Mentawai Islands
the ultimate surfer's paradise
The Mentawai Islands sit about 100 nautical miles off the coast of West Sumatra and are home to some of the best and most consistent waves in the world. Perfectly positioned in the path of long-period Indian Ocean swells, the Mentawais deliver clean, mechanical surf in warm, clear water. From long, playful points to heavy reef barrels, there is a wave for every surfer and every mood.
Each season brings its own rhythm, from powerful swells in the peak months to smaller, glassy conditions perfect for long sessions and empty lineups. With years of experience guiding surfers here, we know how to match each trip to the conditions. While March to October is considered prime season, the Mentawais never go flat. Even through November to January, there are still clean, barreling waves to be found.
Famous waves of the mentawais
We’ve listed some of the best-known waves in the Mentawais here, but not all of them. The rest are kept quiet, the kind you’ll discover only when you’re out here with us.
kandui left (no kandui)
Kandui Left, also known as No Kandui, is one of the heaviest and fastest left-handers in the world. It breaks off the northeast coast of Karangmajat Island, running fast and hollow over a shallow reef. When the right swell hits, the wave turns into a long, perfect barrel that few places on earth can match. It is a powerful and demanding wave that rewards full commitment and delivers rides you will never forget.
Rifles
Rifles is one of the longest and most perfect right-handers in Indonesia, if not the world. It peels over a flawless reef and, when the conditions line up, offers long, hollow barrels that seem to go on forever. The wave runs fast and precise, with multiple tube sections and long open walls. When it is on, Rifles delivers pure perfection.
Bank Vaults
Bank Vaults is a powerful right-hander that breaks just around the corner from Playgrounds. It starts with a deep takeoff and draws you into a heavy, wide-open barrel that can feel endless when it lines up. The wave breaks over deep water at first before pitching hard onto a shallow reef, creating one of the most intense and rewarding rides. When it is on, Bank Vaults offers deep barrels, heavy drops, and unforgettable sessions.
Lance's Right (Hollow tree's)
Lance’s Right, also known as HTs, is one of the most iconic waves in the Mentawais. Fast, hollow, and perfectly shaped, it wraps along a sharp reef and delivers clean, round barrels when the swell and tide come together. Smaller days are playful and technical, while a solid six foot swell turns it into a heavy, world-class tube for experienced surfers. The wave was originally named after Lance Knight, the first person known to have surfed it in the early nineties.
Lance's Left
Lance’s Left is one of the most consistent left-handers in the Mentawais, wrapping around the point in long, clean sections. It offers multiple takeoff spots, long walls, and the occasional fun barrel, making it a favorite for surfers who enjoy drawing lines down the reef. Smaller days are smooth and playful, while anything over head high adds more power and steeper takeoffs without becoming too unforgiving.
Macaronis
Macaronis is one of the most rippable left-handers in the Mentawais, breaking with perfect shape over a smooth, predictable reef. It offers long walls, playful sections, and plenty of room for turns, with a fun barrel on the takeoff when the swell lines up. Named for the reef’s macaroni-like shape, it is a favorite for surfers of all levels who want fast, mechanical waves and long, satisfying rides.
Telescopes
Telescopes is one of the Mentawais’ most iconic waves, wrapping cleanly around an outer reef on Sipura Island. Telescopes is known for its steep take-off, perfect barrel, and long, open face that invites drawn-out lines and committed turns. Despite its reputation, it’s one of the more forgiving barrel options in the Central Mentawais, thanks to a deeper reef and a well-defined channel.
On the right swell, the wave runs for up to 200 metres, holding size up to triple overhead. Expect strong currents and the occasional clean-up set, but when it’s on, Telescopes delivers some of the most memorable surfing in the region and is a must-surf stop in the Central Mentawais.
