How To Get To Mentawai

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 Indonesia, Citilink, Super Air Jet, Batik Air, AirAsia (we recommend always choosing Garuda for your flights)
• Bali (DPS): Lion Air, Citilink, Batik Air, Garuda (usually with layover in Jakarta)
• Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Air Asia and Super Air Jet
• 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: Santika Padang or Mercure Padang

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 & Arrival: Currently, the ferry operates three times a week on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It departs at 7:00 AM, arrives at Tuapejat Harbor around 11:00 AM, and returns the same day, leaving Tuapejat at 3:00 PM and arriving in Padang Harbor around 6:30 PM.
• 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

Packing List

Here’s a complete packing list to help you prepare for a smooth and comfortable surf escape. From surf essentials to travel basics, make sure you arrive fully ready for island living.

Surf Essentials

• Surfboards
  • 2 all-round boards (recommended)
  • 1 step-up board for bigger waves
  • 1 small wave board for softer conditions
• Leashes, Fins & Wax
  • Regular leashes + spare leash
  • Spare fin sets
  • Tropical / warm water wax
  • Fin screws (especially for longboards)
• Surfboard Repair Kit
  • UV repair kit
  • Repair tape for emergencies

Clothing & Swimwear

• Surfwear
  • 3–4 boardshorts or bikinis
  • Rashguard / surf shirt
  • Surf hat / sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterproof bag
• Casual Clothing
  • 3–4 T-shirts
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 1 long-sleeve shirt
  • 1 pair of long pants
  • Laundry service usually available at the resort

Health & Protection

• Sun Protection
  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Zinc
  • After-sun care products
• First Aid Kit
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Gauze
  • Waterproof bandages

Travel Essentials

• Documents
  • Passport
  • Travel insurance
  • Printed & digital copies
  • Emergency contact details

Island Essentials

• Footwear & Beach Gear
  • Beach sandals / thongs
  • Beach towel (optional)
  • Pareo (optional)
• Power & Electronics
  • Type C power plug
  • 220V, 50–60Hz compatibility
  • Universal adapter (if needed)

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	Wed, Fri, Sun	4 hr ferry +2.5 hr drive	Any size, charged by weight.
Susi Air	Tue, Sat	40 min flight + 2 hour drive	Not allowed	Susi Air Flight 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.

Click here to request your custom transfer package