With more perfect waves per square mile than anywhere else on Earth, the Mentawai Islands are the crown jewel of surf travel. But with over 70 islands and dozens of surf breaks scattered across the archipelago, it can be hard to keep track of them all — or even know where to begin planning your dream trip.
That’s why we’ve created the ultimate list of every well-known surf spot in the Mentawais, organized by region: Sipora, Siberut (Playgrounds), North Pagai, and South Pagai.
Whether you’re chasing the mechanical perfection of Macaronis, the long right barrels at Rifles, or looking for that perfect backlit barrel at HTs, this breakdown gives you the full picture — with something for every surfer, from off-grid slab hunters barrel to intermediates looking to progress.
Main Surf Zones in the Mentawais
The archipelago consists of four major islands: Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai. Each island hosts its own zone of surf spots:
Sipora Island – Accessible, Varied & Wave-Rich
At the heart of the Mentawai’s surf scene lies Sipora Island, home to the some of the most iconic and accessible waves in the entire archipelago. This is where Villa Onu is located, perfectly positioned in front of the world famous Lance’s Right (HT’s) — one of the most sought-after right-hand barrels on the planet. Just minutes away, surfers can also enjoy Lance’s Left, The Point, Mini HT’s, and several beach breaks that are ideal for beginners and longboarders.
Unlike other regions where boats are required to reach most surf spots, many waves around South Sipora are walkable or just a short paddle or dinghy ride away, making it a hassle-free zone to score multiple sessions a day. The region offers a rare combination of hollow reef breaks, playful points, and mellow peelers — all set in stunning natural surroundings.
Whether you’re a progressing intermediate or a seasoned barrel hunter, Southern Sipora delivers the full Mentawai experience with less time (and money) daily traveling to spots and more time in the water.
Siberut Island – The Playgrounds
North of Sipora lies Siberut, home to the high-density Playgrounds region, popular among charter boats and surf camps. This area is home to an impressive variety of waves — from barreling rights like Rifles and Bank Vaults to the laid-back lefts of Beng Beng and A-Frames.
While the wave count here is massive, most surf spots require a boat to access, which can limit your water time unless you’re on a dedicated surf tour. Still, for those chasing volume and variety, Playgrounds is a fun-packed zone — though often busier due to its popularity and concentration of charters.
North & South Pagai Islands – Remote & Raw
Further south lie the Pagai Islands, a more rugged and remote part of the Mentawais that’s best explored by surf charter or through select all-inclusive resorts. This region is home to some of the heaviest and most photogenic waves in Indonesia, including the mechanical perfection of Macaronis, the hollow freight train of Greenbush, and the thunderous walls of Thunders. It’s a dream for advanced surfers who don’t mind trading comfort for adventure — and who want to explore untapped reef passes, slabby barrels, and tropical solitude.
Siberut Surf Spots – The Playgrounds Region
This area has the highest concentration of waves in the Mentawais. Most surfed via boat charters and camps that offer daily surf trips.
Lefts
- E-Bay – Heavy, hollow left with two rock sections
- Beng Beng – Mellow, user-friendly reef break
- A-Frames – Consistent peak with barrel potential
- Hideaways – Slabby, shallow left with excellent tubes
- Kandui (No Kandui) – One of the most powerful and hollow lefts in the world
- 4 Bobs Left – Softer option compared to its right
- Little Nias – Long, peeling left-hander
- Kandui Inside – A shorter, punchier version of No Kandui
Rights
- Rifles – Long, perfect right-hand barrels; world-class
- Bank Vaults – Heavy, square right with multiple peaks
- Nipussi – Consistent, deeper-water right great for intermediates
- Pitstops – Super rippable, high-performance right
- Burgerworld – Reliable small swell right; long walls with playful sections
- 4 Bobs Right – Soft, rolling wave great for turns and learners
- Pistols – Clean right-hand reef break
- Karambat Left & Right – Rarely surfed but known among local guides
Sipora Island Surf Spots- Home to Villa Onu
Home to Villa Onu and home to some of the most famous waves in the world, Hollow Trees. Perfect for land-based trips with options for all levels. While there are more lefts than rights, the rights more than make up for it in quality.
Lefts
- Lance’s Left – Long, peeling, with open walls and occasional barrels
- Cobra – Short, hollow slab just up the reef from Lance’s Left
- The Hole – Steep, slabby left breaking into the channel
- Monkeys – Reliable swell magnet with varied sections
- Beach Break 1 & 2 – Sand-bottom waves ideal for beginners and mellow sessions
- Mini HT’s (Left) – Peaky and forgiving; good for funboards and lessons
- Iceland – Heavy left with slabby sections; swell magnet further north
- Telescopes – Long, world-class left-hander in North Sipora
- Suicides Left – Fast and hollow; advanced surfers only
Scarecrows – Long, powerful left with barreling sections and room for turns. Great on all tides and popular among all levels. - Seven Palms – A versatile and underrated left that shines on small days. Good for turns, barrels, and even longboarding.
- Twiggies – Less intense than Suicides, heavy on West swells and more rippable walls on South Swells.
- Hookers – A long, peeling left in a sheltered cove with multiple fast, rippable sections. Best with SE wind and a clean SW swell.
- Tikus – Mellow and forgiving at smaller sizes with playful sections. Can get hollow and more challenging on bigger swells. Great for longboarding and intermediates.
Rights
- Lance’s Right (HT’s / Hollow Trees) – Iconic, barreling right-hander; world-renowned and home of Villa Onu.
- The Point – Long, mellow right great for longboarding or cruisy turns. Barrels and big walls in larger swells.
- Mini HT’s (Right) – Soft and playful, great for beginners and longboarding.
- Suicides Right – Fast, shallow barrel; expert-only
- Arik’s (aka Backyards) – Rarely working but up there as one of the best right in the area when it does
North & South Pagai Island Surf Spots
Remote and raw, best accessed via boat or select resorts. Home to some of the best lefts in Indo.
Lefts
- Macaronis – The most mechanically perfect left in the world
- Greenbush – Slabby, hollow, and extremely technical
- Rags Left – Long, barreling wall during large SW swells
- Silabu Left – Soft, uncrowded wave great for intermediates
- Mini Macas – Smaller version of Macaronis, perfect for fun sessions
- Thunders – Big, consistent left-hander that handles all tides
- Fish Fingers – Gentle, sandy learner wave with peeling shoulders
- Screamers Left – Long, racy wall near Macaronis
- Maccas Inside (Lagoon Left) – Fun, short wave inside the bay
Rights
- Rags Right – Intense barrel, similar to HT’s but less crowded
- Rednuht – Deepwater right with a thick barrel on takeoff
- Roxies – Rippable right-hander often called “Macas in reverse”
- Bat Caves – Long, mellow right with occasional barrels; scenic location
- Macaronis Right (Outside) – Often ignored but can produce quality rights on the right tide
- Lighthouse – Mentawais southern most wave, needs a solid south swell that serves up very long rippable walls.
