Nathan Florence gives us a first-hand experience of his trip to the Mentawais.
WE MADE IT TO INDO AND WENT DIRECTLY TO THE MENTAWAIS! WHAT A GOOD CALL AS WE HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY SCORING!! SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PLACE WITH SUCH FUN WAVES! LOVE SURFING AND LEARNING NEW WAVES I HAVENT SURFED BEFORE! WELCOME TO THE MENTAWAIS EVERYONE AND GET READY FOR SOME EPIC EPISODES!
– Nathan on YouTube
Where Are The Mentawais?
The Mentawai Islands are an archipelago of about seventy islands located off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The name Mentawai refers to the indigenous people who inhabit the islands. The Mentawai Islands are renowned for their surf beaches, which attract surfers from all over the world. Although the Mentawai Islands are Indonesian territory, they have a unique culture and history that sets them apart from the rest of the country.
The Mentawaian language is unrelated to Indonesian (there are over 700 living languages in Indonesia), and the Mentawai people have their own customs and traditions. In recent years, the Mentawai Islands have become increasingly popular with tourists, who come to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and perfect waves. However, the Mentawai Islands remain largely undeveloped, and much of the population still lives in poverty.
What Makes The Waves In Mentawais So Good?
The waves in the Mentawai Islands are some of the best in the world. The archipelago is located in what is known as the “Coral Triangle,” which is home to 75% of the world’s coral species and more than 3,000 reef fish species. The Mentawai Islands sit at the confluence of two major ocean currents, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. These currents create perfect conditions for waves, which is why the Mentawai Islands are such a popular destination for surfers. The waves in the Mentawai Islands vary in size and difficulty, so there is something for everyone. The Mentawai Islands are also home to many world-class surf spots, including Macaronis, HT’s, and Nipussi.
When Is The Best Time To Surf In Mentawais?
The Mentawais are a year-round surf destination because of their consistency in terms of exposure and waves. There isn’t a bad time to go! Every season has something to offer depending on your abilities. December to March is the low swell season which offers great fun-sized (about head high) waves that can be perfect for beginners to intermediate surfers. There’s typically the fewest amount of people out in the water this time because there are better waves elsewhere for the more talented surfers.
May to September is the peak swell months where you’ll average swells of 7ft that often forecast 5 star ratings. If you’re looking for big barrels and memories to last a lifetime, this is the time to go.
The shoulder months in between the seasons is a great time for intermediate surfers who want to advance, but don’t want to be overwhelmed with crowds. The waves are still great during these times.
Honestly, if you can get to the Mentawais, you should book a trip.
What Is The Best Way To Get To The Mentawai Islands?
How do you get to the Mentawai Islands?You would have to fly into the international airport in Padang, which is where you’ll be picked up. Daily flights land here from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. The best airline company in Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia, will transport surfboards in your luggage for free! During the late afternoon, surf charters depart from Padang harbor to complete the journey during the night.If you’ve chosen a land-based camp, Fast boat boats depart Padang every day. If you’re using public transfer ferries, aim for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to get the lowest prices. As the speed ferry departs early in the morning, arrive in Padang the day before your Ferry departure date!
What is the Mentawai Tax:
A tax is required to surf in the Mentawai. The Mentawai Tax has been implemented by Mentawai’s governor to benefit the local community, and each surfer is required to pay one million rupiah (about US$75) when visiting the area. The tax lasts for 15 days before expiring, but it can be renewed if required. It has been suggested that the Tax will assist surfers in each region manage their carrying capacities, decrease overcrowding, and improve the overall surfing experience.