The Mentawai Islands Aren’t Just for Surfers Anymore
For travelers willing to make the journey, the textbook example of paradise is waiting in Mentawai.
The Mentawai Islands in Indonesia feel very off-the-radar. Coming from the U.S. or Europe, it takes at least 30 hours of travel to reach them and no fewer than three different modes of transport. But ask any avid surfer and they’ll tell you that the time and effort to reach these far-flung islands are well worth it. Surrounded by reefs and trade winds, the Mentawai Islands are consistently ranked as one of the top surfing destinations in the world.
Outside of the waves, these islands can only be described as paradise. Lush jungles are home to wildlife that can only be found in Mentawai and the white sand beaches are as picturesque as those on Bali, but without the hoards of tourists. The travel is exhausting, but beachside eco-lodges are the perfect place to wind down and disconnect.
The Mentawai Islands are perfect for traveling on your own. You can join a surf camp to meet other like-minded individuals, whether you’re a beginner or the next Kelly Slater. Hanging out with your surfing peers day and night, you may be traveling solo but you’re hardly traveling alone.
Not that you have to be a solitary surfer to enjoy Mentawai. For couples, nothing is more romantic than sleeping in a bungalow over the water. If you’re bringing the kids along, outdoor adventures abound and it could be the opportunity to introduce them to surfing.
Aloita Surf Resort is a bohemian beachfront resort with very comfortable villas and bungalows. Your stay includes three healthy meals and an unlimited supply of water, tea, and coffee. The basics are all taken care of, which is ideal for families traveling with youngsters. Parents can sit back and relax while the kids are munching away on local fruits and veggies.
Many of the activities are designed with surfers in mind. Boats bring you to amazing surf breaks where you can arrange a professional photoshoot while riding these epic waves or even take top-notch surf classes.
For the non-surfers, there are diving excursions, beach yoga sessions, and sunset cruises. You can rent a stand-up paddleboard, go snorkel, or hike around the island. When you're in need of relaxation, book a massage while listening to the sound of waves crashing against the sand.
There is no one around but waving palm trees in front of the thick of the jungle. Just you and your family, some epic waves, and unlimited fresh fruits to feast on. Let us know and we'll put together a trip that will be impossible to forget.
Judith van Raalten
Growing up in the Dutch woods, Judith still has a love for anything farmyard-based. Adventurous at heart, she travels the world with her family and has called 8 countries home in the last 18 years. A keen yogi and a runner with a passion for down-hills, Judith is also new to race biking as she needs plenty of physical outlets to keep her philosopher's mind in check.
Images copyright of Aloita Resorts and @aljosarebolj_photographer and @zalacuden