The Mentawai Islands, off the coast of West Sumatra, Indonesia, are a world-class surfing destination with over 100 surf breaks across three main regions: the Northern Islands (Playgrounds), Central Islands (Sipura), and Southern Islands (Pagai).
The best spot depends on your skill level, wave preference, and crowd tolerance, but here are the standout locations based on their reputation, consistency, and unique characteristics:
1. Lance’s Right (HT’s) – Sipura Island
Why it’s great: Widely regarded as one of the best right-handers in the world, Lance’s Right (Hollow Trees or HT’s) offers fast, consistent, and barreling waves in a stunning tropical bay. It’s perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers, with a shallow reef break that produces flawless tubes, especially during peak season (May–September).
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced. The shallow reef, known as “The Surgeon’s Table,” can be dangerous for wipeouts.
Conditions: Best with W/SW swells and W winds. Mid to high tide is ideal. Works year-round but shines in peak season.
Crowds: Can be busy due to its fame, but nearby Lance’s Left offers a less crowded alternative when winds shift.
Access: Short boat or bike ride from resorts like HT’s Resort or Katiet Beach Resort.
Why choose it: If you’re chasing perfect, barreling right-handers, this is the bucket-list wave.
2. Macaronis (Macas) – North Pagai
Why it’s great: Often called the “funnest wave in the world,” Macaronis is a high-performance left-hander with machine-like consistency. It’s fast, hollow, and offers long rides with barrel sections and rippable walls, suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. Tourism regulations limit surfer numbers, keeping crowds low.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced, though beginners can find smaller days manageable at nearby Fish Fingers in the bay.
Conditions: Works year-round, with peak swells from April–October. Best on S/SW swells and SE winds. Consistent even on smaller days.
Crowds: Less crowded than Playgrounds due to limited access and remote location. Macaronis Resort controls access, ensuring uncrowded sessions.
Access: Reachable via Mentawai Fast Ferry from Padang to Sikakap, then a short boat ride to Macaronis Resort.
Why choose it: Perfect for surfers wanting a consistent, high-performance left with fewer people in a pristine setting.
3. Kandui (Rifles) – Playgrounds (Siberut)
Why it’s great: Rifles is one of the longest, fastest right-hand barrels in the Mentawais, offering 600-yard rides when conditions align. It’s a dream for advanced surfers seeking speed and tubes, located near Karangmajat Island in the wave-dense Playgrounds area.
Skill level: Advanced. The wave’s speed and shallow reef demand experience.
Conditions: Needs specific SW swells and SE winds, making it fickle. Best in peak season (May–September) at mid to high tide.
Crowds: Playgrounds is the most accessible and crowded region, but Rifles’ fickle nature can mean fewer surfers when it’s on.
Access: Boat ride from Padang or stay at nearby resorts like Kandui Resort or Mentawai Surf Retreat.
Why choose it: Ideal for experienced surfers hunting long, high-speed barrels in the wave-rich Playgrounds area.
4. Hideaways – Playgrounds (Siberut)
Why it’s great: A heavy, hollow left-hander breaking over a shallow reef, Hideaways is known for its perfect barrels and scenic backdrop. It’s less consistent than other breaks but delivers world-class waves when conditions are right.
Skill level: Advanced. Low tide is for pros only due to the shallow reef.
Conditions: Best with fresh W swells and SE winds. Mid to high tide is safer. Works best April–October.
Crowds: Moderate, as Playgrounds is busy, but less crowded than Bank Vaults or eBay nearby.
Access: Paddle out from WavePark Mentawai Surf Resort or take a short boat ride from other Playgrounds camps.
Why choose it: A top pick for advanced surfers seeking uncrowded, heavy left barrels.
5. Pitstops – Playgrounds (Siberut)
Why it’s great: A mellow, consistent right-hander ideal for beginners and intermediates, Pitstops offers fun, fast waves with a forgiving reef. It’s located directly in front of Mentawai Surf Retreat, making it easily accessible.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate. Great for longboarders or those building confidence.
Conditions: Works on small to medium swells, best with SE winds. Avoid low tide due to shallow sections. Year-round but best March–November.
Crowds: Can be busy due to its accessibility and beginner-friendly nature.
Access: Paddle out from Mentawai Surf Retreat or short boat ride from other Playgrounds camps.
Why choose it: Perfect for less experienced surfers wanting to surf a fun, accessible wave in the Playgrounds area.
Choosing the Best Spot
For advanced surfers: Lance’s Right or Kandui for right-handers, Macaronis or Hideaways for left-handers. These offer world-class barrels but require skill on shallow reefs.
For intermediates: Macaronis (on smaller days), Lance’s Left, or Pitstops provide fun, manageable waves with less intensity.
For beginners: Pitstops or Tikus (near Sipura) are forgiving and ideal for learning, with sandy or less shallow reefs.
Crowd factor: Southern Islands (Macaronis) are less crowded due to limited access. Playgrounds is busiest, while Sipura is moderate.
Season: Peak season (May–September) brings the biggest, most consistent swells for advanced surfers. Shoulder season (March, April, October, November) offers smaller, less crowded waves for intermediates. Off-season (December–February) has fun, uncrowded waves for all levels.
Logistics
Getting there: Fly to Padang (PDG) via Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur.
From Padang, take a surf charter boat (11–13 nights, $2000–$5000 USD) or a fast ferry to Siberut, Sipura, or Sikakap, then a speedboat to your resort or camp.
Stay options:
Charter boats: Best for accessing multiple breaks (e.g., Nomad, Bintang, Maki).
Resorts/Camps: Macaronis Resort (Pagai), HT’s Resort (Sipura), Kandui Resort, or Mentawai Surf Retreat (Playgrounds). Prices range from $55–$260/night.
Tips: Bring multiple boards (shortboards and a step-up for bigger days), tropical wax, reef booties, and extra leashes. Book in advance for peak season.
Recommendation
If you’re an advanced surfer seeking the ultimate wave, Lance’s Right is the iconic choice for its consistent, world-class barrels.
For intermediates or those wanting a less crowded, high-performance wave, Macaronis is unbeatable for its fun, perfect lefts and regulated access. Beginners should head to Pitstops for a safe, fun introduction to Mentawai’s magic.
Wherever you surf, the Mentawais deliver crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and a tropical paradise vibe that’s hard to beat. Let me know your skill level or preferences for a more tailored suggestion!
