Getting to the Mentawai Islands requires a bit of planning, but it's a straightforward journey. Here's your complete step-by-step guide from anywhere in the world to the waves of Hollow Trees.
Jakarta (CGK) - Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Indonesia's main international hub. Most international flights arrive here. Major airlines from all continents.
Singapore (SIN) - Changi Airport
Alternative hub with excellent connections to Padang. Often cheaper than flying via Jakarta.
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Malaysia
Another option with good connections to Padang via budget carriers like AirAsia.
Padang (Minangkabau International Airport) in West Sumatra is the gateway to Mentawai. All trips start here.
Tip: Book domestic Indonesian flights as early as possible for best prices. Prices increase dramatically close to departure.
You have two main options:
Route: Padang → Tua Pejat (Sipora Island)
Duration: 4 hours
Schedule: 4 days per week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun typically)
Cost: ~$30-50 USD per person
Capacity: ~200 passengers
Then: Speedboat transfer from Tua Pejat to your resort (1-2 hours depending on location)
Pros: Reliable, affordable, comfortable, air-conditioned
Cons: Limited schedule, still need speedboat after
Route: Padang → Direct to your resort
Duration: 3-5 hours depending on resort location
Schedule: Flexible - whenever you want
Cost: $600-1,200 for the boat (split among group)
Capacity: 8-15 people per boat
Pros: Direct to resort, flexible timing, scenic journey
Cons: More expensive, weather dependent, can be rough seas
Which to choose? Most surfers use the Fast Ferry as it's reliable and affordable. Private speedboats make sense for groups of 6+ or if ferry schedule doesn't match your plans.
Almost all Mentawai resorts and boat charters include transfers from Padang as part of their package. They'll:
Important: Coordinate your arrival time with your resort! Ferry schedules are fixed, and you may need to spend a night in Padang before/after.
| Day | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home → Jakarta/Singapore | International flight (12-20 hours) |
| 2 | Jakarta/Singapore | Layover or overnight |
| 3 | → Padang → Mentawai | Fly to Padang, ferry/boat to resort |
| 4-11 | Mentawai Islands | SURF! 8 days of waves |
| 12 | Mentawai → Padang | Return ferry, fly to Jakarta |
| 13 | Jakarta → Home | International flight |
You'll likely need at least one night in Padang (before or after ferry). Hotels near the port:
Most resorts can arrange Padang accommodation as part of package.
Cost: ~$75 USD
Validity: 15 days
Where: Paid in Mentawai Islands (resort handles this)
What it covers: Access to surf breaks, marine conservation
Have cash ready (USD or IDR). This fee funds local communities and reef conservation.
Most international airlines allow 1-2 surfboards in bag up to 23kg as checked luggage. Indonesian domestic flights (Jakarta-Padang) charge extra for surfboards (~$30-50). Book board allowance in advance!
Fast Ferry and speedboats have generous luggage allowances. Don't worry about weight once you're in Indonesia.
Ferry Schedule Consideration: Mentawai Fast departs Padang in morning (usually 7-9am). You MUST be in Padang the night before. Don't try to catch morning ferry on same day as your Jakarta-Padang flight!
Return Journey: Ferry from Tua Pejat arrives Padang late afternoon. Plan to overnight in Padang, fly out next day.
Plan for 2-3 days of travel each way when coming from Western countries.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Need help planning your journey?
Featured resort La Belle Hollow Trees can arrange all transfers:
Website: labellehts.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +62 812 8273 5665
Booking Agencies (handle everything):