Hidden off the west coast of Sumatra and really close to Padang city, the Mentawai Islands are one of Indonesia’s most untouched treasures. These islands are famous among surfers from all over the world for their amazing waves and tropical beauty. But Mentawai is not just about surfing. It’s also home to the Mentawai tribe—an indigenous community that still lives in harmony with nature, far from modern life.
Here, you can enjoy a truly unique experience: surf during the day, and then spend time living with a local tribe deep in the jungle.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know—what to do in Mentawai, how long to stay, estimated costs, how to get there, and some helpful tips before your trip.
What to Do in Mentawai
There are two main experiences waiting for you in Mentawai: world-class surfing and staying with the Mentawai tribe. But here’s something to note—they’re not in the same location. So it’s best to choose based on what interests you more. Are you more into chasing waves, or are you curious to explore a traditional way of life full of wisdom and deep connection with nature?
Surfing in Mentawai
Mentawai islands offer big, consistent waves coming from multiple directions—making it one of the best surfing destinations in the world.
Wave heights in the Indian Ocean, west of the Mentawai Islands, can reach around 2.7 to 2.9 meters. These steady waves are perfect for intermediate to professional surfers.
Sumatra also has other under-the-radar surf spots—and one of them is in Krui, Lampung. Read more in our Lampung Guide.
So if you’re coming to Mentawai for surfing, make sure you already have solid surfing skills. Also, surfing here isn’t as casual or cheap as in Bali, where you can just grab a board and hit the beach. In Mentawai, there’s a surf tax of IDR 2,000,000 (~ USD 120), which is valid for up to 15 days.
But honestly, that fee is a fair trade for the kind of waves and experience you’ll get here.
We’ve dedicated this entire article to surfing. Check out our Mentawai Surf Guide: Best Spots, Seasons, Costs & Travel Tips.
Surf Spots in Mentawai
There are plenty of surf spots across Mentawai, spread from the northern islands all the way down to Pagai in the south. Here are some popular spots based on location:
- Northern Area (Masokut Island and Tuapejat)
In the north, the most popular surf spots are on the southern side of Siberut Island, especially around Masokut Island. There are at least five well-known breaks here: Beng-Beng, Playgrounds, Pitstops, Bankvaults, and Nipussi.
You can also check out Tuapejat on Sipora Island, which offers more surf spots—but you’ll need to take a canoe or boat to reach some of them. Tuapejat is also a favorite for its range of budget-friendly accommodations.
- Southern Area (Southern Sipura and Pagai Islands)
Further south, you’ll find some of Mentawai’s top surf spots like Lances or Katiet on the southern tip of Sipura, and several epic breaks around Pagai Island such as Macaronis, Greenbush, Roxies, and Thunders. Pagai tends to be less crowded, perfect for surfers looking for an uncrowded, wave-filled escape.
Disclaimer: Mentawai isn’t your average holiday destination. Exploring the islands can be physically demanding, and it’s not exactly a budget trip either. Getting there takes time, effort, and a fair bit of planning—not to mention the costs can add up quickly. Whether you’re heading out to surf or to visit a remote village, you’ll need to be well-prepared. But for those who are ready, Mentawai offers a rare kind of adventure that’s truly worth it.
Backindo Tip: With so many surf spots spread across the islands, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose. If you're looking to save both time and money, it’s best to pick one island to base yourself on and plan your surf trip carefully from there.
Living with the Mentawai Tribe
Staying with the Mentawai tribe is one of the most memorable things you can do—especially if you love real adventure. The Mentawai people are the island’s original inhabitants, living here long before Mentawai became part of Indonesia.
They live deep in the jungles of Siberut Island, relying on nature for survival—hunting, gathering, and crafting tools from the forest. The Mentawai live in groups inside large wooden longhouses called ‘uma’. These stilt houses are usually built near rivers, with wooden floors, open space inside, and no dividing walls.
If you decide to try this survival-style experience, expect to sleep on a woven mat under a mosquito net—no mattress, no pillow. And yes, there are no toilets or bathrooms. The jungle is your toilet, and the river is your place to bathe.
Curious about the Mentawai Tribe? Discover how to visit their communities with respect and care in our guide to ethical travel. Read Mentawai Tribe: How to Visit Ethically.
Activities You Can Do with the Mentawai Tribe
Living with the Mentawai tribe means doing everything the traditional way—following their lifestyle, learning their survival skills, and truly immersing yourself in their world. Here are some of the hands-on activities you can try while staying with them:
- Making traditional clothing from tree bark
- Crafting hunting weapons with natural poison
- Joining shamanic rituals and traditional healing ceremonies
- Eating sago and sago grubs (yes, the worms!)
- Learning how to build fish traps
- Getting a traditional tattoo (if you’re up for it!)
These survival activities are part of their daily life. The Mentawai people deeply respect nature and live in harmony with what the forest provides. It’s a rare chance to learn not just how to survive in the wild—but how to appreciate it.
If you love exploring natural places and wildlife, check out our Bukit Lawang Guide.
How to Get to Mentawai Islands
If you’re planning a trip to the Mentawai Islands, the journey usually starts from the city of Padang in West Sumatra. The distance from Padang to Mentawai is about 150 km, and there are three main ways to get there: by regular ferry, fast ferry, or by plane.
So first, you’ll need to fly into Padang, which is the main gateway to Mentawai. You can catch direct flights to Padang from Jakarta or Bali. If you’re coming from overseas, there are also flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Once you arrive in Padang, you’ll need to continue the journey to Mentawai by choosing one of the transport options above—each with its own schedule and comfort level. Planning ahead is key, especially if you want to match your arrival with the ferry or flight schedules.
Backindo Tip: Flights and boats from Padang to Mentawai usually depart in the early morning. To avoid rushing or missing your ride, it’s a good idea to spend one night in Padang before continuing your journey to the islands.
Mentawai Fast Ferry
This is the most comfortable and popular option to reach the islands. The fast ferry takes about 3–4 hours to get from Padang to various islands in Mentawai, including Siberut, Tuapejat, and Pagai.
The ferry departs from Muaro Port in Padang, but it doesn’t run daily—only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. If you’re coming from Padang, Thursday is often the best day to travel, as it usually offers a shorter travel time. For the full schedule, click here.
Flying with a Local Airline
There’s also the option to fly from Padang to Mentawai with Susi Air. The flight takes off from Minangkabau Airport and lands in Mentawai Airport, taking just around 50 minutes. Flights are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and tickets can be booked via Traveloka.
Before you book your flight, check out our guide to domestic flights in Indonesia.
Overnight Ferry Ride
For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a regular ferry from Teluk Bayur or Bungus Port in Padang to various Mentawai islands like Siberut, Tuapejat (Sipora Island), Sikakap, and Sikabaluan. The journey takes about 12 hours overnight. Ferries usually run daily. Click here for the latest schedule.
Backindo Tip: If you’re bringing your own surfboard on the fast ferry, you might be charged an extra fee of around IDR 220,000 (max 15 kg). Alternatively, you can rent a board from one of the surf camps on the islands.
Joining a Tour
If you don’t feel like figuring out the trip to the Mentawai Islands on your own, you can also join an organized tour. This is especially helpful if you want to spend time with the local tribe — in many cases, joining a tour or working with a local agency is the only practical way to arrange it.
How to Get Around Mentawai
To get around Mentawai, you can rent a motorbike or hop on a local ojek (motorbike taxi). Some remote spots are only accessible by small boats (up to 10 people), with rental prices ranging from IDR 1,500,000 to 5,000,000 (~ USD 90 – 300) per day, depending on your destination.
What to Prepare and Safety Tips for Visiting Mentawai
Before heading to the Mentawai Islands, there are a few important things you should pack and keep in mind:
- Enough cash – ATMs and banks are hard to find. You’ll only find them in places like Tuapejat and Sikakap, so make sure to bring enough cash for your entire trip.
- Non-slip, waterproof shoes – The islands are covered in humid tropical rainforest, so expect mud and slippery trails.
- Jacket or sleeping bag – Especially if you plan to stay with the Mentawai tribe. Nights can get chilly in the jungle.
- Light, quick-dry clothes – You’ll be in and out of boats, rain, and rivers.
- Basic medicine and plasters – For minor cuts, bites, or blisters.
Safety in Mentawai
- Anti-malaria pills and mosquito repellent – Mentawai is a known malaria zone in Indonesia, so it’s highly recommended to take preventive medication and always use repellent.
- Avoid bringing flashy valuables – Especially if you’re visiting local tribes. They might mistake shiny items as gifts.
- Medical care is limited – Healthcare facilities in Mentawai are basic, especially in remote areas, so avoid risky activities and be extra cautious.
- Keep your surf tax receipt – If you’re surfing, make sure you get proof of your tax payment and wear the red wristband provided. You may be asked to show it at different surf spots.
Besides Mentawai, if you're already in West Sumatra, you should also explore Bukittinggi. For more information, check out our Bukittinggi Guide.
How Long Should You Stay in Mentawai?
Ideally, you’ll want to spend at least 5–7 days in Mentawai—whether you’re planning to surf or live with the Mentawai tribe. This gives you enough time to travel, settle in, and truly soak up the experience.
But if you’re planning to do both—catch some waves and immerse yourself in tribal life—you’ll need around 10 days. Trust me, Mentawai isn’t the kind of place you rush through on a weekend.
This is a destination meant to be taken slow. From boat rides to jungle walks, every part of the journey is an experience in itself. So give yourself the time to enjoy it fully—without the stress of a tight schedule.
📍Download the Map of Padang 📍
All the places we mention in this article — plus a few extra tips and nearby trip ideas — are saved on a Google Map you can use right on your phone.
After purchase, you’ll get a private link and the map will show up in your Google Maps across all your devices.
Budget Estimation to Mentawai
Let’s be real—Mentawai isn’t a budget destination. But with the right planning, every rupiah spent is worth the once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might spend on a typical 7 to 10-day trip:
| Category | Cost (IDR) | Approx. USD |
| Transportation | ||
| Flight to Padang | 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 | 65 – 130 |
| Fast ferry to Mentawai | 350,000 – 450,000 | 23 – 29 |
| Local transport (daily) | 100,000 – 500,000 | 6 – 32 |
| Surfing Costs | ||
| Surf tax (15 days) | 2,000,000 | 130 |
| Surfboard fee (ferry) | 220,000 | 14 |
| Surf camp (per night) | 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 | 65 – 130 |
| Tribal Experience | ||
| Homestay package (daily) | 300,000 – 1,000,000 | 32 – 65 |
| Accommodation & Meals | ||
| Guesthouse (per night) | 200,000 – 500,000 | 13 – 32 |
| Local meals (per meal) | 30,000 – 60,000 | 2 – 4 |
| Trip Type | Cost (IDR) | Approx. USD |
| 7-day surf or tribal trip | 7,000,000 – 12,000,000 | 450 – 775 |
| 10-day surf + tribal combo | 12,000,000 – 18,000,000 | 775 – 1,160 |
While it’s more expensive than your average beach getaway in Indonesia, Mentawai gives you something rare: untouched nature, rich culture, and waves that dreams are made of.
Backpacking vs Tour Package: Which One’s Better for Mentawai?
Is Mentawai worth visiting as a backpacker? Absolutely—but it depends on your travel style and how flexible you are. Going solo can be cheaper or more expensive, depending on the islands you want to explore and how you manage transport. If you’re backpacking and planning to do island hopping, it’s a great idea to team up with fellow travelers—splitting the cost of boat rentals can make a big difference.
On the other hand, joining a tour package offers a more convenient and hassle-free experience. Travel agents usually take care of everything: transport, accommodation, meals, permits, and even surf or jungle guides. It can also be more cost-effective if you’re traveling in a group, as the price per person gets lower the more people are joining.
So whether you go with a backpack and a loose plan, or opt for a guided tour, both can lead to an unforgettable Mentawai adventure—just choose the one that fits your vibe and comfort level.
Where to Stay in Mentawai
Mentawai offers a range of places to stay—from budget guesthouses to surf camps and luxury resorts, especially near popular surf spots.
The most common base for travelers is Tuapejat on Sipora Island, perfect for budget-friendly stays like Oinan Guest House and Arthur Homestay Telescope. For something more upscale, head to the Aware area.
In the south, surf villages like Katiet are great if you want to be close to legendary waves like Lances Right. Also you can stay in Hollow Trees Resort or Lances Right Surf House.
Final Though
The Mentawai Islands aren’t just a destination—they’re an experience. From riding perfect waves to learning ancient traditions deep in the jungle, every moment here invites you to slow down and connect—with nature, with people, and maybe even with yourself.
It’s not the easiest place to reach, and it’s not the cheapest, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. If you’re ready for an adventure that’s raw, real, and unforgettable, Mentawai is waiting.
Continue Reading: