Surf, Explore, and Immerse in One of Indonesia’s Last Frontiers – The Mentawai Islands.
Off the western coast of Sumatra sits the Mentawai Islands—a place that feels untouched by time. It’s a mix of perfect waves, dense jungles, and ancient traditions. Surfers, adventurers, and anyone seeking something real are drawn here.
But the Mentawai Islands are more than just waves. There’s culture, wilderness, and beaches so quiet you’ll feel like the only person on Earth.
15 Ways to Experience the Magic of the Mentawai Islands
1. Surf the Legendary Mentawai Waves
The Mentawai Islands are a surfer’s dream. Warm water, steady swells, and flawless breaks make this one of the best surf spots in the world.
Whether you’re chasing barrels or just starting out. There’s a wave for you. Places like Nipussi, Pitstop, Beng-beng, and E’bay are favorites for their clean, consistent breaks. The best surf hits from April to October. Waves roll in strong and steady—perfect for both pros and beginners.
Surfing here is about more than riding waves. It’s boat rides to quiet breaks. It’s swapping stories with strangers over beers. It’s waking up to the sound of the ocean just steps away.
Most people stay at surf camps, where everything’s sorted: food, rooms, and boat trips. You’ll spend between $200 and $500 per day (£160-£400), but for surfers, it’s worth it.
2. Explore Siberut National Park
Siberut Island is wild. It’s the largest of the Mentawai Islands and home to Siberut National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This jungle is thick, untouched, and alive with rare wildlife.
Trekking here is like stepping into a forgotten world. Mentawai macaques swing through the trees. Flying squirrels glide past in silence. Bright flashes of birds cut through the canopy. It’s humid, muddy, and raw.
You’ll need a guide to get around—someone who knows the trails and the creatures that live here. Guides cost between $50 and $100 (£40-£80) per day. They’ll help you spot animals, point out hidden paths, and share interesting stories about the forest.
For anyone who loves nature, Siberut is unforgettable. It’s the kind of place that implies how the world used to be.
3. Experience Mentawai Tribal Culture
The Mentawai people are the heart of these islands. They live close to nature, holding onto traditions that go back generations. Visiting their villages feels like stepping into a different time.
Most villages are on Siberut Island. Here, the Mentawai people live in umas, long wooden houses shared by families. Life is guided by shamanic beliefs. Shamans are the healers and spiritual leaders, often covered in tattoos that tell the story of their lives. Each mark has meaning—a connection to the spirit world, nature, or a rite of passage.
Watching daily life unfold is powerful. You might see rituals, hear songs, or learn how they make tools and food from the forest around them.
Tours cost around $100 (£80) a day and often include guided village visits and storytelling. It’s not a quick stop for photos. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
4. Snorkel in Crystal-Clear Waters
The waters around the Mentawai Islands are as clear as glass. Grab a mask, dive in, and explore reefs teeming with life. It’s easy, peaceful, and feels like swimming through a living painting.
You don’t have to look far for marine life. Bright fish dart through coral gardens, turtles glide by without a care, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins. The best snorkeling happens around Siberut and Sipora Islands, where the reefs are vibrant and healthy.
Renting gear is cheap—about $10 to $20 (£8-£16) per day. Some resorts also include snorkeling trips as part of their packages. If you’re new to it, don’t worry. The calm waters make it perfect for beginners.
Underwater here, it feels like time stops. All you hear is your own breathing and the quiet hum of the ocean.
5. Go Island Hopping
The Mentawai Islands aren’t just one island—they’re a chain. The four main ones are Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai. Each has its own vibe, from dense jungles to empty beaches.
To see them, hire a boat or join a tour. Small wooden boats run between islands, but organized tours make things smoother. Costs range from $50 to $100 (£40-£80) per day, depending on where you go.
Island hopping feels like unlocking secrets. On one island, you might find a quiet village. On another, a hidden beach where no one else has set foot. Some islands are wild, covered in green, with barely a trace of people. Others are home to small resorts and laid-back vibes.
If you have time, don’t skip the smaller islands. They’re the real gems of the Mentawai.
6. Chase Hidden Waterfalls
Deep in the jungles of the Mentawai Islands, waterfalls hide like secrets. The trek to reach them can be muddy and tough, but it’s worth every step.
Two of the best are Pujujurung Waterfall on Sipora Island and Simatobat Waterfall on South Pagai. Both feel untouched, surrounded by thick greenery and the sounds of the forest. The water is cool and fresh—perfect for a swim after a hot hike.
Local guides can take you there, usually charging between $30 and $50 (£24-£40) per trek. It’s best to go early in the morning, before the heat kicks in.
7. Practice Yoga in Paradise
The Mentawai Islands are a peaceful place—perfect for slowing down and reconnecting. Many surf resorts and lodges offer yoga classes with views of the ocean or surrounded by jungle.
Imagine this: You’re on a wooden deck, the sun is rising, and the waves are rolling in gently. It’s quiet, except for the sound of nature all around you. A yoga session here feels different. It’s not just exercise. It’s calm, balance, and a moment to breathe.
Classes usually cost between $10 and $20 (£8-£16), or they’re included if you stay at a resort.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there’s something grounding about practicing yoga here. It feels right.
8. Try Fishing Like a Local
Fishing is a way of life in the Mentawai Islands. Whether it’s rod fishing or spearfishing, the waters here are full of life, making it perfect for anyone who loves casting a line.
Siruso Beach in Taikako Village is a popular spot. You can join locals for an early morning fishing trip or hire a guide for the day. Trips typically cost between $50 and $100 (£40-£80) per person.
It’s not about the catch (though you might reel in something impressive). It’s about the stillness, the quiet focus, and the connection to the sea. When you do catch something, it’s fresh, local, and often cooked right there on the shore.
9. Kayak Through Coastal Mangroves
Mangroves line parts of the Mentawai coast, forming a maze of calm waterways. The best way to see them? By kayak. Paddling through these hidden tunnels is quiet and meditative. It’s also the perfect way to spot birds, small fish, and crabs crawling up the roots.
The mangroves near Siberut Island are a popular choice. You can rent a kayak for $20 to $40 (£16-£32) per day, or join a group tour if you’d rather not go alone.
Drifting through the mangroves, it’s easy to feel connected to the nature around you.
10. Witness Traditional Mentawai Dances
Dance is a vital part of Mentawai culture. Each movement tells a story—of ancestors, spirits, or daily life. Watching a performance is like stepping into the heart of their traditions.
Most dances happen in cultural villages on Siberut Island. Performers wear natural costumes, often decorated with feathers, beads, and tattoos. The drumming starts slow and builds until the rhythm fills the air.
These performances are usually included in cultural tours. Watching the dancers move, you’ll see their deep connection to nature and tradition. It’s not a show for tourists.
11. Stay in a Traditional Uma
For a truly immersive experience, spend a night in a traditional Mentawai uma. These wooden longhouses are the center of village life, shared by families and filled with stories passed down through generations.
Sleeping in an uma is unlike staying anywhere else. The walls are simple. The floors creak underfoot. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle outside and wake up to the smell of wood smoke as breakfast is prepared.
Most stays include meals and cost between $30 and $50 (£24-£40) per night. You’ll eat local food, sit with families, and see firsthand how the Mentawai people live their day-to-day lives.
It’s a humbling experience. Simple, authentic, and a rare chance to step out of your own world and into theirs.
12. Dive into Vibrant Marine Life
If snorkeling shows you the surface, diving takes you deeper. The Mentawai Islands are full of surprises underwater—caves, reefs, and an explosion of marine life.
Popular dive spots around Sipora and the Pagai Islands reveal coral walls, sea fans, and massive schools of fish. Expect encounters with turtles, reef sharks, and colorful nudibranchs. Visibility is excellent, especially during the dry season from April to October.
Dive trips range between $100 and $200 (£80-£160) per day, including gear and guides.
Rope swing in paradise | @allaboutwanderlust_
13. Relax on Secluded Beaches
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia are here—and many of them feel like your own private paradise.
Mapadegat Beach near Tuapejat is perfect for relaxing with soft sand and clear water. Nang Nyang Beach on Siberut offers postcard views and not a single crowd. Further south, Jati Beach is a peaceful escape.
The best part? Most beaches here are free to access.
14. Join a Shamanic Ceremony
Shamans are central to Mentawai life. Their rituals honor spirits, heal sickness, and protect their people. Witnessing one of these ceremonies is a rare and powerful experience.
Most rituals happen deep in the villages, where shamans prepare offerings, chant, and call on the spirit world. It’s not a performance. It’s a sacred act.
These experiences are often part of cultural tours, costing between $100 and $200 (£80-£160).
15. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Calm waters and endless coastlines make the Mentawai Islands perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. It’s a fun and easy way to explore hidden beaches, quiet bays, and mangrove edges.
Many surf resorts offer paddleboard rentals, with prices around $20 to $40 (£16-£32) per hour. For something special, head out at sunrise or sunset. The water turns gold, and everything feels still.
SUP is peaceful, good exercise, and an incredible way to see the islands from the water.
Why the Mentawai Islands Are Worth A Visit
The Mentawai Islands are a hidden world of waves, wilderness, and culture. They’re not the easiest place to reach, but that’s what makes them special.
Whether you’re surfing legendary breaks, meeting the Mentawai people, or exploring untouched jungles, this is a place that stays with you. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s waiting for those willing to go off the grid.