Mentawai Islands
Best months:
March to September

Mentawai Islands

Indonesia
Travel article Surfing guide
LAST UPDATED 17/12/2008
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introduction

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Sadalmelik: Topographic map of Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, 3 September 2007

The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about 70 islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Siberut is the largest of the islands.

The other major islands include Sipura, North Pagai (Pagai Utara) and South Pagai (Pagai Selatan). They lie approximately 150 km off the Sumatran coast across the Mentawai Strait.

The indigenous inhabitants of the islands are known as the Mentawai people.
The Mentawai Islands have become a noted destination for surfing.

surfing

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Paul Kennedy: Hollow Trees, Mentawai Islands

You have a couple of options of where to rest your weary head after a hard days surfing at the Mentawi Islands.

Several companies offer live aboard charter boats that are fully self contained and of course mobile - so you can scout around to find the best and most uncrowded breaks. These are geared solely towards surfers and the trip typically last 12-15 nights with all meals included and has a capacity of 6-12 guests.

Another option for this region, which is also much cheaper though not as convenient is to base yourself at Lagundri Bay. There are plenty of losmen (cheap Indonesia accommodation units) right on the beach here overlooking the surf and the price often includes breakfast. You can also charter small boats from here to take you on day trips to breaks further a field. Bring a mozzie net, insect repellent preferably containing DEET and anti-malaria medication with you.

travel

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www.viajar24h.com: A river on Siberut island in Indonesia, 27 January 2004

Courtesy of http://www.mentawai.com

Politically, Indonesia is a democratic republic. The capital is Jakarta, at the northwest coast  of Java. The major religion is Islam. Despite recent political upheavals the country is considered relatively safe for travellers. Indonesia now requires a paid visa on arrival for tourist travel, and some nationalities must obtain a visa from the Indonesian embassy before arrival. Check with your travel agent.

Indonesian people in general are very polite and dislike confrontation. If faced with aggressive demands from noisy Westerners, they'll tend to smile on the outside but view the noisy one with distrust and uncertainty. Try to remember that you are a guest in their country. Your problems won't get solved by head-on collisions. The island people are super mellow and really enjoy the interaction with surfers and charter boats because it occasionally results in some income from the sale of fish, crabs, bows and arrows, and the like.

The local currency is rupiah. You can find ATM machines and numerous moneychangers in    the Jakarta airport. On the boat, you won't need cash for much, apart from a    farewell tip for the boat's crew -- highly advised, especially if you're planning    on coming back. (A total US$100 tip will work fine.)

An important  item to note is that of surf etiquette. On board a boat, a group of surfers will tend to form a "wall" against other boat groups and grow territorial over spots. This is completely inappropriate, as is trying to dominate your fellow crew members in the lineup. In the Mentawai chain, only a handfull of young surfers are local -- amost all are tourists. Under these circumstances, the water vibe should never degenerate into jockeying, wave-stealing and other unseemly actions. Surfers are best advised to take turns in wave selection, give the lesser skilled riders a break and treat the amazing opportunity to surf the islands with the respect it deserves.

where to stay

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Mosquito Net; Tjeerd Weirsma; 11.07.2003

You have a couple of options of where to rest your weary head after a hard days surfing at the Mentawi Islands.

Several companies offer live aboard charter boats that are fully self contained and of course mobile - so you can scout around to find the best and most uncrowded breaks. These are geared solely towards surfers and the trip typically last 12-15 nights with all meals included and has a capacity of 6-12 guests.

Another option for this region, which is also much cheaper though not as convenient is to base yourself at Lagundri Bay. There are plenty of losmen (cheap Indonesia accommodation units) right on the beach here overlooking the surf and the price often includes breakfast. You can also charter small boats from here to take you on day trips to breaks further a field. Bring a mozzie net, insect repellent preferably containing DEET and anti-malaria medication with you.

what to pack

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Rama: First aid pack of the French Army, 26 October 2006

Get ready for a luxurious holiday!

Bring anything along that will make your holiday hassle free ofcourse! So you don't to need to go out and buy something like a toothbrush in the middle of your spa! Depending on where you stay, most places will provide you with basic necessities such as shampoo and conditioner.

The local currency is rupiah. You can find ATM machines and numerous moneychangers in the Jakarta airport, so you won't need to bring so much cash around.

Recommended gear (courtesy of http://www.mentawai.com):

  1. powerful sunscreen, anti-UV rash vest or T-shirts, aloevera gel, cap or helmet (optional)
  2. reef walkers or hard-soled wetsuit boots for possible pursuit of board across reef
  3. seasickness prevention pills
  4. easy to use UV resin ding repair kit/s
  5. small medical kit including antibacterial wash (i.e. Betadine), antibacterial powder, minor protective bandaging, painkiller and anti-inflammatory
  6. effective tropical insect repellen
  7. warm-water wax/waxcomb

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