“Great Surf Trip”
Seven of us travelled to Simeulue in late August for a surf trip. The resort is very comfortable and the staff are very friendly. The food was excellent and there was a good variety of local and western dishes and plenty of. The owner Don was very accommodating and we were very impressed with our surf guide Nic. He was very knowledgeable of the local breaks and got us to plenty of different breaks in the area. I thought the resort was ideally located in the centre of the most common breaks of The Peak and Dylan’s. The use of the motor bikes was great for those of us who wanted to explore by ourselves. There was nothing too much trouble for Nic who even took us exploring for the day to an exceptional spot in the middle of nowhere. Perfect waves and no one else within two hours. Very remote and the highlight for me. The trip to Thailands Left was also a highlight and we had that to ourselves as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this 10 day trip and am keen to go again. You won’t be disappointed here. All the rooms are comfortable and air conditioned. All in all this is excellent value for money. With all the airfares out of Brisbane, accommodation etc this trip was less than $2000 for the 10 days. I would thoroughly recommend Moon Beach Resort for anyone looking to surf Simeulue Island.
By Ben C Stayed: August 2017, traveled with friends
“Awesome – Can`t Wait To Go Back!”
There are quite a few resorts that promise in word but don’t deliver in reality. Where they boast of an array of uncrowded epic waves and an indo still raw and relatively untamed from the hustle & bustle of the Western world. But not MOON BEACH RESORT …….IT REALLY DID DELIVER!! If you are looking for a holiday where you can lounge around the pool sipping cocktails & a bit of tourist shopping then give Simeulue a wide berth. But if you really want to surf a wide selection of decent waves whether your goofy or natural, intermediate or advanced, whether you are aged 10 or 50, male or female with no crowds – then this is definitely for you. Great, safe, clean, air-conditioned beachfront villas – tick Relaxed easy-going Host/surf guides who knew the island and it’s breaks like the back of their hand – tick Epic uncrowded waves – tick Awesome selection of lefts & rights – tick Freshly prepared tasty food for breakfast, lunch & Dinner & lots of it – tick An unforgettable laid back raw experience without the agro of hectic line-ups – tick My 12yr old son & I travelled as part of a surf training group with 5 groms aged 10-13 & their parents plus 2 surf coaches to Moon Beach Resort, Simeulue in April for 2 weeks. From our very first contact via email to the moment we bid our farewells at the airport our every question or query was adequately met by our host & surf guide, Brad with informative reliable answers. Whether it be dress code for myself being female (both in & out of the water), to travel details, Brad was prompt and spot on with all his information. At all times we felt safe and very well looked after. The resort itself is comfortable, small & relaxed. A handful of villas sit amongst landscaped grounds fronting a beach with serviced rooms that are clean, air-conditioned, complete with flushing toilets and showers. There is plenty of drinking water & you can purchase snacks, soft drinks or beer. After a full satisfying day of surfing nights are mainly spent gathered in a main central building. This is where all meals are eaten & guests can relax with tv, ping pong or sit on the verandah sharing stories & laugh over the days events. As far as mosquitoes go they are mainly on nightfall but honestly we have way more back here in Oz. Every day the boys got the chance to explore different breaks all within driving distance of the resort with Brad our surf guide or revisit old ones depending on the conditions. We even took an unforgetable day trip across to Lukon by boat which sent froth levels with the grommies soaring to an all time high! All in all it was an all round awesome experience for both young & old & we really can’t wait to go back!!
Nadina Stayed: April 2017, travelled with friends
“Great 40th Surf Trip”
3 of us spent a fun 2 weeks at MBR for our 40th surf trip. Relaxing atmosphere in the villa grounds with friendly staff. Great view of the islands from the Almond villa and Restaurant. Air conditioned rooms were a great escape from the humidity. Nick (legend surf guide) had us surfing a good variety of waves and we seemed to always find good spots when the conditions changed. Room Tip: Almond villa is the pick of the rooms.
Nathan Stayed: May 2017, travelled with friends
“Awesome Place”
I would definitely recommend Moonbeach Resort, the staff are very friendly, food is great, accommodation also great. Best 2 weeks we spent there, Brad and the crew took us to unbelievable surf spots and really made us feel at home. My daughter has special needs I emailed the guys prior to us getting there and they accommodated to her needs to a tee – the whole crew were unreal and can’t speak highly enough of the resort. A must see and experience. Thanks heaps everyone.
by Linda D – Avalon Beach Australia April 2017
“Treated Like Part of the Family only better!”
I stayed at Moon Beach Resort (MBR) with the Yaxley’s in Late October/Early November 2016. I had such a wonderful time. I was predominately there to surf and I ended up surfing 10 different surf spots on 4 different islands in 11 days. Our surf guide, Nick, who had three seasons under his belt at MBR, was spot on when determining where the best waves would be based on the conditions (wind, swell direction, tide, crowd, etc.) As a result, I got to surf at least twice a day every day (except one) with usually just MBR guests, guide and cameraman. We put a lot of miles on the included surf van checking out different spots and going to town. Nothing was a problem. When we would get back to the grounds of the resort, we would be met with plenty of good, healthy food and freshly cleaned rooms with chilly A/C, mini fridge and comfortable beds. My room was cleaned every day and the staff was super nice and helpful. Even the security guard and groundskeepers were great ambassadors for the resort and the island. All meals are delicious and served family-style which was great for me travelling alone. I got some socializing in and got to know the other guests when I wasn’t getting seconds or thirds of the great food. One guest was a three peat returning guest to MBR! A lot of fruits were grown right on the grounds of MBR so they were picked and eaten usually in the same day. Watching the sunset with beverages in the entertainment hub was always fun and we could get to know the rest of the family and find out what it is like to live in and operate a resort in paradise. Surf movies or other videos after dinner were great although I would be so tired from surfing, I never lasted long. There was so much variety of surf that beginners, chargers, body boarders and old cruisers could all get their fill. Simeulue is nice also because you can fly rignt in to the airport 20 mins from MBR. I flew to Medan and Simeulue on the same day from KL and was surfing the beachie out front by 3:00 PM. Piece of cake. Thanks to Don, El, Brad, Nick, Nick M., Repi, Paulie, Jasmine and all the other wonderful people there.
Sincerely, James L Washington DC
“Simeulue’s Finest!”
My friends and I recently stayed at Moon Beach for 10 nights and couldn’t speak more highly of the place. Quality rooms, happy friendly staff, great location tucked away halfway between The Peak and Dylan’s, and awesome fresh food. Fearless leader/owner Don is accompanied by a great team with Brad, Nick and Tomo at the helm looking after your every need – the best surf guides on the Island. Rab also cooks up a mean Banana Pancake and was very accommodating with dietary requirements of one guest – Alex. Thank you very much Moon Beach! Hope to see you again soon.
Justin C – Brisbane
“Great Trip, Great Resort!”
Reviewed September 15, 2015
I recently stayed at Moon Beach with three other friends for a surf trip. Don and the staff were fantastic. Food was great. Waves were awesome. Surf guides Nick and Tomo were great, and we had a fantastic time. Highly recommended 🙂 Happy customer. Would go again.
Dianca
“Tropical Surf Adventure”
Reviewed August 2, 2015
We had 10 days staying at Moon Beach. The owners and staff were great. Nothing was a problem. The room was nice with a great view from the balcony of the beach. We were taken by minivan everyday to hunt the best waves on offer with the experienced surf guide.The food was delicious and plenty for even the hungriest surfer appetite.This island is how I imagine Bali might have been in the 1970’s ??
Stayed July 2015, traveled with friends
Richard T.
“Great Hospitality at moon beach.”
Reviewed June 26, 2015
Recently returned from a great 10 days at MB. Very comfortable stay in great quality acom…certainly everything you need on a surf trip..and more. Especially the quality of the food (great brekky complete with insane fruit drink of mango or guava…); this especially impressive once you understand how hard it is to source this variety on the island (highlights were the fish dinners…).
Don is a good guy and makes you very welcome…enjoyed sereval evenings drilling him about the Island and Indonesia in general…he has lived and worked here for ages and has great intel. Don and his son Brad were great to book with and made it all easy.
Nick, the surf guide is a dead set legend…always happy to go left on the peak (so my mate and I could indulge in the rights:); cool to travel and explore the ‘secret spots with’; and just becames a mate over your stay. Above and beyond service, well he is happy to help..as I smashed both boards and he helped me with an emercency fin repair so I could hobble through to the end of my stay and not miss any sessions.
Mitchelll Rea
“Birthday Surf Tour”
Reviewed June 1, 2015
I wanted a new adventure…some creature comforts, minimum crowds, and a variety of surf breaks. It ticked all the boxes for me! Its family owned and operated, the food was great, 3 meals every day..friendly and helpful staff. The surf guides Nick and Tommo did a great job of finding the premium waves every day, and showing us around in general. Moon is centrally located right on a nice swimming beach and it was easy to venture out up and down the coast. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Have a look at my travel blog for more pics / http://outerisland.blogspot.com.au/
Stayed April 2015, traveled solo
Dave – Sydney
“Uncrowded Surfing”
Reviewed May 14, 2015
I stayed at Moon Beach Resort with a mate for just over a week and can honestly say the experience was pleasant both in and outside the resort. I stayed in the luxury room which was always re-stocked with beers, towels etc each day. The whole room and bathroom was cleaned everyday as well. Very nicely presented and have nothing bad to say about the room at all. Balcony was a nice touch to sit back on the couch after a long day of surfing with a cold Bintang. The food is REALLY good. As far as any of the surf resorts i’ve stayed at in the last 3 years, the food here is by far the best. Good meals everyday and different each time. Although not in walking distance to waves is about 12min drive to the peak and about 25 to Dylans. I liked this as the guys at Aura tended to surf the Peak everyday cause it was right in front of them. Nick the surf guide took us on road trips on the Island everyday looking for the best waves depending on conditions. This was a massive plus for me as it meant we had local knowledge and didn’t have to go searching blindly by ourselves. We could also rent scooters from the resort if we decided to go on a solo mission. There are plenty of good quality breaks on the Island not too far away and best of all hardly anyone to share the waves with. We surfed twice a day and got plenty of good waves. Simelue is still largely untouched by tourism and the locals are friendly and stoked to have you around. I’d definitely go back although probably for longer next time so i could score a few more swells as we only got about 3 good days of waves out of the week i was there.
Dave – Travelingsnowman1
“Great Surf Camp”
Reviewed May 5, 2015
Had a 2 week stay from mid to the end of April 2015 and had an awesome time. From the time that you arrive to the time you leave you really feel like you have turned up at a mates place. Don and his team are friendly, reliable, knowledgable and just want you to score the best waves and have a great trip.
The resort itself is based in amongst some really nice gardens, accommodation is nice. The food is amazing! Seriously good food, fruit smoothies every morning, great options for brekky lunch and dinner – healthy and pretty much as much as you can eat!
The surf guide Nick was a legend, had the island absolutely sussed out and knows where to find whatever waves you are looking for no matter what your skill level. Also he’ll take photos on the beach when you surf which you can get off of him at the end for a cheap price.
They have scooter hire if you want to do your own thing as well. The island is so remote and chilled out, waves are really fun. All in all if you are looking for a place to stay in Simeulue Moon beach is by far the go. It might not be in front of the ‘peak’ but the atmosphere , price, food and service will make you glad you stayed there.
“North Sumatra at its best!”
A massive thanks to Don and all the crew made me feel so welcome – nothing was an issue. A big thanks for that. Especially being a solo trip – having the likes of Nick around made it an unforgettable experience for the pics and the guiding/local knowledge of surf breaks. The food was AMAZING!! This place is untouched beauty! Can not wait to get back there next year.
Bret M B – Newcastle Australia
“The best place on the island”
We just enjoyed a 2 weeks trip at Don’s resort. Definitely the place to be on the island !
Whereas there are a few other surf camps on the island they all seems to be ‘provisory set up’. Don, owner of the place, a constructor by profession, has built real bungalows and not the usual bamboo huts (full of bugs) you’ll find on the island. Well decorated, well taken care of, service by the ‘girls’ is at the level you’ll expect in a 4 star hotel in a City. Well worth the value!
A spacious garden area in front of the bungalow is very enjoyable and large and wide enough to play golf (which we did after Don’s gardener built us 4 little ‘greens’).
Nick is the camp surf guide that showed us around the island during our entire stay and shared with us his local knowledge of tides and wind, suitable for each of the remote breaks. Together with Don he showed us some remote breaks and organized day trips with the local fishermen abroad their little vessels.
Thank you Don for all the stories, for your availability, for the great team you have put in place to render your guests stay memorable ! We’ll back for sure !
Nicolas F – Zurich Switzerland
“Untouched paradise”
It’s a must. Waves are everywhere. Reef and beaches. Good crew. Thanks to Don and El. And the girls in the kitchen for healthy fresh food. Nick was great as the surf guide. Original indo. Just loved it.
Grant C – Sunshine Coast Australia
“Great Surf Camp with Excellent, Friendly Service”
A friend and I just enjoyed an awesome 12 day stay at Moon beach Resort and were thoroughly impressed. The camping option is perfect for a surf trip or for those who like basic, comfortable accommodation and the meals included make it excellent value all round. There is also a bungalow which looked great for couples or those wanting a little more luxury on their trip. Although simple the camping set up is comfortable on all fronts and the food is filling and tasty. The service was super friendly, the owner Don extremely helpful and a great host and the surf guide Nick an absolute frothing legend!! The camp is positioned about half-way between the main few surf breaks so transport is required to surf but there are scooters for hire at the resort and a van to take you surfing if you’re in a small group. Simeulue itself is largely untouched and void of a lot of tourists so a trip here is a great way to experience a slice of real Indonesia in a safe and relaxing environment away from the masses.
Jed A – Noosa Australia
“Great place”
Great service, accom, food, waves and people. Loved my stay with Moon Beach. Well located in between the main breaks north and south. Surf guide Nick was awesome. Don will do anything to help you out. No complaints at all. Highly recommend it. Stayed in camping set up, simple but perfect for surf trip.
Ben M – Sydney Australia
“Best Surf Trip Yet!”
Moon Beach provided us with everything to make our two week surf odyssey in Simeulue the best yet. Very friendly staff, coupled with great clean accommodation and facilities meant we didn’t have to worry about a thing the whole time there. We were provided with three filling and tasty meals per day. Coupled with the low price we paid each day I will be surprised if we ever find a value for money holiday similar to the one we just had at Moon Beach. Thanks heaps Don, Elle and Brownie. Look forward to seeing you all again soon. Cheers
Sam M – Hong Kong China
“Moon Beach”
I just got back from a week here with some mates after a long 4 nights in Las Vegas. What a place to recover and surf! Don, his family & staff were incredibly welcoming and provided us with a great setup for a boys surf trip. The food was delicious and most importantly we never went hungry. The resort is also situated conveniently between Dylan’s (15min to the South) and The Peak (10min to the North). As for the surfing – with the motorbikes Don provided us with we were able to head where the surf was best and often it was only our group on the break meaning plenty of waves for our selves.
All in all, it was a great trip especially value for money. I will certainly be back in the not to distant future.
Sam F – Hong Kong China
“Moon Beach Resort”
“Moon Beach Resort’, absolute beachfront and what a place, Don & Elle & his staff were fantastic for the short time my mate Peter and I spent there on our usual yearly surf trip. The food & accommodation was sensational, first time ever I have gained weight on a trip away. I could not complain about, the cleanliness of the accommodation which was also impeccable. Surf was fine not huge as it was early in the season but fun waves with plenty to choose from. Thanks Don & Elle had a amazing trip and was great to experience on “Simuelue” and would definitely return.
Mark Z – Kingscliff Australia
“Simeulue’s Best”
The Service at Moon Beach was fantastic, Don and his family are very welcoming people along with all staff members. It is an extremely relaxed vibe thought out the resort and is set up fantastically for all types of Travelers. The food was fantastic along with the accommodation. As for the surf, the resort is located in the best spot on the island for access to all the waves.. It really does have waves suited to all levels. I would highly recommend staying at moon beach.
Jess – Torquay Australia
“Lovely week at Simeulue”
Great and friendly staff, excellent and personal service and professionally run. Very nice location in a well kept garden overlooking a beautiful beach that stretches for kilometers. The nicest bungalow in Simeulue by far and a very comfortable tent under roof arrangement where we stayed. Food is excellent. We rented a scooter with a board rack, which is a very good way of exploring the island. I arrived without surfboards, but Don was very helpful and arranged for me to rent a board.
Jocob W – Oslo Norway