Treasure Island Reviews and Ratings
(Banyak Islands, Indonesia)
- Forecast
- Maps
- Live
- Weather State
- Spot Information
Visitor reviews of Treasure Island surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“I just spent 2 weeks at Banyak Surf Bungalows. Had great surf straight out the front every day. 5 minute paddle out with 3 to 4 foot pumping reef waves. I was a bit daunted at first, thinking it looked very fast but from the first wave to the last wave was just so much fun. The wave had the lot: power, tubes, unmakabe sections that you could make and pure surfing ecstasy. Accommodation was great; cool and comfortable with ice cold beer, good wholesome food and sat TV.
Every day we had at least 2 hours in the water before other boats, if any, turned up. Sessions throughout the day, with evening sessions till dark.
Other waves in the bay were ridable and boat trips to far away breaks, solitary beaches and islands, amazing dives on pristine reefs and a great time.
We were well looked after, from Medan airport to the island, and back.
Only problem is now I cant surf the gutless beachies around home any more.”
chris from AUSTRALIA - 17 Sep 2013
Treasure Island Ratings
Overall: 5.0. Based on 3 votes and 8 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.7(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.7(1: Treasure Island is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 5.0(1: Treasure Island is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Banyak Islands. 5: the best break in Banyak Islands). |
Difficulty Level: 3.3(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Treasure Island can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Treasure Island, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Treasure Island are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 4.3(1: Often too crowded. 5: Treasure Island is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 2.0(1: Getting to Treasure Island requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.5(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Treasure Island for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.5(1: Camping at Treasure Island is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Treasure Island is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 1.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Treasure Island, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Treasure Island where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Just got back from Banyak Surf Bungalows after a two week stay. What an adventure from start to finish. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Brad and his staff delivered on all that was offered in the package. I know this can be difficult in such a remote location. The food was fresh, tasty, plentiful and the beer cold. Probably the coldest Bintang in Indonesia. I totally support Jezza Southerndogs comments.
The accommodation (bungalows) was comfortable, clean with a view off the veranda of one of the best, most consistent right handers in Indo (Gunturs). I was glad I was land based. The surf charter boats looked to be working hard moving up and down the islands in search of swell then return to a break where the swell funnels in making it very reliable. During the time we were there we also accessed other breaks within the bay. Distance is only 5 minutes in the camps tsunami boat. We also did two full day trips to another island, passing by a flat Treasure Island break. Again, both trips delivering great quality waves. Great surf guide. Lunch on both days was a mie goreng and soft drink in the boat. Then back out for the afternoon session. What I found amazing was how the bay and surrounding ocean glasses off all day. Overhead waves, 3 mates in the water and a mirrored ocean. It’s what you dream about.
I recommend you take your snorkelling gear, the diving is amazing. We also did some fishing and exploring. I would recommend anyone searching for an edge in surfing adventure to consider Banyak Surf Bungalows for your next trip.
Brad, thanks for a great experience.”
Adam Robertson from AUSTRALIA - 23 Jul 2013
“Was thinking this Steve may think like me? Everything was great, too good to say the least and like Steve I was going to give a shit report to deter surfers from the area, but that's not my style.
1) Yes its not Bali so don't expect Benchongs and night crawlers like Steve missed.
2) It's an adventure like a good old Indo trip once was yet you get a great host (Brad), great lodgings, to much food that even 6hrs a day in the water wont help wear off, great waves that offer enjoyment or one certain left that may stain ya boardies, again it's not about how hard you hit but how hard can you be hit(anyone for the left)??
3) We came across smoking waves that no one surfed?? As what's in front of BRADS camp why bother surfing anything else. I mean hop out of ya mozzi proof bed and within 5 mins you can tuck into your first pit for the day while the lazy ones sleep, perhaps a down fall for some like old mate Steve as there's no one to watch you and no chicks to say how good you ripped that Gunters pit??
4) Fishing well if you don't like catching Tuna or GTs just surf or drink a frostie Bintang on the deck as ya mates get dinner.
5)From a camp host meeting you at Medan airport then guiding you to the island for your fill of waves what can I say, how easy and well organised can Brad make it for you?? Reverse for the trip home yet Brad puts you into Medans best hotel for a night before you fly home.
NOW FOR THE BAD SHIT
1) I ate to much??
2) I watched the best surfer on the island snap his best shooter.
3) I stubbed my toe (kidding)Im struggling to find stuff I would whine about.
4) YES I had a frozen beer,I knew there was something.
5) If I knew our last night was shouted in the Marriott I would have put my smoking jacket in my board bag.
GET FACTS RIGHT: Brad runs Banyak bungalow's and we were the 3rd guests. Brads camp has nothing to do with the Banyak lodge.
Thanks Brad if you have it happening like this after 3 groups it scares me what I will face in 2yrs when I go back, Shit there may be Steve under a tanning light and more than 5 guys in the water arrrrrrrrrrrrr I should have given a shit report. Truth is if it was shit I would let the world know. Thanks mate and to the rest of you get ya ass over there.
Jezz the southern dog”
JEZZA southerndog from AUSTRALIA - 21 Jun 2013
“Your a fool Steve, you live in the biggest capitalist society on the planet. As for you Mat you need to get your head checked. As Brad said if your after a surf trip thats got easy access to the waves and perfectly suited to father/son/family or older crew you wont go wrong at bsb.”
stevo from AUSTRALIA - 03 Jun 2013
“Totally disagree with the both of you. Banyak Surf Bungalows is a solely independent operated venture.
The Banyak island lodge has ceased to operate and Banyak surf camp went bankrupt before it began.
It would be nice if people like you could get your facts right before you go around slandering new ventures despite what you might have read or heard. We have already had satisfied guests that can testify to this, so we must be doing something right. Yes, the accommodation and facilities are much improved compared to the old site.
If anyone is after a comfortable land based trip with minimal crowds and easy access to the most consistently rideable waves in the Banyak islands contact us at WWW.BANYAKSURFBUNGALOWS.COM”
Brad from INDONESIA - 06 May 2013
“Totally agree with Steve, Great place to surf just Beware of Banyak Island Lodge and Banyak Surf Camp. Please note the people who have been running the above have recently relocated across the bay and now call themselves Banyak Surf Bungalows. The accommodation looks much improved just be careful if you're going to book.”
mat from AUSTRALIA - 24 Mar 2013
“If you plan on surfing Treasure Island do not stay at Banyak Surf Camp or Banyak Island Lodge! Fuel, food and beer costs are a priority amongst these capitalists. If you do plan on staying, just be prepared to only surf Gunturs, Lolocs, Dindos, and maybe Camel Backs!!! If plan on drinking beer bring plenty of Rupiah, or loose lots of weight!!”
Steve from AUSTRALIA - 24 Jul 2012
“A world-class right that is one of the best breaks in Indonesia when it's on. Up to four barrel sections on the wave, a classic almond-shaped tube. Works up to about 6 ft before maxing out, relatively easy takeoffs compared to many waves of this calibre. Watch out for the claw on the end section!
Charters come up from Nias to get this wave during a good swell. Surfed this with Surfbanyak.com and there are one or two other charters in the area - great place for a surf trip.”
Boris from NEW ZEALAND - 01 May 2010
Nearest