Last updated on January 30th, 2024 at 06:14 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in the Mentawai Islands, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to the Mentawais, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surf tips, and everything related to surfing in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia.
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About Surfing in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
When it comes to surf conditions, it can’t get any better than surfing in the Mentawai Islands. You probably have seen it in surf magazines and videos, those perfect barrels that last forever, with tropical islands in the background. Well, this is the real deal, as the Mentawai Islands may be the best surf destinations in the world, sharing the title with Bali and a few other spots.
The Mentawai Islands are located in Indonesia, just off Sumatra’s Western Coast. It consists of about 70 small islands and faces the south swells of the Indian Ocean. In fact, these Islands are home to hundreds of different surf breaks, each producing world-class waves. Therefore, if you are looking for pure perfection, you definitely need to surf in the Mentawai Islands.
Almost all the waves in the Mentawais break far from shore. Therefore, the access to most surf spots is done by boats, which is not a problem, as these taxi boats are easy to organize from any resort, or just from the beach. Whether you stay at a resort or on a boat trip, the rides to the surf spots in the Mentawai are usually included in the package.
To surf in the Mentawai Islands, you better be an above-average surfer. Some waves here are suitable for intermediates, and some only for advanced surfers, but this is not the place for beginners looking to stand on a surfboard for the first time. Since the waves break over sharp coral reefs, you need to be able to handle a steep drop and some barreling sections. Also, a pair of booties is recommended to protect your feet from the rocks, and maybe even a thick vest in case of a wipeout.
Surf Seasons in the Mentawai Islands
Generally, you can surf the Mentawai Islands 365 days a year. The swells are incredibly consistent, and some surf spots in the Mentawais are always there to pick up these swells. However, knowing the difference between the surf seasons will help you plan your surf trip better.
May to September is the prime surf season in the Mentawai Islands. This is also the dry season; during these months, huge swells hit the Islands daily. July and August usually produce the biggest swells. Therefore, this season is recommended for advanced surfers who can deal with massive barrels over shallow reefs.
March to April and October to November are the transition months. During these months, the swell is still very consistent but with less power. The swell size usually ranges from 3 to 6 feet. Therefore, intermediates can also enjoy surfing the Mentawais without being intimidated by the big waves.
Finally, between December and February, the waves are smaller and range from 1 to 4 feet. Don’t get me wrong, surfing in the Mentawais during these months is still epic compared to what you surf on your home break. Remember, this is a surfing paradise even during its low season. Moreover, in this season, the spots are less crowded, so some intermediate surfers actually prefer to come during this time of the year.
As for the water temperature, it ranges from 26°C to 28°C (79-82°F) all year long. Therefore, there is no need for a wetsuit while surfing in the Mentawai Islands.
The Best Surf Spots in the Mentawai Islands
Out of the 70 Islands in the Mentawais, the main ones are Siberut in the North, Sipura in the Central Zone, and Pagai in the South. All the Islands are accessible by a boat ride from Padang. Siberut is the biggest Island and the most developed one. Its south part became so prevalent for receiving perfect waves that it got its nickname “playgrounds”. However, the other Islands host some world-class waves as well. So, in detail, these are the main surf spots in the Mentawai Islands, divided into the different areas:
Surf Spots around Siberut Island:
Burger World– this long right-hand point break is one of the most famous surf spots in the Mentawai Islands, suitable for all skill levels. Since it is so consistent and picks up any swell, it is an excellent solution for small days when other spots are small.
Good Times– a soft and mellow left-hander that is great for intermediate surfers.
Beng Bengs– just in front of Masokut Island, this left-hand break is “user friendly”, and suitable for any skill level.
Ebay– this wave breaks to the left side and tends to produce several barreling sections along the way. Actually, it is a little more challenging than the previous spots and, therefore, recommended for advanced surfers only.
Pit Stops– just on the other side of Ebay, this one also breaks to the right side and offers some small barrels.
Bank Vaults– this right-hander is suitable for advanced surfers only, as it is fast, hollow, and extremely powerful.
Nipussi– close to Bank Vaults, this right-hander is relatively short. However, it is protected from the winds and performs well even when the swell is small.
Kandui– you may have heard about this spot, as it is famous for producing an extremely fast left barrel over a shallow reef. In fact, some advanced surfers come to surf in the Mentawai Islands just to ride this epic wave.
Rifles– just on the other side of the reef, this wave is the right-hand version of Kandui. If you can handle the speed of this wave, you can get amazingly long tube rides.
Surf Spots around Sipura Island:
Lence’s Right– also called “Hollow Trees”, or HT’s in short. To ride this wave, you must drop straight into a barrel.
Mini HTs– this is the small peak next to Lence’s Right, one of the few beginner surf spots in the Mentawais.
Lence’s Left– just on the other side of the peak, this wave offers a tremendous open wall and a long ride to perform any maneuver you wish.
Cobra– unlike most surf spots in the Mentawais, this one breaks with an A-frame shape, so surfers can share each wave to both the right and the left sides.
Bintangs– a short right-hand tube ride, just on the other side of the bay from Lence’s Left.
Beach Break– a rare thing in the Mentawai’s, this wave breaks over a sandy bottom, making it the perfect spot for beginners.
Shipwrecks– This is one of the most uncrowded surf spots you will surf in the Mentawais, offering a right-hand tube ride.
Telescopes– a fast wave with a very steep drop.
Surf Spots around North Pagai:
Macaroni’s– just like Kandui, this break is world-famous for its high quality. This left-hander is fast and challenging and, therefore, suitable for advanced surfers.
Mini Macas– down the reef, this is the smaller version of Macaroni’s, great for intermediates.
Macas Right– you can ride this massive barrel only during high tide as it breaks over an extremely shallow reef.
Greenbush– another world-class wave, offering a fast barrel over a sharp reef, and recommended for experts only.
Salibu Left– a relatively empty lineup and an easy takeoff.
Fish Fingers– an excellent wave for beginners, breaking over a shallow sandy bottom.
Bat Cave– This wave breaks softly to the right in front of an isolated Island.
Surf Spots around South Pagai:
Thunders– this is one of the most consistent surf spots in the Mentawai Islands. It breaks to the left and offers a long ride over a shallow reef.
The Hole– the most southern break in the area, producing a great left-hand tube ride.
Can Beginners Surf in the Mentawai Islands?
Generally, surfing in the Mentawai Islands is a task for experienced surfers. With huge barrels breaking over sharp rocks, this is definitely not the place for novice surfers. However, there are a few surf spots in the Mentawai Islands that are considered “beginner-friendly”. For instance, Mini HTs and Fish Fingers are perfect examples of breaks that produce small and gentle waves that allow beginners to learn and practice without danger.
Surf Camps in the Mentawai Islands
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore the surf spots in the Mentawai Islands at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones:
1. Mentawai Surf Camp.
2. Wave Park Mentawai Surf Resort.
3. Playground Surf Resort Mentawai.
4. Kingfisher Mentawai Resort.
5. Beng Bengs Surf Camp, Siberut.
For all the details about surf camps in the Mentawai Islands, please click here.
Surf Hotels in the Mentawai Islands
When coming to surf in the Mentawai Islands, you want to make sure you stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels on the islands:
1. Nyang Nyang Surf Camp– Facing the beachfront in Masokut, Nyang Nyang Surf Camp features a garden and a shared bathroom equipped with a shower. On-site staff can arrange airport transfers, and guests can enjoy an American or an Asian breakfast.
2. Arthur Homestay Telescope Mentawai– This property is only a 1-minute walk from the beach. Arthur Homestay Telescope Mentawai in Tua Pejat offers garden views, accommodation, a bar, a garden, barbecue facilities, and a terrace. Complimentary WiFi is provided.
3. Mentawai Bagus local homestay– This property is a 12-minute walk from the beach. Situated in Tua Pejat, Mentawai Bagus’s local homestay features free WiFi, and guests can enjoy a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.
For more surf hotels in the Mentawais, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
The Mentawais- Travel Information
Language- Mentawai.
Population- about 65,000.
Currency- Indonesian rupiah.
Calling code- +62.
Time zone- GMT +7.
Pros- perfect waves, warm water.
Cons- none.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, the Mentawai Islands offer the best surfing experience a surfer could dream of. This vast selection of perfect world-class waves sets this destination apart as one of the best surf trips in the world. Therefore, if you are an intermediate surfer or better, you must surf the Mentawai Islands at least once in your lifetime.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to the Mentawai Islands. Have a great surf trip!
