How to get to the Mentawai Islands
On this page
Reaching Villa Onu and the Mentawai Islands is easier than ever.
Whether you’re coming from Bali, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, or elsewhere, this step-by-step guide breaks it down clearly — and we’ll handle most of it for you if you want to relax and focus on the waves.
Coming from Bali? Check out our Bali to Mentawai Guide.
The steps to getting to Mentawai
Everything you need to know about your journey to Mentawai and Villa Onu
Step 1: Fly to Padang (PDG)
The gateway to the Mentawai Islands is Minangkabau International Airport (PDG) in Padang, West Sumatra.
Fly from Jakarta, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. Jakarta has the most daily connections.
Major routes to Padang:
-
Jakarta (CGK): Garuda, Citilink, Super Air Jet, Batik Air, AirAsia (27+ daily flights)
-
Bali (DPS): Lion Air, Citilink, Batik Air, Garuda (usually with layover in Jakarta)
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Kuala Lumpur (KUL): AirAsia
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Singapore (SIN): Scoot
If you are flying from from an International Airport to Padang, Visa On Arrival (VOA) is available at immigration in Padang.
Surfboard tip: Many Indonesian Airlines may charge per board, per flight segment. Pack smart and confirm baggage fees in advance.
Step 2: Overnight Stay in Padang
You will more than likely need to stay overnight in Padang due to early ferry or Susi Air flight departures times.
Recommended hotels: Mercure Padang or Santika Padang
Airport transfers cost around IDR 250k–500k
Don’t want to deal with logistics? Our team can handle the bookings, transfers, and hotel reservations for you. View our Mentawai Transfer Services
Step 3: Fast Ferry to Mentawai
- Route: Padang → Tuapejat (Sipora Island)
- Departure:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7:00 AM ,
- Sunday 10:00 AM
- Duration: ~3.5 to 4 hours
Full details including return ferry information: Mentawai Fast Ferry Guide
Step 4: Land Transfer to Katiet
Whether you arrive at Rokot Mentawai Airport or Tuapejat Port, our team will be there to greet you.
Your boards and bags will be loaded by our team. Relax and enjoy the last stretch of the journey!
The journey takes about 2 hours from Rokot Aiport, and 2.5 hours from Tuapajet.
Please note: transfers are only included when booking our Mentawai Transfer Service Packages
Journey Summary
| Travel Method | Days | Journey Time | Surfboards | More information |
| Wings Air | Currently Suspended | 1 hr flight + 2hr drive | Max 6.5 ft. IDR 1,000,000 per boad | Wings Air Guide |
| Mentawai Fast Ferry | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | 4 hr ferry +2.5 hr drive | Any size, charged by weight. | Mentawai Fast Ferry Guide |
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
Let us take care of the logistics. We can book flights, ferry tickets, transfers, and accommodation so you can focus on the waves.
In Depth Travel Information
More indepth information about traveling to Mentawai.
How to Fly to the Mentawai Islands with Wings Air (2025 Schedule, Fees & Tips)
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Traveling to Mentawai During Eid Al Fitr & Nyepi (Silence Day) – What You Need to Know
Planning a surf trip to Mentawai around March and April? Be aware that Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi...
The Mentawai Fast Ferry
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You Can Now Fly To Mentawai! But There’s a Catch
Yep, you can get to Mentawai without a 3-4 hour ferry ride, and it won’t even cost you your spare...
Mentawai Transfer Services
Take the stress and guess work out of travel
Standard transfer service
We know that getting to the Mentawai islands can seem like a bit of a headache, especially if it’s your first time here. Our standard transfer package is designed to make getting from Padang Airport to Villa Onu smooth and easy.
from
$350 USD
per person
VIP transfer Service
Our VIP transfer service handles everything for you upon arrival and includes 2 nights of accommodation in Padang at a 4-star hotel for your arrival and departure transit days, ferry tickets, luggage and more.
from
$500 USD
per person
Private Speedboat
Spend your arrival night in the luxury of Villa Onu and skip the overnight stay in Padang and the ferry altogether. Soon as you touch down you’ll be met by our team, taken to your private speedboat, and bought straight to the villa.
from
$3,200 USD
Up to 10 people one way
