How do you get in and out of the surf at Roxie’s?

You can paddle out through the keyhole in the reef at the very end of the wave. Or paddle out from the beach at the start of the point, avoiding the reef completely.

Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Reef cuts and infections are a big deal…They require immediate attention to avoid countless health problems.

What is the beach like?

The beach is a beautiful white sand beach that meets lush green vegetation and jungle in some spots.

Roxies Surfcamp

Hidden off the radar in the southern region of the Mentawai Islands you’ll find Roxies Surfcamp with a super fun wave also known as Roxies just minute’s walk from the camp. The wave is a rippable right-hander that is enjoyed by all surfers. With some size, the wave produces softer almond-shaped barrels compared to the heavier barrels you find throughout the Mentawai’s.

Roxie’s is a very affordable option in the Mentawai’s, providing solitude in beautiful surroundings, beachfront with views over the ocean and bay. They’ve also got plenty of daily activities available if you’re ever looking for something to do in between surfs.

What else do I need to know?

Roxie’s Surfcamp plans trips to other waves in the area depending on conditions and on guest requests. So you have plenty of options depending on your ability!

Roxie’s is also known as Coldsprings due to the fact that there is a freshwater spring that runs off the shore into the lineup. This also means that the temperature of the water can be a little fresher than the ocean temperature at times.

Where is Roxie’s Right?

You’ll find Roxie’s located on the Western coastline in a small bay in the Malakopa area of South Pagai, Mentawai Islands. 

How to get there?

The best way to get to and access Roxie’s is to stay at Roxie’s Surfcamp who can help you organise your journey there as well.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

You’ll be entering the lineup by boat considering Bintangs is located on the remote side of a large bay opposite Katiet which is home to Lance’s Left and a small number of accommodations such as Kingfisher Mentawai.

What is the beach like?

The coastline in this area curves and folds into many bays and peninsulas while the white and golden sand beaches are lined with palm trees and crystal clear ocean water. Perfect for exploring and beachcombing in between surfs or simply laying a towel down to catch some sun.

Kingfisher Mentawai

The Kingfisher Mentawai has three Mentawai-style bungalows and is the only accommodation located directly in front of Lance’s Left, offering close-up views of this spectacular wave. The design of their bungalows combines the best of the local look and feel with the rigour and comfort that most Western travellers enjoy. Including AC, fans and high-speed internet. The result is an elegant yet strikingly exotic experience. The Resort is designed to accommodate a maximum of 10 guests allowing each guest a luxurious and comfortable stay. The private experience also ensures that the surf doesn’t get too crowded. Kingfisher Mentawai gets its name from the amazing acrobatic kingfisher birds which regularly frequent the area. All in all, the Kingfisher Mentawai provides a remarkable experience that never disappoints.

How many waves are nearby?

Kingfisher Resort is located in an extremely wave rich region with more than 10 different waves within a 20-minute boat ride. These range from fun beachies, long lefts and rights, perfect almond barrels and heavy slabs to suit all surfing abilities.

Where is Bintangs?

On the southwestern coastline of Sipura Island Bintangs is located on the remote side of a large bay opposite Katiet which is home to Lance’s Left and a small number of accommodations such as Kingfisher Mentawai.

How to get to Bintangs?

Your best bet is to stay in one of the accommodations located in front of Lance’s Left or Lance’s Right in the Katiet area in the south of Sipura Island. The closest being Kingfisher Mentawai which is a quick 5-minute boat ride straight across the channel to the other side of the bay where Bintangs awaits. To find out more on how to get to the Katiet area head over to our spot guide for Lance’s Left or Lance’s Right.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Greenbush?

Greenbush surf spot is accessible only by boat.

Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Reef cuts and infections are a big deal…They require immediate attention to avoid countless health problems.

What is the beach like?

Greenbush breaks on the edge of a very remote thick jungle lined horseshoe bay with very little beach. Although you won’t be venturing this far to check out the beach there is a nice and protected beach area on the opposite side of the bay to Greenbush.

Macaronis Resort

Enjoy the comfort and privacy of a first-class Mentawai resort just a stone’s throw from one of the world’s best waves! Macaronis Resort offers an unforgettable vacation experience with quality facilities and access to a variety of fun activities for the whole family. The resort features all the modern conveniences you would expect, including A/C, hot water, and a beautiful lagoon-style swimming pool. The resort is situated on a clean salt-water lagoon with stunning ocean views and prime access for exploring in paradise. All guest accommodation is raised up from ground level with exceptional amenities and an incredible 360° views of the lagoon and ocean. Most ground-level bungalows in the Mentawais do not have such wonderful sea breezes, and the comforts gained in a nicely insulated building. They cater to the family surf holiday, children under 6 are free and non-surfer and beginner guests visit at half Surfer rate! All-inclusive surf trip packages offer the most popular trip duration of 8 days surfing or up to 29 days surfing by choosing their Membership Package. Be sure to check them out for that once-in-a-lifetime trip.

What else do I need to know?

Macaronis Resort plans trips to Greenbush depending on conditions and on guest requests. If it’s lining up, they will be onto it and plan the night before for an early departure. Their 11.5 m Aluminum Cat ‘Surfalot’ powered by 250hp Yamaha outboard engines gets you there in 25-minutes and is stable enough to cut through NW wind chop if those winds are prevailing.

Where is Greenbush surf spot?

Located off the Southwestern edge of Pulau Pagai-Utara. You won’t find civilisation on land or sea in any direction for miles at Greenbush.

How to get to Greenbush?

The best way to access Greenbush is via boat either in collaboration with your accommodation or better-yet surf charter boat.

What are the most common hazards?

Thunders has plenty to watch out for. Be aware of shifty peaks, random sneaker waves, strong currents, and rouge whitewater on the inside. If it’s small everywhere else expect some crowds to show up.

Thunder Box is renowned for its heavy lip for obvious reasons and a few coral heads on the inside. Try not to get stuck in the impact zone and if in doubt, don’t go out.

Sibigau Rights is fairly safe and sound as far as surf in the Mentawai’s goes. Get the rundown from your surf guide before you hit the lineup.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

If you’re staying at the Southern Mentawai Outpost you can approach Thunders from shore, just keep your eye out for keyholes in the reef and don’t paddle out in the take-off zone. At Thunder Box and Sibigau Rights, you’ll be entering the lineup by boat. At Sigibau Rights the break opens into a sheltered channel which floats you back out the peak with little paddling issues. While at Thunder Box your biggest challenge besides getting under the lip on the drop is finding the right spot to sit in the lineup. Start further out and work you way in so you don’t get caught inside.

What is the beach like?

Think beautiful white sand beaches without a soul in sight other than those also staying at the Southern Mentawai Outpost.

Southern Mentawai Outpost

The Southern Mentawai Outpost is an all-inclusive, ecologically conscious, surf resort located on the previously uninhabited island of Sibigau. The island is home to the world-class surf break ‘Thunders’, one of the most consistent waves in Indonesia and they are located right in front of the break. SMO is entirely solar-powered; their buildings are constructed entirely of Bamboo and designed and positioned with prevailing winds in mind. Due to the mindful design of the buildings, air conditioning is unnecessary and they’ll have you sleeping comfortably under your sheets at night. There are no villages on the island, allowing you to enjoy near-exclusive access to expansive white-sand beaches and jungle trails. SMO holds a maximum of ten guests, which prevents crowds and gives you a more personal experience, similar to the experience of a boat trip, with a high staff-to-guest ratio. If you’re looking for privacy, peace of mind and pumping waves; this is the place to get it!

Veteran tips

1. The smaller Thunders gets, the harder it barrels. At head high height it can spin off barrels of 3 seconds or more. Thunders can handle all sizes, and for the chargers, there are days with legitimate 20-foot face waves. If that isn’t your thing, then Sibigau Rights provides more user-friendly surf and there are many other breaks in the area, including the renowned Roxy’s aka Coldsprings, which offers fun barrels and walls when Thunders is throwing out waves beyond your limits. Rag’s Right and Rag’s Left are also within sight of Thunders, less than 3 miles away. SMO has boats standing by to get you into the waves of your dreams.

2. Take a strong leash and a bigger board for Thunders you’ll need it. More volume will help with getting into waves, longer bottom turns and navigating certain sections. Make sure you’ve got some backup boards and leashes as well. Not many surfers return home with all the boards they arrived with.

3. If you are going to attempt to take on Thunder Box make sure you have been putting in the time at slabs prior to your trip. You don’t want to be remembering the one that got away for the rest of your lifetime.

Where is Sibigau Island?

Sibigau Island is located just over three kilometres off the middle of the western coastline of South Pagai in the Southern Mentawai Islands.

How to get to Sibigau Island?

How do you get in and out of the surf at Rags Right?

You’ll hit the lineup by boat but be sure to take you time and watch plenty of sets roll through first.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Rags Left?

Again you’ll paddle out from the boat. But first, get plenty of advice from your surf guide, take your time to watch what the waves are doing and choose where you’ll sit along the reef wisely. Generally, at the top of the reef off the main boil, the take-off can be ledgy or a nice roll in into a makable barrel or a horrid shut-down. The final section of reef is more user-friendly but still needs some size to get around a shallow corner section into some fun open faces.

What is the beach like?

On the backside of the island, there is a beautiful white sand point where the elements meet.

Land-Based

Considering the Southern Mentawai Outpost is the only land-based camp in the area, jump over to our Thunders spot guide to find out more about them.

Surf Charter Boat

This is also a great area to get around by charter boat if you want to explore a greater range of waves further afield of the six-plus waves nearby. For a full list of Mentawai surf charter boats check out Indies Traders complete guide here.

Want to see John John and Kelly Slater get tubed at Rags Right?

See Rags Right at its full potential check out the last wave in John John’s section at 7 minutes and 40 seconds in Taylor Steele’s surf film ‘Innersection’. Rags Right features again in this film at 1 hour, 10 minutes and 13 seconds as Kelly Slater’s final wave in his section also. If you’re looking for some serious tube time, Rags Right is calling your name.

Where is Rags Right and Left?

Petojet Sabu (of the many varying spellings) is located off the western edge of the larger South Pagai Island in the Southern Mentawai Islands.

How to get to Rags?

How do you get in and out of the surf?

Another classic Mentawai boat to line-up paddle.

What is the beach like?

If you would like to get your toes in the sand you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful sections of beach within the lagoon at Macaronis Resort.

Where does this break get its name from?

Silabu Left gets its name from this small coastal region and village in North Pagai known as Silabu.

Where is Silabu Left?

This break is located at the very northern end of the huge lagoon that surrounds Macaronis Resort outside of the famous bay.

How to get to Silabu Left?

From Macaronis Resort you will head north a few minutes by boat taking a short cut through the mangroves in the lagoon.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

It’s a simple paddle in and out from the boat anchorage in the channel.

What is the beach like?

Literally stunning. One to remember and tick off your bucket list.

How consistent is Bat Cave?

Bat Cave picks up a lot of swell, particularly, if the swell is quite west and is more exposed than Macaronis. All in all, it is a consistently fun spot when you compromise on a bit of quality.

Land-based or surf boat charter, what is better?

A surf boat charter gives you better access to waves, with fewer people around to enjoy them… meaning you get a little spoilt. However, if you can’t handle days on end cruising the ocean and surfing your brains out, then a surf camp or resort is going to be the better option for you as you can hone in on one break and its neighbouring waves at a time. Find out more on our Mentawai Surf Spots page.

Where is Bat Caves?

Bat Cave is located on a tiny island 200 metres off the coast of North Pagai in the southern region of the Mentawai Islands.

How to get to Bat Caves?

Accessible only by boat it depends on where you plan on staying on land on Sipura Island (Lance’s Right, Lance’s Left) or North Pagai (Macaronis) or by charter boat. Either way, you’ll venture out to any of the Mentawai Islands regions from Padang harbour in Sumatra, including where you’ll board your charter boat from if you go that route.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

If you are staying at Togat Nusa Resort, Scarecrows is on your front doorstep. The paddle out is a few hundred metres through the lagoon and channel at the bottom of the reef. If you’re staying elsewhere you’ll need to access Scarecrows by boat.

What is the beach like?

Togat Nusa is ringed by a beautiful white sand beach and stunning shades of turquoise and blue waters.

Togat Nusa Retreat

Togat Nusa Retreat is located on the small 12-hectare island called Pitojat which you can walk around within 30 minutes. The accommodation has been skillfully built by its owners and local Mentawai builders using recycled timbers and driftwood to provide a magnificent finish inside and out. Four traditionally inspired Bungalows, each uniquely designed and built in the same style as the main building, using recycled timbers and driftwood accommodate two (unless already organised) people, for a total of eight guests on the island at any one time. All have private bathrooms with running hot water. The funky interior design incorporates hand-built custom furniture and antique lighting and fixtures left over from Dutch fishing vessels. Be prepared for outstanding hospitality, service and food on an almost deserted island with pumping surf!

Can Togat Nusa Retreat take guests to other regions of the Mentawais?

Togat Nusa Retreat also has a nine-metre aluminium speedboat with a cabin powered by two 200 hp Suzuki engines, equipped with GPS, radio and safety equipment. Which can be used for guests interested in exploring the Playgrounds or Katiet area. The cost is a daily rate of $300 USD for up to 8 guests. As well as carrying all the required safety gear, the boat has a cooler with cool drinks, large roof and padded seats with backrests, ensuring guests are comfortable and protected from the sun during travel and when sitting in the boat shooting photos or taking breaks between sessions.

Where is Scarecrows?

Scarecrows is located just off the neighbouring island of Pittojat Island known as Togat Nusa to the west of Sipura Island.

How to get to Scarecrows?

Togat Nusa Retreat provides a minimum 10 night/11 day schedule accommodating up to eight people for each group. Guests will need to arrive in Padang the day before your trip date as departure is first thing in the morning the first day of your trip. On return, another night in Padang is recommended. All transfers from arrival at the airport in Padang out to the island and back are included in your package.

How do you get in and out of the surf?

Although you can access Suicides from the mainland of Sipura via a short trek through the jungle to paddle out through the channel from shore, you will be entering the lineup by boat as it is the easiest route from anywhere you’ll be staying.

What is the beach like?

Jati beach is a beautiful long strip of beach along the northern coastline of Sipura Island. The beach stretches from the capital of the Mentawai Islands, Tua Pejat on the northeast tip of the island out towards the eastern coastline. You’ll find nice views of Awera and Silabok Island over the water to the north.

What are my options if I want to surf something less challenging?

In similar conditions and considering the more exposed spots will be fairly big if Suicides is firing check out more user-friendly spots such as Hookers on the northern side of neighbouring Awera Island. Muka Ikan or Ombak Tikus on the northern side of Silabok island if you’re looking for another step-down the ladder from the Awera Island options.

Where is Suicides?

Suicides is found breaking in the middle of the northern coastline of Sipura Island.

How to get to Suicides?

Considering this spot is the closest break to Tua Pejat the capital and gateway to the central region of the Mentawai Islands the journey is shorter than any other area in the Ments.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Awera Right?

When it’s really pumping the top section of Awera Right breaks far out off the fringe of AI, making it at least a ten minute paddle to the lineup through the main channel. Expect some crowds when other breaks are maxed out.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Awera Left?

When you are standing on the beach looking out to the break in front of Toska Mentawai Surf Villas there is an extremely obvious and large channel to your right. It is an easy paddle out past the end section where Awera left finishes breaking and then into the lineup. This is the same channel that boats use to come ashore so just be mindful of any local traffic coming and going.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Beginners?

Cruise out through the wide open channel. This beginners spot is one of the easiest spots to get in and out of in Indonesia. You could surf this spot without getting your hair wet!

How do you get in and out of the surf at Ombak Tidur?

Ombak Tidur is often accessed by boat. However if you have energy to burn and you’re staying at one of the accommodations on this side of the island you can make the paddle out, otherwise you want to conserve energy for catching waves day in day out while you make the most of an all time trip lineup a ride with your accommodation. Expert tip: stick to the shoulder and kick out before you lose the section, otherwise expect a long and contemptuous paddle back to the peak.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Iceland?

You can easily paddle out through the channel in front of Dream Beach Resort, around the back of the wave and into the lineup. When it’s small and you go right, note that there is no clear channel over this wide section of reef and getting cleaned up paddling back out is going to happen.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Hookers?

Hookers is accessed by boat. Although, if you are super keen and you’re staying at John’s Place, you can make the kilometre plus walk along the beach, paddle out through the lagoon and over the reef. However you are best to time a session with a boat ride through your accommodation.

What is the beach like?

Awera Islands curved bays and pointed headlands are lined with soft white sand. Providing a truly unspoiled tropical island experience with calm crystal clear waters to cool off in between surfs.

Awera Resort

Awera Resort is an exclusive beachfront resort on AI with views over surf breaks Awera Right, Beginners, and Awera Left. Their villas break all boundaries of comfort, style, and eco-sustainability, ensuring you have an unforgettable stay. Each villa is a spacious 100m2 and provides many luxuries that are difficult to find elsewhere in the Ments. The villas are located at the center of their complex, surrounded by palm trees and tropical jungle, just a few steps away from their main building, pool, and private beach. Out in front of Awera Resort there is the learner wave Beginners close to shore and the end section of Awera Right, a long right-hander, which finishes up in the lagoon. All in all, if you are looking for luxury in the Ments check them out.

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Awera Island Surf Camp

The Awera Lodge sleeps four guests in separate bedrooms with a shared bathroom, they also have two self-contained beach bungalows sleeping two to three guests with private bathrooms. All rooms come with fans and mosquito nets. With over 15 high quality waves in the region all can be reached in less than 30 minutes by boat from the lodge, including Telescopes approximately 10 minutes away. Awera Right breaks out in front of the camp. Pete is well known for getting guests to the waves with the best conditions due to his extensive knowledge of the area and their great hospitality is also another common mention in guest reviews.

Bilou Beach Villas

Bilou Beach Villas aims to make Mentawais surf travel more affordable for families and small groups…..but with the freedom to surf world-class waves for all levels in a luxurious spacious beachfront accommodation. They also have the highest “green” rating, being 100% off the grid and powered only by solar panels. They have four villas at the resort located on Awera Island, which is designed for inside-outside living with huge windows, doors opening out everywhere, and shaded wrap-around decks, so no direct sunlight enters the house. Each villa sleeps four adults, and has its own kitchen, en suite bathrooms, and a private boat for surf missions. Their white sand beach fringes a calm lagoon with safe family swimming, great snorkeling, and fishing. They also have a half-pipe for skating in between surfs too!

Favela Mentawai

Favela Mentawai is a seriously beautiful beachfront surf house that offers you everything you need on the sheltered side of Awera Island on its own private corner. The entire house has three bedrooms, a spacious shared bathroom, a dining room, a private bar with a lounge, and a chillout area. Including free wifi, TV, and very good 3g and 4g signal. Bedroom one can accommodate three people with a single and kingsize bed. Bedroom two accommodates four people with two bunk beds and bedroom three accommodates two people with a double bed. All rooms are equipped with fans. Three meals per day and a boat to the surf only a short ride away are included.

John’s Place

John’s Place is a lesser-known gem nestled amongst a beautifully grassed palm grove, surrounded by the white sandy beach on AI. This unique accommodation especially caters to small groups, families, and couples to provide an amazing getaway with access to many waves that suit various abilities. Built by hand from Sumatran hardwood the layout is similar to that of a large Queenslander with many great comforts. The property overlooks the surf breaks G4’s and Hookers, with Devils Island in the distance and truly is something special so be sure to check it out.

Toska Mentawai 

Located on AI in front of Awera Left the Toska Mentawai Surf Villa has five bedrooms with two full western bathrooms. Rooms can be booked as shared or private rooms, as well as rooms for couples. They now also have a private bungalow with an attached bathroom which can accommodate a family or group of three or four surfers. All guests dine at a detached restaurant with Western and Indonesian cuisine. They also have two boats to provide guests with two surf trips daily to any of the surf spots in the vicinity with a range of waves for beginners to advanced surfers.

Is the cell phone reception on Awera Island?

There is reliable 4G coverage on Awera Island due to its close proximity to Sipura Island.

Is there another name for Awera island?

AI is also known as Pototoga Island as you will notice on Google Maps.

Where is Awera Island?

AI is the first of a few outlying islands just minutes to the north of Sipura Island which is the smallest but most developed of the four main islands in the Mentawai Islands chain.

How to get to Awera Island?