Mentawai in Indonesia: All about the islands, how to get there, where to stay, and entertainment

The Mentawai Islands are a group of approximately 70 islands located approximately 130 kilometers from Sumatra . This amazing corner of the planet is free of bustling resorts and crowds of tourists. Time flows differently here, and civilization doesn't overshadow the natural beauty. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about vacationing on the Mentawai Islands.

General information :

• Where are the islands located : West Sumatra Province, Indonesia.
• Area : about 6000 square kilometers.
• Population : about 92,100 inhabitants.
• Religion : About 80% of the population is Christian and about 20% is Muslim.
• Large islands : Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan.

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How to get to the Mentawai Islands

The main gateway to the Mentawai Islands is the city of Padang, the capital of West Sumatra Province. Minangkabau International Airport, located 23 kilometers from the city center, is the main airport in West Sumatra and receives flights from Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta , Batam and several other destinations.

To get to the Mentawai Islands from Padang, take a ferry. Since ferries depart early in the morning, we strongly recommend arriving in the city at least one day before your intended departure for the Mentawai Islands. For an overnight stay, it's best to choose a hotel or hostel near the ferry terminal.

The largest Mentawai island is Siberut. It can be reached by two types of ferries.

1. Mentawai Fast Ferry . Ferries depart from Padang on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7:00 AM and arrive in Siberut at 1:30 PM. The journey takes over six hours, as the ferry also calls at other islands. A direct ferry service from Padang departs on Thursdays at 7:00 AM, arriving in Siberut at 10:30 AM.
2. Gambolo, Sumber, Ambu-Ambu . This ferry typically departs Padang on Fridays between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM and arrives in Siberut on Saturdays between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours. Choosing this option requires spending the night on board, but it can save you money on accommodations in Padang.

Important ! Ferry schedules are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest information before your journey.

Some hotels offer transportation packages that provide hassle-free transfers from Padang or Siberut Island to your accommodation. If you don't want to worry about logistics, check with your hotelier about this service.

Private transfers are also available. However, private boat trips are quite expensive and can be cancelled due to weather conditions. Therefore, ferry travel is the most economical and safest option, as well as the most popular among travelers.

To get around the islands themselves, it's convenient to use a scooter or bicycle, which can be rented at some hotels and guest houses.

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Mentawai culture

The Mentawai people are believed to have originated around 1500 BC. The islanders are semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, keeping pigs, dogs, monkeys, and sometimes chickens as pets. They often live in longhouses called "uma," constructed of wooden planks and bamboo. Such a house typically accommodates several families. Smaller houses called "lalep" are used for individual family living.

The Mentawai wear minimal clothing, such as a loincloth for men, a cloth wrapped around the waist, and small vests made of palm or banana leaves for women. Tattoos are also common among the locals, defining their roles and social status. Mentawai tattoos are considered among the oldest in the world and symbolize the balance between people and nature.

The islanders tend to live in harmony with the environment, and the traditional wisdom of local communities allows them to use natural resources with care. Mentawai people ask forgiveness from the spirits before taking anything from nature, believing that every element has a soul, and they respect the environment. However, despite preserving traditions, Mentawai culture is currently undergoing change under the influence of modernity.

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Surfing in the Mentawai Islands

Tourism is a significant influence on Mentawai culture. The Mentawai Islands, surrounded by world-class waves, are a renowned surfing destination. They offer consistent surf year-round and attract thrill-seekers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned surfers. While the region was once reserved for intermediate and advanced surfers, today you can find surfing courses here, including packages for beginners. During the course, you'll not only learn how to stand on a board but also learn the basics of surfing etiquette and safety.

Some of the most popular surfing spots in the Mentawai Islands include:

Bank Vaults, Ebay, Pit Stops, Beng Bengs, Nipussi, Good Times, Burger World, Rifles, Hideaways, 4 Bobs A-Frames, Dog Reef, Shadow L&R, McDonalds, Secrets.

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When to surf the Mentawai

Surfing in the Mentawai Islands is possible year-round. However, if you're coming here for the waves, keep in mind that the main surfing season is during the dry season from April to October. As with the rest of Indonesia, the Mentawai Islands receive less rainfall during the rainy season than Bali .

Between November and March, surfing can be more beginner-friendly, with fewer crowds and better deals, but with the higher rainfall typical of the wet season.

In addition to surfing, travelers can try diving or yoga, go fishing or hiking with a local guide, learn about the lives of the region's indigenous people, and observe traditional shamanic rituals.

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Diving in the Mentawai Islands

The warm, clear ocean waters surrounding the Mentawai Islands are home to over 500 species of coral and 600 species of fish. Divers can encounter schools of colorful fish, as well as reef sharks, rays, turtles, sea snakes, and even whales. The average water temperature is around 27-30°C. The region offers a number of dive sites of interest to divers of all experience levels.

So, for beginner divers, sites with calmer waters are well suited, for example:

• Tugboat - located near the island of Sipora and offers observation of a variety of colorful fish, as well as soft and hard corals.
• Lances Right is located near South Pagai Island and boasts not only a large number of schooling fish, but also the presence of turtles and even reef sharks.

For more experienced divers:

• Macaroni's , located near North Pagai Island. The site is known for its strong currents and diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and occasionally whales.
• Bat Cave , located near Sipor, features a unique underwater cave system.

The cost of diving in the Mentawai Islands can vary depending on the operator and dive type. A single dive typically costs around $30-50, while a multi-dive package ranges from $200-500.

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Siberut National Park

Besides diving, travelers can visit Siberut National Park, which covers 1,905 square kilometers of the island of the same name and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The park is home to four species of endangered primates, approximately 134 species of birds, more than 31 species of mammals, and 864 species of plants.

Lake Manijau

This relatively small but very picturesque caldera lake is located about a two-hour drive from Padang. If you have time, it's definitely worth a visit before your trip to the Mentawai Islands. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption that occurred approximately 52,000 years ago. During the drive, you'll admire lush green hills and charming local villages, soaking up the unique spirit of this place.

Mentawai Charm Festival

The islands host the annual Mentawai Charm Festival, which showcases traditional wedding ceremonies, clothing parades, tattooing, boat making, archery, tribal war dances, mass dance performances, culinary arts, and other traditional activities and cultural elements of the local people.

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Where to stay in Mantavai

If your trip is purely about surfing, you can choose to stay on one of our charter boats and have a fun time in the company of like-minded people. If surfing isn't your only priority, choose one of the many surf camps or hotels.

• Mentawai Surf Retreat is located on Nyang Nyang Island near the Ebay and Pit Stops surf breaks. The camp consists of three comfortable and spacious bungalows nestled in a pristine bay overlooking the sunset and Pit Stops waves. It accommodates up to 12 people. There's a restaurant and bar. About 20 waves are accessible within a 30-minute boat ride from the camp.
• Driftwood Resort is another excellent accommodation option on Nyang Nyang Island, within walking distance of the famous eBay. The resort accommodates only 12 guests at a time, in a cozy treehouse, comfortable bungalows, or a two-story family villa overlooking the beach. Three meals a day and a yoga deck are available.
• Macaronis Resort is located on Siniai Island near Pagai and offers access to serious waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. Surfing lessons for beginners are available, as well as SUP boards, kayaks, fishing equipment, surfboards, fishing trips, a pool table, and table tennis. The hotel boasts modern amenities, including a swimming pool and spa services.
• WavePark Mentawai Surf Resort is an ideal choice not only for surfers but also for divers, boasting a magnificent house reef teeming with marine life and impressive caves. A wide range of amenities is available for the whole family.
• Aloita Resort . A stunning family resort surrounded by white sand beaches, a magnificent coral reef, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. Guests can enjoy excellent dining, surfing, diving, trekking, SUP, daily yoga, and much more.

When choosing accommodation, check for mosquito nets in your room or bungalow. This basic precaution will help minimize the risk of insect bites.

Please also note that credit cards are not accepted everywhere in the region, so it is recommended to carry a certain amount of Indonesian cash when traveling.

Mentawai Surf Retreat