Accommodation in Sorake – Lagundri Bay
Sorake and the wave right in front of it is the main drawcard for most of the tourist coming to Nias. For this reason Sorake also has the largest concentration of guesthouses, around 40 at last count. Sorake is also known as Lagundri, or Sorake Beach. Lagundri is the name of a large horseshoe-shaped bay on the south coast of Nias and Sorake is the name of the area on the western side of Lagundri bay.
Sorake is a very unique place, steeped in surfing culture. It was discovered and developed by surfers and built by locals catering for them. To this day many guesthouses are called ‘Surf camps’. This comes from the early days of surfing tourism when the only accommodation available was in fact camping on the beach. Many places are also known as ‘Losmens’ which is the Indonesian word for a simple guesthouse. Typical Sorake guesthouses have two storeys with large balconies on the second floor where surfers can keep a constant vigil on the wave. Most guesthouses are very sturdy structures, built to withstand the forces of nature. During the 2004 tsunami and 2005 earthquake any flimsy structure was knocked down and as a result the guesthouse owners today favour bricks and mortar.
The Point is the area in front of the main wave and this is the busiest part of Sorake. If you come for the surfing and enjoy hanging out with other likeminded people this is the place to be. Further away but still within walking distance of the wave there are more guesthouses in more varied style, both more high-end and more budget options. If you are not a surfer but want to base yourself here for a while there are several good options both north and south of the Point.
Prices may change! Most of the surf camps offer packages, which is a fixed price for a set number of days. This may include full board (3 x meals), airport transfers, excursions, etc. Always confirm prices and check what is included in the package before booking or checking in. This information was last updated in September 2017.
This is a list of all the hotels and guesthouses in Sorake, starting from the beginning of Lagundri Bay (North) all the way to the Indicators, the south end of Sorake.
Lagundri Bay to Kiddies Corner
This is the ‘beginning’ of Sorake, staring at Lagundri Beach inside the bay and going south towards The Point. Most of these places are still within a five to ten minutes’ walk from the Point. This area has a great variety of accommodation, both in price range and amenities and is a good place for both surfers and non-surfers to stay.
Penginapan Harus Damai
Small hotel located on Lagundri Beach. This is the only place in the area that has direct beach access and as such is popular with non-surfers. During the week the beach is empty except the odd fisherman but on Sundays the beach is packed with locals. This hotel is near Sorake but it takes about 20 minutes to walk to The Point from here. There are 11 rooms with ensuite bathrooms. 4 rooms come with AC and showers, the rest have fan and bak mandi (scoop bath). IDR 150,000 – 350,000. There is a small café at the hotel where simple meals are served.
Mob: +62 812 3738 2039 E: mafago.0108@gmail.com
JJ’s Losmen
The first guesthouse on the Sorake strip! This is a simple guesthouse on stilts with a large seaside balcony. It is located about 500 meters north of The Point. There are four rooms with ensuite bathrooms, one comes with AC, the other 3 with fan. There is table tennis and billiards. Meals cooked by owner Mama Helen. IDR 100,000 – 150,000.
Friendly Losmen
This is a very simple guesthouse on stilts with a large seaside balcony. It is located 500 meters north of The Point. There are two rooms with ensuite bathrooms, equipped with fan. Home cooked meals. IDR 100,000.
Mob: +62 812 6203 8352
Tohoda Hotel & Resto
This is a small hotel with ten rooms separated into four smaller buildings. It is located 500 meters north of The Point. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, 2 AC, 8 fans. Meals are served at the hotel. There is a nice outside area in the back and this hotel is popular with groups. Prices from IDR 100,000 – 200,000.
Mob: +62 813 9763 4604 Mob: +62 822 7722 2250 E: akilawau@yahoo.com
Losmen Paradise – Arico Losmen Surf Camp
Nice two storey guesthouse with a big balcony facing the bay. It is located about 450 meters from The Point. This guesthouse was renovated in 2016 and is run by a friendly family. There are 4 rooms with ensuite bathroom, two with AC, and two with fan. Lounge area with TV and games. Food served in the guesthouse. IDR 100,000 – 200,000, or USD 30 per day (fullboard).
Mob: +62 821 6099 1427 E: info@niassurf.com WEB
Raffiel Surf Camp
Well managed guesthouse catering mainly for surfers. Double-storey guesthouse with a big balcony facing the bay, located about 450 meters from The Point. There are 12 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and AC. Food is served in the guesthouse. Raffiel has a speedboat and can arrange trips to secret waves and other surf destinations on Nias a well as fishing trips. Prices are IDR 350,000 (full board). Many guests stay on pre-booked packages.
Mob: +62 812 6445 3451 Mob: +62 822 7487 0319 E: raffielsurfcamp@gmail.com
Yuni Losmen
Double-storey guesthouse with a big balcony facing the bay, located about 450 meters from The Point. There are 4 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and AC. Food is served in the guesthouse. Mr Yuni has a surf board workshop behind the house and can help with any repairs. Prices are IDR 350,000 (full board). Most guests are surfers and stay on pre-booked packages.
Mob: +62 813 6134 4082 E: yuni.losmen@yahoo.com
Jamburae Lodge
Double-storey guesthouse with a big balcony facing the bay, located about 450 meters from The Point. There are 4 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and AC. Food is served in the guesthouse. Nice greenery in front and open area in the back. Prices range from IDR 150,000 – 250,000 or 350,000 (full board). This guesthouse can be booked via Yuni Losmen next door. The same family manages both guesthouses.
M: + 41 795 821 314 Mob: +62 813 6134 4082 (Yuni Losmen) E: st_wau@hotmail.com
KabuNohi Sorake
Resort style surf camp, which at the time of opening (2017) was the most upscale in Sorake. Long term Nias resident and surf guru Mark Flint has spared no effort when creating this place. As you enter the front gate you instantly feel like you’ve entered a tropical oasis. The unique buildings, the influence of Nias traditional culture and greenery gives the place a secluded village feel which is truly unique. There are 4 bungalows, 2 deluxe and 2 standard. The main building has a large room suitable for families or groups. Fresh and tasty food is prepared at the resort. While mainly catering for surfers this place is becoming popular with other travellers as well due to the unique atmosphere and high standards. Surfers usually book all-inclusive packages, but walk-ins are also welcome. Packages can be booked on the website; local travellers can contact the resort directly for bookings.
Mob: + 62 821 6595 4781 E: kabunohi@gmail.com WEB
The Point
This is the area right in front of the main wave with less than 5 minutes’ walk to the surf. The Point is all about the surfing; chasing barrels, looking at the wave, talking about it and taking pictures of it. There is a high concentration of wall to wall guesthouses here and during the high season there is quite a bit of hustle and bustle. This area includes the Keyhole, which is an opening in the reef where surfers enter the water.
Dolin Inn
Nice wooden bungalow right next to the water with a good view of the wave. There are two rooms with ensuite bathrooms. On the same property is an older more basic double-storey budget guesthouse set near the road. There are eight simple rooms with fan and shared bathroom. The older building is sometimes used by long term visitors on a budget. Dolin Inn is located about 300 meters from The Point. Negotiate price with owner.
Mob: +62 813 9730 3764 E: dolin@leletua.com
Sanali Losmen
Guesthouse on stilts with a big balcony facing the wave, located about 250 meters from The Point. There are 3 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and fan. Food is served in the guesthouse. Price IDR 100,000 per room or 250,000 (full board) per person.
Mob: + 62 812 6516 0312 E: sanalilosmen_sorakebeach@yahoo.co.id WEB
Fresi Losmen
Guesthouse on stilts designed as a traditional South Nias House. This unique building has a large balcony facing the wave. It is located about 250 meters from The Point. There are 4 rooms with shared bathrooms and fan. Food is served in the guesthouse. Price IDR 100,000 per room or 300,000 (full board) per person.
Mob: +62 823 0422 2869 Mob: +62 852 6180 4470
Hash & Family Surf Camp
One of the newest guesthouses in Sorake located right on The Point with the wave literally on its doorstep. You cannot get closer to the wave in Sorake. On the second floor are 5 modern rooms with ensuite bathrooms and AC. On big wave days, the restaurant/bar is full of people and the atmosphere is pumping. The restaurant is one of the better ones in this area and many non-guests eat here as well. In the evenings this is the place to be, especially for thirsty surfers. Hash & Family get consistently good reviews on Tripadvisor. Prices range from USD 70 – 100 per day (full board+ transfer), depending on room type and group size. Bookings via website.
Mob: +62 813 6150 6623 Mob: +62 852 9704 9557 E: hashnias@gmail.com WEB
Social Losmen
Small guesthouse on top of a simple restaurant called ‘Sousi Resto’. Very basic but great location, only 150 meters from the wave. Two-storey building that has 2 rooms upstairs with fan. One of the rooms have attached bathroom, the other shared. Food is served in the café downstairs.
Mob: +62 813 7544 1127
Serius Surf Camp
This new guesthouse built in 2016 has a fantastic view of the wave. The house sits on stilts with a big balcony facing the wave, which is just 150 meters away. There are two spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms, AC and ceiling fan. Beds are available in shared room from IDR 250,000 per night (Max 3 persons) including breakfast. If you would prefer your own room the cost is IDR 500,000 per night including breakfast. Motorbikes for rent are available here.
Mob: +62 813 9719 1842 E: jnias_46@hotmail.com
Nias Surf View House – Martin Losmen
This new guesthouse has one of the best views in Sorake. The house sits on stilts with a big balcony facing the wave, which is just 150 meters away. There are 2 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and AC. Food is served in the guesthouse. Price IDR 400,000 per room or 500,000 (full board) per person. The owner Daniel Gee has a board repair shop behind the guesthouse.
Mob: +62 812 6258 1313 E: danielgeefaloolifu@gmail.com WEB
Brudhas Losmen
Double-storey guesthouse with a balcony facing the wave, which is about 150 meters away. There are 3 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and fan. Food is served in the guesthouse. Prices range from IDR 100,000 per room or 300,000 (full board) per person.
Crusoe’s Café & Bookshop
Two-storey guesthouse with a balcony facing the wave, about 200 meters away. This guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. There are 5 rooms, 2 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and AC, 3 rooms have shared baths and fan. Food is served in a nice café at ground floor level. The café has a pool table and a small book shop.
Mob: +62 812 6258 0044 E: tobywau@yahoo.com
Shady Palm Beach
Two-storey guesthouse with a balcony facing the wave, about 200 meters away. This guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. There are 5 rooms with fan, 2 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and 3 rooms have shared. Food is served in a nice café at ground floor level. The café also offer services such as car or motorbike rental, tours, etc. Price per room IDR 150,000.
Mob: +62 813 7844 9000 Mob: +62 812 6444 1897 E: shadypalmbeach@live.com WEB
Manuel Losmen
Two-storey guesthouse with a large upstairs balcony facing the wave, about 200 meters away. This guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. There are 4 rooms with ensuite bathroom, 2 with AC and 2 with fan. Food is served in Mama Nellies café just in front of the guesthouse. Prices from IDR 150,000 – 250,000.
Mob: +62 822 7706 4547
Nias Keyhole Surf Camp
Well known surf guesthouse right in front of The Keyhole. This is a two-storey guesthouse with a large upstairs balcony facing the wave, about 200 meters away. There are 7 rooms with ensuite bathroom, 2 with AC and 4 with fan. Food is served in the guesthouse. The owner Timmy Wau also operates the surf charter Ono Niha. Apart from surf charters he also arranges tours and other activities for its guests on days with no surf. Surf photography can be arranged here as well. Prices from IDR 150,000 or packages USD 600 for 10 days all inclusive.
Mob: +62 813 7469 2530 Mob: +62 822 7622 9999 E: nias1timmy@gmail.com E: timmy_wau@yahoo.co.id WEB
Losmen Kristov
Two-storey guesthouse with a large upstairs balcony facing the wave, about 250 meters away. This guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. There are 6 rooms with fan and ensuite bathrooms. Food is served in the guesthouse. Price from IDR 100,000.
Mob: +62 812 6528 2009 E: kristov_wau@yahoo.com
Pleasure Surf Camp
Two-storey guesthouse with a large upstairs balcony facing the wave, about 250 meters away. This friendly guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. There are 6 rooms with fan and ensuite bathrooms. Food is served on the upstairs balcony. Price IDR 100,000 per room or 250,000 (full board) per person.
Mob: +62 821 6100 7330 Mob: +62 813 9670 1884 E: info@pleasuresurfcamp.com E: titusnias16@gmail.com WEB
Roy Losmen
Small very basic guesthouse along the road. This Losmen is mainly used by local people and has 2 rooms with fan and shared bath. Price IDR 100,000 per room.
Mob: + 62 823 6833 6033
Marlynto Surfcamp
Popular large two-storey guesthouse with a huge upstairs balcony facing the wave, about 250 meters away. This friendly guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. There are 10 rooms with ensuite bathrooms with showers. 6 rooms have AC and 4 fan. Food is served on the upstairs balcony. Local surf photographer Justin Buloolo has his shop here. Tours to secret waves can be arranged with him or his brothers as well as bike, car and board rental. Prices from IDR 100,000 to 200,000.
Mob: +62 821 6569 6255 Mob: +62 812 6316 9847 E: justinbll@hotmail.com
Oichoda Losmen
Two large two-storey guesthouse that have been joined. With 12 rooms it is a good choice for big groups. Upstairs balcony facing the wave, about 250 meters away. This guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. All rooms are equipped with fan and have ensuite bathrooms. Food is served on the upstairs balcony. Prices IDR 100,000 per room or 250,000 (full board) per person.
Mob: +62 812 6376 5554 E: oichodasurfcamp@gmail.com
Ira Losmen – Barrel Surfer Surf Guesthouse
Two-storey guesthouse with an upstairs balcony facing the wave, about 300 meters away. This guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. There are 3 rooms with fan and ensuite bathrooms. Food is served in the guesthouse. Price IDR 100,000 per room.
Mob: +62 812 6357 9689
Lilys Surfcamp
Two-storey guesthouse with an upstairs balcony facing the wave, about 300 meters away. This guesthouse is located in front of the Keyhole (surf entry) in the busy Points section of Sorake. There are 8 rooms with ensuite bathrooms. 4 AC and 4 fan. Food is served in the guesthouse. Prices from IDR 100,000 to 150,000.
Mob: +62 813 6214 6528 E: lilysnias@gmail.com
Molani Homestay
A very nice and clean small guesthouse with a beautiful garden. The front of the guesthouse has a veranda with hammocks facing the bay. The wave is about 300 meters away. This guesthouse is located near the Keyhole (surf entry) in Sorake. There are 2 rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the guesthouse. Prices per room IDR 70,000.
Mob: +62 821 6578 6688 Mob: +62 821 7468 1111 E: janmareekelly32@gmail.com
Oseda Nias Surf House
Large newly opened (sep 2017) two-storey guesthouse with a slightly different look than the other places in Sorake. There are 7 rooms including both double and twins. All rooms come with AC and ensuite bathroom. Oseda is located 350 meters from the wave with a spectacular view from the roof terrace. Prices range from IDR 350.000 to 400.000. Breakfast is included in the price.
Mob: +62 81263765554 E: osedanias@gmail.com
Indicators
This is the area further out in the bay, just south of The Point. It is still very close to the main wave but is less congested with more natural surroundings.
Endi Losmen
Two-storey guesthouse with an upstairs balcony facing the bay. There are 6 rooms with fan and ensuite bathrooms. Food is served in the guesthouse. 350 meters from the wave. Price IDR 100,000 per room.
Mob: +62 812 6377 3945
Jimmis Losmen
Two-storey guesthouse with an upstairs balcony facing the bay. There are 4 rooms with fan and ensuite bathrooms. Food is served in the upstairs balcony. 350 meters from the wave. Price IDR 150,000 per room.
Lisa Losmen
This guesthouse consist of two raised bungalows and a main house. 3 rooms in the bungalows with ensuite bathrooms. One with AC, two with fan. In the main house there are 6 very basic rooms, with shared bath and fan. Food is served in the guesthouse. 400 meters from the wave. Prices range from IDR 50,000 (budget rooms) to 150,000 – 200,000 (bungalow).
Mob: +62 813 9749 7374
Home@Nias
Nice and clean small two-storey guesthouse run by a friendly couple. Great bay view from the upstairs balcony. There are two large rooms with AC and ensuite bathrooms. Downstairs is billiards and a nice seating area in front of the guesthouse. Food is served in the guesthouse. Located right in front of the Indicators, 400 meters to the main wave. One of the better places in Sorake. Price IDR 250,000.
Mob: +62 823 6505 4610 Mob: +62 852 6293 4639 E: geaideman@gmail.com
Michelle Losmen
Two-storey guesthouse with an upstairs balcony facing the bay. There are 2 rooms with fan and ensuite bathrooms. Food is served in the upstairs balcony. Situated in front of the Indicators, 400 meters from the main wave. Nice seating area in front of the guesthouse. Price IDR 100,000 per room, or 250,000 (fullboard) per person.
Mob: +62 812 6311 2229
Aloha Surf Camp
Large two-storey guesthouse with an upstairs balcony facing the bay. There are 5 rooms with ensuite bathrooms. One with AC and four with fan. Food is served in the upstairs balcony. Situated in front of the Indicators, 400 meters from the main wave. Friendly owner Bunga also arranges trips to secret spots, surf lessons and village tours. Motorbikes and surfboards can also be rented here. Price IDR 250,000 per room or 350,000 (fullboard) per person.
Mob: +62 812 6400 6743 Mob: +62 815 3323 3904 E: alohasurfcamp@gmail.com WEB
New Raya Inn
Two nice beach bungalows managed by a friendly couple. Each bungalow has some space around it and is a good option if you want some peace and quiet. The bungalows come with their own bathroom and are equipped with fans. A small veranda with a hammock overlooks the Indicator area. The main wave is 450 meters away. There is a nice little beach area in front of the bungalows. Price IDR 250,000 per bungalow.
Mob: +62 821 6297 0471 E: newrayainn@gmail.com WEB
Barriga Feliz & Surfcamp
Resort style surf camp situated at a very scenic spot in the south end of Sorake. A nice garden with yoga platforms gives this place a very different style compared with the other guesthouses here. There are 10 rooms, 6 VIP and 4 standards. Food is served at the resort. The resort is located in front of the Indicators some 500 meters from the main wave. It is popular with Brazilian surf groups. Barriga Feliz is currently one of the better places to stay in Sorake in terms of accommodation and services.
Mob: +62 812 6377 3818 Mob: +62 821 6140 0494 E: barriga.nias@gmail.com
Losmen Yohannes
Two bungalows on stilts at the very south end of Sorake at the entrance of Lagundri Bay. Even though it’s not far from the Point the natural surroundings and view from the balcony gives this place a very secluded feel. There are 3 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and AC. Food is served by the host family. 600 meters from the wave. Perfect for budget travellers who want peace and quiet. IDR 100,000.
Mob: +62 821 6005 8184
Penginapan Kwalitas
Simple guesthouse mainly used by local people along the road in the back of Sorake. Food is cooked by the host family. 3 rooms with fan. IDR 100,000.
Mob: +62 852 6131 2952
Sorake Beach Hotel
Fancy a night at a tropical ghost hotel? Situated at the southern entrance to Lagundri Bay this abandoned 5 star resort offers a unique experience. This resort was one of many white elephant projects from the boom days of the Indonesian economy in the 90’s. When the plans for an airport in South Nias were scrapped the resort soon folded. Most of the resort has fallen into disrepair and looks like the set of an apocalyptic zombie movie. But the local caretaker has kept the jungle at bay and preserved a number of bungalows that are now open for business again. If you are into the bizarre and not afraid of ghosts there are a handful of bungalows available for Rp 300,000 per night. Electricity and running water have been restored and the rooms open for guests have functioning AC and bathrooms. There is no restaurant on the premises but guests can eat in any of the losmens in nearby Sorake. Enquire at Rajimans, the small shop just outside the gate (end of Sorake road).
Mob: +62 813 6191 7276
Eating in Sorake
Dinner is served at Barrigas Surfcamp.
For a tourist destination with so many places to stay at there are surprisingly few places to eat out in Sorake. That is because most (but not all) of the Sorake Losmens prepare meals for their own guests. It is very common for guests, especially surfers, to book ‘packages’ which includes 3 meals per day, including coffee and some snacks. Depending on where you stay this can be a good deal. The more reputable surf camps consistently serve good and varied food. The food is a mixture of typical backpacker food and healthy local cuisine, adapted to western tastes. Obviously expect a lot of seafood; grilled fish (Ikan Bakar) is a famous Nias delicacy. If you are booked into a package it is common that ‘Mama’ of the house asks what you want for dinner in the morning before she goes to the market. Remember that this is essentially home cooking so don’t show up late, and don’t change plans just before dinner time. All ingredients are bought from the local market which means that its very fresh, but certain items are not always available.
Banana Pancake breakfast.
One nice thing about Sorake is that you often see fisherman walking around with lobsters, squid and big fish which they sell directly to tourists. The idea is that your guesthouse cook it up for you and you pay them a smaller sum for the extras. Before buying check with ‘Mama’ that this is OK. Often its better to ask the guesthouse to arrange this as they can get a better price.
Some of the larger guesthouses have an actual menu, and in those places it is not necessary to lock yourself in to a meal package. If you want to ‘eat out’ there are a few options in Sorake and one in nearby Lagundri.
Hash & Family
A popular cafe style restaurant located at Hash & Family Surfcamp. Food and service is a step up compared to most other places in Sorake. Friendly atmosphere, cold beers and best view in Sorake. Apart from meals this is a great place to have a drink, watch the wave and meet other people.
Sosui Resto
Simple but nice little restaurant serving a selection of basic local and western food. The restaurant is run by Social Losmen and has a good view of the wave. This is a popular hangout for local surf photographers.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a small cafe style restaurant in front of Shady Palm Beach guesthouse. They serve the usual selection of local and western dishes. Good view of the waves. Jasmine also has a small shop where snack and drinks are sold.
Mama Nellies Resto
Small cafe in front of Manuel Losmen that serves a selection of local and western dishes. It is located right next to Jasmine restaurant. There is a small shop selling snacks and drinks in the guesthouse.
Rumah Makan Annisa
For authentic local food head to Rumah Makan Annisa is Lagundri village. This place comes in handy during Sundays and Christian holidays when many restaurants in Sorake are closed. They also have a selection of tasty sweet snacks for coffee breaks. The owner of Annisa is local guide Mr Gaya Gee who is an excellent source of information and also runs tours of the area.
