Plan Your Ultimate Surf Adventure in Sipora!

Tikus (The Rat)

• Wave Type: Left-hand reef break

• Best For: All levels

• Best Season: April – October

• Crowd: Low

Tikus is a mellow left-hander near Aloita Resort, perfect for surfers looking for a relaxed session. It handles south winds well and is a great option when the more famous breaks are maxed out.

Backyards (Ariks)

• Wave Type: Right-hand reef break

• Best For: Advanced surfers

• Best Season: Year-round

• Crowd: Moderate

Backyards offers long, barreling rides when conditions align, especially with a north wind and a solid southwest swell. It’s a powerful, fast wave that holds size well, making it a top choice for experienced surfers.

Icelands

• Wave Type: Left-hand reef break

• Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Best Season: Year-round

• Crowd: Moderate to high

Icelands is one of the most famous waves in the Mentawais because of its ability to hold massive swells. On smaller days, it offers fun, rippable walls, but when the Indian Ocean sends a solid west swell, it transforms into a heavy, barreling monster.

Ombak Tidur (The Sleeper)

• Wave Type: Right-hand reef break

• Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Best Season: Year-round

• Crowd: Moderate

Despite its name, Ombak Tidur is anything but sleepy on a big west swell. This right-hander offers fast walls, occasional barrels, and multiple sections that shift along the reef. Picking the right wave is key, as getting caught inside can mean a long paddle back.

Twiggies

• Wave Type: Left-hand reef break

• Best For: Advanced surfers

• Best Season: April – October

• Crowd: Low

A lesser-known alternative to Telescopes, Twiggies is a solid option when the main spots get crowded. It offers two distinct rides depending on swell direction—barreling on west swells and more open-face walls on south swells.

7 Palm Point (Ulars)

• Wave Type: Left-hand reef break

• Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Best Season: Year-round

• Crowd: Moderate

This break is ideal when the Indian Ocean is not delivering huge swells. With rides up to 200 yards long, it offers fun, lined-up walls that are perfect for carving.

Telescopes (One of the Best Lefts in the World)

• Wave Type: Left-hand reef break

• Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Best Season: March – October

• Crowd: High

Telescopes is one of the most famous waves in Sipora and the Mentawais in general. It delivers long, peeling lefts with perfect barrels, making it a dream wave for many. It works best on a mid to high tide with a south or southwest swell.

The best time to surf in Sipora is during the dry season, from March to October, when consistent swells from the Indian Ocean light up the reefs. During these months, surfers can expect world-class waves with offshore winds and clean conditions. The shoulder months of March-April and September-October are great for those looking to score epic waves with fewer crowds. The wet season (November to February) still offers surfable conditions, but the waves tend to be smaller and less consistent.

The easiest way to reach Sipora Island is by flying into Padang (Minangkabau International Airport), the gateway to the Mentawais. From Padang, travelers can take a fast ferry to Sipora, which operates multiple times a week. The ferry ride takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on sea conditions. For those looking for a faster and more private option, speedboat charters are available. Once on Sipora, accommodations and surf camps typically arrange transport to the best surf spots.

• World-Class Waves: Sipora is home to some of the best and most consistent waves in Indonesia, with spots suitable for all levels of surfers.

• Less Crowded Than Bali: While Bali is known for its surf, Sipora offers a more remote and exclusive experience with fewer crowds.

• Tropical Paradise: The island boasts warm waters, stunning beaches, and lush tropical surroundings, making it a dream surf destination.

• Variety of Surf Breaks: From fun, rippable waves to heavy, barreling reefs, Sipora has something for every surfer.

• Easy Access to Other Mentawai Islands: Being centrally located, Sipora serves as a great base to explore nearby surf breaks in Siberut and Pagai.

Sipora offers a variety of accommodations, from budget surf camps to high-end resorts. The best way to explore the waves is by booking a surf camp or a boat charter, ensuring access to the best breaks depending on the conditions.