Malibu, Mentawai
Mentawai surf guide › Malibu
Malibu is a right that breaks in front of a sand island, with an incredible view. It is a really fun wave, mainly for longboarders and beginners, with several sections. Despite offering good waves, it is rarely surfed, so it is a great option to keep in mind.
How Malibu breaks
Malibu peels to the right in several sections in front of the sand island. The best conditions are a pure south swell with wind from the west quadrant, from 2 to 6 feet, over a coral reef. It is about 15 minutes by boat from Hidden Bay.
At mid and high tide it is quite safe to surf. At very high tide it isn’t good, because there is a lot of backwash.
Who Malibu is for
Longboarders above all, and beginners who can already surf a bit. With its long, gentle sections and a rarely crowded lineup, it is a relaxed place to catch a lot of waves.
Read our month-by-month guide: best time to surf Mentawai. See our sessions on the Hidden Bay YouTube channel.
Local tips for Malibu
Malibu has so many sections that it can be hard to choose, but there is a sweet spot.
- Pick a section. There are so many that you can almost get lost.
- Head for the middle. The middle section forms the best wave.
- Relax anywhere on the reef. The whole bank is very fun and very safe.
Surfing Malibu from Hidden Bay
We don’t run the boat by the clock. Our guides follow the forecast, the wind and more than 12 years of local knowledge to put you on Malibu when it’s at its best, and on another wave when it isn’t. Featured Trips average 6 surfers per boat, never more than 8, and with so many breaks close by we can split groups by level.
Every session ends back in our private bay: a chef’s kitchen, ocean-facing rooms with AC and hot water, and a gym with a physical trainer. With the surf video package, we film your sessions, so you can watch your waves at Malibu the same evening.
Other waves near Hidden Bay
★★★★★ 4.9 on Google, from 213 reviews
Malibu FAQ
Where is Malibu in the Mentawais?
It breaks in front of a sand island in the northern Mentawais, within reach of Hidden Bay Resort by boat.
Is Malibu good for longboarders and beginners?
Yes. It is a fun right with several sections, mainly for longboarders and beginners who can already surf a bit.
What are the best conditions for Malibu?
A pure south swell with wind from the west quadrant, at mid to high tide.
Can I surf Malibu at high tide?
At mid and high tide it is quite safe. At very high tide it isn’t good, because of the backwash.
Is Malibu crowded?
It is rarely surfed, despite offering good waves.
Surf Malibu with us
See the next Featured Trip dates, or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you honestly when Malibu is at its best for your level.
See trip datesChat on WhatsApp