Indonesia
Best Time to Surf
Mar to Oct
Wave Types
Skill Levels
Surfing The Mentawais, Indonesia
The Mentawai Islands are a chain of over 70 islands that string along the western coast of Sumatra, facing the open Indian Ocean. This means oodles of swell all year round, making the Ments one of the most consistent surf destinations on the planet.
The Ments break down into three distinct surf areas. Playgrounds in the north (around Siberut) hosts upwards of 25 locations within a short boat ride, including Bank Vaults, E-Bay, Beng Bengs, Kandui, and Rifles (which can run for over 400 meters). Central Sipura is home to Telescopes (the finest wave of the central Ments, often compared to Bali's Uluwatu) and Lances Right/Hollow Trees, the iconic wave that pioneering surfers put on the map in the early 1990s. In the south, Pagai hosts Macaronis, hailed as the "funnest wave on the planet."
The dry season from March to October is peak time with nigh-on consistent action in the SW swell channel. This is when the gnarliest tubes and heaviest reefs come alive. The wet season (November-February) is calmer and mellower, better suited to intermediate improvers.
Boat charters remain the classic way to surf the Ments, moving from break to break to chase optimal conditions. They're ideal for getting around a region where breaks are spread out, for discovering hidden spots, and catching the right tide and swell directions. Land-based surf camps on Siberut, Sipora, and Pagai offer fixed locations with daily speedboat access to nearby breaks.
Surf Culture in The Mentawais, Indonesia
The Mentawai Islands are home to the indigenous Mentawai people, one of Indonesia's oldest cultures with traditions dating back thousands of years.
Cultural experiences:
- Traditional villages open to respectful visitors
- Elaborate tattoo culture (among world's oldest)
- Shamanic practices that have survived largely intact
- Most interaction is with camp staff and boat crews
The surf vibe:
- Charter boats: Intimate crew atmosphere, shared meals, sunset beers in remote bays
- Land camps: Community among rotating guests, shared dining, post-surf stories
- Both options: Genuine disconnection from the modern world
Digital detox: Phone signal is scarce to nonexistent, Wi-Fi limited or absent. Days revolve entirely around tides, swells, and surf. This forced unplugging has become part of the Mentawai appeal.
Best Surf Spots in The Mentawais, Indonesia
Lance's Right (HT's)
advancedOne of the most perfect right-handers on the planet. HT's offers long, mechanical barrels that peel down the reef like a dream. It's what surf magazines are made of. Best on a solid south swell.
Macaronis
intermediate advancedA playful left that's often called the 'funnest wave in the world'. It's long, walling, and offers plenty of barrel time. More forgiving than some Mentawai waves, making it popular with intermediates and up.
Telescopes
expertA heavy, hollow left that breaks fast over a shallow reef. When it's on, Telescopes delivers some of the thickest barrels in the Mentawais. Not for the faint-hearted, but incredibly rewarding.
Rifles
intermediateA long right-hander that can run for 300+ meters. It's more forgiving than some spots, making it great for intermediates. The wave starts soft and builds through faster sections as it wraps around the reef.
Kandui Left
intermediateA super fun left that breaks next to a tropical island. It's one of the mellower waves in the area, making it ideal for warm-up sessions or when you want something less intense. Still delivers clean, peeling walls.
The Mentawais Surf Conditions
Weather
The Mentawais are one of the most consistent surf destinations on the planet, with swell almost always around.
Dry Season (March-October):
- Peak time to surf the Mentawai islands
- Nigh-on consistent action in the SW swell channel
- Swells pumped through the Java Trench
- The time to seek out the gnarliest tubes and heaviest reefs
- Best for advanced surfers chasing barrels
Wet Season (November-February):
- Things calm down but waves don't disappear
- More chilled and mellow conditions
- Better for intermediate improvers or beginners
- Surf camps tend to cost a little less
Year-round: Temperatures 28-32°C, high humidity, tropical equatorial climate
Water Conditions
Water temperatures stay 28-30°C year-round. Boardshorts are all you need.
Essential gear:
- Reef booties: Critical for entries and protection
- Rashguard: Sun protection for long sessions
- Helmet: Increasingly common at heavy spots like Lance's Right
- First aid kit: Antiseptic, wound care (reef cuts get infected fast)
Hazards to respect:
- Shallow coral reefs: Consequences of falling can be severe
- Strong currents through channels during tidal changes
- Reef cuts: Common and quick to infect in tropical conditions
Charter boat captains and camp guides provide essential local knowledge.
How to Get to The Mentawais, Indonesia
Reaching the Ments is half the battle, but the rewards are world-class waves.
Getting to Padang:
- Fly to Padang (PDG) in West Sumatra
- Connections from Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS), or Singapore (SIN)
- Multiple daily domestic flights available
Padang to the islands:
- Boat transfer from the mainland port of Padang
- Most surf camps arrange transfers from the airport
- Charter boats depart from Padang harbor
- Trip begins immediately once you board
Getting around the islands:
- Boats only: No roads connect the breaks, hardly any tarmacked roads at all
- Land camps provide daily speedboat trips (e.g. 15 mins to Beng Beng, 20 mins to Kandui)
- Charter boats are tailor-made for getting around, discovering hidden spots, and catching right tides
Surf Camps in The Mentawais
Surf Camps
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Alaia Mentawai
Alaia Mentawai is a boutique surf resort on the remote shores of Siberut Island, offering exclusive access to world-class waves including Hideaways...
Aleikoat Surfcamp Mentawai
Contact for packages
Awera Island Surf Camp
Awera Island is an unspoilt tropical island located in the middle of the Mentawai Islands, one of the most wave-rich regions on the planet.
Bankvault surfcamp Mentawai
Bosulu Surfcamp
Contact for packages
Masilok Surf Resort
The Point Surf House
Beachfront surf house on Sipora Island in the Mentawai Islands, steps from Ht's (Lance's Right) and The Point wave.
VAYA Mentawai
Hidden Bay Resort Mentawais
Kingfisher Mentawai Resort
M.I.A Surfcamp Mentawai
Novali Surf Retreat
Family-run surf retreat in the Southern Mentawai Islands near Sikakap port.
Solid Surf House Mentawai
The Shadow Mentawai
WavePark Resort Mentawai
Macaronis Mentawai Surf Resort
Hollow Tree's Resort
Hollow Tree's Resort sits beachfront on Sipora Island, directly in front of the legendary HT's (Lance's Right) wave.
Mentawai Surf Camp
More Surf Regions in Indonesia
- Bali – Indonesia's surf capital, Uluwatu and beyond
- Lombok – Less crowded than Bali, Desert Point's legendary barrels
- Sumatra – Frontier surfing, Krui and Nias adventures
- Java – G-Land's jungle barrels, Batu Karas for beginners