ID · West Sumatra · 2.18°S 99.65°E

mentawai islands

World-class reef breaks off Sumatra, reached by surf boat or island camp.

Best time
The biggest, most consistent swells usually arrive from about April to October. The rest of the year has smaller waves, which suits less experienced surfers.
How long
A week or more
Getting there
Fly from KL to Padang, a little over an hour. Fast boats from Padang take about 3–4 hours to the islands, and most charters and camps pick you up from there.
Save postcard
ID · West Sumatramentawai islands2.18°S 99.65°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,World-class reef breaks off Sumatra, reached by surf boat or island camp.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMentawai IslandsID, West Sumatra
KLmentawai islands
≈ 634 km from KL, as the crow flies
Pantai Jati, Tuapejat

Photo: S Kartika · CC BY-SA 4.0

1 / 4

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A chain of about a hundred islands off the coast of West Sumatra, best known for some of the most consistent surf in the world. Most visitors are surfers on boat charters or at island surf camps. Siberut, the biggest island, is home to the Mentawai people, known for their traditional tattoos and longhouses.

Things to do

  1. Surf charterLive on a boat for a week or more and chase the best waves around the islands.Map ↗
  2. Surf campsLand-based camps on the smaller islands put you close to the breaks, with a bed that doesn't rock.Map ↗
  3. The famous breaksMacaronis and Lance's Right are names surfers travel across the world for.Map ↗
  4. SiberutTrek inland with a local guide to visit Mentawai families and learn about their way of life.Map ↗
  5. Island timeWhen the swell drops, the reefs and empty beaches are good for snorkelling and swimming.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Get travel insurance that covers surfing and medical evacuation. The islands are remote.
  • The reefs are shallow and sharp. Bring reef booties and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Ask a travel clinic about malaria before you go.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.