YF1AR/5 OC215 Sipora Island - Mentawai Islands

http://www.yf1ar.com/2014/05/yf1ar5-oc215-sipora-island-mentawai.html

YF1AR/5

ARLHS IDO-247 Sipura LightHouse
IOTA OC-215 Sipora Island - Mentawai Islands
May 25 - Jun 1, 2014
LAT: 02° 11' S  LON  99° 44' E Gridsquare NI97ut

 Pulau Sipura
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); white flash every 5 s. 12 m (39 ft) square skeletal tower with gallery, painted white. A view from the water is available, but the tower has not been seen in Bing's satellite view of the port. Located on the waterfront of Pulau Sipura, on the east side of Sipura island. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS 379 Admiralty K0878.1; NGA 23136.

Sipora Island
Sipura, or Sipora located off Sumatra in Indonesia, is the smallest and most developed of the four Mentawai Islands at only 845 km². The regency capital of the Mentawai Islands, Tua Pejat, is found on Sipora. An estimated 10-15% of the original rainforest remains on this island.

Sipora is a surfing destination. Surf spots Hollow Trees and Lance's Left break off the southern end of the island. Surf spots break in the northwestern region of this island including Telescopes, Iceland, and Scarecrows. The ocean swells are most consistent from April to October, but Sipora is a viable year-round surfing destination. Wind conditions can vary by the hour, and are often calm and glassy. For accommodation near Sipura, most surfers stay on yachts that can be chartered in Padang and motor between surf breaks as conditions change. Some visiting surfers choose to stay on the island itself at resorts or with local families in Tua Pajet.

The islands North Pagai (Pagai Utara) and South Pagai (Pagai Selatan) are situated to the south, and also have surf breaks along their western coasts.

Mentawai Island: The Ultimate Diversity Of The Hidden Paradise

Take a trip into the wild with an adventure to the Mentawai islands. Be surrounded by tropical rainforests and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local people. While the physical distance between the mainland and Mentawai is not great, this remains one of the most isolated places in Indonesia, and was only subject to outside influences at the start of the 20th century. A long way from the world of shopping malls and theme parks, this is where travellers come to get a truly off the beaten track adventure. 

Located off the West coast of Sumatra, the Mentawai archipelago includes four municipalities, Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai. is the biggest of the Siberut islands and remains largely covered with tropical rainforest. From the moment you arrive on and see the white coral beaches, ancient rainforests and hear the cheeky black gibbons playing in the trees you’ll find it hard to resist falling in love with the place. This Siberut island is home to a rich array of bio-diversity which has earned it designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. 

The remote location of these islands means that the Mentawai people have had very little contact with the outside world. The archipelogo is thought to have broken off from the rest of Sumara about 500,000 years ago and it is only since the 20th century that outside influences began to have an impact on the local people. Today, the Mentawai still abide by traditional practices and live largely off the land. Local people have a strong spiritual relationship with the forest with a belief system that emphasizes harmony with creation. 

It is believed people first came to inhabit these islands at least several thousand years ago. Most anthropologists classify the Mentawai people as Protomalay which means they have a mostly Neotlithic culture but have not been effected by Buddhism, Islam or Hinduism. 

Tatoos are an important symbol in Mentawai culture and reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting has been inherited from ancient ancestors and the ink is made from natural fibres. 

The biggest town on Siberut is Muara Siberut on the southeast coast. This is the major point of entry for tour groups from the mainland. From here, you can travel with a with a local guide and trek inland to some of the Mentawai villages. If your bahasa is good enough, chat to the locals and enjoy their hospitality. 

The other big attraction for visitors to these islands is the world class surfing. With some of the best surfing conditions in the world, monster waves and swells that remain all year round, this is ranked by serious surfers as a must visit destination.

Pulau Sipora : Mentawai’s Continuous Huge Surf barrels

Whether you are an experienced surfer, looking for a challenge, a solo backpacker with a more adventurous side, or thinking of just getting away from your routine daily life, this island is a haven of activity. With its challenging surfing spots, white sandy beaches with exotic fish and colorful corals, Pulau Sipora offers a little something for everyone.

Strategically located in the Mentawai Islands, Pulau Sipora is the smallest island in this cluster off the coast of West Sumatera. Compared to the other four major islands in the Mentawai, Pulau Sipora’s position is right in the middle between Pulau Pagai and Pulau Siberut. On this island is the town of Tua Pejat, the district capital of Mentawai. 

Covering an area of approximately 845 km ², Pulau Sipora is approximately 10-15% pristine rainforest. Much of the population on Sipora are either farmers or fishermen.

Sipora has become one of the major tourist attractions in the vicinity due to many beautiful and unique characteristics of this island, one of which is its world class surfing. The best time to visit the island for windsurfing is from April to October, as this is when the waves are usually at their peak. Even so, you still can enjoy the challenge of the rolling waves at Pulau Sipora most all year round.

Some of the world-class surfing points, the Hollow Trees and Lance's Left are at the southern tip of the island. A number of other famous surfing spots are located in the northwest of the island, among those being the Telescopes, Iceland, andScarecrows.

Hollow Trees, or also known as HT or Lance's Right are cylindrical waves (known as the right tubes) have appeared in international magazines and surfing videos for the past 10 years. When waves of this type come not too large, there will be 3 take off zones which will challenge even the most skilled surfer to maneuver smoothly. When the larger waves come, the peak of the wave where it breaks, will be connected with a continuous barrel, which will again be a welcome opportunity for surfing enthusiasts to hone their skills on the board.

Be careful with what is called The Surgeon's Table at this surfing point. These waves appear as if they are trying to lift surfers to its peak, to wave in the air as if a trophy of some sort. The Hollow Trees site is not recommended for beginners or novice surfers as the waves present a challenge for even those with adequate skills and expertise.

Lance's Left is a strong wave and the most consistent at Pulau Sipora and the surrounding Mentawai areas. Having the characteristics of waves with two different barrels and a take-off zone, Lance's Left (if caught in its perfect condition) is said to be one of the most beautiful waves on the planet. The movement of the waves along the surface of the sea is a result of differences in air pressure and winds which create a larger vertical take-off zone and a perfect barrel. When the waves are not too big, Lance's Left is suitable for surfers with intermediate skills.

In the northwestern sea of Pulau Sipora, there are two other well-known types of waves, the Telescopes and the Scarecrow. Telescopes are a type of very long waves, semi-hollow (waves rolling with a hole in the middle), and almost perfect for surfing. Many surfers who have surfed Telescope waves admit that this is one of the best waves in Indonesia. Telescopes are not too big but lots of fun to surf with their cylindrical shapes. These waves are suitable for intermediate level surfers. The Telescope waves are located the closest to Tua Pejat (the district capital), approximately 5 km to the west of the town.

The Scarecrows are a type of wave with a take-off zone from the left which is formed with the wave walls connected directly to the fast rolling barrel. These waves are also suitable for intermediate level surfers.

Welcome To Siberut Island of The Mentawai Island, Indonesia

Noah's Ark" Mentawai

Mentawai Islands Surf April 9th-16th 2013 Firing Secret Rights

View Larger Map

Equipment

YF1AR/5 Radio Yaesu FT 450D with tuner FC 707 power 100W

Antenna Vertical Dipole 40 m band and HB9CV 20-15-10 m band

Mode mainly on Phone as well as on CW n Digital

QRV 10m - 40m band

QSL Info :

special qsl card design for dxpedition will be issued

YF1AR/5
OQRS via YF1AR Clublog

QSM via N2OO Bob Schenck

www.yf1ar.com

www.qrz.com/db/yf1ar

http://www.qsl.net/n2oo/history/qsl-n2oo.htm

Donation

please use yf1ar@yahoo.com for Paypal account

 

your donation is welcomed, the fund will be also used for the next DXpedition, TNX

Sponsor :

  

 

   

Personal Sponsor : YB2TJV, W2FB, JO1CRA, SM3DMP, SM7DAY, IW1QLA, RJ3AA

YF1AR/5 OC-215 Siberut Island - Mentawai Islands

http://www.yf1ar.com/2014/05/yf1ar5-oc-215-mentawai-island.html

YF1AR/5

ARLHS IDO-379 Tanjung Sigep LightHouse

IOTA OC-215 Siberut Island - Mentawai Islands

May 24 - Jun 1, 2014

LAT: 00° 54' S LON  98° 54' E Gridsquare NI99kc

Tanjung Sigep

Date unknown. Active; focal plane unknown; white flash every 5 s. Approx. 40 m (131 ft) skeletal tower, painted white. No photo available, but Bing has a satellite view of the station. NGA lists the focal plane as 14 m (46 ft); 46 m seems more likely. Located at the northern tip of Pulau Siberut. Site status unknown. Admiralty K0875.7; NGA 23153.

Mentawai Island: The Ultimate Diversity Of The Hidden Paradise

Take a trip into the wild with an adventure to the Mentawai islands. Be surrounded by tropical rainforests and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local people. While the physical distance between the mainland and Mentawai is not great, this remains one of the most isolated places in Indonesia, and was only subject to outside influences at the start of the 20th century. A long way from the world of shopping malls and theme parks, this is where travellers come to get a truly off the beaten track adventure. 

Located off the West coast of Sumatra, the Mentawai archipelago includes four municipalities, Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai. is the biggest of the Siberut islands and remains largely covered with tropical rainforest. From the moment you arrive on and see the white coral beaches, ancient rainforests and hear the cheeky black gibbons playing in the trees you’ll find it hard to resist falling in love with the place. This Siberut island is home to a rich array of bio-diversity which has earned it designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. 

The remote location of these islands means that the Mentawai people have had very little contact with the outside world. The archipelogo is thought to have broken off from the rest of Sumara about 500,000 years ago and it is only since the 20th century that outside influences began to have an impact on the local people. Today, the Mentawai still abide by traditional practices and live largely off the land. Local people have a strong spiritual relationship with the forest with a belief system that emphasizes harmony with creation. 

It is believed people first came to inhabit these islands at least several thousand years ago. Most anthropologists classify the Mentawai people as Protomalay which means they have a mostly Neotlithic culture but have not been effected by Buddhism, Islam or Hinduism. 

Tatoos are an important symbol in Mentawai culture and reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting has been inherited from ancient ancestors and the ink is made from natural fibres. 

The biggest town on Siberut is Muara Siberut on the southeast coast. This is the major point of entry for tour groups from the mainland. From here, you can travel with a with a local guide and trek inland to some of the Mentawai villages. If your bahasa is good enough, chat to the locals and enjoy their hospitality. 

The other big attraction for visitors to these islands is the world class surfing. With some of the best surfing conditions in the world, monster waves and swells that remain all year round, this is ranked by serious surfers as a must visit destination.

Pulau Siberut: Home to the Mentawai Tribes

There are not many places in the world where you could find all packed into one small island some excellent world class surfing spots, exotic tropical forests, local tribal experiences, and rare exotic plant and animal species. Among the Mentawai islands lies a small, but unique and, not only naturally but also culturally beautiful island.

Pulau Siberut is the largest of the Mentawai chain of Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 100 km. off the west coast of West Sumatra, and separated from the main island by the Mentawai Strait. The island itself lies some 155 km from the province’s capital city of Padang. You will not reach this spot without much time spent travelling, however, the adventure and experience of all the natural beauty this island has to offer make it more than worthwhile. Pulau Siberut invites the adventure thirsty to come and explore all the wealth it possesses, including the rich culture, customs, and exotic tropical environment.

Siberut is home to the Mentawai tribe of approximately 30,000 people, who live isolated from the modern community. The Mentawai tribe is said to have migrated to the Mentawai islands from Nias island to its north, living an isolated life here for centuries until “discovered” by the Dutch in 1621.

A closer look into the inner workings of the life of the Mentawai is one of the main attractions for a visit to Siberut. The Mentawai tribe still maintains the lifestyle and traditions passed down from their ancestors from thousands of years ago. They live in houses locally called ‘uma’, made from wooden scaffolds which house several families each.

The tribe has its own language, culture, customs and some still profess a belief in animism. Their clothing is also very simple: Mentawai men wear only a loincloth made from the bark of the gum tree, while women only wear a simple skirt made of palm or banana leaves. Besides clothing, they also recognize a certain "timeless clothing", - the characteristic Mentawai tribal tattoo, - which sometimes entails tattooing the whole body in the traditional way, following a variety of tribal rituals. It is not uncommon to see Mentawai people covered from head to toe in tattoos. Their main food is sago and they raise pigs and hunt monkeys for their daily food.

Besides witnessing the Mentawai tribe’s isolated life, trekking in the protected tropical forests is very much recommended, while, enjoying the scenery around the island is another interesting adventure to be had. Approximately 2/3 of the island is covered with rain forest that offers trekking adventures which are not always easy but physically challenging and will be sure to get your heart pumping.

Much of the island is protected by and has been set to become a national park since 1993, known by the name of Taman Nasional Siberu . The Siberut National Park is one of the Biosphere Reserves working in conjunction with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB).

The Siberut National Park is home to four types of wildlife primates found only in Siberut, these being Bokkoi (Macaca pagensis), Lutung Mentawai / Joja (Presbytis Potenziani Siberug), Bilou (Hylobates klossii), and Simakobu (Nasalis siberu concolor) . In addition to these endemic primates, there are also 4 different types of endemic squirrel species, 17 mammals, and 130 species of birds (4 of which are endemic).

A visit to the Siberut National Park is an adventure package with a combination of activities, such as boating, rowing, trekking through the (sometimes muddy) forest paths, enjoying the beauty of the rainforest, as well as observations of the rare species of both plants and animals. To explore the charm of Siberut, there are a number of service travel agencies, and tour guides can be found in Padang or Bukit Tinggi.

Pulau Sipora : Mentawai’s Continuous Huge Surf barrels

Whether you are an experienced surfer, looking for a challenge, a solo backpacker with a more adventurous side, or thinking of just getting away from your routine daily life, this island is a haven of activity. With its challenging surfing spots, white sandy beaches with exotic fish and colorful corals, Pulau Sipora offers a little something for everyone.

Strategically located in the Mentawai Islands, Pulau Sipora is the smallest island in this cluster off the coast of West Sumatera. Compared to the other four major islands in the Mentawai, Pulau Sipora’s position is right in the middle between Pulau Pagai and Pulau Siberut. On this island is the town of Tua Pejat, the district capital of Mentawai. 

Covering an area of approximately 845 km ², Pulau Sipora is approximately 10-15% pristine rainforest. Much of the population on Sipora are either farmers or fishermen.

Sipora has become one of the major tourist attractions in the vicinity due to many beautiful and unique characteristics of this island, one of which is its world class surfing. The best time to visit the island for windsurfing is from April to October, as this is when the waves are usually at their peak. Even so, you still can enjoy the challenge of the rolling waves at Pulau Sipora most all year round.

Some of the world-class surfing points, the Hollow Trees and Lance's Left are at the southern tip of the island. A number of other famous surfing spots are located in the northwest of the island, among those being the Telescopes, Iceland, andScarecrows.

Hollow Trees, or also known as HT or Lance's Right are cylindrical waves (known as the right tubes) have appeared in international magazines and surfing videos for the past 10 years. When waves of this type come not too large, there will be 3 take off zones which will challenge even the most skilled surfer to maneuver smoothly. When the larger waves come, the peak of the wave where it breaks, will be connected with a continuous barrel, which will again be a welcome opportunity for surfing enthusiasts to hone their skills on the board.

Be careful with what is called The Surgeon's Table at this surfing point. These waves appear as if they are trying to lift surfers to its peak, to wave in the air as if a trophy of some sort. The Hollow Trees site is not recommended for beginners or novice surfers as the waves present a challenge for even those with adequate skills and expertise.

Lance's Left is a strong wave and the most consistent at Pulau Sipora and the surrounding Mentawai areas. Having the characteristics of waves with two different barrels and a take-off zone, Lance's Left (if caught in its perfect condition) is said to be one of the most beautiful waves on the planet. The movement of the waves along the surface of the sea is a result of differences in air pressure and winds which create a larger vertical take-off zone and a perfect barrel. When the waves are not too big, Lance's Left is suitable for surfers with intermediate skills.

In the northwestern sea of Pulau Sipora, there are two other well-known types of waves, the Telescopes and the Scarecrow. Telescopes are a type of very long waves, semi-hollow (waves rolling with a hole in the middle), and almost perfect for surfing. Many surfers who have surfed Telescope waves admit that this is one of the best waves in Indonesia. Telescopes are not too big but lots of fun to surf with their cylindrical shapes. These waves are suitable for intermediate level surfers. The Telescope waves are located the closest to Tua Pejat (the district capital), approximately 5 km to the west of the town.

The Scarecrows are a type of wave with a take-off zone from the left which is formed with the wave walls connected directly to the fast rolling barrel. These waves are also suitable for intermediate level surfers.

Welcome To Siberut Island of The Mentawai Island, Indonesia

Mentawai Islands Surf April 9th-16th 2013 Firing Secret Rights

View Larger Map

Equipment

YF1AR/5 Radio Yaesu FT 450D with tuner FC 707 power 100W

Antenna Vertical Dipole 40 m band and HB9CV 20-15-10 m band

Mode mainly on Phone as well as on CW n Digital

QRV 10m - 40m band

QSL Info :

special qsl card design for dxpedition will be issued

YF1AR/5

QSM via N2OO Bob Schenck

www.yf1ar.com

www.qrz.com/db/yf1ar

http://www.qsl.net/n2oo/history/qsl-n2oo.htm

Donation

please use yf1ar@yahoo.com for Paypal account

 

your donation is welcomed, the fund will be also used for the next DXpedition, TNX

Sponsor :

  

 

   

Personal Sponsor : YB2TJV, W2FB, JO1CRA

YF1AR/6 OC-270 Simeulue Island - Simeulue and Banyak Islands

http://www.yf1ar.com/2014/05/yf1ar6-oc270-simeulue-islands.html

YF1AR/6

ARLHS IDO 378- Teluk Sinabang LightHouse
IOTA OC-270 Simeulue Island - Simeulue and Banyak Islands
May 15 - 18, 2014

LAT: 2° 30' N LON  96° 24' E Gridsquare NJ82em

Teluk Sinabang (Ujung Babang)
Date unknown (2008?). Active; focal plane 40 m (131 ft); white flash every 3 s. 25 m (82 ft) square cylindrical skeletal tower, painted white. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. Teluk Sinabang is a magnificent natural harbor on the southeastern coast of Simeulue. Located on heights at the east side of the entrance to the harbor. Site status unknown. Admiralty F1274.5; NGA 23308.

Simeulue Regency is a regency in the Aceh province of Indonesia. It occupies the whole island of Simeulue (Pulau Simeulue), 150 km off the west coast of Sumatra, with a population of 80,279 (2010 Census).

With its isolated geographic location, Simeulue has not been affected by the turmoil of conflicts in mainland Aceh between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). There has been no major GAM activity on the island.

Simeulue was once a part of West Aceh Regency but was split off in 1999 with the hope that the region's development would improve. The seat of the regency is Sinabang.

Although Simeulue Island was only 60 kilometers from the epicenter, while Banda Aceh was about 250 kilometers, 6 residents died while the remaining 70,000 persons were safe because of local wisdom called 'smong', which after an earthquake, when the tide suddenly recedes, they should evacuate to highland as soon as possible.[3]



Welcome to Simeulue…

"Simeulue Ate Fulawan", or in Indonesian "Simeulue Berhati Emas", describes the openness and friendliness towards visitors in Simeulue. It means "Simeulue With a Heart of Gold".

Simeulue has a lot to offer; beaches, islands, caves, forest, wild life, surfing, diving and even two lakes and a waterfall. There are traditions and culture; performances such as Debus, Nandong and Nanga-nanga.

Simeulue Regency consists of many islands. Besides the big Simeulue (100 km long) there are many more smaller beautiful islands with inviting beaches and great waves for surfing. Simeulue has a great tourism potential. Besides all the attractions, it is also easy to go there.

This Simeulue section is under development and much more information will soon follow together with up-dates of maps and many more photos.

Facts about Simeulue

The big island Simeulue and 56 other islands form together the Simeulue Regency. Pulau Simeulue is 100 km long, 8-28 km wide and 198.021 Ha big. With surrounding smaller islands a total of 212.512 Ha. Highest mountain is 600m. It rains 2.824 mm per year. The Eastern monsoon season is normally between March and August and the Western monsoon season between September and February. The main harbor, Sinabang, is 105 nautical miles from Meulaboh and 85 nautical miles from Tapaktuan.

The regency Simeulue was established in 1996. It has 10 Sub-regencies and 135 villages.

The majority of the 84.000 inhabitants (18.800 families) are Muslems. There are several ethnic groups: Dagang, Lanteng, Abon, Pamuncak dan Painang plus later arrivals of Acehnese, Batak, Minangkabau, Buginese and Javanese. They speak several local languages such as Aneuk Jame (same as in Singkil), Devayan, Sigulai dan Leukon. The major income originates from farming and fishing.

Tsunami on 26 of December 2004 and Nias Earthquake on 28 March 2005 caused a lot of physical damages. The whole island raised about one meter and the number of islands increased by 35%. 

Magic's in Simeulue

Simeulue is rich in traditions, folk tales, superstition and black magic. This island has a reputation in the rest of Aceh for its black magic. One often meets people who tell strange stories, but one seldom (read never) finds any proof or witnesses of any black magic oneself in Simeulue, unless you believe in it. The subject is however always interesting. Locals in Simeulue do not like to talk about it, as they feel embarrassed and are afraid that people would refrain from visiting their island.

The magic’s are performed by a so called "dukun", which can be translated into witch-doctor, shaman or healer. There are both good and bad magic. A "dukun patah" can heal a broken leg. An other dukun, can kill with only a simple touch. People claim that they have got cancer planted by a dukun. This kind of negative black magic is often called "guna-guna". The way to get well in such case is through treatment by another dukun who can counter the evils of other bad dukuns. A doctor cannot treat a sickness caused by a dukun.

A recent example of the powers of the dukuns could be witnessed as late as in July 1997. A ship had stranded on a reef at Ujung Selingar. When all logical ways of getting the ship loose had failed, a famous dukun was asked to help. With his supernatural powers he managed to decrease the weight of the ship resulting in the ship to float higher an in this way got off the reef. The dukun was, according to local information, paid five million Rupiah, which he used for social work. Before someone starts to study and learn magic’s, an oath, never to use the magic for personal profit, has to be taken. If the oath is broken, mantras loose their function and special powers are lost. There is one kind of black magic that destructs the dukun himself unless he uses it against other people. According to local beauty standards, a dukun is often ugly looking.

A related phenomenon is the "pawang" who can communicate with animals. Simeulue is famous for its many "pawang buaya" (buaya is crocodile). A pawang buaya has long experience with crocodiles and have often full control over all the crocodiles in a certain river. His control is based on super natural powers and the crocodiles follow his orders. The late pawang buaya, Pak Kalitua, used to ride on the back of a crocodile over the river. "That was just showing off" one becak driver in Sinabang explained. When a pawang buaya calls a crocodile to come, he gives the beast eggs and betel leaves and read mantras, Not only men are pawang buaya. In the 1990ies there was an old female pawang buaya in the village of Latiun near Labuhan Bajau.

Debus is a form of magic that often is performed on stage. Debus can be seen in most areas of Aceh. Debus is sometimes also labeled as traditional dancing. The performers stab and cut themselves with sharp objects, without getting hurt. In Simeulue they even use chainsaws.

Normal forms of traditional dancing are also interesting. Look out for "Tari Seulaweut" expresses devotion and love towards the religious teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Nandongconsists of advanced poetry singing with very beautiful voices, accompanied by "gendang".Sikambang is often performed at official receptions, such as weddings and receiving important guests.

Discovering Simeulue

If you are willing to put in the effort and time, Simeulue can offer a unique way to disconnect with the weathered grind of established surf destinations that litter the archipelago. Photo: Cleland

As I write, I’m watching Sinabang harbor spin as the boat I am living on aligns with the shifting wind. It is one of many brief, but dramatic, equatorial squalls. These are usually accompanied by torrential downpours.

In terms of geographic stardom, Simeulue has no peer. Four huge earthquakes have rocked this island in the last eight years, each with varying degrees of devastation. However, situated 120 km from the West Coast of Sumatra, Simeulue could be considered the last of the main islands in the archipelago to gain attention in the surfing world. Virgin and uncrowded, it has a number of good reef and beach breaks, and is open to consistent swell from the Indian Ocean. The door of discovery is still wide open for those with time and the intent. If the numerous teams of visiting pros and photographers are anything to measure by, it seems Simeulue is no longer just a gateway to the Banyak and Hinako Islands.

There are over 80,000 inhabitants on Simeulue, the majority of whom practice Islam. Barely a word of English is spoken and very little Western culture permeates this regency of Aceh. I have been careful to show respect and always wear tees, and not disrupt any of the periods throughout the day reserved for prayer.

The harbor we have anchored at acts as an amphitheater of sound before sunrise every morning. The Muslim practice of chanting in the mosques begins each day, at precisely 5 AM, amplified by walls of giant speakers, and this continues for close to an hour. I don’t know how many mosques there are in Simeulue, but the sound is staggering. Anyone that has woken up early in Padang after a stint in the Mentawai Islands would have experienced this. The chanting repeats again at midday, sometimes at 3 PM and again at around 6 PM. Also, at these times all business ceases for the hour-long prayer. Islam is incredibly ingrained with everyday life here.

There is no alcohol available on the island. A few years ago, an Indonesian friend of mine did nine months of hard jail time for supplying one carton of beer to the Red Cross. There are shelves upon shelves full of “skin whitening” creams in the Indomarket. It seems white people want to be dark and dark people want to be white. Obsessed with football, everyone has their own favorite Premiere League team, and there are numerous soccer fields nestled amongst the lush rainforest. The food is typically sickly sweet, but I have been successfully running the gauntlet with the plentiful street vendors, with tasty traditional cuisine always available. While the weather has been amazing, I’ve learned that access to fresh water is sometimes a problem with reports that wells have been drying up. Whilst traveling on my motorbike, I’ve seen water buffalo, giant monitor lizards, eagles, snakes and domesticated goats, roosters, chickens, geese, cats and dogs.

As I have been looking for surf, I have been stunned by the impact of the 8.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Simeulue in March, 2005. On some parts of the coastline you can see sharp dead reef that has been lifted as much as six feet, and suspended palms that are clinging to life as their exposed root systems dangle from their raised podiums. Primary life has returned to this bleached landscape, yet I remain in awe of the power the Earth. Visible and distinct fractures in some buildings leave me feeling preoccupied with the notorious “ring of fire” when I am inside them too long.

The waves are really fun. I’ve have been surfing this left and right peak near the most popular surf camp. A new wave after the quake, it seems very consistent, breaking through both tides and usually over head high. My favorite wave is a fun right hander near the airport, short but hollow with an awesome shape. I have heard of good, but fickle, hollow lefts and rights on the offshore island of Palau Tapah. Also, there are many punchy, hollow beach breaks that scatter the coast when the swell drops. There is just the one road that extends the length of the island; so working out where the waves are isn’t difficult. During the normal peak swell period for Indonesia, I am certain you can consistently score uncrowded waves. Simeulue doesn’t have the A-list celebrity wave, but I believe this perhaps works in favor of the traveling surfer who doesn’t want to deal with the trials associated with popular waves. Accommodation varies from basic huts to dedicated surf camps (with beer), but expect more options in the coming years. Also, fishing boats are available to take you around to the various breaks. Locals don’t surf, malaria is not an issue, and the neighboring island of Nias is only a ferry ride away for the tube starved.

If you are willing to put in the effort and time, Simeulue can offer a unique way to disconnect with the weathered grind of established surf destinations that litter the archipelago. If you want to tick off world-class waves, or intend on feeding an insatiable barrel appetite, Simeulue will no doubt disappoint. However, if your Indonesian pilgrimage is enriched with culture, stunning landscape, lots of uncrowded, consistent, quality waves and the potential for further discovery, then this seldom-mentioned gem deserves closer consideration.

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Surf Simeulue, Aura Surf Resort waves compilation

simeulue from Jeffrey R on Vimeo.

Equipment

YF1AR/8 Radio Yaesu FT 450D with tuner FC 707 power 100W

Antenna Vertical Dipole 40 m band and HB9CV 20-15-10 m band

Mode mainly on Phone as well as on CW n Digital

QRV 10m - 40m band

QSL Info :

special qsl card design for dxpedition will be issued

YF1AR/6

QSM via N2OO Bob Schenck

www.yf1ar.com

www.qrz.com/db/yf1ar

http://www.qsl.net/n2oo/history/qsl-n2oo.htm

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