The Mentawais are for surfers as sacred as Monaco for Formula 1 racers. The spot is worshiped by advanced and pro surfers searching for the highest quality waves. The islands with their unique reefs and powerful influence of SW swell have ideal surf conditions and a few dozens consistent breaks and warm water enable you to surf in boardshorts all year long. Nothing describes a surfer’s playground quite like the Mentawais - come play!
Nacho, our Argentinian surf expert at LUEX, has chased waves across Latin America, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Maldives. His business background comes in handy, but surfing is what drives him. When he's not helping clients plan their dream surf trips, you'll find him buzzing around the office, charged up on coffee. His favorite waves are in the Mentawais, where he found his definition of perfection. At LUEX, he uses his surf expertise to help others score epic waves, always ready to swap stories over a fresh brew.
Everyone involved in the surfing world has heard of the remote and idyllic Mentawais – the sacred, hallowed surf ground which lies off the west coast of Indonesia's Sumatra and which was once a pros-only domain. Thankfully times change and the impossibly pristine, sun sprinkled barrels are accessible to all of us.....if we dare.
When the surf gods were originally dishing out world class waves there was a bit of a hiccup when they got to the Mentawais because this little corner of the planet took rather more of a share than one region should fairly have. To say it is wave rich is an understatement – hop in a boat for 25 minutes and in that time you could take in as many as 20 different breaks, some with big names, some less famous but all of the high class or quality wave variety. With such an enormous amount of spots to choose from it means that there is always a good possibility of escaping the crowds
The optimum surf season is considered to be from March to November when the long, long distance swell created by the Roaring Forties arrives, having traveled all the way from Antarctica. However, this region has consistent, warm water tropical surf all year with wide open swell windows to pick up anything the Indian Ocean chooses to create which in turn transforms to coral reef produced waves of the perfect variety.
Mentawais surfing trips are almost entirely about the ocean – surfing it, living on or right next to it and spending any play time you choose away from wave riding, enjoying it. Hour upon hour can be lost serenely floating above these spectacular coral reef gardens, watching the brilliantly colored and abundant marine creatures go about their daily life, through a snorkel mask. Or perhaps you might like to go spearfishing using old traditional Indonesian methods? Perhaps strapping on scuba diving gear and sinking into the depths of this paradise appeals? If all this seems a bit too energetic then no problem – you can simply choose to wander the coconut palm fringed white sands collecting shells and ocean gazing.
The biggest chunk of Mentawais surfing holidays are offered as surf boat charters which range from the comfortable and cozy to the sophisticated and classy. In either case, you will have the services of an expert crew in possession of brains brimming with local knowledge to ensure that you and the best waves of the day find each other in the same place at the same time.
The Mentawais aren’t just for the wealthy ones as it once was although you will find plenty of luxury standard options if that is what you are looking for. The majority of trips are offered as medium range options and budget-conscious travelers will find choices here too to make their trip one unforgettable bucket list moment without breaking the bank.
