Mentawai Surf Travel Guide for Beginners

If you’re dreaming of long walls, deep tubes and remote surf escapes, the Mentawai Islands should be on your bucket list.

For many surfers, it’s the ultimate surf trip in surfing Indonesia Mentawai Islands. And people come from all over the world to sample its sweet, sweet fruits.

But as a beginner, heading into this surf mecca can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know (spots, logistics, tips, safety) so your first Mentawai trip is one you’ll rave about forever.

Where are the Mentawais?

The Mentawai Islands (or “Mentawais”) lie off the west coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. They’re part of the Mentawai Islands Regency: a wave-rich island chain with consistent swells and tropical vibes.

The region includes well-known islands like Sipora Island, Siberut Island and Masokut Island, each with its own surf zones and outlying breaks. It's one of the most wave-dense regions in the world. And as a surf destination, it’s almost unmatched.

Fly into Padang, West Sumatra.

From there, the Mentawai Fast Ferry or private transfers get you to the islands.

Depending on where you stay, you might jump off into a tiny village with palm trees and chickens wandering past your boardbag. That’s part of the magic.

Why surf the Mentawais as a beginner?

The Mentawais are known for world class waves and heavy reef breaks (learn how to surf them first). But not every wave is gnarly.

Some are forgiving, playful and perfect for learning. There are fun waves, amazing waves, even epic waves suited to those still building confidence.

You don’t need to be an expert to score here. Beginner surfers can benefit from structured coaching, experienced surf guides and soft reef setups in places like Burger World or Pitstops.

You can paddle out knowing there are safer zones nearby if the swell kicks up.

And let’s be real… there’s no better place to level up. The Mentawai surf season runs from March through October, with the best waves usually hitting between April and September. Consistent surf is the norm here. And everyone, from beginners to intermediate surfers and more advanced rippers will be able to fill their cups.

Land camps vs surf charter boats

This is one of the first questions you'll ponder when booking a Ments surf adventure. Should you stay at a land camp or jump on a surf charter boat? Both are epic in their own ways.

Land camps

Mentawai surf camps like Driftwood Mentawai or Villa Mentawai give you a solid base.

You stay on land with direct beach access, daily meals, comfy rooms and daily surf trips by boat to nearby breaks. You get to stretch out, sleep in a real bed and hang with other surfers in a relatively quiet corner of paradise.

Land camps are ideal for beginners because:

• You’re not stuck at sea
• You can rest between surfs
• It’s more affordable than charters
• You still get access to world class surf just a short boat ride away

Surf charters

Mentawai surf charters like the Barrenjoey, Bintang or Tengirri charter boats are floating surf lodges.

You live aboard and cruise from break to break. You chase the best waves with a guide who knows when the swell hits and where to go.

Charters are usually more suited for experienced surfers or expert surfers who want to score heavy reef with minimal crowds. But if you’re traveling with friends and have some surf experience, it can be the trip of a lifetime.

Things to consider:

• Charters cost more
• You’ll be surfing more remote surf breaks
• It’s not ideal if you get seasick or want on-land chill time

Whether you’re on a boat or in a camp, you’ll be close to a swell magnet with quality waves just minutes away.

Top surf spots in the Mentawais

These are some of the most famous waves in the Mentawai surf map. Ask your guide for the right break based on tide, swell and your skill.

Lance’s Right (HT’s or Hollow Trees)

A hollow right-hander that offers perfect barrels when conditions line up. Known as one of the most world class surf spots around. Not exactly beginner-friendly but great wavs nonetheless.

Macaronis

Located near Macaronis Resort, Mentawai Islands, This break is a smooth, machine-like left. Can be soft on small days… a great confidence booster. But it can also be super gnarly. In the interest of your skin, stick to the waist-high days.

Bintangs

A super fun right, great for beginners when its small or intermediates or when the other waves get too heavy.

Pitstops

Ultra popular (but sometimes crowded) righthand reef break located in the Playgrounds area. Playful, approachable, fun. All the hallmarks of a great beginner-friendly wave. Just make sure you read our beginner surf tips first!

Greenbush (or Green Bush)

Powerful but can serve up kinda fun waves on the right tide with a smaller swell. Sketchy on low tide with a decent swell. Beginners... watch and observe.

Bank Vaults

Heavy, shallow and thick-lipped. Not exactly mechanical either. Bank Vaults throws up sections and twists and turns as it runs down the line. More for advanced surfers.

Playgrounds

This refers to a cluster of waves near the Playground Surf Resort, Mentawai Islands. Good variety for mixed skill groups. A lot of beginners base themselves here and strike out to specific spots depending on the conditions.

Burger World

Super mellow righthander. Ideal for beginner surfers when everywhere else is maxing out. Odd tube section and rippable walls. One of the most fun waves in Playgrounds.

How to plan your Mentawai surf trip

Getting there

• Fly direct to Padang, West Sumatra, via Bali or Jakarta
• Use the Mentawai Fast Ferry or arrange a transfer through your resort or surf retreat
• Pack light but smart: boardbag, sunscreen, reef booties, wax, extra fins, repair kit

Some camps are on Sipora Island, some on Siberut, some on Masokut Island. A solid itinerary usually includes a few breaks that are just a stone’s throw from your accommodation.

What to expect daily

Wake up with the sun. Paddle out before breakfast. Nap. Eat. Paddle out again. Watch the sun set behind palm trees. It’s surf-eat-sleep-repeat in the best way possible. Expect:

• 2 to 3 surf sessions a day
• Access to 5 to 15 breaks within a short boat ride
• Long boat rides if you’re chasing swell to another island
• Days off if swell drops… or optional yoga and snorkelling
• The odd wipeout. Totally expected (and easier to manage if you read this first)

FAQs

Q. Can beginners really surf the Mentawais?

Yes. While it’s known for heavier reef, there are plenty of fun waves like Pitstops and Burger World that cater to learning. And that's just naming two! There are heaps of other beginner waves in the Mentawais.

Q. What should I pack?

Sunscreen, rash guards, booties, tropical surf wax, extra fins, zinc, medical kit, basic clothes and backup board if possible.

Q. Is a surf charter worth it for first-timers?

Not usually… better to start with a Mentawai surf retreat or land camp. Get a feel for the waves before committing to life at sea.

Q. When’s peak season?

April through September, but even shoulder months like March and October can score perfect waves with fewer crowds.

Q. Are there other beginner-friendly areas nearby?

The Banyak Islands are sometimes quieter with less crowded setups, but the Mentawai Islands remain the most wave-dense, consistent and surf-focused region in Indonesia.

Final thoughts

Planning a Mentawai surf trip can feel intimidating… but if you’re a beginner, it’s not out of reach.

You don’t need to be shredding barrels or flying down reef walls. You just need curiosity, respect for the ocean and the willingness to learn.

With the right camp, good guides and friendly conditions, you’ll surf waves you never thought possible. And yeah. You’ll probably start planning your next trip before your hair even dries.

Tropical paradise. Empty lineups. Life on island time. That’s the Mentawais. Book a stay with us and we'll give you the full rundown. After that, you can head up there and surf till your little heart's content!