Mentawai, The Islands with The World’s Best Waves

The Mentawai Islands consist of four big islands, Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai, in addition to countless small islands spread in the Indian Ocean. The shape of its bay’s curve and the presence of waves rolling among islands make it possible for the group of islands off West Sumatra to have more than a dozen types, out of hundreds of types of waves available in the world. The islands are located around 100 miles from the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Mentawai Islands have at least 40 surf spots with the world’s best waves. This place is also famous for the presence of fractions of shallow waves that slide fast. There are also a variety of types of waves starting from heavy waves to intimidating thunderous ones.

Although a 7.7-magnitude earthquake destroyed houses and infrastructure in Mentawai on Oct. 25, 2010, the islands have recovered fast to stand again as the world’s surf destination. Even a surfing competition, Ripcurl Pro Mentawai Surfing Competition 2012 was held in May. It was the same competition held in the previous year.

There are several surf spots in Mentawai: in Nyanyang, Karang Bajat and Karonik beaches, as well Pananggelat Mainut beach in South Siberut. People can also surf in Katiet Bosua and South beaches in Sipora, as well as in West beach in North Pagai.

You can use a motor boat or a small airplane to get to those surf spots. There are also guides to help you. Accommodation is available along beaches on the Mentawai Islands for those who spend a night or more. It is suggested that renting a boat is the most reasonable way to go to Mentawai.

Mentawai waves come in different sizes, including the extreme ones.

People usually surf between April and October, when Mentawai waves reach their peak. Surfers can try the might of Mentawai waves that rolls violently. The islands’ waves are not that high and quite challenging from November to March.

The ideal surfing board is the one that can give you speed without making you lose your ability to maneuver. It is not uncommon for surfers to surf eight-foot (2.5 meter) waves, and paddle into the barrel . You’d better bring as much equipment as possible, especially spare legropes, because it is difficult to find a surf shop there.

The easiest access to Mentawai is from Padang, West Sumatra. Minangkabau International Airport every day sees flights by Garuda Indonesia, Mandala, Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air and Batavia Air from Jakarta; Mandala from Medan; Garda and Silk Air from Singapore; and Air Asia from Malaysia..