Your gateway to the Mentawai Islands - why you need an overnight and where to stay.
Almost every surfer heading to the Mentawai Islands needs to spend at least one night in Padang. The Mentawai Fast Ferry departs at 6:30-7:00 AM, which means hotel pickup is around 6:00 AM. Unless your flight lands very early the day before (rare), you'll need to arrive the afternoon/evening before and stay overnight.
Same-day travel to Mentawai is not possible for most travelers due to ferry schedules.
Many surf resorts do not include your Padang hotel in their package. You'll need to book this yourself. The good news: both recommended hotels are affordable ($50-80/night) and surfer-friendly.
The #1 choice for surf resorts - best early breakfast in Padang
Mercure Padang is the most recommended hotel by Mentawai surf resorts. Located in the city center near Purus Beach, it offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and most importantly - an excellent early breakfast buffet starting at 5:00 AM to fuel you before the ferry.
Newest premium hotel in Padang - modern rooms with ocean views
Hotel Santika Premiere is the newest addition to Padang's hospitality scene and quickly became a favorite among surfers. This modern 9-floor, 250-room hotel offers contemporary rooms with balconies, many with ocean views. The breakfast buffet is consistently praised as one of the best in Padang.
| Feature | Mercure Padang | Hotel Santika Premiere |
|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | 4-Star | 4-Star |
| Price Range | $50-80/night | $55-85/night |
| Breakfast Start | 5:00 AM ✓ | 6:00 AM |
| To Ferry | 5-10 mins | 10-15 mins |
| Pool | Yes | Yes |
| Ocean Views | Some rooms | Many rooms |
| Best For | Established, proven choice | Modern, newer facilities |
| Resort Recommendations | Macaronis, HT's, most camps | Playground, Aloita, others |
Have a few hours to kill before your flight home? Padang is worth exploring: