inland and a large lagoon has been created. The coral reef, usually submerged, is now exposed and very interesting and unique geological formations can be seen here. The outside of the lagoon has some of the best places for snorkelling and freediving on Nias.

Tureloto is a well-known location for local people and domestic tourists. On any given Sunday between 100 to 300 locals come here to eat, drink, relax and swim. In front of Tureloto is a large lagoon protected by a house reef which makes this a very safe place for swimming with smooth sandy bottom. The main site where most of the cafés are located is approximately 300 meters long. The area with uplifted corals continues for several hundred meters on both sides. There are many small shacks used by local fishermen here as well.

There are other interesting things to see in this area, for example Toyolawa beach, which is one of the longest undeveloped beaches on all of Nias. Read more about the north-west corner of Nias on the North Nias page.

Most people come here on a daytrip, but there is a guesthouse in Lahewa and nearby Afulu.

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, drive through town and continue in a northerly direction. After 2 kilometers turn right and continue for 4 kilometers to the beach. At the next turn off there is a sign for Tureloto Beach (Pantai Indah Tureloto). If unsure, ask the locals who are very friendly.

Indonesian name: Tureloto, Desa Balefadorotuho, Kecamatan Lahewa, Kabupaten Nias Utara.