How to get to the Mentawai Islands

Step one

Fly to Padang

The Mentawai Islands are located off the coast of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The nearest major city is Padang, so you’ll need to fly there first.

Many airlines, both domestic and international, operate flights to Padang (PDG). If you are flying in internationally we recommend flying to Jakarta as they offer the most daily flights to Padang with 27 daily direct flights between Jakarta and Padang. However, you can also fly from Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Medan (KNO) and Bali (DPS) with relative ease, just be ready for fewer choices.

Flight options to Padang

• From Jakarta (CGK) with Garuda, Citylink, Batik Air, Super Air Jet or Air Asia.
• From Kuala Lumpur (KUL) with Air Asia.
• From Bali (DPS) with Lion Air, Citilink, Batik Air or Garuda
• From Singapore (SIN) with Scoot

It’s worth noting that if you fly from Bali you will have a connection in Jakarta. This can add some additional costs if you are traveling with surfboards as the airlines will typically charge per board, per flight.

If you are flying from Kuala Lumpur to Padang, Visa On Arrival (VOA) is available at immigration in Padang.

Make sure you arrive in Padang the day before you plan to take the Mentawai Fast Ferry

Because of the ferry timetable, you will need to arrive in Padang the day before your ferry departure. 

Step 2

Overnight Stay in Padang

You will need to stay the night in Padang, unless you are using our VIP transfer service these costs are not included. We recommend Santika Hotel or Mercure Hotel for your stay.

Once you arrive at the airport in Padang, you will need to get a driver to your hotel, this should cost 250k-500k.

If this sounds like stuff you don’t want to deal with, let us handle it for you. Our transfer packages can organise all transfers, hotels, tickets and more.

.Step 3

Fast Ferry From Padang to Tuapajet

Next step is the ferry from Padang to the Tuapajet, the capital of our island Sipora.

The ferry runs from Padang to Tuapajet on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings. 

The return Tuapajet to Pandang ferries run on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. 

Please see our article on the Mentawai Fast Ferry for the very latest updates and schedules, prices and more.

We recommend having an early start and making sure you are at the ferry with plenty of time, and it’s worth arranging this with the driver you use from the airport.

The fast ferry tickets cost 400K per person one way. Regular luggage is included in this fee.

Surfboards are charged by weight
1-15KG – 230,000 IDR/bag – $15-17 USD/bag
16-25KG – 460,000 IDR/bag – $30-32 USD/bag
>26KG – 690,000 IDR/bag – $45-47 USD/bag

Your ticket and luggage fees are paid in cash, and you will need some smaller change for tipping the luggage porters, normally 20,000 IDR or so.

Make sure you keep your ferry ticket and luggage/surfboard ticket with you as you will need it to collect them once you arrive in Tuapajet.

The fast ferry journey takes 3-4 hours depending on the weather and sea conditions.

Step 4

Transfer from Tuapajet to Katiet and Villa Onu

On Arrival into Tuapajet you will be met by the Villa Onu team who will assist you in loading your lugguage into the vehicle for your transfer to Katiet and Villa Onu. 

This drive takes about 2 hours on the new road that between Katiet and Tuapajet. The vehicles all have AC, roof racks for surfboards and are spacious and comfortable.

If you are traveling to another resort in the area, you should arrange your transport with them ahead of time.