The fact that surfers from Hawaii, Australia, South Africa, Portugal and the US frequently leave their famously wave-rich coastlines to surf the Mentawai Islands is a testament to the quality on offer.
Discovered in the late 1980s, the 70-odd islands that make up the Mentawais have since earned a reputation for world-class waves, and you needn’t look far on social media to see the chain’s best surf breaks in full flex.
Thinking about a Mentawai surf trip by yourself, with mates or the family? This surf guide covers everything you need to know about a Mentawais surf holiday.
Organising your Mentawai surf holiday
Packing for a Mentawai surf trip: The essentials
Surfing the Mentawais means you’ll be surfing in the tropics. 2 degrees south of the equator, to be exact. In addition to suitable surfboards (plural, as hiring there is not easy), plenty of tropical water wax, appropriate clothing and a solid board bag, you’ll need the tropical surf trip essentials.
So make sure you have these ready to go:
- Reef-safe zinc
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Surf hat
- Reef booties
- 220v adapter (unless you’re from Europe)
- Rash vest
- Ibuprofen (great for inflammation)
- Head-torch
- Boardshorts / bikini / surf suit
- Motion / travel sickness pills for the numerous boat trips if you need them
- Dissolvable electrolyte sachets (great for recovery and avoiding heatstroke!)
- Reusable water bottle
The easiest way to reach the Mentawai Islands
Step 1: Fly into Padang
The Mentawais are located off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, roughly 150 to 200 kilometres west of Padang, which is the nearest major city and the gateway to the islands.
You can travel by land to Padang if you’re already in Sumatra, however, the easiest way to reach the city is by air. Most flights will take you from your embarkation airport through Jakarta, however, you can also fly direct from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali, Medan, Bandung or Surabaya.
Garuda is the most surfer-friendly airline. Not only do they run regular flights from major Indonesian cities to Padang, but they also allow you to pre-book your boards (up to 23kg and 300cm) at no extra cost.
Take a ferry to the Mentawais
Once in Padang, and assuming you’re not booked on a surf charter boat that’ll take you to the islands from Padang’s port, you have two options for ferries.
- Fast ferry: The first option is a fast ferry from Padang to Siberut (Playgrounds). From here your resort will organise transport to your accommodation. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours from Padang to Siberut in addition to the time it takes to reach your final destination. Expect to be hit with a surfboard fee in addition to your ticket cost.
- Slow ferry: Your second option is the slow ferry, which takes 10+ hours. You get a bed, access to an on-board canteen and the opportunity to unwind. It’s the better option if you’re looking to save some money, but it takes up to three times as long as the fast ferry.
Another option included with select surf experience providers is a direct speedboat from Padang to your resort. This is a convenient and hassle-free option if you’re booked on a surf package, however, not all surf camps or resorts offer this option as costs can run upwards of $2,000 USD per trip.
Great if you have the cash to splash though!
Mentawai surf seasons: When is the best time to go?
It’s often said that the dry season (April to September) is the best time to visit the Mentawais for surfing, however, the truth is that there are good waves year-round, it all depends on what you’re chasing.
Choosing when to go will depend on your skill level and your preferences. More confident advanced surfers are better suited to the peak season months, while beginners and intermediates will enjoy the more manageable swells that arrive during the wet season (October to March).
Peak season: May-September
This is when the Mentawais puts its best foot forward. Ever seen clips of surfers pulling into overhead barrels with enough room and time to do their taxes in the tube?
There’s a high probability that the clip was shot during the peak season. A mix of the world’s best surfers and ambitious everyday punters flock to the Mentawais. Consequently, the lineups can get quite hectic.
It’s a tradeoff, really. Your odds of scoring epic back-to-back swells are high, but you’ll need to know how to hold your own. It’s also the most expensive time to visit the Mentawais with peak season prices in full effect and camps and charters booking out well in advance.
Shoulder seasons: March-April and October-November
The shoulder seasons in the Mentawais are becoming increasingly popular. The waves are still great, the crowds are smaller and you can save some money on your trip.
Just keep in mind that these months tend to be wetter. You can get anything from solid overhead days to knee-high runners. From Burger World to Kanduis, Rags Left and The Hole, you’ll spend time motoring to chase the swell, but chances are high you’ll also score.
Having a surf guide who knows what they’re doing (and a captain who doesn’t mind burning fuel) is essential.
Off-season: December-February
The off-season can get pretty empty, which is great for those looking to escape the crowds.
The downside here is that it’s called the off-season for a reason. The dominant swell direction swings around to the south, which is bad news for waves like HTs and Bank Vaults in the north, but good news for Macaronis and swell magnets like Thunders.
It’s not as consistent, but the lack of crowds and the fact you can still surf decent waves is worth consideration.
Making the most of the Mentawais
The top Mentawai surf spots
- Hollow Trees (HTs/Lance’s Right): A tubing righthander with a habit of doubling up on larger days. For intermediates up to about 4 foot. After that it’s strictly for expert surfers.
- Lance’s Left: A wally and somewhat playful lefthander on the other side of Sipora island. Fun with a sneaky tube on the inside, it’s more suited to intermediates and early advanced surfers.
- Bintangs: A short and intense righthander that breaks over a shallow slab of reef. This wave requires a technical tube ride. As such, it’s more suited to experienced surfers.
- Macaronis: Perhaps the Mentawai Islands’ most famous wave. A mechanical lefthander that’s friendly for all levels depending on the size. It gets crowded, but there’s always enough waves to go around.
- Nipussi: A very enjoyable righthander that’s suitable for surfers of all skill levels, but particularly beginner and intermediate surfers. An ideal training ground if you’re looking to hone your surf abilities.
- Thunders: Thunders is a swell magnet, which means it’s a reliable option all year-round. There’s almost always something to ride, but the beatings when its big are legendary. Intermediate and above.
- Greenbush: A fast, hollow and technical lefthand tube. Zero room for turns. It’s for confident intermediate-level surfers and above. Anything over 6-8 foot is borderline crazy.
- The Hole: A longer and more user-friendly version of Greenbush. This lefthander is fun for all levels depending on swell size. The bigger it gets, the more hollow the tube, the longer you’ll disappear behind the curtain. Hence the name.
- Rags Left: A long lefthander that’s a reef-pointbreak hybrid with multiple turn and barrel sections. Despite being shallow it’s suitable for all skill levels.
- Burger World: One of the most user-friendly waves in the Mentawais. This soft, mushy righthander is ideal for beginners and intermediates.
- E-Bay: A left hander that offers up some great tube time with a bigger swell – on smaller stuff it’s still pretty playful as long as you don’t get caught in the inside!
- No Kandui: No Kandui needs a decent swell to work. At 6+ foot, it’s a pedal-to-the-meddle takeoff followed by a tube that’s as tall as it is wide. For experienced surfers only.
Mentawai Surf Camp
Beng Bengs
Nestled among the palm trees of Pulau Masokut Island, Beng Bengs Surf Camp offers the perfect blend of tropical paradise and surf adventure, just a stone’s throw from epic waves like Rifles and Bank Vaults, with cold Bintangs and the creature comforts of A/C rooms and hot showers.
Driftwood Mentawai Surf Camp
Driftwood is one of the most popular surf camps in the Mentawais. It offers a stunning surf resort with warm waters, world-class waves and dreamy scenery on a beautiful island.
Accommodating just 12 guests, the resort ensures excellent hospitality and an intimate surf experience. It features a main area with a king-size room, twin rooms and communal spaces, plus beachfront king-size rooms with breathtaking ocean views. You’re also within easy striking distance of Playgrounds’ best surf breaks.
The Shadow Mentawai
Run by local surfers committed to delivering top-notch hospitality and sharing their insider knowledge, The Shadow is one of the Mentawai Islands’ best surf camps.
There are over 20 amazing surf breaks just a boat ride away, and with only 13 guests at any time, you can enjoy an intimate surf trip complete with delicious meals, cold drinks and all the trappings of a tropical surf camp.
M.I.A Mentawai Surf Camp
This laid-back, barefoot-style surf camp in the Mentawai Islands boasts 5 epic surf spots right out front and another 25 within a short boat ride.
Catering to up to 8 surfers, M.I.A Mentawai Surf Camp is just a stroll away from the famous Bank Vaults – you can actually see reeling barrels from the camp! One of the most consistent and fun all-level waves in the area, Nipussi, is also just a short paddle away.
Mentawai Surf Charters
Maki Boat
Looking for a luxurious trip to the Mentawai Islands? This Mentawai surf charter Maki Boat offers the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence!
The 105 foot phinisi, originally a luxury dive boat in the Komodo Islands, was fully refitted in 2019 and is now one of the most stunning surf charters in the Mentawais. With A/C, 5 cabins and space for up to 11 surfers, Maki is all about comfort and great waves.
Barrenjoey
The Barrenjoey is a 70 foot steel ketch rigged motor-sailer that’s one of the oldest in the Islands, offering surfers uncrowded waves and a trip of a lifetime.
Don’t let its age fool you though. Owners John and Belinda, who have over 25 years of experience motoring and sailing the Mentawais, have fully refurbished Barrenjoey and offer first-class service with all the amenities and resources you need (including the fastest tender in the Islands) for the ultimate surf holiday.
Pelagic
The Pelagic, founded by surfers John Musser and Griff Alker, is an innovative 65 foot aluminium mono-hull vessel designed for unparalleled surfing adventures.
Built in Western Australia, the Pelagic offers high-speed cruising, comfort and exceptional seaworthiness for a truly unique surf travel experience. It’s one of the most luxurious surf charters in the Mentawai Islands, but it’s also manned by surf guides with plenty of experience hunting waves in the Islands.
Nomad
Built in 1995, the Nomad is another traditional Indonesian phinisi surf charter that’s ideal for small groups seeking uncrowded waves in the Mentawai Islands.
Captained by experienced Aussie Jake Thompson, the Nomad ensures surfers find the best waves. Guests can also enjoy the 4 metre tender and a 7.3 metre aluminium speedboat, The Boomerang, powered by twin 150 hp engines.
Bintang
The Bintang is a premium 115 foot ocean-going schooner and one of the largest and longest running Mentawai surf charter boats.
It accommodates 10 to 12 guests on each trip, offering ample deck space and fully air-conditioned rooms. You’ll always find a comfortable spot to unwind and relax between surfing, and with plenty of gear for fishing, diving and snorkelling, the “Binnie” is also popular with surfing/non-surfing groups.
Mentawai Surf Guide: FAQ
What surf level should I be?
The Mentawais has a reputation for being an advanced intermediate and above surf destination, and while most of the breaks certainly cater to these levels, there are also plenty of options for lower level surfers too, just make sure the surf option you’re choosing caters for it.
Options like Villa Onu even have access to fun beachbreaks which are ideal for beginners and those learning to surf too – so there is something for everyone if you need it.
What is the Mentawai surf tax and how much is it?
The tax applies to all foreign surfers visiting the Mentawai Islands for surfing. The fee is 2 million IDR (approximately 150 USD) and is valid for 15 days, with the option to extend by repaying for longer stays.
What type of surfboards should I bring for the Mentawais?
This largely depends on what season you’re visiting and the type of waves you intend to ride, but as a rule of thumb, three surfboards (a performance daily driver, a step up and a fun board) should cover all conditions.
If you’re heading there peak season and chasing the big stuff, a couple backup boards are probably a good shout, along with some spare leggies and ding repair kits too!
What are the best pre and post-trip accommodation options in Padang?
Since it’s possible that you’ll need to overnight in Padang either before or after your trip (in fact we also recommend this for the most stress free trip), it’s always good to know the best options.
Some popular choices include Mercure Padang Hotel, HW Hotel Padang and the Ibis Padang Hotel. All offer a range of amenities and are conveniently located near the airport, making it easy to transition from land to sea.
Is a Mentawais surf trip suitable for families?
Yes! Plenty of families with a mix of surfers and non-surfers visit the Mentawais and have a great time. Charter boats can host families, however, the most popular accommodation option for families is the surf resorts and camps.
Surf resorts offer a range of activities and amenities that cater to both surfers and non-surfers, making it the perfect option for a family holiday and some of the higher end options are almost on par with some of our popular Maldives surf resorts!