Hands down one of the best hostel experiences we've had in Indonesia. We originally booked 4 nights and stayed for two weeks, and even then found it hard to leave!! Not only is Nias and Salty Dog a slice of paradise but Arif and his beautiful family are truly amazing people; so fun, welcoming, kind and helpful. We instantly felt like family. Arif goes above and beyond for his guests, speaking fantastic English it was a pleasure to hang out each day, he even took us to the local waterfalls and Bawomataluo village where he explained in depth about the local culture and traditions. Both days were such a highlight for us! The family room was spacious, comfortable, had AC, a private bathroom (cold showers but they were welcomed with the heat!) and a fantastic view of the bay. The bed was huge! The kitchen is fully equipped, WiFi is the best we've experienced (especially as remote workers) and just the vibe, volunteers, dogs and puppies were a dream. The bay is great for a swim, perfect for children as it's nice and calm, and we had such respect for Arif who works so hard to keep it clean and plastic free! Everyday we were greeted with a delicious local breakfast, Arif arranged scooter rental, offered ideas and tips of what to do and was always available to answer or help us in any way. His gorgeous daughter and nieces loved being with our 4 year old, always playing and involving her. Genuinely a slice of heaven. We will absolutely be back and look forward to this being our dream Indonesian hideout for many years to come. Thank you Arif and family for an unforgettable stay.

Stayed in February 2025

I had a fantastic stay at Salty Dog Hostel- my only regret was I couldn't stay longer!. Arif, Axel and the whole family create a really nice family vibe in the hostel and will always go out of their way to make sure you get the most from your stay on this beautiful island. The dorm I stayed in was basic, but had everything you needed- privacy curtain , Aircon and an attached bathroom. The hostel hires out both scooters and surfboards for cheap ( even more so if you take over a week ) and is only a 20 min drive away from the best surfing spots in the South. When I return to Nias one day I will certainly be going back to stay at the salty Dog. Many thanks Arif, Axel and family !! ❤️🧂🐕❤️

Stayed in February 2025

Arif the owner speak English perfectly and you can ask him everything the place is cool !

Stayed in February 2025

The rain (obviously nobody's fault)

Arif was the sweetest most accommodating host, as far as amenities go I can summarize with; clean, comfortable and cheap.

Stayed in October 2024

The owner was so nice and talkative. You will feel in the hostel like right home. The rooms were clean and spacious. You can use kitchen and cooked for yourself which is really nice tho. Surely if I will be back in Nias I will come back to the salty dog hostel.

Stayed in September 2024

Everything was perfect

- Arif is a super kind, welcoming and funny host! - Location on the beach is magical - Friendly dogs and a super cute funky puppy named Coco - Good price for backpackers :) - Lovely community & atmosphere - The best place to stay in Nias for sure!

Stayed in August 2024

If you are not comfortable driving a bike then you may struggle to get around nias in general, a hot water tank would be nice if staying for long periods of time but this is Indonesia we have been travelling a month and yet to have hot water anywhere and this hostel is the best value for money so you can’t complain

Absolutely loved the vibes at salty dog, met some amazing people from all over the world and Arif and his family. Best social environment on the whole island in Nias but also very chill, Arif went above and beyond with sorting everything from ferry’s, bikes, surfboards, pizza night and breakfast (bread, two eggs, fruit, tea and coffee) which was the best breakfast offer ! He was such a cool host, answered every question and had gold humour They have kitchen facilities and a fridge so you could keep stuff there from the market and the pool table is endless entertainment

Stayed in July 2024

This is the best place you can stay at. The hostel owner Arif is the most kind and helpful person ever and makes you feel welcome and happy to stay at salty dog. We planned to stay for 7 days and ended up leaving after 22 days but we could stay there forever. You can rent scooter & surfboard at the hostel. We had a lot of fun activities with the hostel such as going to Nias Pro, a canyon with waterfalls, a traditional village, pizza evenings at the hostel and many more. It’s a very social place and perfect to meet other travelers. The juice shop in front of indomaret nearby is also highly recommended ;)

Stayed in June 2024

It's better to know how to ride a motorbike, otherwise you will be a bit stuck, as you have to organise dinner yourself.

The hostel is right next to the sea, where you can sit and enjoy the view or go swimming. It is a very peaceful place, where you can meet other travellers to chat with, read a book in a hammock or just relax. If you don't surf, there are other activities to do like visiting a local village or waterfalls. Arif, the manager, is very helpful and communicative. He helped me a lot to get to his place and back to the mainland. He took me also to the local village and told me interesting stories. Thank you for that, you made my stay very enjoyable:)

Stayed in May 2024

When I arrived at Salty Dogs I immediately felt that I wanted to stay here longer. Aryf and his family are really great people who do everything they can to create a good vibe. Nias is a great place for surfing for beginners and advanced surfers. I ended up staying 2.5 weeks and will definitely come back. Thanks Aryf!

Stayed in April 2024

chill, fun & cozy hostel. A place where one could and can write a book 😉 highly recommend if you’re looking for a place to just be and relax 🌞

Stayed in April 2024

There is nothing I didn't like for this place.

The hostel is located right on the calmer parts of the ocean on a lagoon. It is an amazing property with wonderful people, great host Arif and his lovely family who runs this place. The two surfing spots are around 20 minutes drive each, which make this location quite quiet, and the hostel has very good social vibes, and overall a place where you will come for 2 days and end up staying 2 weeks.

Stayed in April 2024

Best place to stay in Telukdalam. Owner is very helpful. Location is calm and beautiful. Great common area.

Stayed in February 2024

Salty dog is one of my favourite hostels I ever stayed in. The location is really beautiful: in a quiet bay with palm trees and the best sunset in this part of the island. There is a nice place on the water where you can have breakfast or watch the sunset. One evening we even saw lots of green bioluminescent worms in the water, it looked like cgi! You can also go snorkeling at the end of the bay. The hostel is also close to Teluk Dalam, so you can easily get food or go to the supermarket/stores/pharmacy/laundry by driving 5-10 minutes with a motorbike. You can rent a motorbike and surfboard at the hostel. The hostel is in the middle between two famous surfspots: Sorake and Rockstar, it's about a 30 minute drive to each. There are also many traditional villages in the area that you can visit to see the beautiful traditional houses, megaliths and stone jumping. The hostel is owned by a local family, who are really lovely and helpful people. Arif is always happy to help to organise anything you might need, and can tell you a lot about the local culture. Even though he is very busy, he always makes time to hang out with the guests and make sure they can enjoy their time here. He would also get breakfast for everyone in the morning, usually different kinds of local food. For the price of the room it is actually really great that breakfast is included. The beds in the dorm are small but cosy and all have a curtain for privacy, and a light and electricity plug next to the bed. There is also AC in the dorm. In the common space there is a pool table and some comfy hammocks. There is a kitchen and fridge where you can store some drinks or fruit. The hostel is very social: it's easy to make friends with other guests, and there are also often some local people around who are very friendly. Occasionally the hostel organises a pizza night (they have a pizza oven), which is a famous event in the area!

Stayed in January 2024

Amazing, very social hostel! Arif is the best host.

Stayed in September 2023

Arif, the host, is the nicest guy ever. He helps with everything you can imagine, is super friendly and funny. Just a cool guy to hang out with. The Hostel is located in a bay next to the ocean, away from the noise and business of the city. Very nice and chill atmosphere and a beautiful place to watch the sunset. There are hammocks, yoga mats, three super cute dogs, a pool table and a speaker to relax between your surf sessions or in the evening. To go for food or to the surf spots its only a short ride with the scooter. Really the dream location in paradise. Definitely a place to stay for a long time.

Stayed in October 2023

It is just simply amazing. A perfect place to have a holiday from the holiday and just be. Take the dogs on a long walk around the bay, do yoga with the view of the ocean and the palm trees, then go to surf, drink a coconut and drive to town for some yummy food and the addictive bananabread. I will always be grateful for Arif for teaching me to drive a scooter and for all the support on basically everything during my stay. And also thanks for Jasmine for pizzanights and barbecue. Hope I will be back!

Stayed in November 2023

Excellent service and very nice facilities. Would definitely recomend

Stayed in October 2023

Great place to be, Arif is an amazing, helpful, friendly and funny guy! Very nice hostel with great atmosphere!

Stayed in September 2023

they are very friendly and helped me very much for transportation etc.

Stayed in August 2023

Best place on the island by far!! Amazing atmosphere with the best host!!!

Stayed in August 2023

great vibe, friendly staff etc kitchen was good

Stayed in July 2023

super cool vibe to the place, booked one night and ended up staying for a month. Close to snorkling and only 15 min drive to epic waves. really nice owner who will help you with everything you will need during your stay.

Stayed in June 2023

I really enjoyed my stay at salty dogs, Arif and his family are very lovely. I felt at home, it’s a very chill vibe, and the location is beautiful, very quiet, and the view is amazing! Breakfasts are yummy. Arif organized the taxis from and to the airport for me. You can also rent a scooter with them wich is perfect to go around and to the surf spots (beautiful ride). The pizza night was super nice! And yummy pizzas! We went to the waterfalls and to visit the village with Arif, the volunteers and others guests and it was such an amazing experience. I left Nias and this place with my heart filled with love. I highly recommend you to stay there… hopefully I will be back !

Stayed in May 2023