About Hollow Trees
The Legend of Lance's Right
Hollow Trees, also known as Lance's Right or HT's, is one of the Mentawai Islands' most iconic surf breaks. Located in Sipora Selatan, this world-class wave offers consistent, hollow right-hand barrels featured in countless surf films since its 1991 discovery by Australian surfer Lance Knight.
The wave wraps around the south end of the island into a sheltered bay, unloading on "The Office" before finishing at the infamous "Surgeon's Table" - named for the shallow reef that has claimed many boards and skin.
Photos & Videos
🏆 Featured: Hollow Trees Barrel
Adem getting a little barrel at HT's. Video by Iker.
📸 Follow on Instagram
🚁 Drone Footage - Lance's Right Area
Aerial views of Hollow Trees and the surrounding coastline
Aerial Photos
Nearby Surf Breaks
The Mentawai Islands offer 70+ world-class waves. Here are the most popular breaks accessible from the Hollow Trees area.
🏝️ South Sipora (Hollow Trees Area)
Hollow Trees (Lance's Right)
Advanced to ExpertType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 4-8ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: Mid to high
The most famous wave in the Mentawais. Fast, hollow barrels over shallow reef. Multiple sections: Takeoff Zone, The Office, Surgeon's Table.
Lance's Left
Intermediate to AdvancedType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-10ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: All tides
Long, consistent left with powerful walls and barrel sections. Quarter-mile rides possible! More forgiving than HT's.
Bintangs
Intermediate to AdvancedType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-6ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Short, hollow right that barrels into the channel. Quick intense rides. Great alternative when HT's is crowded.
The Cobra
AdvancedType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 4-8ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Short hollow left near Lance's Left. Non-stop barrel from takeoff. Shallow reef - know your limits.
JJ's
Beginner to IntermediateType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 2-5ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: All tides
Fun, mellow right that works well on smaller swells. Great for warming up or when other breaks are too heavy.
Unicorns
IntermediateType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-6ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: Mid
Playful right near HT's. Fun, rippable wave with occasional barrel sections. Less intense than the main breaks.
Chongs
Intermediate to AdvancedType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-6ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Right reef break in the HT's area. Often uncrowded. Good option for escaping the crowds at the main peaks.
Beach Break
Beginner to IntermediateType: Beach break (sand bottom)
Best Swell: SW 2-5ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: All tides
Forgiving sand bottom break perfect for beginners or warming up. Lefts and rights depending on sandbars.
🌴 North Sipora
Telescopes
Intermediate to AdvancedType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-8ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: Mid to high
World-class left with long walls and barrel sections. Very consistent. One of the most photographed waves in the Mentawais.
4 Bobs
Beginner to IntermediateType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 2-5ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: All tides
Mellow, fun wave perfect for beginners and intermediates. Great place to build confidence. Near Telescopes.
Nipussi
Advanced to ExpertType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 4-10ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Heavy, powerful left that handles big swells. Long paddle out. When it's on, it's world-class.
Bank Vaults
Advanced to ExpertType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 4-8ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: Mid
Heavy, square barrels. Named because you can "deposit" yourself in the barrel. Short but intense ride.
🏄 Playgrounds Area (Nyang Nyang / South Siberut)
Rifles
Expert OnlyType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: W/NW 6-12ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Considered by many as the best right in Indonesia. Incredibly long, fast barrels. Very fickle - needs specific conditions.
Kandui Left
Advanced to ExpertType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 4-10ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Heavy, hollow left that barrels from takeoff. Featured in countless surf films. Kandui Villas overlooks this wave.
Pitstops
Intermediate to AdvancedType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-6ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: Mid
Fun, rippable right-hander. More forgiving than other Playgrounds breaks. Great for all-round surfing.
Ebay
Intermediate to AdvancedType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-6ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Fun left near Pitstops. Good walls for turns and occasional barrels. Named after the auction site!
Hideaways
Intermediate to AdvancedType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-8ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: All tides
Long, workable left with good walls. Breaks in front of WavePark resort. Consistent and fun.
Greenbush
Advanced to ExpertType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 4-8ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Heavy, barreling right. Gets hollow and intense. Named after the green vegetation on the point.
🌅 South Pagai
Macaronis
Intermediate to AdvancedType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 3-8ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: All tides
The "funnest wave in the world" - perfect barrels, long rides, and more forgiving than other Mentawai breaks. Great for progression.
Roxies
AdvancedType: Right-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 4-8ft
Best Wind: E / SE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Powerful right near Macaronis. Heavy barrel sections with good walls. Less crowded than Macas.
Thunder's
Expert OnlyType: Left-hand reef break
Best Swell: SW 6-12ft
Best Wind: E / NE
Best Tide: Mid to high
Big wave spot that comes alive in large swells. Not for the faint-hearted. Remote location in South Pagai.
🗺️ Planning Your Sessions
From Hollow Trees area: Lance's Left, Scarecrows, and Iceland's are all within 5-15 minutes by boat.
North Sipora: Telescopes and surrounding breaks are 30-45 minutes by boat.
Playgrounds: 1-2 hours by boat, or stay at a resort in that area.
South Pagai: 2-3 hours by boat, or take the ferry to Macaronis Resort.
Most resorts include boat trips to nearby breaks in their packages. Boat charters offer the most flexibility to chase the best conditions across all areas.
Where to Stay
🏝️ South Sipora (Hollow Trees Area)
La Belle Hollow Trees ⭐
Premier Boutique Resort • 12 Properties
Location: DIRECTLY in front of Hollow Trees (Lance's Right)
Accommodation: 5 Villas (king beds) + 6 Rooms (twin beds)
Features: Private bathrooms, A/C, beachfront, gourmet dining
Dining: Local & international cuisine, vegan/vegetarian options
Access: Watch Hollow Trees from your room! 10 world-class waves nearby
Website: labellehts.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +62 812 8273 5665
Togat Nusa Retreat
Private Island Resort • Max 8 Guests
Location: Private island near Seven Palms & Scarecrows
Features: Exclusive tropical sanctuary, intimate setting
Nestled amongst palm trees on its own private Mentawai island. Perfect for surfers looking to escape and unwind.
The Point Surf House
Beachfront Surf House • Max 14 Guests
Location: Southern tip of Sipora, Katiet Beach
Accommodation: 6 bedrooms with private bathrooms, A/C, hot water
Features: 3 chef-made meals daily, Starlink WiFi, yoga
Access: 5-min walk to HT's, paddle distance to The Point wave
Website: thepointmentawai.com
Email: [email protected]
Spanish-owned surf house with Indo-Mediterranean cuisine. Great for all skill levels.
Katiet Beach Resort
Family-Run Beachfront Resort • Max 18 Guests
Location: Katiet Beach, directly facing Lance's Right (HT's)
Accommodation: 6 renovated beachfront bungalows with A/C, hot water
Features: Yoga shala, kayaks, SUPs, high-speed WiFi throughout
Access: 4-minute paddle to HT's - watch the surf from your balcony!
Website: katietbeachresort.com
Family-owned since 2021. Western, Brazilian & Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for families & groups.
Kubu Pantai - Bela Sulu Villas
Luxury Beachfront Villa • 3 Bedrooms
Location: 500m from Lance's Right (HT's), South Sipora
Accommodation: 3 bedrooms (ocean views), private bathrooms, A/C
Features: Fully equipped kitchen, private terrace, plunge pool
Access: See HT's from your bedroom! Beachfront location
Website: belasuluvillas.com
"Bela Sulu" means "Sunrise" in Mentawai. Luxury villa perfect for couples & honeymooners.
Villa Alamiah Mentawai
Luxury Private Villa • 3 Bedrooms
Location: Centrally located between South Sipora's best waves
Accommodation: 3 ocean-facing ensuite bedrooms, sleeps 6
Features: Natural stone swimming pool, A/C, fully equipped kitchen
Access: Between 3 main world-class waves in the region
Website: villa-alamiah.com
A beachfront tropical oasis surrounded by world-class waves.
Lances Left Surf Camp
Surf Camp
Location: Near Lance's Left, South Sipora
Access: Walking distance to Lance's Left and nearby breaks
Instagram: @lancesleftsurf
Budget-friendly option with easy access to Lance's Left and surrounding waves.
Villa Beach Mentawai
Beachfront Villa
Location: Katiet, South Sipora
Access: Near Hollow Trees (Lance's Right)
Booking: Available on Airbnb and Booking.com
Beachfront accommodation with access to South Sipora's world-class waves.
Birü Villas Mentawai
Villas
Location: South Sipora
Access: Near Hollow Trees area
Contact locally for availability and bookings.
Ombara Resort Mentawai
Resort
Location: South Sipora
Access: Near Hollow Trees area
Contact locally for availability and bookings.
🌴 North Sipora
Awera Resort
Luxury Boutique Resort • Max 24 Guests
Location: Awera Island, North Sipora
Accommodation: Beach villas with private infinity pools
Features: Most luxurious in Mentawais, gym, spa, gourmet dining
Access: Telescopes wave 10 mins, 20+ breaks nearby
Website: aweraresort.com
From $199/nightThe most luxurious resort in Mentawais with unparalleled facilities and service.
Aloita Resort & Spa
Boutique Wellness Resort • Max 20 Guests
Location: Silabok Island, North Sipora
Accommodation: 10 beachfront villas (1-3 bedrooms)
Features: Spa, yoga studio, 2km white sand beach, wellness programs
Perfect For: Families, couples, wellness retreats
Website: aloitaresort.com
#1 rated resort on TripAdvisor for Mentawais. Perfect for non-surfers too!
Bilou Beach Villas
Private Villa Resort • Max 10 Guests
Location: Awera Island
Accommodation: 5 private beachfront villas
Features: Each villa has private speedboat & guide, mini fridge, A/C
Perfect For: Small groups, families, father-son trips
Website: biloubeach.com
Unique concept: each villa gets its own boat! Surf whenever, wherever you want.
Nasara Resort
Island Resort
Location: Pototoga Island, North Sipora
Access: Telescopes wave and North Sipora breaks
Comfortable island accommodation with access to uncrowded North Sipora waves.
Awera Island Surf Camp
Budget-Friendly Surf Camp
Location: Awera Island
Features: Affordable option on same island as luxury resorts
Access: Same waves as Awera Resort at fraction of cost
Great budget option for accessing North Sipora's waves.
🏄 Playgrounds Area (Nyang Nyang / South Siberut)
Kandui Villas
Ultra-Luxury Resort • Premium
Location: Overlooking Kandui Left
Features: Swimming pool, gym (best facilities in Mentawais), wave out front
Perfect For: Families, non-surfers, luxury seekers
Website: kandui.com
Premium PricingMost expensive resort in Mentawais, but only place overlooking Kandui Left!
Kandui Resort
Premium Surf Resort
Location: Overlooking 3 waves (beginner to expert)
Features: Fleet of speedboats, photographers, experienced guides
Website: mentawaiislands.com
Slightly cheaper than Kandui Villas but still premium. Overlooks 3 different waves!
WavePark Mentawai Resort
Private Island Resort • Max 12 Guests
Location: Siaim Island - private island with Hideaways out front
Accommodation: 5 beachfront villas with private verandahs
Features: Professional photographers, white sand beach, incredible snorkeling
Access: Hideaways (left) out front, 26+ breaks nearby
Website: wavepark.com
From $228/nightFirst surf camp in Mentawais (since 1998)! Private island with Hideaways wave.
Mentawai Surf Retreat
Hillside Surf Camp • Max 16 Guests
Location: Pitstop Hill, Nyang Nyang Island
Accommodation: Private hillside bungalows (2-4 guests)
Features: Beachfront restaurant & bar, Pitstops out front, incredible sunsets
Access: Pitstops directly at doorstep, 25+ waves nearby
Website: mentawaisurfretreat.co
From $185/nightBest setting in Mentawais with Pitstops wave right there. Great value!
Driftwood Mentawai
Budget Surf Resort • Max 12 Guests
Location: Right on Ebay point, Nyang Nyang Island
Accommodation: 6 bedrooms (private & shared options)
Features: Fan & A/C rooms, Western comfort with local craftsmanship
Access: Ebay (left) out front, Pitstops walking distance, 20+ breaks
Website: driftwoodmentawai.com
From €196/nightCheapest Western-run camp in region. Perfect right and left at doorstep!
Alaia Mentawai
Boutique Surf Resort • Max 10-12 Guests
Location: Northern Mentawai (South Siberut)
Accommodation: 4 villas + 2 loft rooms, can be fully private
Features: 18 years experience, expert guides, unlimited boat access
Access: 20+ world-class waves within 20 minutes
Perfect For: Groups 8+, intimate surf retreats
Website: alaiamentawai.com
Private resort option for groups! Discounts for 9+ guests. Calm, intimate atmosphere.
Playground Surf Resort
Surf Camp
Location: Closest camp to Rifles (best right in Indo)
Features: Standard facilities, central Playgrounds location
From $228/nightBest access to Rifles wave - incredibly fickle but world-class when it works!
Hidden Bay Resort
Surf Resort
Location: Playgrounds area
Features: Good facilities, access to Playgrounds waves
Well-established camp in the heart of Playgrounds with multiple wave options.
The Shadow Mentawai Surfcamp
Budget Surf Camp
Location: Playgrounds area
Features: Affordable option
From $135/nightBudget-friendly option for accessing Playgrounds breaks.
Kokos Resort Mentawai
Comfortable Resort
Location: Playgrounds area
Features: 24hr A/C (16°C), excellent food, friendly team
Access: Multiple Playgrounds breaks
Popular with returning guests - feels like family! Amazing food and cold A/C after sessions.
Nyang Ebay Surf Camp
Traditional Surf Camp
Location: Nyang Nyang Island
Access: Ebay and Pitstops waves
Traditional camp setup with good access to two quality waves.
Mentawai Ebay Playground Surfcamp
Surf Camp
Location: Playgrounds
Access to Ebay and full Playgrounds area breaks.
Mentawai Surf Camp
Established Surf Camp
Location: Playgrounds region
Long-running camp with experience in the area.
Botik Resort
Island Resort
Location: Playgrounds area
Comfortable accommodation with Playgrounds wave access.
Matungou Mentawai Surf
Surf Camp
Location: Playgrounds region
Access to Playgrounds breaks.
M.I.A Surfcamp
Surf Camp
Location: Playgrounds area
Established camp in Playgrounds region.
Umata Village
Village-Style Accommodation
Location: Playgrounds
More traditional Mentawai village experience with surf access.
Sabbit Mentawai Surfcamp - Uma Ombak
Surf Camp
Location: Playgrounds region
Access to multiple Playgrounds breaks.
Kaini Mentawai
Surf Camp
Location: Playgrounds area
Comfortable camp in Playgrounds region.
Jupys Surf Camp
Surf Camp
Location: Playgrounds
Access to Playgrounds wave selection.
Toska Mentawai
Surf Accommodation
Location: Playgrounds region
Surf camp with Playgrounds access.
🌅 South Pagai
Macaronis Resort
All-Inclusive Resort • Family-Friendly
Location: Directly at Macaronis wave
Features: WiFi, live surf cam, ocean view verandas, medical clinic
Wave: "Funnest wave in the world" according to pros
Access: Macas wave out front, Greenbush & Roxies nearby
Website: macaronisresort.com
Travel: Mentawai Fast ferry from Padang, easier access than northern islands
Early Bird: 20-30% offPerfect for families and non-surfers! Most fun, rippable wave in Mentawais. Surf coaching clinics available.
Southern Mentawai Outpost
Remote Resort
Location: South Pagai, very remote
Perfect For: Adventure seekers wanting uncrowded waves
Most remote location in Mentawais with truly uncrowded surf.
📝 Booking Information
Recommended Booking Agencies:
- Perfect Wave Travel: perfectwavetravel.com
- World Surfaris: worldsurfaris.com
- Surf Camp Sumatra: surfcampsumatra.com
- AWAVE Travel: awave.com
- Direct Booking: Contact resorts via their websites
Peak Season: May-September (book 6-12 months in advance)
Shoulder Season: March-April, October-November
Off Season: December-February (smaller waves, less crowded, cheaper!)
Surf Tax: ~$75 USD (valid for 15 days)
Budget Range: $135-450+ per person per night
Average: $185-250/night for mid-range resorts
Essential Tips
🌊 Best Season
April-October for consistent SW swells. Peak season May-September brings 4-8ft waves. Book La Belle HTs early!
🎒 What to Bring
Reef booties (essential!), multiple boards, quality wax, reef-safe sunscreen, first aid kit.
⚠️ Safety
Shallow reef breaks. Know your limits, always wear reef booties. Travel insurance essential.
✈️ Getting There
Fly to Padang, then Mentawai Fast Ferry or speedboat. La Belle HTs can arrange all transfers!
Surf Guides & Resources
✈️ Planning Your Trip
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📅 Best Time to Visit →
Seasons, swells, crowds & weather
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🗺️ Getting to Mentawai →
Flights, ferries & transfers
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🏨 Staying in Padang →
Overnight hotels before Mentawai
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✈️ New Mentawai Airport →
$38M government investment & flights
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🎒 What to Pack →
Complete packing checklist
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💰 Budget Breakdown →
Costs, tips & money-saving
🏄 Surfing Guides
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🌊 Hollow Trees Complete Guide →
Wave sections, conditions & safety
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🚤 Boat Charters Guide →
Charter boats comparison
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🎬 Video Gallery →
Surf videos from April 2025
🌴 Culture & Info
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🏘️ Local Villages & Culture →
Indigenous Mentawai people
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🍽️ Dining Guide →
Restaurants at Hollow Trees
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🏗️ Infrastructure & Roads →
Power, internet, healthcare & road upgrades
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🚢 Mentawai Fast Ferry →
Schedules, prices & booking guide