The Mentawai islands have something for everyone. Whether it’s surfing some of the best breaks in the world, bushwalking in tropical rainforest, or snorkelling colourful reefs, or just downright relaxing, the Mentawais can offer you a top-class experience.

Where is Mentawai and Why Should I Go There?

The Mentawai Islands are a chain of around seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia; approximately 150 km from the mainland across the Mentawai Strait. Why go there? Quite simply, the surf. The Mentawais are home to what some would consider the most consistent surf in the world. Since the early 1990s, surfers from around the globe have been visiting the Mentawai islands to experience superb waves, and untouched rainforest.

As a consequence of their exposure to swells in the Roaring Forties, the sheer amount of awesome surf spots in the region, and the remoteness of the islands (some of which still in this day and age remain uninhabited), the Mentawais have become the go-to surf destination for die-hard surfers. More than a dozen "world class" reef breaks exist, making it one the most surf-infested regions in the world. Most spots host mechanical perfection and vary in intensity, making this region suitable for surfers of all abilities.

While land-based surf resorts at a few popular Mentawais spots have begun to emerge, the most favoured mode to surf the Mentawais is still by charter boat trip. A group of surfer enthusiasts (an average group size is eight people) usually charter a boat for ten to twelve days. The most popular breaks – like Lance's Right, Macaroni's and Thunders – can get crowded. But because the Mentawais offers countless waves, there will always be some uncharted little surf spot your boat operator will sneak you off to when other spots get too busy.

How Much Will It Cost?

Charter prices can range anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for a ten to twelve-day trip, but those who've been lucky enough to experience the surf in the Mentawais by boat say it's definitely worth the money.

Surf Equipment Required

It goes without saying at least a couple of surfboards in a surfboard travel bag will be essential. At the least a double surfboard bag or a surfboard coffin will be best suited for this type of trip. Don’t forget some replacement fins, spare leashes and a kit to repair dings on the go.

What Can I Expect Once There?

Crowds

The most popular spots like Lance's Right and Macca's get pretty busy between March and October, but the beauty of the Mentawais boat trip is that a word in your captain’s ear can probably lead you to a far quieter spot just nearby. The busiest months are May, June, and September (see When to Go? below).

Hazards

Bring plenty of mosquito repellent and sunscreen, and watch your feet on the razor-sharp corals. Open-ocean boat passages can sometimes get rough when storms arrive.

Pollution

Very little, as the Mentawais are not very populated, and there are no towns or cities anywhere nearby.

When to Go to the Mentawais?

There are great waves in the Mentawais all year round. However, the most ideal time to surf in this area is during the dry season – late March to early November – the southern hemisphere's winter, when the low-pressure systems in the southern Indian Ocean send ground swells thousands of miles across the open ocean. Winter is the not only the most consistent time, but also the most crowded.

October is usually thought of as a consistent month, but as November comes around, swells die off, and by December most boat charters are in hardstands getting repairs and getting ready for the following autumn.

December ­to February is rest and repair time in the Mentawais. While there are still waves, the winds tend to be less than favourable, and much of the Indonesian surf community relocates to Bali.

March to April is when the Mentawais start to pump with south and southwest swell energy. Though autumn isn't the most popular time for charter boat trips, it is becoming busier each year as hard-core surfers seek to escape the crowds of winter.

Should I Go It Alone or with Company?

A do-it-yourself approach may seem like a cheaper way to go, but organising your own surfing trip, or charter, can be complicated. Dealing with language and cultural barriers, weather, and other local issues can all lead to drama and headaches when you are in a foreign country and a remote surfing destination. Don’t risk DIY surf plans that lead to dodgy scams, rip-offs, and ultimately lost surf time and money.

If you don’t want to go it alone as a solo surf traveller, you can opt to hand over all planning to a travel company experienced in dealing with exactly the sort of trip you’re after. The overall logistics and planning of every aspect, from airlines to resorts, insurance and transfers, will be taken care of, leaving you to relax and anticipate your trip with enjoyment.

There are many reputable boat charter and professional surf agencies/travel companies who can help you plan and execute a hassle-free trip to the Mentawai Islands. Here are just a few: Mentawai Surf Travel; The Surf Travel Company; Mentawai Surf Charters; Pelagic Surf Charters; Mentawai Surf Cats; World Surfaris; World Surf Adventures.

If you’re in any doubt about whether a trip to the Mentawais is for you, here’s a review from a customer who went with World Surfaris to Togat Nusa Retreat:

“Over the past year I was lucky enough to clock up some serious hours on the spectacular island of John and Ainsley's. Waking up in the serene jungle setting, birds singing up the sun. Breakfast overlooking a perfect left, and rushing out to find myself out there alone... wave after wave for hours on end! Ahhhh, barrels and surfing till u can’t surf no more!!! Then when your arms turn to jelly, snorkeling over the most breath-taking underwater garden of corals and tropical fish... watching the sunset during a relaxing walk / shell collecting around the island... the perfect life and perfect holiday! To John and Ainz and all the wonderful Mentawaii people, thank you for sharing your amazing world!”