Best time to surf Mentawai?
The best time to surf the Mentawai Islands is June, July and August. This period provides the most consistent swell, combined with light variable winds this is our favorite time of year. Early and late season are also good but less consistent, you can still get waves in the offseason with exposed surf spots rarely going flat.
How big are the waves in Mentawai Islands in?
March through to November is the Indian Ocean Swell season, with 2-4m SW swells creating double overhead waves at the exposed surf spots and head high waves at the more sheltered breaks. Early and late season swells aren't so large, while lots of people have the expectation of big waves breaking over shallow reefs there are plenty of fun days to surf in the Mentawai Islands. There is a wide variety of surf breaks providing different size waves for all levels of surfers.
Can you surf the Mentawai islands in the Offseason?
Yes you can surf the Mentawai islands in the off season. From November through to February most of the surf charters and land camps close but you still get fun waves. This time of year is more popular with families and older guys looking for mellow waves. If your lucky you might get a handfull of days with prime conditions and a good chance of alot less surfers in the lineup.
Are the Mentawai Islands too crowded?
The Mentawai islands seen a huge increase of traveling surfers in 2022. While most businesses advertise uncrowded perfection the reality is far from that. This year was one of the busier periods in the region, and there were plenty of days with up to 4 or 5 boats in the channel. You will always get a few days to yourself but as a rule of thumb if the swell is small and the winds are strong, you're usually going to be surfing in a crowd. When the swell is up, and the winds are light then you have more options and it's easier to find empty lineups.
On an average trip this season we had at least 2/3 days surfing waves alone. Some trips are better than others it depends on the conditions you have.
What is the best surf charter boat in the Mentawai Islands?
Martin Daly from the Indies trader fleet did a report on all 42 boats operating in the islands. He recommended as a budget option to go with the Orca Laut, as a Mid-range option to go with Raja Elang and as a high-end option to go with Indies Trader 3 (Indies trader website 2019).
There are plenty of other good operators in the Region. When choosing a charter boat company please do your research and talk with guys who have done trips before. Don't overlook safety and make sure your operator has a good record. We have been lucky enough to run trips on the Pelagic, The Tengirri and the Indies Trader 4. These vessels have all passed international maritime surveys and overlooked by experienced owners who are committed to running a professional operation.
There are plenty of good options depending on what you want from your trip. Here is a list of some of the regular charters we see operating in the Islands. Mentawai Charter Boats
Are you planning a boat trip in the Mentawai Islands?
We put together a Boat Trip Checklist for anyone traveling to the islands. With the lineups getting busier in Indonesia please don't forget to bring a good attitude and respect other surfers in the water. Here are a few clips from June and July while onboard with Pelagic Surf Charters in 2022
For more information on a boat trip in the Mentawai Islands or if you would like to contact us please send us an email at [email protected]
Trade winds blow - Surfing Uluwatu
Surfing in Bali during November is always fun. With light winds and moderate swell you still have lots of options around the Island. This year we seen the SE trade wind blow until a lot later in the season and Uluwatu was still good through most of November. Our recent Yotube clip is brought to you from surfing down at the racetrack section of reef. This is a challenging wave to say the least, shallow reef and fast long lefthanders produce fun tubes suited to the more advanced surfer. Lower tides with a moderate west swell will produce the best conditions for this section of reef.
If you are traveling to Bali and are interested in seeing more videos from surfing around the Island then head over to our youtube channel for more. If you would like to contact us, then please do via email at [email protected]
Surfing Canggu in November
Surfing around the Canggu area in November can be fun. With light winds and small to moderate swell the conditions have been good recently. Canggu offers a mix of different beach and reef breaks for all levels of surfers. Echo and Pererenan offer some decent barrels and the early mornings are the best chance to score glassy waves. Here is a little clip from mid November.
If you are traveling to Bali and are interested in seeing more videos from surfing around the Island then head over to our youtube channel for more. If you would like to contact us then please do at [email protected]
Travel Links Indonesia
What are the requirements for entry into Indonesia?
- Proof of double vaccination or exemption letter from your doctor
- Completed E-hac which is in the Peduli Lindungi Mobile Application
- Have Insurance that covers you for COVID19
- Immigration documents - Passport and Visa (Valid for over 6months)
- Visa on arrival is now available at the airport
- No quarantine is needed
These requirements can change so check with your Visa agent or Immigration before travel. For more details please check through these links below
- Indonesian Expat
- Bali Business consulting
- The Bali Sun
- Bali.com
- Indonesian Embassy
- Indonesian Immigration
- Bali Solve
- Welcome back to Bali
Instagram Links
Facebook Groups
Mentawai Fast Ferry Price & Schedule
Here is the schedule for the Mentawai fast ferry that runs between Padang and the Mentawai Islands. The ferry operates every day of the week but travels to different locations.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday the ferry runs between Padang and Tua Pejat (Sipora Island)
- 6am Padang - Tuapejat
- 3pm Tuapejat - Padang
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the ferry runs between Padang and Sikalabuan / Siberut (Siberut Island)
- 7am Padang - Sikalabuan - Siberut
- 2:30pm Siberut - Padang
Friday the Ferry runs between Padang and Sikikap ( Pagai Utara Island)
- 7am Padang - Sikikap
- 1pm Sikikap - Padang
Sunday the ferry runs between Padang, Sioban and Tuapejat.
- 7am Padang - Sioban - Tuapejat
- 3pm Tuapejat - Padang
Please check the schedule on the MV Mentawai Fast website as these dates can change. Also please note the ferry is sometimes cancelled because of bad weather so check with the ferry operator the day before departure.
Mentawai Fast Ferry Price?
A ticket for the Mentawai Fast ferry will cost you $25 per person. You can buy a ticket at the local office on the day before departure or you can contact them online.
There is an extra charge for surfboards (Last time I paid $10 but again check before departure)
Mentawai Fast Ferry Location
The Mentawai fast ferry departs from Harbor at Muara (Pelabuan Muara)
Other Information on the Mentawai Fast Ferry.
The ferry trip usually takes between 3-5 hrs depending on the weather and where you are travelling. Always check if the ferry is running with the operator day before departure. The ferry leaves Padang early morning so you need to arrive day before departure. You can buy snacks and drinks onboard the Ferry. If you get seasick take some Dramamine or motion sickness pills before the crossing.
Are there any other ways to get to the Mentawai Islands?
There are overnight ferrys that run between Padang and the Mentawai islands. Both the Ambu Ambu and the Gambolo operate trips a couple of times a week. These are both slow ferrys and the crossing can take up to 12 hrs or more. Good for budget travel but they can be crowded and sometimes overloaded.
Can I charter a private speed boat to the Mentawai Islands?
Most the surf resorts in the Mentawai islands offer a private speedboat transfer from Padang. The prices vary on which resorts you use but this can be a dangerous crossing and its only advisable to do this trip with the more professional operators. There are also numerous surf charters running between the Islands.
Can I fly to the Mentawai Islands?
They are building a new airport close to Tua-Pejat on Pulau sipora Island. Currently Suzi air fly there twice a week but you I'm sure there will be more flights available once this project is complete.
Andrew Lau / Burgerworld 2018
I
f you would like more information on traveling to the Mentawai Islands please feel free to get in contact or leave your questions with us today
Cheers see you in the surf soon.
Luke
Local Style, Lombok, Indonesia
Putu Juliartha is a surf and lifestyle photographer from Lombok, Indonesia. We had a great response from some of his photography work in a recent story we did for him. The one photograph that really stood out and which a lot of people asked me about was the image of the older guy smoking a rolled up cigarette, I asked Putu for a few words and the story of capturing this shot.
“This photograph was taken on a trip to the village of Bayan
in North Lombok. We were visiting the Village to celebrate the Maulid Nabi Ceremony.
The village is located at the foot of Mount
Rinjani and is inhabited by the Sasak community who still hold fast to its
ancestral traditions”.
“The Photograph is one of the Elders taking a break from the ceremony smoking a traditional style roll up cigarette 'klobot' using clove Tobacco and the dried corn husk. I took the photograph using a Canon EOS 60D camera and a Tamron Lens 17-50 (Aperture F/6.3 Exposure 1/500 ISO 200). I love to mix up my surf photography with traditional lifestyle shots like this.”
If you are interested in purchasing a Print from Putu we have his collection displayed in our Gallery of images If you’re travelling through Lombok then using local guides like Putu can be invaluable to scoring good waves and getting some good photographs. Don’t forget to save his contact for a future trip.
You can contact Putu at [email protected] or give us a shout at [email protected]
Cheers
Luke
How to treat a reef Cut in Indonesia
Reef cuts are common place in Bali and across Indonesia, Staph infection is a real risk and Infections can get nasty real quick. Here is our breakdown of how to treat a reef cut when your in Indonesia?
Clean your reef cuts with soap and fresh water. You need to be thorough with the cleaning process making sure you remove any coral dust or foreign debris. Use a syringe to flush out the wound with saline solution and wipe it dry with some alcohol wipes. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover the reef cut with hemostatic gauze to help encourage blood clotting. Cover this with an adhesive stretch dressing and monitor the wound for infection.
What do you use to treat your reef cuts in Indonesia? Chinese medicine, Lime, Hydrogen peroxide, Alcohol or Iodine? Below is a breakdown of our step by step process for cleaning reef cuts.
Mikala Jones surfing a shallow reef - Indo
Treating a reef cut is simple
If you’re coming to Indonesia for a surf trip then protect yourself from Injury. We recommend getting a decent pair of Reef boots. I like surfing in a spring suit to give extra protection from the reef. Its also worth considering a helmet especially on the more critical reef breaks. When you wipe out tuck your legs up and don't kick off the bottom. Use your arms to protect your head and try and relax during every wipeout.
Doctor Hector has done a ton of trips with us. He has passed on a lot of great information over the years, Hector always surfs with his helmet and doesn't mind charging big waves when its on. Thankyou for all the great information and good times over the years, Cheers Heck
The most common cuts are on your feet so start by protecting them first.
We have been running surf charters in the Mentawai islands for over 10 years and every trip we see someone walk away with a couple of reef cuts. If you don’t protect yourself then I guarantee its going to happen at some point.
Here is our breakdown of the process. Step one is CRUCIAL
Captain Matt applying some stiches to a head wound in the Mentawai Islands
Clean the wound – Use sterile water (bottled water) to irrigate
the wound. If you have a syringe use that to flush out any debris. You can also
pierce a pin hole in the top of water bottle and use that as a high pressure
flush. This works well with a two-litre bottle and you need to repeat this
flushing process over and over again. Thorough extended cleaning is the key to success. Wash around the wound with soapy water and remove any dead
skin or hair. Use sterile tweezers or a pin to remove any tough bits of coral
stuck in the wound. Use a torch light or headlamp to check the wound after you
have finished cleaning.
Shallow water duck dive, Mentawai
Sterilize the wound - After the cleaning process use saline solution and alcohol wipes to clean the wound again. People use Lime, hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol to kill the bacteria but you have to be really careful not to damage the skin cells. If the skin cells are damaged then the healing process can take allot longer. If you have cleaned the wound thorough with soapy water and flushed it well with saline solution then a rub over with some alcohol wipes should do the trick.
Tai Graham - Indonesia
Treatment – Once the wound is cleaned and sterile the next step is to decide if you’re going to carry on surfing. Leaving a wound open in a tropical environment can create a breading ground for bacteria and infection. A handful of studies suggest that keeping a wound covered and moist helps blood vessels regenerate faster than a wound that is allowed to dry out. If you carry on surfing the wound will take longer to heal. My advice is to keep the wound clean, free of debris and out of the sun. Make sure you apply antibiotic cream ointment daily and keep an eye out for Infection.
Staph Infection can soon cause severe sickness and even death so if an infection starts spreading you need to get on some strong oral antibiotics ASAP. Mupirocin is an antibiotic ointment that prevents bacteria growing on your skin and Ciprofloxacin is a strong oral Antibiotic that is good for bacterial infections but please check with your doctor before your trip.
Wipeout - Its going to happen!
Covering the Wound - If you decide to cover the wound then use hemostatic gauze to help encourage blood clotting. Cover this with an adhesive stretch dressing but make sure the area around the wound is dry and clean before you apply the dressing.
Monitor the wound and apply antibiotic cream daily, keep the dressing clean and change when needed. Use an Ice pack to reduce swelling and keep yourself hydrated to help the healing process. Seek medical attention if there are signs of the Infection spreading. If the wound is large or very deep and you can’t clean it properly yourself then get to a medical facility to be treated ASAP.
Mikala Jones - Indonesia
There are lots of first aid kits on the market, here is our checklist for the basic supplies you will need to treat a reef cut.
- Antibiotics, Oral (Amoxicillin & Ciproflaxin) Ointment (bacitracin) Check with your doctor
- Alcohol & Antiseptic wipes
- Scissors, Tweezers, a needle and a razor
- Saline Solution
- Syringe
- Hemostatic gauze
- Adhesive stretch dressing
- Pain killers and Ibuprofen
- Iodine, Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide (Use carefully)
- Torch light
Everyone has their own personal way of cleaning reef cuts, what are your best tips and tricks for treatment? Have you got a question regarding surf travel in Indonesia? Lets here your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers
Luke
Surf Photography by Putu Juliartha. Lombok - Indonesia
If you have ever wondered about surfing in Lombok, Indonesia then take a look at some of the stunning photography work from Putu Juliartha.. We have admired his artistic approach to surf and lifestyle photography for many years. We recently caught up with Putu and wanted to share his story with you.
Hey Putu please tell us a bit more about yourself, Where are you from? Why did you choose to be a surf photographer working in Lombok?
I was born in Lombok and I live with my family in a small Village called Tanah Embet Village in west Lombok. I work as a local guide around Lombok but my passion is photography, I started shooting surf photography back in 2013. A friend called Ebong gave me my first camera and I worked in kalimantan for a few years. I moved back to Lombok a few years back after my father passed away and I wanted to be close to my Family. We now live together with my mother my grandmother, my wife and my two daughters.
The first Camera I bought when I moved back to Lombok was a Canon 60D, I was lucky enough to get given a Sigma 150-600 lens and i've been shooting surf photography since then. The photography work along with my guiding tours helps me support my Family so I am very happy I can combine my passion with work.
I was inspired to take photographs from a young age, I always loved drawing and painting and when I was given a Camera to create my own images I really fell in love with capturing them special moments around me. These days I am shooting with a Canon 1D and 7D for my water photographs
Where are your favorite places in Lombok?
Lombok has alot of beauty and a very interesting culture, from the hills of mount Rinjani to the perfect waves at Desert point there is endless natural wonders throughout the island. The people are special and we have a mix of religions. The Watu telo people are a unique culture that adhere to both Hindu and Muslim religion praying 3 times a day and living in harmony at the foot hills of Rinjani.
Where are the best places to surf in Lombok?
You can surf all across Lombok from the west coast of Singgi down to Desert point and right across the south coast past Kuta and all the way to Ekas point. There are also waves on the east coast of Lombok, its a big island with a lot of places to explore. If you need a guide through the island please let me know.
Ok thankyou for your time Putu lets see some of your favorites photographs from your island of Lombok.
Yes here are a few of my favorite's but so hard to choose the best, thanks for sharing my work
We love Putu's work and hope you enjoyed his short story. Go follow his Instagram and if you are travelling through Indonesia then we highly recommend using local guides like Putu. If you are interested in purchasing one of his Fine art prints then they are available now in our Print Store or you can email him at [email protected]
Mentawai Boat Trip Check List
Are you planning a surf trip to the Mentawai Islands? Here is our checklist we created for your trip. This is a rough guide and a good reference point to get you prepared for your trip to Indonesia. Remember to check with your doctor before departure for any updated health concerns within Indonesia and make sure you get a doctors note for any subscription drugs.
Check List
- Passport and photocopies plus a copy of your travel insurance (Passport over 6 months expiry)
- Health precautions - tetanus and hepatitis shots plus check Covid 19 regulations below
- Sun cream and after sun lotion. Natural zinc and good waterproof sun cream is a must.
- Hooded rash vest and surf hat for them long days in the water. With the hooded vests even if you don't like wearing the hood it gives you good sun protection on the back of your neck.
- Spare Leg ropes, no comp leashes. Get a decent leash and don't use an old one. Try get a quick release system just in case you get caught out on a coral head.
- Reef boots - Its worth having a pair packed even if you don't use them for surfing. We like the split toe boots with the thicker sole but I see a lot of guys using the Ripcurl socks, These are a lot thinner and can slip into the pockets of your boardshorts.
- Tropical surf wax, warm water wax. Normal wax is useless in the high water temperatures
- Spare set of fins and fin key. Always good to have a couple of sets of fins on standby.
- Good polarized sunglasses, sun hat and a long sleeve shirt for fishing trips. Get a strap for your sunglasses so you don't loose them over the side of the boat.
- First aid kit - painkillers, ibuprofen, antiseptic and antibiotic's are a must. Maybe bring some Imodium or even better some activated charcoal tablets. We did a small article on how to treat Reef Cuts and included some more information on first aid kit there
- Sea Sickness can be a real problem, Bring some Dramamine or motion sickness medication
- Extra cash & Credit card for emergency. Keep a spare credit card somewhere safe just incase you loose your wallet.
- Mosquito Repellant for day trips ashore. Mosquitos aren't usually a problem onboard but always good to have repellant for transit.
- Surfboards (2 standard thrusters and one step up, depending on surf forecast) We always recommend getting a little extra volume in your boards. Having that extra Paddle power is really important. Make sure you pack your boards well to avoid damage in transit.
- Phone and charger with electrical adapter (Possibly worth getting a waterproof case) Check what electrical sockets are on your charter boat.
- A couple of spare sets of good quality boardshorts.
- Lightweight rain jacket for the stormy wet days exploring the Jungle. Not essential but always handy to have a rain jacket in Indonesia.
- Supplements - Vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc, Electrolytes
- Ding Repair kit and ding tape for any emergency board repairs
- Dry bag to keep all your valuables (Passport, paper work, handphone & cash) Good to have a small bag for them days your heading ashore to explore
- Subscription drugs must have paper work from your doctor.
- Aqua ear and ear plugs
- Bottle of Rum from the duty free. Always good to have some extra alcohol on board.
COVID 19 Regulations
Travelers must have a vaccine certificate, physical or digital with 2 vaccine shots or an exemption letter to enter Indonesia. Here is some more information on Travel Requirements to Indonesia.
Do you want more information on traveling to the Mentawai Islands? Have you got a question regarding surf travel in Indonesia? Lets here your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers
Luke
Surfing in Bali during the wet season
Can I surf in Bali during the wet season ?
We often get asked this question so here is some information on surfing in Bali during the wet season.
The wet season in Bali starts in October and finishes in March with the highest levels of rain seen between December through to February.
The winds can be strong and generally from a west direction, giving offshore winds on the east coast of Bali.
Bali has plenty of good waves to surf during the wet season, from friendly beach breaks to barreling reefs there is something for every level of surfing
Generally Indonesia gets less frequent swells during this period but you can still find head high waves most days. Some cyclone swells can produce solid waves providing plenty of very good days to surf
Where are the best waves to surf during the wet season?
The southeast coast of the Bukit Peninsular has some great surf spots. You will also find good waves at Sanur and Keramas beach with plenty of other options on this coast. Some other spots include Nusa Dua, Serangan and Greenball. You also get good days up at Balian and Medewi especially in the shoulder season.
The Key to success is the early morning surfs before the winds get strong. Keep an eye on the Wind forecasts so you don't miss any good days on the west coast. Take precautions surfing after the heavy rains, water quality isn't that great especially close to the river mouths. Hire a car during the peak of the wet season, driving around on a motorbike in the torrential rain isn't much fun. For a detailed guide on the surf spots throughout Bali & Indonesia I would highly recommend taking a look at the Stormrider Guide from low pressure. Its one of the most detailed surf guides that will help you with the best information on each Individual spot we have mentioned above.
Always bring good etiquette to the lineup and don't act like an idiot in the surf, remember a smile goes along way.
Below are some of our photographs from surfing in Bali during the wet season.
Keramas beach - December 2021
Misty Morning - Nusa Dua November 2021
Swell lines - January 2022
Behind the Peak - December 2020
South coast - January 2022
East coast - December 2020
Will you be planning a trip to Bali this year? Have you got a question regarding surf travel in Indonesia? Lets here your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers, Luke