The Mentawai Islands are one of Indonesia's most remote and underdeveloped regions. Understanding the infrastructure situation helps set expectations for your trip and appreciate the challenges locals face. The government has committed significant investment to improve roads, airports, and facilities, though progress has been slower than hoped.
The Trans-Mentawai Road is an ambitious government project to connect communities across all four main islands with paved roads. When complete, it will total 373.9 km across Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai islands.
117.69 km completed of 373.9 km total
| Island | Total Length | Completed | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sipora ✅ | 77.67 km | 77.67 km | 100% |
| North Pagai | 49.2 km | 12.74 km | 25.9% |
| Siberut | 181.6 km | 22.32 km | 12.3% |
| South Pagai | 65.5 km | 4.95 km | 7.6% |
Sipora Island is 100% complete! This is where Hollow Trees, Lance's Left, and most surf resorts are located. The 77.67 km of paved road connects Tuapejat (the main town and ferry port) to Rokot Airport and the surf break areas in the south.
In March 2025, the Indonesian central government implemented budget efficiency measures that significantly impacted the Trans-Mentawai Road project. The Rp 56 billion (approximately $3.5 million USD) special allocation fund and Rp 108 billion (approximately $6.8 million USD) general allocation fund were both reduced.
The local government is now focusing on maintaining existing roads and addressing urgent repairs with a reduced budget of approximately Rp 6.7 billion from previous year's surplus.
The Mentawai Islands are not connected to any major power grid. Electricity is generated locally through a combination of diesel generators, solar panels, and small-scale power plants.
| Location | Power Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surf Resorts | 24/7 (generator + solar) | Most have reliable power, A/C available |
| Boat Charters | 24/7 (generator) | USB charging, limited A/C hours |
| Tuapejat Town | PLN grid (mostly reliable) | Occasional outages |
| Remote Villages | Limited (6-12 hours/day) | Generator-dependent |
Internet connectivity in Mentawai has dramatically improved thanks to Starlink satellite internet. Many surf resorts and boat charters have installed Starlink systems, providing reliable high-speed internet even in this remote location.
| Type | Availability | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | Most premium resorts & charters | 50-200 Mbps | Game-changer for remote work |
| Mobile (4G) | Tuapejat & some coastal areas | Variable | Telkomsel has best coverage |
| Mobile (3G/2G) | Spotty in remote areas | Very slow | SMS may work when data doesn't |
| No Signal | Deep jungle, remote beaches | N/A | Plan to be offline |
Since 2023, Starlink has transformed connectivity in Mentawai. Resorts like La Belle Hollow Trees, WavePark, and many boat charters now offer reliable WiFi for guests. This means you can:
Note: Starlink service may be included in your package or charged separately. Ask your resort about WiFi access when booking.
There are no modern hospitals in the Mentawai Islands. Serious injuries or medical emergencies require evacuation to Padang (3-5 hours by speedboat). Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential.
| Facility Type | Location | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Puskesmas (Community Health Center) | Tuapejat, Siberut | Basic care, wound treatment, common illnesses |
| Local Clinics | Various villages | Very basic first aid |
| Resort First Aid | Most surf resorts | Reef cuts, minor injuries, basic medications |
| Nearest Hospital | Padang (mainland) | Full hospital services, 3-5 hours by boat |
For serious injuries (broken bones, head trauma, severe infections, heart issues), evacuation to Padang is required:
Boats are the primary means of transportation in Mentawai. The sea transport infrastructure includes:
The Mentawai Islands have one operational airport:
Status: Operational with limited service
Runway: 1,400m (recently extended)
Airlines: Susi Air (Cessna Caravan)
Routes: Padang ↔ Rokot
Flight time: ~40 minutes
Cost: ~$30 USD one way
⚠️ Important: Surfboards are NOT permitted on Susi Air flights due to aircraft size limitations.
The Indonesian government has designated Mentawai as a priority development area, particularly for tourism infrastructure. Planned and ongoing projects include:
Many surfers and environmentalists are concerned about over-development impacting Mentawai's pristine environment and world-class waves. The government has indicated tourism development will proceed, but the pace and nature of changes remain to be seen. Enjoy the islands' current remoteness while you can!
While Mentawai remains remote and underdeveloped compared to Bali or other Indonesian destinations, the infrastructure at surf resorts is generally good. You can expect:
What you should NOT expect:
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