How to Get to Mentawai Islands: Flights, Ferries, and Transfers Explained

Written By rifan andika

Planning a surf trip to Mentawai can feel like a mission—especially if you’re flying in from the US, Europe, or anywhere outside Southeast Asia. With international flights, domestic connections, ferries, and private boat pickups, it’s no surprise that most surfers get overwhelmed before they even book a ticket.

This Mentawai travel guide will help you figure out exactly how to get to Mentawai, step-by-step. Whether you're headed to the Playgrounds area in Siberut or the iconic breaks of Sipora, here’s everything you need to know—from Padang to Mentawai ferry schedules to Mentawai surf resort transfers and all transportation options in between.

Why Surf in Mentawai?

Mentawai is one of the world’s most legendary surf destinations. Located roughly 100 kilometers off the west coast of Sumatra, the islands face the Indian Ocean head-on, picking up clean, consistent swell nearly all year. This perfect setup has earned Mentawai a spot on every surfer’s bucket list.

But here’s the thing: Mentawai isn’t just one island—it’s an archipelago made up of four main islands: Siberut, Sipora, and the North and South Pagai islands. Depending on where you're going, your travel route will change slightly.

Step 1: Fly into Padang (PDG), West Sumatra

All roads (or airways) to Mentawai lead through Padang, the provincial capital of West Sumatra. From your home country, you’ll most likely fly through Jakarta (CGK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), or Singapore (SIN) before hopping on a domestic flight to Padang.

For the domestic leg, we recommend Citilink, Super Air Jet, or Pelita Air for budget-friendly options that allow surfboards with less hassle. If you prefer a full-service airline, go with Garuda Indonesia. Coming from Kuala Lumpur? Your best options are Air Asia or Super Air Jet. From Singapore, Scoot is currently your only direct option to Padang.

Before booking, double-check the airline’s surfboard policy—some low-cost carriers charge more for your boards than your seat.

Step 2: Take the Padang to Mentawai Ferry

Once in Padang, your next leg involves catching the Mentawai Fast Ferry, the main link between the mainland and the islands. Here's what you need to know:

  • To Siberut (Playgrounds Area): The ferry runs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, leaving Padang at 7:00 AM. The trip takes around 4–6 hours, depending on sea conditions and stops like Sikabaluan.

  • To Sipora (Tuapejat Harbor): Ferries depart Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, also at 7:00 AM, with an average travel time of 3–4 hours.

Make sure you arrive in Padang the day before your scheduled ferry to avoid any last-minute hiccups. It’s a long journey, and missing your boat could delay your trip by several days.

Step 3: Mentawai Transportation Options to Your Surf Camp

Here’s where things get local. Once you arrive in either Siberut Harbor or Tuapejat Harbor in Sipora, you’ll need to connect to your final destination—your surf camp or resort.

And here’s the catch: there are no public boats waiting around to take you to your camp, especially in the more remote Playgrounds area. This is why you need to choose a surf camp that offers transfers from the harbor. Most surf resorts will coordinate private boat pickups timed with ferry arrivals, but you must book it in advance.

Some Sipora-based surf camps are also reachable via a short flight from Padang to Mentawai Airport (RKI). The flight takes just 40 minutes, but availability is limited—so plan ahead.

Which Island Should You Choose: Siberut or Sipora?

Both are incredible, but they offer slightly different experiences:

  • Siberut / Playgrounds Area is packed with waves—over 20 surf spots within 20 minutes by boat. It’s a great option if you want easy access to multiple world-class breaks in one zone.

  • Sipora has a more laid-back feel, but the waves are just as good. Spots like Telescopes, Lance’s Left, and Scarecrows make it a favorite for surf photographers and advanced surfers.

Pro Tips for Smooth Travel

  • Always match your check-in and check-out dates with the Mentawai Fast Ferry schedule.

  • Double-check surfboard baggage policies before booking flights.

  • Choose surf camps that offer Mentawai surf resort transfers from the harbor or airport.

  • Book everything in advance—Mentawai is not the place to just “wing it.”

Still Not Sure Where to Go in Mentawai?

If you're still wondering which island or surf camp is best for your surf level, travel style, or group size, don’t stress—we're here to help.

We’re happy to help. Reach out anytime, and we’ll guide you through your options and help you lock in the perfect setup.

Let the waves of Mentawai do the rest.

rifan andika
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Mentawai Surf Guide: All You Need to Know Before You Go