There are dozens of places to stay in the Mentawai Islands, from basic surf camps to boutique resorts and liveaboard charter boats. They all promise world-class waves, and most of them can deliver. What really separates one Mentawai surf resort from another is everything around the surf: where it sits, how sessions are run, who it suits and what happens when you come back from the water. This guide walks you through the choices that matter, so you can pick the right base for your trip.
Surf resort or boat charter?
This is the first decision, and there is no wrong answer. It depends on what kind of trip you want.
- A boat charter stays in the lineup all day and can follow swells into the central and southern islands. It is the classic surf-film trip and gives you the most hours in the water. The trade-off: you share a small boat with people you may not know, there is little privacy or quiet, and with mixed surf levels it is hard to keep everyone happy.
- A surf resort gives you a fixed base on land: a real bed, a proper kitchen, space to rest between sessions and things to do on flat or rest days. With a good resort in the right spot, the boat ride to the waves is short, so you lose very little surf time and gain a lot of comfort.
If you are travelling with a partner, family or friends of different levels, or you simply want to surf hard and sleep well, a resort is usually the better fit.
Location: why it matters which part of the Mentawais you choose
The Mentawai chain stretches a long way down the coast of West Sumatra, and waves are not spread evenly along it. The northern Mentawais, around Siberut and the area surfers call the Playgrounds, have one of the densest clusters of quality waves anywhere in the world. A resort there can reach many different breaks with short boat rides, which means more options on any given swell, wind and tide.
Resorts further south often sit in front of one or two famous waves. That can be fantastic when those waves are working, but it gives you fewer alternatives when they are not. Before you book, ask any resort a simple question: how many waves can you reach within 30 minutes by boat, and which ones work in which conditions?
For a closer look at the breaks in the north, see our Mentawai surf guide and wave map.
When to go: Mentawai surf seasons
- April to September (main season): the most consistent and biggest swells of the year. This is the time for experienced surfers who want heavy, hollow waves, and the dates that book out first.
- October to March (low season): smaller, fun waves and a more relaxed pace. A great time for intermediate surfers who want to improve, for couples and families, and for anyone who prefers playful waves over maximum size.
The water is warm all year, so boardshorts, a bikini or a light rash vest is all you need.
Your surf level
The Mentawais are famous for heavy reef waves, but not every wave is like that. In an area with many breaks, good guides can match the spot to each surfer: a forgiving wave for intermediates in the morning, something more serious for the strong surfers in the afternoon. Ask how the resort splits guests between boats and how many surfers ride on each boat.
One honest note: the Mentawais are best for people who can already paddle out, catch waves and surf on their own. If you are a complete beginner, a learn-to-surf camp elsewhere is a better first step.
Travelling with a partner, kids or non-surfers
This is where resorts differ the most. A good family-friendly Mentawai resort should offer comfortable private rooms, food that works for everyone, and real things to do for the people who are not surfing: snorkelling, paddling, jungle walks, a gym, and space to relax. Check whether non-surfers pay a lower rate, whether children get discounts, and whether rooms can take an extra bed.
What is included (and what is not)
Prices in the Mentawais are hard to compare because every resort packages them differently. When you compare quotes, check each of these:
- Room and all meals
- Boat sessions with guides (and how many per day)
- The Mentawai surf tax, which every surfer must pay
- The transfer from Padang to the resort and back
- A night in Padang before and after, if the boat schedule requires it
- Extras such as photos or video, fitness sessions, Wi-Fi and laundry
A package that looks cheaper per night can end up more expensive once transfers, surf tax and hotel nights are added.
Getting there
Almost every trip starts with a flight to Padang (PDG) in West Sumatra. From there you reach the islands either by the public fast boat, which usually means a night in Padang before and after, or by a private speedboat arranged by your resort, which can take you straight from the airport to the islands on the day you land. Ask exactly how your transfer works and who pays for it. Our travel guide explains the options in detail.
Questions to ask before you book
- How many waves can you reach within 30 minutes by boat?
- Do sessions run at fixed times, or do guides follow the forecast?
- How many surfers go on each boat?
- What is included in the price: surf tax, transfers, meals, video?
- What is there to do for non-surfers and on rest days?
- What are the deposit and cancellation terms?
How Hidden Bay answers those questions
Hidden Bay Resort sits in a private bay in the northern Mentawais, at the heart of more than 24 world-class waves. Hideaways, one of the best lefts in the region, is five minutes away by boat. There are no fixed session times: our guides follow the forecast and years of local knowledge to put you on the best wave of the day for your level, with two boat sessions a day, an average of six surfers per boat and never more than eight.
Back on land, you get ocean-facing rooms with AC and hot water, three meals a day from our chef, a full gym with a physical trainer, free Starlink Wi-Fi and plenty to do on rest days. Rooms suit every setup, from solo travellers, who always get a private room, to families.
Rates start from US$180 per person per night sharing, including your room and all meals. Surfers add the Surf Pack (US$90 per night) and the Mentawai surf tax. On our Featured Trips, the return transfer from Padang and a video of your surf sessions are included. See rates and what’s included for the full breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit a Mentawai surf resort?
April to September brings the biggest and most consistent swells. October to March has smaller, fun waves that suit intermediate surfers and families.
Are there Mentawai surf resorts for families?
Yes. Look for private rooms, activities for non-surfers and children’s rates. Hidden Bay welcomes families, with snorkelling, paddleboarding, a waterfall hike and village visits for rest days.
How do I get to the Mentawai Islands?
Fly to Padang (PDG), then take either the public fast boat or a speedboat arranged by your resort.
Can intermediate surfers enjoy the Mentawais?
Yes, as long as you can already surf on your own. In an area with many waves, guides can choose spots that match your level.
Ready to plan your trip? See our Featured Trip dates and rooms left.
