Off the map in Indo

For the last coupla years we've headed over to Indo over Dec/Jan. Get to escape the holiday madness back home and score super fun warm water surf with hardly anyone around. What's not to like!? Off-season suits us just fine as we aren't chasing big scary barrels.

This year we stayed at the newly built Monkey's Resort in the Telo islands. It sits right in front of our favourite wave in Indo, a really fun right point. Nice hollow A-frame kinda take-off that then reels off down the reef for about 200m. Think Humewood mixed with really good day at Millers. Plus it's not trying to eat you as most Indo waves are

You can see it coming as it peels down a series of right points on it's way to the line-up, breaks in the same place, does the same thing every time, and then let's you out at the end so that you can paddle back with dry hair. And I have yet to hit the reef. My kinda wave! It even has the occasional barrel section if you that way inclined. But for sheer fun factor - 10 outta 10.

There are plenty other waves in the area, but I'm a creature of habit, and if there's a super fun right point out front I ain't bothering to go anywhere else! The resort is situated inside a deep bay with the wave being on the edge of the bay - you can sit on the deck of your bungalow and watch it reel down the point. As the crow flies it's about 800m out front from your veranda. A 15 min stroll up the beach, or else hook a 2 minute boat ride in the dingy. Too easy.

It's hard sitting on the front deck of your possie and watch kiff waves peeling down the point but your arms are too screwed to paddle out again. Not the worst conundrum to face.

If you've had your fill of fun right points then there's a speedboat available for those that want to venture to the other side of the bay or a nearby island for series of left points, or round the corner for the beachies. We'll get back to the beachies later...

Despite it's sheltered position deep inside the bay the right picks up plenty of swell. Even in the "off" season we surfed pretty much every single day. Some days were small, some days approached double overhead.  The water was always warm, and the maximum crowd when we were there was 8 people. With plenty of sessions just the two of us. ​

​Even in season there are plenty of waves to go round, as charter boats passing through the islands en route to Nias only stop over for a day or two. There are a few other surf camps and resorts in the island chain, but most of them are situated up north and it's quite a trek to speedboat down south - a one and a half hour ride. Which means throughout the year there's always a dawnie and a sunset sesh with hardly anyone about.

The resort is aimed at those that like their creature comforts, whilst keeping nice and low key so no insta-crowd issues. Definitely somewhere you can bring the missus or the family. There are 4 twin-share bungalows and one double story bungalow for families. They're super comfy and spacious with aircon and fans, and a western style bathroom. Plenty of good chow on offer, so expect to have to surf lots just to make sure you don't put on weight!

You definitely won't go hungry at Monkeys Resort - which is just as well cos surfing 8 hours a day means you need to stay fueled up. Food is great - plentiful and really tasty, and is a mix of Western and local cuisine. ​

What's really neat is that the resort has a huge solar array to supplement it's power needs - pretty sure it must be the first resort in Indo to have so much solar. The resorts been a year in the making and is almost 100% complete, just a bit of grass to grow and a pool to install still. But everything you need to enjoy a lekker surf holiday is already in place - so you can jump on a plane and head over tomorrow and have an epic time.

I'm not an early morning person, but I have to say when we made the concerted effort to get up at the crack of dawn we were rewarded with sheet glass surf.

On the days when the waves were small, and our arms were too tired and needed a break we went exploring. You can do the full on Bear Grylls kinda missions as acres and acres of untamed jungle around, but also lotsa Bear Grylls-Lite adventures where you can just go wandering along the deserted beaches which flank Monkeys resort. 

A few small river crossings keep things entertaining, particularly the slightly deeper one's that entail a swim - which you tend to do pretty quick- given you're not sure about crossing paths with toothy friends. Just joking - those apparently got eaten themselves many years ago. No reports of any crocs in the area. Wildlife these days consist of weird lil sand burrowing goodies that throw out some cool patterns, and plenty of birds, monkeys, iguanas and lizards.

The rivermouths look like they'd dish up a few tasty sandbars when the swell is big enough in the peak season to sneak deep into the bay. They also seem to dish up some pretty cool home-made surfboards. Like this really well shaped log (literally and figuratively) with a nice bit of rocker and mini-simmons square tail. Would have loved to take it back to the Monkeys resort for a surf but was a bit far to carry it.

Remember earlier I mentioned the beachies. Holy cow - these are some of the best beachies in all of Indo. Not that you come to Indo for beachies, but still, these are epic. They're a few notches above my pay grade cos they super hollow and quick - but they offer tubes galore and more punt sections than you can swing a cat at. So for anyone wanting either shade or air - this is your spot.

Occy and Curren surfed it at 8-10ft years back, and said it was undoubtedly one of the best beachbreaks they'd even surfed. Mere mortals will find that even from 2-3ft it offers up a froth fest of fun. In crystal clear water.

© Tom Carey

It's an absolute wave magnet for the area, so sucks in anything that's in the Indian Ocean. There are a series of reefs offshore which break up the swells into peaks, which then make their way landward and detonate as A-frames on the sandy shore. Detonate being a very accurate description for when it gets head high or bigger. Make no mistake, it can be a wave of consequence, despite being a sand bottomed break.

© Tom Carey

Then there's the lefts - lots of them about - but I'm allergic to my backhand so don't spend any time on them at all. But if you a goofy - there are plenty of options for you. Just don't expect to find me in the line-up with you!

So when considering Indo for a surf trip, check out Monkeys Resort, as it's a great option for those looking for an uncrowded surf, kiff resort, and a large variety of waves. Really well suited for those guys wanting to come and have some fun as opposed to charging 10ft death barrels. Although you can still get those if you want in peak season - but you can also just as easily avoid them and surf fun, friendly waves instead! Plus you can bring partners of family with and they will have a blast whilst you out scoring waves. Ticks all the boxes!!

​http://monkeysresort.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/Monkeysresort/​

Tune me if you keen to find out more. Our mate runs the joint so can probably wangle a Saffa friendly price for you. 

(Saffa slang decoded: Lekker and kiff both mean the equivalent of great/awesome/amazing)