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Northern Rights

3.3 — based on 11 community signals
New spot

Northern Rights is a year-round Indonesian surf break in Teluk Nangabor, with consistent swells and a growing video community.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Shore entry

At a glance

Activity
surf

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Map

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Northern Rights location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
2.4 kn
Wave
0.58 m
Water
27.8°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: N (20%)
Now: NW (305°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.65m

Today: High 02:00 (+0.94m), Low 09:00 (-0.24m)

+1.1 m0 m-0.5 m
▲ 02:00 · +0.94m ▼ 09:00 · -0.24m ▲ 15:00 · +0.26m ▼ 19:00 · +0.1m Now +0.9m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV9 · very high Air PM2.510 · good 06:04 18:09
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 4.5 0.64 9 1mm
09-20 6.5 0.7 9 0mm
09-21 5.7 0.78 9 0mm
09-22 8.3 0.72 9 0mm
09-23 5.9 0.74 9 0mm
09-24 6.4 0.74 9 1mm
09-25 2.5 0.66 9 0mm

About this spot

Northern Rights sits in Teluk Nangabor on Indonesia's coast, a break that works across all seasons. The spot attracts surfers looking for consistent conditions and uncrowded lineups typical of Indonesia's less-trafficked regions. Local knowledge and video documentation from the community show this is a genuine working break rather than a map artifact. The bight location means protection from certain swells while funneling others, creating the kind of nuanced wave behavior that rewards multiple visits. Year-round ridability means you can chase the spot whenever your schedule allows—no seasonal gatekeeping. Access requires patience with local conditions and standard Indonesia logistics, but rewards come in the form of fewer crowds than mainland hotspots. Three community videos document the break and its character. This kind of grassroots coverage signals an active local scene without manufactured hype. Northern Rights fits the profile of an emerging destination: real waves, real surfers, real conditions—just not yet on every travel itinerary.

📖 Guide: Diving in Indonesia: 323 Sites, Mantas to Micro-critters

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 49%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 12627km · ~2904kg · €52

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 12h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 12h east · 8 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to surf Northern Rights?

Northern Rights works year-round, so timing depends on your schedule rather than seasonal windows. Consistent conditions across all months mean you can plan around your availability.

What's the difficulty level and wave size?

Specific difficulty and wave-height data aren't published for this break. Check the community videos for current conditions and wave characteristics before your trip.

What marine life and ecosystems are here?

One species observation has been recorded at the spot. Indonesia's Teluk Nangabor region hosts typical tropical marine fauna, but specific details for this break are limited—research local biodiversity before visiting.

How do I access Northern Rights and what permits do I need?

Northern Rights is not inside a Marine Protected Area, simplifying access. Standard Indonesia travel logistics apply—passport, visa, local transport. Check current conditions and local community resources before heading out.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Mocean Diving Centre

0.3 km
Dive centre

Sumbawa Adventure Scuba Diving

2.9 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

North Sumatra - One of the Best Right-hander?- RAWFILES - 16/OCTOBER/2023

Surf Raw Files
💬 3 top comments
  • If you like to surf this wave, i highly recommendI INDOSURFCREW, as they are organizing trips to this wave! www.indosurfcrew.com/surf-coaching-retreats/

    @SurfRawFiles · 👍 0
  • Definitely one of the best, if not THE best. This is a relatively melow day out there. It can get truly impressive on the right swell and conditions.

    @sumatran · 👍 1
  • For me, a sixty seven year old surfer this is a perfect size wave in a beautiful location!

    @joemeeker5211 · 👍 0

Nias - Indonesia - Surf Guide

Surf Raw Files
💬 3 top comments
  • Thanks for exploring my place Brother, Please come back

    @anjai8588 · 👍 1
  • 😍

    @vezzt8936 · 👍 0
  • I love Nias Hometown Nias is always The Best

    @alexjhonson2291 · 👍 1

West Swell at Nusa Tenggara Timur - RAWFILES - 20/MARCH/2023 4k

Surf Raw Files
💬 3 top comments
  • If you like to surf this wave, i highly recommendI INDOSURFCREW, as they are organizing trips to this wave! www.indosurfcrew.com/surf-coaching-retreats/

    @SurfRawFiles · 👍 0
  • Looks like their on the shoulder for sure , totally make able deeper ..

    @BillNobcheese · 👍 1
  • Tunnel vision

    @cheriepie5645 · 👍 1
wind peaks Aug-Oct-Sep, calmest Jun-May-Apr, dry May-Oct.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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