The Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra are known as one of the best surf spots in the world. Most surfers come to the island of Sipora. As beginner surfers, we also visited Sipora and below we tell you our experience.
Content of this blog:
Surfing the Mentawai Islands as a beginner
So since the waves in the Mentawai Islands are among the best in the world, we can tell you that it is quite challenging as a beginner. That is why the Mentawai Islands and Sipora are not really equipped for beginners either. If you ask around, there are surf instructors who offer a beginner’s lesson, but then when you find yourself in the waves, it is very difficult to apply the teacher’s feedback. At our stay Arthur’s Homestay we could only rent a hardtop surfboard, while we ourselves have only practiced on a softtop surfboard. So if you have really never been on a surfboard before we would not really recommend surfing at the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia.
Surfing the Mentawai Islands as an advanced student
If you are really a surfer, Sipora is heaven on earth. Everything is about surfing, the waves are fantastic and there are amazing surf spots you can go to. Every morning and every afternoon several fishing boats leave to drop you off at the surf spots for a small fee. You also see a lot of surfers on Sipora who travel with their own boards and stay here for weeks.
What are the best surf spots in Sipora?
Sipora, one of the four Mentawai Islands, is a true walhalla for surfers. The island offers a number of world-renowned surf spots suitable for both experienced surfers and beginners. Here are the highlights:
Telescopes.
Telescopes is among the most popular surf spot in Sipora. The Telescope spot is famous for its long, clear waves, which are ideal for both intermediate and advanced surfers. The spot is easily accessible by boat and often has even surfing conditions, especially during the dry season from April to October.
Hollow Trees, Lance’s Right (HTs)
Hollow Trees, also known as Lance’s Right, is known for its fast and powerful right breaks. Lance’s Right is perfect for experienced surfers who want to experience an adrenaline rush. In ideal conditions, it is possible to catch iconic tuberides here.
Icelands
For adventurous surfers, Icelands is an excellent option. This spot boasts powerful, firm waves that can be surfed year-round. The name is derived from the robust, almost frozen look of the waves. Don’t let the name impress you; the experience is worth it.
Ombak Tidur
When literally translated as “sleeping waves,” this spot is ideal for surfers who prefer relaxing waves. The environment is calm and the waves are less wild, which lets you practice and enjoy in peace.
Remember to plan your surf trip well, as the best conditions vary by season.
Boat trip from Sipora to Three Sisters point and Long Beach
The Mentawai Islands are insanely beautiful. Clear blue waters and white, deserted beaches can still be found here. To see some more of the area, it is advisable to book a boat trip where you go to the popular Three Sisters point and visit Long Beach. You can easily arrange this at your accommodation. The boat costs IDR 800K (€45) for 6 hours, so if you are going with more people, it is cheaper per person.
In addition to these beautiful and iconic spots, you will also make a short visit to a mangrove. It is so special to see how the swamp comes to life here, how the branches and roots stand in the water and what a tranquility you experience while sailing through the mangrove.
What else is there to do at Sipora?
Actually not that much. That’s what disappointed us a little. It is absolutely not touristy, which of course is very nice on the one hand, but because of that you also miss some conviviality. We tried surfing for 1 hour but the waves were really too high for us. If you don’t surf, there’s really little left except relaxing in the hammock, chilling on the beach and scootering across Sipora.
Tip: read our 9 tips you need to know before traveling to the Mentawai Islands in Sumatra, Indonesia here!
Riding a motorbike in Sipora
Sipora is a beautiful island and the best way to explore it, as far as we are concerned, is by motorbike. You can ride for hours along the northeast coast to the south, passing through the local villages where you’ll really still be stared at by the Mentawai people.
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