Raw Waves. Refined Living.

Mentawai Surf Resort in a Private Bay

★ 4.9 on Google213 reviews24+ waves nearby9 roomsMax 8 surfers per boat

The Mentawai Islands are home to some of the best waves on the planet, and choosing where to stay shapes your whole trip: how much time you spend in the boat, which waves you can reach, how well you eat and how well you rest between sessions.

Hidden Bay is a small surf resort in a private bay in the northern Mentawais. Hideaways, one of the best lefts in the region, is right next door, with more than 24 quality waves 15 to 20 minutes away by boat. Every day our guides read the forecast and take you to the right wave for your level. Back on land, you come home to a chef’s kitchen, ocean-facing rooms with AC, a full gym and a quiet bay to rest in.

This page explains how to choose a Mentawai surf resort, what makes Hidden Bay different, and what a trip with us includes.

See Featured Trip dates Message us on WhatsApp

Aerial view of Hidden Bay Resort on its private bay in the Mentawai Islands

Hideaways, the left-hander next to Hidden Bay

Ocean view from a room balcony at Hidden Bay Resort

How to choose a Mentawai surf resort

There are dozens of surf camps and resorts across the Mentawais. These are the seven questions that matter most when you compare them.

1. How close are the waves, and how many?

Boat time is surf time you lose. But being close to one wave is not enough either. A resort with only one or two waves out front looks perfect on a good day; when the wind or swell direction turns wrong, you are far from all the others. Look for a resort surrounded by many waves that work on different swells, winds and tides, so there is always a good option a short ride away.

2. Resort or boat charter?

Both can give you a great trip. It depends on who you travel with and what you want.

Surf charter boats anchored off a Mentawai island

What a boat does well

You are anchored in front of a wave all day and can paddle out at the best hour.
It travels through different parts of the Mentawais, so you see more regions.
With your own group of friends, it can be an unforgettable trip.

What to think about before booking a boat

Moving is slow. Changing spots often means hours of sailing, so when conditions shift you can’t simply hop to the next wave.
You don’t choose your shipmates. If you join as one of a mixed group, you don’t know who you’ll share ten days with, or whether the vibe will be good.
One boat, one wave, many levels. When surfers on board have very different levels, the wave of the day never suits everyone.
Weather hits harder. Storms are uncomfortable during the surf and during the crossings, and there is nowhere to go to get away from it.
Little privacy. Everyone eats, sleeps and rests in the same few spaces, all the time.

A resort solves most of these: a fleet of boats splits guests by level so everyone surfs the wave that suits them, you sleep in a private room on land, and you have space to be on your own when you want to. If you’re travelling with a closed group of friends at the same level, a boat can be great. If you’re coming alone, as a couple or with mixed levels, a resort is the safer choice.

3. Does it match your level?

The Mentawais have waves for every level, from mellow reefs to heavy barrels. Ask how many surfers go in each boat and whether the guides choose waves for each guest, not just for the best surfer on board.

4. What is really included?

Compare total prices, not “from” prices. Check whether the transfer from Padang, the Mentawai surf tax, surf photos or video, Wi-Fi and all meals are included, and whether government tax is added.

5. What experience do you want, and what is it worth to you?

Every surf camp offers the structure and conditions its price allows. A very cheap camp will be very basic. More comfort, better food and a real experience cost more, and that is fair. In the Mentawais, and especially in the north, where everything depends on boats, logistics, safety, comfort and time to recover between sessions, that investment matters. You will already spend thousands of dollars on flights and transfers to get here. Saving a small difference per night can turn the trip of a lifetime into one that is just okay. Decide what experience you want first, then choose the camp that delivers it.

6. Comfort and privacy

Check the rooms (AC, hot water, private bathroom), the food and whether solo travellers share a room with strangers.

7. What do past guests say?

Read recent reviews on Google, not just testimonials on the resort’s own website.

Read our full guide to choosing a Mentawai surf resort →

Why Hidden Bay

Hidden Bay Resort surrounded by Mentawai surf breaks

In the middle of the waves

Hidden Bay sits in a private bay in the northern Mentawais, with more than 24 quality waves 15 to 20 minutes away by boat, so when the wind or swell changes, we simply move to the next good wave. Hideaways, one of the best lefts in the region, is right next door. And in front of the bay there is a right-hander that only breaks on special days and that only our guests surf: a fun wave full of pockets for tubes and big turns. Less time in the boat means more time in the water.

The restaurant at Hidden Bay Resort, where each day’s surf plan is made over dinner

No fixed schedule: we surf when it’s best

Our sessions don’t run on fixed times. The plan is made the night before, over dinner, based on the swell, tide and wind forecast, and it can change the next morning if the wind shifts, which is the most unpredictable thing in this region. The goal is simple: to put you on the best waves at their best moment, with as few people and boats around as possible. Our guides pick the right wave for each guest’s level, and every boat carries a maximum of 8 surfers.

Surfer in a barrel in the Mentawai Islands

Every session filmed

On Featured Trips, every session is filmed, and each evening we show the day’s surfing on the big screen. You see your waves, your mistakes and your progress, day by day.

A dish by Chef Wandi at Hidden Bay Resort

A chef’s kitchen

Chef Wandi cooks three fresh meals a day on a 10-day menu with two options at every meal, adapted to any diet. The food is one of the things our guests mention most in their reviews.

Real comfort, private rooms

Ocean-facing rooms and bungalows with AC and hot water, and free Starlink Wi-Fi across the whole resort. Solo travellers always get a private room, never shared with strangers, for only a small difference in price.

Sunrise mobility session with the trainer at Hidden Bay Resort

A full gym and a team of trainers

We have a fully equipped gym. During the season (March to November), a team of professional trainers runs warm-up and recovery sessions every day, included in the price, so your body holds up for two sessions a day, every day of your trip.

Why “Hidden Bay”

We sit inside a sheltered bay, in an area known for safe boat entry and exit in any sea conditions. A few local families have their homes around the bay, always welcoming and smiling, so you get the chance to meet them and see a little of Mentawai culture up close. On rest days or for non-surfers: stand-up paddle, snorkelling, fishing, jungle treks, ping pong, a pool table and the calm of the bay.

Some of the best waves around Hidden Bay Resort

More than 24 waves within reach of the bay, so there is something good on almost every swell and wind. See all the waves.

Tap a wave to see its type, level, best conditions and boat time from the resort.

Hideaways (Left, Most levels, 5 min by boat): Right next door. Very consistent. SW to S swell, E/SE wind, mid to high tide.

Nipussi (Right, Small to medium days, 10 min by boat): Very consistent: works with any S or SW swell, and breaks best on SW. Best on small and medium days; on big days it gets full and heavy. Offshore with N wind, also holds NE and NW. Careful at low tide.

Bank Vaults (Right, Advanced, 10–15 min by boat): The region’s heaviest wave, with Hawaiian-style power.

NoKandui (Left, Expert, 15 min by boat): Also known as Kandui, and considered black belt: barrel after barrel along the reef to the channel. You’ll rarely link them all, but it’s a lot of fun. SW swell, SE and E wind. Best on rising and high tide; also very good on the dropping tide. Careful with the last section: extremely shallow.

Baby Kandui (Left, Advanced, 15 min by boat): Like Kandui, but always smaller — and it can be even faster. Best on rising or high tide. Careful on the dropping tide: the current gets very strong.

A-Frames (Peak, Most levels, 15 min by boat): Two clear sections: the left, which is much better, and rights running the other way. Outside: long, fun, fuller walls. Inside: hollower, with good barrels on good swell days. Best with S swell and N wind.

Karamba Left (Left, Beginners & longboarders, 15 min by boat): Also known as Bikinis. A safe, fun and long left beside the Four Bobs channel. Works with S swell and W wind. Very shallow at low tide: surf the channel edge at mid and high tide.

Four Bobs (Right, Beginners & intermediates, 15–20 min by boat): A fun, short right. Take off right in the pocket, where it starts to break. S swell and W wind, best at mid and high tide. Careful at low tide: the bottom is full of coral heads.

Malibu (Right, Beginners & longboarders, 15–20 min by boat): A right with several sections, breaking in front of the sand island. Rarely surfed. Best with S swell and westerly winds.

Pitstops (Right, Most levels, 15–20 min by boat): The right made famous by Mick Fanning’s surf films. Fun like a wave pool: sometimes a barrel on the drop, then turns all the way to the sand. SW swell, E–SE wind. Always busy, with many locals.

Rifles (Right, Advanced, 15–20 min by boat): One of Indonesia’s best rights: 300 m+ of tubes on its day. Rare and wind-exposed.

Beng Beng (Left, Longboard & intermediate, 20 min by boat): Named after the chocolate bar: a perfect, fun wave for longboarders, intermediates and anyone who loves turns. Breaks mainly at very low tide. Offshore with SE and E wind; best on SW swell (S swell rarely gets in).

E-Bay (Left, Intermediate and up, 20 min by boat): Named after the E-shaped bay. A beautiful, photogenic left with palm trees behind it from the channel. The bigger the better: the barrel opens up; smaller days get sectiony. Works at mid tide; at low tide too, but very shallow.

Pistols (Right, Advanced, 20 min by boat): Past Rifles, where the swell is always a bit bigger: a series of slabs with very hollow, fun rights. Works from small to big. Best on rising or high tide (not at very high tide). Very shallow and dangerous at low tide.

Burgerworld (Right, Most levels, full-day trip): Our farthest wave: we usually go once a day and spend the day there, with lunch on board and more than one session. Often has something when other spots are small. Works with W/NW wind.

Hideaways

LeftMost levels

Right next door. Very consistent. SW to S swell, E/SE wind, mid to high tide. Bigger days are for experienced surfers.

Rifles

RightAdvanced

One of Indonesia’s best rights: 300 m+ of tubes on its day. Rare and wind-exposed.

Bank Vaults

RightAdvanced

The region’s heaviest wave, with Hawaiian-style power.

Burgerworld

RightMost levels

Usually has something when other spots are too small. Works with W/NW wind.

A-Frames

PeakAll levels

Rights and lefts, with room for everyone.

Nipussi

Small to medium daysMost levels

Offshore with N wind.

Beng Beng

LeftIntermediate and up

A fun left within reach of the bay.

NoKandui

LeftExpert

Also known as Kandui. The most challenging wave in the region. SW swell, E/SE wind.

Pitstops

RightAll levels

SW swell, E/SE wind.

And many more waves to discover

Four Bobs, E-Bay and many others are within reach of the bay. Want to know more about them, or which ones work best in the week you’re coming? Talk to us.

Ask us about the waves

When to go

April to September · main season

Bigger, more consistent swells. Best for experienced surfers.

October to March · low season

Fun, smaller waves for every level, still with plenty of options around the bay.

The resort is closed for maintenance from 19 December 2026 to early January 2027.

What’s included and prices

Featured Trips are our fixed-date trips of 10 or 11 nights, back to back all year, limited to 16 surfers, with everything organised from Padang to the lineup.

Low season offer · January to February 2027

10 nights from US$ 2,520 + 10% government tax

Everything included: your room (sharing), three chef-made meals a day, the Surf Pack (two guided boat sessions a day), the transfer from Padang, your surf video package and the Mentawai surf tax.

2027 season early bird · March to October

10 nights from US$ 2,820 + 10% government tax

The same inclusions. Only the first 4 rooms of each trip, booked by 31 December.

After that, standard rates apply: the transfer (US$ 175 per person each way) and the surf video (US$ 250) are paid separately.
Private room: solo travellers always get one, from US$ 220 per night instead of US$ 180 sharing.
Non-surfers: pay the stay only, without the Surf Pack.
Children: 0–5 stay free, 6–13 pay 50%.
Your own dates: arrive on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, minimum 5 nights. Surfers from US$ 270 per night (room from US$ 180 sharing + Surf Pack US$ 90) + 10% government tax. The transfer, surf video and Mentawai surf tax (US$ 120) are extra.

See the full Rates page.

Who Hidden Bay is for

Experienced surfers

World-class reefs close by, with guides who read the swell and wind every day.

Intermediate surfers

Progress with filmed sessions and wave choice matched to your level.

Couples and families

Including partners who don’t surf: island trips, snorkelling, the gym, ping pong, pool table and plenty of quiet.

Solo travellers

You always get a private room.

Getting to Hidden Bay

Fly into Padang (PDG), on the west coast of Sumatra. We organise the boat to the bay.

Featured Trips from March 2027: a chartered speedboat goes straight from Padang to the resort. Land in Padang before noon and you’re at Hidden Bay the same day. On your last day you leave early in the morning and can fly out in the afternoon. No night in Padang.
Trips until 28 February 2027: if there aren’t enough guests to fill the speedboat, the transfer may be by public fast boat, with a night in Padang before and after your stay (hotel paid by the guest).
Your own dates: public fast boat plus our speedboat, with a night in Padang. US$ 175 per person each way.

We send the full travel plan once you book. How to get here.

What our guests say

★★★★★

4.9

on Google, from 213 reviews

      
   Hidden Bay Resort Mentawais
   210 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Beatriz Gonçalves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We stayed at Hidden Bay in August during our trip to Mentawai, and it was an experience that exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were surprised by the warm welcome and the incredible atmosphere.

We absolutely loved spending our days with Duca, Renata and their daughters, who made us feel at home. I’m a beginner surfer, and Duca was amazing at supporting me in the water, always making sure I felt safe and confident enough to enjoy every session. That made all the difference for me!

The whole team was also wonderful, from the boat captain and photographers to the chef and everyone who looked after us during our stay. Everyone was so welcoming and attentive, and the food was delicious every single day. We also loved starting our mornings with Mikey’s warm-ups and stretching sessions.

We made wonderful friends along the way, which made the experience even more memorable. Hidden Bay is so much more than a surf resort. It’s a place where you feel welcomed, cared for and connected to amazing people.

We left with beautiful memories, new friendships and a huge desire to come back. Thank you, Duca, Renata and the entire Hidden Bay team, for such an incredible time in Mentawai! ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gaetan Petitcollot 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was there with my family (2 years old daughter and my wife)

Everything is great! Next level…
The rooms, the food the vibes. and the surf!

We cant wait to come back
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dayne McBride 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing 10 days at Hidden Bay. Smooth transfer from Padang. Nice food, and a very homely feel. Found surf every day, and guides always made sure the day was filled with the best waves.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   caio travassos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a surf resort in the playgrounds, Hiddenbay is luxurious.
Rooms are clean and cold.The Food is great,
They have 2 daily group workout sessions lead by a personal trainer which is so helpful when you’re surfing 4-6 hours a day. You can get additional private workouts or massages if you want. I arrived there after a 15 day trip elsewhere, and my lower back was really bad. Within 2 days of working with PT Felipe, I was able to surf pain free again.
Surf guide Duca is also awesome, and can help beginners or intermediate level surfers get their fair share of waves by taking them to other less challenging spots. Duca’s wife is a massage therapist, and their 2 daughters are so nice and friendly, they are very helpful keeping families with younger kids entertained.
Overall a great experience.

FAQ

Where is Hidden Bay?

In a private bay in the Mentawai Islands, off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, within reach of more than 24 waves including Hideaways, Rifles and Bank Vaults.

What is the best time to surf the Mentawais?

April to September brings the biggest, most consistent swells. October to March has smaller, fun waves for every level.

Is Hidden Bay good for beginners?

Hidden Bay welcomes surfers of all levels who can already surf on their own. Spots like Pitstops and A-Frames work for every level, and our guides choose the right wave for each group.

What does a Featured Trip include?

Your room, three chef-made meals a day, the gym and trainer sessions, and the Surf Pack with two guided boat sessions a day. On January–February trips and 2027 early bird bookings, the transfer from Padang, the surf video package and the Mentawai surf tax are included too. The 10% government tax is added to the price.

Can I choose my own dates?

Yes. Arrive on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, with a minimum stay of 5 nights.

Can my partner come if they don’t surf?

Yes. Non-surfers pay the stay without the Surf Pack and can join island trips, snorkelling and the gym.

Is there a discount for longer stays?

Yes, long stays get 15% off the stay, all year. Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll put it together for you.

How do I get there?

Fly to Padang, in West Sumatra. From March 2027, Featured Trips go by direct speedboat to the resort, with no night in Padang.

Ready to surf the Mentawais?

See the next Featured Trip dates, or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you pick the right week for your level.

See trip dates Chat on WhatsApp