Mentawai Islands

A world-class surf destination with dozens of reef breaks scattered across the islands, where you can still visit tattooed Mentawai people in the rainforest of Siberut.

The Mentawai Islands lie in the Indian Ocean about 100–150 km off the west coast of Sumatra, in West Sumatra Province, made up of four main islands – Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai – plus around 70 smaller ones. Long isolated from the mainland, they are home to endemic primates and to the Mentawai people, who still keep their traditional tattoos and shamanic culture; western Siberut is a national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve. This is a world-class surf destination, with dozens of reef breaks running from north to south and consistent swell from Apr–Oct; most visitors come on surf charters or stay at small-island surf camps. Non-surfers can island-hop and snorkel, hike the rainforest, or travel deep into the river valleys of southern Siberut to stay in a Mentawai longhouse. Getting there: fast boats from Padang take about 4 hours to Tuapejat and about 3.5 hours to Siberut, and there are also overnight ferries; speedboats link the islands. Facilities are basic and electricity and internet are limited in most areas, so bring cash, insect repellent and malaria precautions. The region lies in an earthquake and tsunami zone – a tsunami struck in 2010 – so check evacuation routes where you stay. Plan to stay 7–12 days.

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