Stormrider Guide to surfing Northern Maluku
Indonesia, EAST ASIA
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Serenade, John Callahan/Tropicalpix
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Summary
+ Regular N monsoon swell
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- Short surf season
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+ Quality, mid-sized waves
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- Long distances between spots
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+ Calm winds, small tides
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- Few organised boat trips
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+ Newly opened surf area
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- Volcanic activity and earthquakes
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The original Spice Islands, the Malukus (Moluccas or Molluques) are the only Indonesian island chain in the Pacific. Despite waves as good as the Philippines, these islands remain largely ignored by travelling surfers. Occasional boat forays into the region have revealed an outstanding variety of breaks, most of which go unsurfed. A small number of feral surfers make the long trek through the jungles around Christmas time, to stay in remote villages and surf the better-known spots.
When to Go
Although the NW Pacific typhoon season (Sept-Oct) must have some epic days, itÕs safer to hit these islands at the heart of the winter NE monsoon season (Nov-March) for consistent 3-6ft wind-driven waves, with bigger days at exposed spots. Winds at this equatorial ÒdoldrumsÓ latitude are light and variable. Glassy days are the norm, but onshore ENE winds do occur, shifting NNW if the sun is shining. Tidal range varies up to 1m, and affects almost all the known spots. Tides are difficult to gauge and accurate information is hard to find Ð ask the local fishermen.
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
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F
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M
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A
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M
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J
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J
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A
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S
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O
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N
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D
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dominant swell |
N -NE |
N -NE |
NE -E |
NE -E |
NE -E |
N -NE |
swell size (ft) |
4-5 |
2-3 |
0-1 |
1-2 |
2-3 |
4 |
consistency (%) |
90 |
60 |
10 |
20 |
40 |
80 |
dominant wind |
N -NE |
N -NE |
S -SW |
S -SW |
S -SW |
NW -NE |
average force |
F3 |
F3 |
F2-F3 |
F3 |
F3 |
F2-F3 |
consistency (%) |
65 |
54 |
40 |
66 |
49 |
48 |
water temp (C) |
28 |
28 |
29 |
28 |
28 |
29 |
wetsuit |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
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Travel Information
Weather
With a thousand odd islands, the climate in Maluku is heavily influenced by the monsoon trends, elevation, proximity to volcanoes, and coastal exposure. The weather varies from one island to another. However, humidity is the rule with over 2.5m (100in) of rain a year. Usually, north of the Equator, Nov-March NE monsoon clears up the skies while April-Oct SW monsoon brings downpours. Wind squalls are frequent and thunderstorm activity is amongst the highest on earth. Transition months like October or April are characterised by heavy rainfall as well. Fortunately, the surf season is somewhat clearer. Daytime temperature variation is small; expect it to be hot and humid year-round. Water is amongst the warmest on earth, at 29°C (84ºF).
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Lodging and Food
In Manado, stay in town for $30-110/d, at hotels catering for divers. Most hotels are 30-45min from Manado, but the best resorts are on the small Siladen Island in Bunaken Marine Park. There are cheap hotels ($5-10) in Ternate, Daruba or Tobelo. Food is fresh and cheap, boat menus have lots of fresh fish (yellow fin tuna). Expect to pay $3 for a meal in town.
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Nature and Culture
There is not much in Maluku except thick jungle and rusted WW2 sunken ships and planes to dive on. ThereÕs superb snorkelling on untouched reefs. The waterfall shower at Paniki Point is a gem.
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