#2 Surf some waves
Indonesia is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, with an enormous variety of first-class waves and perfect breaks. But only intrepid wave catchers make it to the tubes that curl alongside the Mentawai Islands. The activity, however, is becoming increasingly popular. Visit in June and July for the best and most consistent surf.
#3 Go jungle trekking
The entirety of Siberut Island, the largest of the four Mentawai Islands, is a UNESCO-protected National Park. A mixture of primary forest, swamp, coastal forest and mangroves, this really is a natural heaven. Sixty-five percent of the mammals here are endemic alongside fifteen percent of the fauna. A jungle trek can take you to the heart of the island where four species of primates, including the pig-tail snub-nosed monkey, are only found here. Tread carefully.
Where to stay
There are a handful of basic homestays at the port of Siberut, the largest of the four islands. Head to Masokut Island for cheap, all-inclusive surf camps or the north of Sipora Island for basic hotels and homestays with unbeatable views.
Find the best hotels here.
Best restaurants and bars on the Mentawai Islands
There’s not much of a restaurant and bar scene on the Mentawai Islands. Some of the more upscale resorts, like Aloita Resort, will serve up restaurant-level buffet food and wine, but with fresh fish in abundance here, the majority of visitors eat where they are staying.