✈️ Flying to Mentawai

Cessna Caravan Flight from Padang

Experience the scenic 40-minute flight from Padang to the Mentawai Islands aboard a Susi Air Cessna Grand Caravan. These photos and videos capture the journey over the Mentawai Strait and the stunning approach to the islands.

Minutes Flight Time

130

Kilometers Distance

Passengers Max

~$30

USD One Way

🛩️ About the Cessna Grand Caravan

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan is a single-engine turboprop aircraft perfect for short regional flights. With its high wing design, passengers get excellent views of the ocean and islands below. The aircraft can operate from short runways, making it ideal for remote island destinations like Mentawai.

Operator: Susi Air
Capacity: 12 passengers
Cruising Speed: ~340 km/h
Flight Altitude: Low altitude for scenic views

🏄 No Surfboards Allowed

Important: Susi Air does NOT permit surfboards on the Cessna Caravan. If you're traveling with boards, you'll need to use the Mentawai Fast Ferry or arrange separate board transport. Many surfers fly themselves and ship their boards on the ferry.

📸 Flight Photos

Cessna Caravan flight to Mentawai Islands

Approaching Mentawai

Views from the Cessna Caravan as we fly over the Mentawai Strait towards the islands

Inside the Cessna Caravan

View from the back seat of the Cessna Grand Caravan during the flight to Mentawai

🎬 Flight Videos

Flight Experience

Video footage from inside the Cessna Caravan flying to Mentawai

Scenic Flight

More aerial footage capturing the beauty of flying over the islands

The Flight Experience

Flying to Mentawai is an experience in itself. Here's what to expect:

Before Takeoff

Check in at Padang's Minangkabau International Airport domestic terminal
Flights typically depart at 7:00 AM
Baggage is weighed carefully (5kg cabin + 5kg checked limit)
Small aircraft = every kilogram counts!

During the Flight

Climb out over the West Sumatran coastline
Cross the Mentawai Strait (about 130km of open ocean)
Low-altitude flying offers incredible views
Watch for the Mentawai Islands appearing on the horizon
Descent over tropical rainforest and reefs
Landing at Rokot Airport on Sipora Island

Tips for the Flight

Window seat: Try to get one - the views are spectacular
Camera ready: Great photo opportunities throughout
Motion sickness: Small planes can be bumpy - bring medication if needed
Light breakfast: Flights are early and can be turbulent
Enjoy it: The flight is part of the adventure!

🌊 Compare: Flight vs Ferry

Factor	Susi Air Flight	Mentawai Fast Ferry
Duration	40 minutes	3-4 hours
Cost	~$30 USD	~$35-50 USD
Surfboards	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Baggage	10kg total	More flexible
Schedule	3x weekly	Daily
Seasickness	Not an issue	Can be rough

Book Your Flight

Ready to fly to Mentawai? Here's how to book:

Through Traveloka: Indonesian booking platform, accepts some international cards
Through your resort: Most resorts can arrange flight bookings
Direct with Susi Air: Website can be unreliable for international bookings

Remember: If you're traveling with surfboards, you'll need to use the ferry or arrange separate board transport. Many surfers fly themselves and ship boards on the ferry.

← Back to Mentawai Airport Guide