30
Nov
Planning your dream surf trip to the Mentawai islands
Located 150 km’s off the coast of West Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands offers a playground of pristine beaches, crystal clear tropical water, and of course, perfect waves. With more than seventy islands, the “Ments” offers an abundance of surf spots with plenty of variety, from hollow tubes, to long playful set-ups and even a couple of beginner waves. April to September typically brings the largest & most consistent swells although world class waves are on tap throughout the year. The most wave dense area found in the archipelago is in the Northern Mentawai region (“Playgrounds”) & this is where you’ll find the vast majority of surf camps and an abundance of waves that are within close proximity.
Your budget
For those looking to make the long pilgrimage to this surfing mecca, the first consideration is quite simply, the cost. Although flights are somewhat fixed, you do have some choices when it comes to the types of accommodation & surf packages available. Like many parts of Indo, it’s also possible to stay pretty cheaply, especially if you’re happy to live a little more primitively by staying at some of the local homestays. If you’re a group of around 4 or more, then the local homestay packages can be as little as USD 55 (AUD 75) per person, per day, for a basic fan room (shared with 3-5 guests), including basic meals as well as 2 boat rides per day. Expect basic living conditions and a rice/noodle menu. You can technically stay even cheaper, if you don’t opt for daily boat rides, but that would really be missing the point of visiting the region. If you’re simply looking for the cheapest option, then check out Jupy’s (close to Beng Bengs) or Bintang’s that is close to E-Bay and Pitstops. With that said, a little extra spent on your daily budget will bring a noticeable upgrade in comfort & vastly improved facilities.
Homestays are certainly suited more to the younger nomad surfer, who are endlessly trying to save & stretch out their trip as long as possible. On the flip side, surf camps & surf resorts are usually the “go-to” option for those with a more limited travel window, of around 10-14 days. Pricing starts at around USD 135 (AUD 200) per person, per day, for a surf package and goes all the way up to around USD 300 (AUD 445) per person, per day for the most luxurious options such as Kandui Villas. Like anything, you get what you pay for so don’t expect a Kandui experience when you’re staying at the more affordable surf camps.
Luxury Uma's at Kandui Villas
Location & proximity to the region’s waves
One of the most important considerations, is choosing a camp with a great location with excellent proximity to the region’s waves. Technically speaking, everyone will have access to all the regions 20 or so waves, but how much time you'll spend cooped up in a speedboat is the issue. Check out exactly where the camp is located in relation to the regions waves, especially the waves you're hoping to surf. Spending countless hours on a bumpy speedboat gets old pretty quickly. There’s also no point staying in Siberut (or even Nyang Nyang) if your goal is to surf Rifles and Kandui left. That’s not to say you won’t surf them but your chances of surfing them regularly, are limited, if you’re staying far away. And likewise, there’s no point staying down at Kandui island (Pulau Karangmajat) if you just want to surf the regions softer lefts like Beng Bengs and Good Times that are further north. A central location like E-bay/Pitstops obviously has its benefits but don’t forget that there are more camps there and more surfers. E-bay is also fickle and although Pitstops is great fun, it’s not one of the A-list waves in the region.
Be sure to check out the majority of the regions waves and do your research before you book your trip. There is no question that you’ll surf the waves that are closer to your camp/resort/homestay, more than the waves that are further way. And if you’d prefer us to make a suggestion for you, then just reach out and we’ll save you the hassle of spending endless hours looking online :-)
Map of all the Mentawai surf camps (Northern region / Playgrounds & Nyang Nyang) and their proximity to the regions main waves
Waves out the front
Even if your camp is centrally located to the region’s waves, a high priority should also be given to what waves are “out the front” or within walking distance. Of course, daily boat rides are included at all the camps – but you’ll always be sharing with other surfers. Spending time on the speedboats is certainly part of the experience, but it's also nice to have some flexibility & the option to choose where & when to surf. No question about it, there will be windows of opportunity for you to score a few sneaky sessions, away from the other guests, if there is a wave or two close by.
It’s also worth pointing out, that if the camp/resort doesn’t have a wave on your doorstep, there can sometimes be an issue “waiting” to go surfing, when others aren't ready. This can be due to other guests, but it can also be due to the camps staff too, who dont have the same urgency as you (Indonesian's are typically way more laid back than frothing guests!). Western managed camps are usually on top of these types of situations, especially compared to the more locally run operations.
"Pitstops", one of the regions funnest rights & is slap bang in front of Mentawai Surf Retreat
Another bonus is if there is a surf spot in front of your camp, then you’ll be way more in tune with that particular wave (knowing where to sit in the line-up, understanding the tides, how to spot the sets etc) – certainly compared to others that surf it infrequently or are fresh off the boat. On other occasions, the other guests might be heading out for an afternoon session to a wave you’re not so stoked on, so it's nice to have the choice to grab a leisurely wave "out the front" if conditions are looking good. This is particularly great if you’re staying at Kandui Resort as you can always surf 4 Bobs, Karambat left or A-frames whenever you like (even Rifles, Kandui left, Pistols etc).Welcome to Kandui Resort & its front yard with Karambat Left (furthest left), A-Frames (close to charter boat), Four Bobs (central) and Rifles (distant far right). Pic credit: Kandui Resort
Don’t forget that the higher end resorts also have boats that are “ready to go”, for example Kandui Resort has a number of boats available for its guests, including a dingy that is ready to shuttle you to any of the “local Kandui waves” from dawn til dusk (of which there are over half a dozen!). Having the ability to choose when & where you’d like to surf is often over looked because it usually isn’t an option at 95% of the camps.
Accommodation
Whether you have private or shared accommodation will largely depend on your group size. When it comes to the cheaper options, they will fill the rooms to capacity when possible. You could be sharing with mixed sexes, different ages and of course different nationalities - some of which might be loud, drink a lot and probably snore! There are also additional things to think about, for example, is your bathroom private or shared. Is your room a/c or fan cooled? It’s also very rare to have single rooms in the Mentawais, so expect 2 guests per room or bungalow, but many will be 3 or 4 guests per room. If you're a single surfer, try and bring a buddy or two. Quadruple share at Beng Beng Surf Camp (left), Triple share (right) at Shadow Surf Camp.
Other considerations – beach quality, snorkelling, facilities etc
We all expect direct access to picture perfect beaches with crystal clear water, as well as plenty of facilities for relaxing in between surfs, but a website's photos don’t always tell the full picture. Do your research. Even if you’re personally not so fussed, these types of considerations are particularly important when bringing families and non-surfers along for the ride.
Safety
Perhaps slightly less significant than if you were choosing a surf charter boat, but the fact remains that accidents do happen and every single camp/resort is very far from qualified help if a serious accident occurs. Many are willing to take the gamble, but without question, each and every year a handful of surfers are airlifted or taken by speedboat to the closest emergency help, that is usually in Padang, KL, Jakarta or Singapore. In the worst circumstances every hour counts and only the best resorts will react the fastest with the most efficient systems in place. Although all guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance for such circumstances, you’ll still be very reliant on having experienced and capable staff to get you to help as quickly and safely as possible. For the majority of injuries, a few days out of the water will usually do the trick. Deeper cuts that require stitches can usually be fixed up at the local doctors/hospital on Siberut, although the best camps like Kandui Resort & Kandui Villas often have resident doctors during the main season where guests can be treated without too much trip disruption.Never under estimate the importance of safety when you're in remote Sumatra. Kandui left (pictured) is renowned for dishing out trip ending punishments, just about every session (Photo credit: Kandui Resort)
Owner / manager nationality, Western or locally operated
You’ll be spending a lot of time with the managers/owners of the camps & they’ll be the ones you’ll be looking for some guidance with, as well as the person who’ll (hopefully) make sure your stay is as you’d expect. These guys will often make or break your trip. Western operators understand Western expectations. With the exception of Shadow Surf Camp, don’t expect the same level of service from an Indonesian run operation compared to a Western managed camp or resort.
The definitive list
“Western” operated camps/resort - with waves “directly out the front”
1) Kandui Villas
Poolside at Kandui Villas
High above the resort
The waves surrounding Pulau Karangmajat (Kandui Island) aka "Playgrounds"
Surf Camp: Kandui Villas
Island: Karangmajat
Nightly price (from): USD 325 (approx. AUD 450) pp / night
Accommodation: 1-4 guests per "villa"
Bathroom: Private
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? Yes, Kandui left, Baby Kandui (left)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Amazing location, located in front of Kandui left and Baby Kandui. A few minutes by boat to a nice mix of waves that also includes A-frames, Rifles, Four Bobs, Karambat left & Pistols. Their fleet of speedboats will mean you can access the regions other waves comfortably, safely and speedily too.
Owner / Manager (on site): US
Website: Kandui Villas (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: The most refined surf resort in Sumatra, let alone the Mentawai Islands. Beautiful beach & lagoon, great snorkelling, amazing facilities including swimming pool & gym (the best facilities in the Mentawais). KV is also the only camp/resort that overlooks Kandui left & is the perfect destination for families and non-surfers. With that said, it’s also the priciest resort in Sumatra.
2) Wave Park
Wave Park, with views towards Hideaways (on a flat day)
Private Bungalow
Surf Camp: Wave Park
Island: Siaim
Nightly price (from): USD 311 (approx. AUD 435) pp / night
Accommodation: 1-2 guests per "villa"
Bathroom: Private
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? Yes, Hideaways (left)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Beautiful private island, central to the regions waves, Hideaways out the front.
Owner / Manager (on site): NZ
Website: Wave Park
Other considerations: Amazing beach, incredible snorkelling, great facilities. One of the top 3 resorts in the area (Kandui Villas, Kandui Resort & Wave Park). That said, Hideaways typically suited for advanced surfers and only surfable on the higher tide. When it's breaking well, expect to be swarmed upon by other camps & charter boats. No other A-list waves are particularly close, unlike the 2 Kandui Resorts that boast half a dozen within a few minutes boat ride.
3) Kandui Resort
Kandui Resort (foreground) box ticking at it's finest
Private "Uma" Bungalow
Surf Camp: Kandui Resort
Island: Karangmajat
Nightly price (from): USD 270 (approx. AUD 375) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-3 guests per "villa"
Bathroom: Private
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? Yes, Four Bobs (right), Karambat left
Location & proximity to regions waves: Amazing location, located in front of Four Bobs, Karambat left. A few minutes by boat to even more waves including A-frames, Rifles, Kandui left, Baby Kandui, Pistols.
Owner / Manager (on site): US
Website: Kandui Resort (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: Beautiful beach & lagoon, amazing snorkelling, great facilities. Closest camp/resort to Rifles (arguably the best right hander in Indonesia) although its very fickle. Kandui Resort might not quite have some of the facilities of Kandui Villas (pool, gym etc), but the fact it overlooks 3 waves that suits beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers is a huge bonus. Plus it's significantly cheaper than KV. They also boast an incredible fleet of speedboats, experienced surf guides and photographers who'll document just about every wave you catch.
4) Mentawai Surf Retreat
Mentawai Surf Retreat is just steps away from Pitstops
Pitstops looking pretty darn fun
Surf Camp: Mentawai Surf Retreat
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 185 (approx. AUD 260) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "bungalow"
Bathroom: Private
A/C or Fan: Fan
Located in front of wave? Yes, Pitstops (right)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Central location, directly in front of Pitstops
Owner / Manager (on site): Australia
Website: Mentawai Surf Retreat (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: If your dollar cant quite stretch to Wave Park's or the 2 Kandui Resorts price tag, then "MSR" is well worth considering. The location is very central to all the waves. Pitstops is a very user friendly and rippable right and is usually in the chest to head high range (April-October). Its a great warm up wave. E-bay, which is a short paddle from Pitstops, is certainly world class, although remains inconsistent. Rooms are fan cooled (no a/c) although the combination of the sea breeze, large airy bungalows as well as the fans create plenty of natural air flow and cooling. Beautiful beach & surroundings, OK snorkelling. Standard facilities. Close to some other surf camps & homestays.
5) Pitstop Hill
Welcome to Pitstop Hill
Just a short stroll down the hill you'll find Pitstops
Surf Camp: Pitstop Hill
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 175 (approx. AUD 245) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room/bungalow"
Bathroom: Private/Shared
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? Yes, Pitstops (right)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Central location, perched up on a hill above Pitstops
Owner / Manager (on site): Australia
Website: Pitstop Hill
Other considerations: Beautiful beach & surroundings, OK snorkelling. Its located just up the hill from Mentawai Surf Retreat. Only downside is mainly “rooms” are available (a/c), rather than bungalows, means less privacy and sometimes only shared bathrooms. Similar pricing to Mentawai Surf Retreat and both at the same location, they're well matched, although MSR's "bungalows" are a step up from Pitstop Hills "Room" options although Pitstop Hill has a/c. Close to some other surf camps & homestays. Standard facilities.
6) Beng Beng Surf Camp
Beachside at Beng Beng Surf Camp
Restaurant & bar at Beng Beng Surf Camp
Surf Camp: Beng Beng Surf Camp
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 150 (approx. AUD 210) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? Yes, E-bay
Location & proximity to regions waves: Excellent central location, directly in front of E-bay, 5 min stroll to Pitstops.
Owner / Manager (on site): Italian
Website: Beng Beng Surf Camp (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: Beautiful beach, OK snorkelling. If you cant quite stretch to "MSR" or Pitstop Hill's packages, then this would be the place to stay. Only downside is mainly “rooms” available, rather than bungalows, means less privacy as well as only shared bathrooms although the rooms are air conditioned. Otherwise hard to fault for the price. Close to some other surf camps & homestays. Standard facilities.
7) MIA
MIA surf camp with views of Nipussi
Sharing the stoke
Surf Camp: MIA
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 150 (approx. AUD 210) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Private/Shared
A/C or Fan: Fan
Located in front of wave? Yes, Nipussi, Bank Vaults
Location & proximity to regions waves: Central location, overlooking Nipussi & close to Bank Vaults.
Owner / Manager (on site): Australia
Website: MIA
Other considerations: When the wind is offshore, it’s a truly great spot with 2 great waves on your doorstep (Nipussi & Bank Vaults) plus a couple of other novelty waves too. Its also the only camp on the south side of Nyang Nyang. But with no real trade winds & being open to the South *devil* wind (that can blow for weeks on end), like everyone else in the region, guests will be reliant on daily speedboats to access the regions waves. The big issue is that the boat is moored up at E-bay on the other side of the island, which is the biggest flaw to the location. Average beach (no lagoon to snorkel). Rooms are fan cooled (no a/c). Standard facilities
8) Driftwood Mentawai
Driftwood is located just a short stroll from E-bay
Sunset views overlooking E-Bay
Surf Camp: Driftwood Mentawai
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 205 (approx. AUD 300) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: Both
Located in front of wave? Yes, E-Bay
Location & proximity to regions waves: Excellent central location, directly in front of E-bay & a 5 minute stroll to Pitstops.
Owner / Manager (on site): Netherlands
Website: Driftwood Mentawai (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: Beautiful beach, OK snorkelling. If your budget is less than USD 150 (AUD 200) per day - then it's a great option. Only downside is mainly “rooms” available (fan cooled), rather than bungalows, means less privacy as well as only shared bathrooms. A new camp, so slightly less experienced operating in the area, but otherwise hard to fault for the price. Currently, the cheapest deal for a Western run surf camp in the region. Close to some other surf camps & homestays. Standard facilities.
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“Western” operated camps/resort - without waves “directly out the front”
9) Playground Surf Resort
Main building
Your charriot awaits
Surf Camp: Playground Surf Resort
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 228 (approx. AUD 315) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-3 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? No, closest wave Beng Bengs (5-7 mins boat)
Location & proximity to regions waves: OK location, no wave out the front
Owner / Manager (on site): Brazil
Website: Playground Surf Resort
Other considerations: Reasonable location although expect to spend a good amount of time on the speedboat each day. A short speedboat to Dogs Reef (inconsistent left but world class) and Beng Bengs (consistent and super fun left). Accommodation is a/c but no bungalows, only rooms, that are typically twin or triple share. OK beach & snorkelling, standard facilities. A popular choice for Brazilian surfers.
10) Botik Surf Resort
No wave out the front, but central to the regions waves
High above Pulau Bocek
Surf Camp: Botik Surf Resort
Island: Bocek
Nightly price (from): USD 210 (approx. AUD 295) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "villa"
Bathroom: Private
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? No, closest wave Bank Vaults, Nipussi, Hideaways, Kandui Left (all under 10 mins by boat)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Private island & central to the regions waves. Unfortunately there is no wave out the front.
Owner / Manager (on site): Spain
Website: Botik Surf Resort
Other considerations: Amazing beach, good snorkelling & facilities. If your budget can stretch to around USD 210 / AUD 295 per night and you dont mind "not" being in front of a wave, then it's a great option. Expect to mainly surf Nipussi, Bank Vaults, Hideaways and the Kandui island waves that are close by. A popular choice for Spanish speaking guests.
11) Hidden Bay Resort
Located on the backside of Nyang Nyang
Operated by Brazilian surfers, it's one of the more recent resorts in the region
Surf Camp: Hidden Bay Resort
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 195 (approx. AUD 275) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-5 guests per "room/bungalow"
Bathroom: Private/Shared
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? No, closest wave Hideaways (5-10 mins boat)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Average location. No wave out the front
Owner / Manager (on site): Brazil
Website: Hidden Bay Resort
Other considerations: Nice beach & lagoon, good snorkelling, good facilities. Accommodation is of a high standard (a/c) with rooms and bungalows available. One of the newer resorts in the region, the Brazilian operated resort also offers surf coaching as well as Pilates and Yoga.
12) Alaia Mentawai
Alaia is another of the newer resorts in the region
Boutique style resort
Surf Camp: Alaia Mentawai
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 190 (approx. AUD 265) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-5 guests per "room/bungalow"
Bathroom: Private
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? No, closest wave Beng Bengs (5-7 mins boat)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Average location, no wave out the front
Owner / Manager (on site): Japan/Australia
Website: Alaia Mentawai
Other considerations: Boutique style surf resort. Decent beach & snorkelling, nice facilities including swimming pool. One of the newer resorts in the region, a good option if bringing a non surfing partner. Very close to Playgrounds Surf Resort and is also short boat ride to Dogs Reef and Beng Bengs.
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“Indonesian” operated with waves “directly out the front”
13) The Shadow Mentawai
Shadow's private island
Shadow right, just a few minutes from the camp
Surf Camp: The Shadow Mentawai
Island: Buasak
Nightly price (from): USD 135 (approx. AUD 185) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room/bungalow"
Bathroom: Private/shared
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? Yes, Shadow left
Location & proximity to regions waves: Your own private island with Shadow left out the front (although very inconsistent). There are 2 world class waves very close by (Shadow left and Shadow right). The camp is a little further from the region’s most consistent waves, so expect a litte more time in the boat each day.
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesia
Website: The Shadow Mentawai (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: OK beach, good snorkelling, good facilities including Yoga classes (the best facilities of all the Indonesian run camps). Excellent value (from USD 135 / AUD 185). The owners (brothers) are 2 of the regions most well respected and welcoming local surfers. Don’t expect to always surf the 2-3 local shadow waves, as they’re less consistent than many of the regions other waves. Accommodation is air conditioned and comprised of rooms or bungalows.
14) Luluni Bungalows
Luluni Bungalows, located in front of the lagoon
Beng Bengs
Surf Camp: Luluni Bungalows
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 115 (approx. AUD 160) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room "
Bathroom: Private/Shared
A/C or Fan: Fan & A/C
Located in front of wave? Yes, Beng Bengs
Location & proximity to regions waves: Decent location, Beng Bengs (playful left) directly out the front.
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesian
Website: Luluni Bungalows (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: Beautiful beach, OK snorkelling. Average facilities. "Beng Bengs" is the regions most consistent left hander - and everyone loves it. It's the reason to stay at Luluni Bungalows. That said boat mooring needs to be relocated to Pei Pei (10 mins away) when there is a large swell which can occasionally disrupt daily surf trips to other waves. Accommodation is in rooms and is either a/c or fan cooled. Electricity is usually turned off during the day though.
15) Sabbit Surf Camp
Stoked guests at Sabbit
A great option for the budget conscious
Surf Camp: Sabbit Surf Camp
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 97 (approx. AUD 135) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: Fan
Located in front of wave? Yes, E-bay
Location & proximity to regions waves: Great central location, directly in front of E-bay
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesian
Website: Sabbit Surf Camp
Other considerations: Beautiful beach, OK snorkeling, limited facilities. A great option if you're not looking to spend more than USD 100 / night (based on a group of 4). Close to other surf camps & homestays.
16) Umata Village (Traditional Mentawai style "Uma")
Umata's pristine lagoon
Traditional Mentawai style "Uma"
Surf Camp: Umata Village (Traditional Mentawai style "Uma")
Island: Karangmajat
Nightly price (from): USD 105 (approx. AUD 146) pp / night
Accommodation: 1-2 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: Fan
Located in front of wave? Short walk to baby Kandui, Karambat left
Location & proximity to regions waves: Amazing location, easy access to the waves of Karangmajat Island
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesian
Website: Umata Village (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: Beautiful beach & lagoon, great snorkeling, basic facilities. Perfect for those looking for a more authentic & genuine Mentawai experience staying in a tradtional "Uma". Very affordable at around USD 100 (AUD 140) / night if you can get a group of 4 surfers together. It's also one of the few cheaper places that isnt located by E-Bay.
17) Bintang (Homestay style)
Mentawai "homestay" accommodation
Expect to share with other guests!
Surf Camp: Bintang (Homestay style)
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 55 (approx. AUD 77) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: Fan
Located in front of wave? Yes, Ebay
Location & proximity to regions waves: Central location, directly in front of E-bay
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesian
Website: Bintang
Other considerations: Beautiful beach, OK snorkeling, basic facilities. You'll be hard pressed to find a cheaper option in the entire region. Expect to share rooms and have basic rice/noodle dishes, but if you're looking to spend the least amount of money, then look no further. Close to other surf camps & homestays. These guys also operate 1 or 2 similar homestays closeby.
18) Jupy's (Homestay style)
Basic but very affordable
Beautiful location in front of Beng Bengs
Surf Camp: Jupy's (Homestay style)
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 68 (approx. AUD 93) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-6 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: Fan
Located in front of wave? Yes, Beng Bengs
Location & proximity to regions waves: Nice location, in front of Beng Bengs (left).
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesian
Website: Jupys
Other considerations: Beautiful beach, OK snorkeling. Basic facilities. A cheap homestay option in front of a fun left hander. Boat mooring sometimes needs to be relocated to PeiPei (when there is a big swell) which can occasionally delay daily surf trips. Comparable to Bintangs, the main difference is the location.
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“Indonesian” operated without waves “directly out the front”
19) Yantos Place
Yantos Place
Quad share
Surf Camp: Yantos Place
Island: Nyang Nyang (Masokut)
Nightly price (from): USD 185 (approx. AUD 255) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-4 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: A/C
Located in front of wave? No, closest wave Pistops (5 mins boat, 20 min walk)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Decent location, no wave out the front.
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesian
Website: Yantos Place
Other considerations: Beautiful beach, OK snorkeling. Average facilities. There are waves which are technically within walking distance of the camp, but they are less than ideal when you factor in the heat and punishing tropical sun. Pitstops is a good 40 minute round trip when walking. E-bay add another 15 mins. The rest are too far. Bedrooms (a/c) are within the main building. Shared bathrooms.
20) Mentawai Surf Rumah (Homestay style)
Ideal for small groups
The view across the bay
Surf Camp: Mentawai Surf Rumah (Homestay style)
Island: Siberut
Nightly price (from): USD 175 (approx. AUD 240) pp / night
Accommodation: 2 guests per "room"
Bathroom: Shared
A/C or Fan: Fan
Located in front of wave? No, closest wave Beng Bengs (7 min boat)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Decent location, no wave out the front.
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesian
Website: Mentawai Surf Rumah
Other considerations: Average beach, poor snorkeling, limited facilities. Really nice locals that own and operate from their house. Bedrooms (fan) are within the main building. Shared bathrooms.
21) Matungou
Perfect for groups of 5-6 guests
Chilling out front
Surf Camp: Matungou
Island: Siberut
Nightly price (from): USD 110 (approx. AUD 150) pp / night
Accommodation: 2-3 guests per "bungalow"
Bathroom: Private
A/C or Fan: Fan
Located in front of wave? No, closest wave Beng Bengs (7 min boat)
Location & proximity to regions waves: Decent location, no wave out the front
Owner / Manager (on site): Indonesian
Website: Matungou (Surf Camp Sumatra)
Other considerations: Decent beach & snorkeling, limited facilities. Matungou is perfect for small groups on a budget (around USD 100 / AUD 140 per night). With just 5 or 6 surfers, you'll have the whole surf camp to yourself. Located in the same bay as Mentawai Surf Camp & Mentawai Surf Rumah - although the water is much clearer in front of Matungou and the beach is more beautiful. Its also more private than the other 2 surf camps as it's further from the local village (Pei Pei).
So why book with Surf Camp Sumatra?
Simply put, it's the easiest way to book a trip! Just tell us your budget and your wave preference and we’ll do the rest :-)
But why wouldn't you just contact a surf camp "directly"?
You can! But would you really get an unbiased reply? Of course they’ll tell you that their camp is perfect for you, because they want your business. At Surf Camp Sumatra it’s a little different. We work closely with a hand picked selection of the most reputable operations in the Mentawai Islands and have been doing so for more than 10 years (check out our 50+ flawless 5/5 booking reviews!). We’ve also spent countless trips in the area (since 2008). We know every camp, we know all the waves. And what's more, is that we have no preference which camps to “suggest” - only the ones that we genuinely think are best suited for you and your needs! We'll also guarantee we can’t be under cut on pricing, so you can always be confident you’re getting the best deal.
Get in touch!
(For those that are still "on the fence" & cant decide between a "surf charter boat" or a "surf camp", check out our blog: Surf Camp or Charter Boat?)