Quick Facts
Overview
Despite their close proximity to mainland Western Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands archipelago – consisting of 70 islands and islets – was isolated in the Indian Ocean before the 19th century, with strong currents, winds and sharp coral kept outsiders away. But today, with easy boat access from Padang, surf travelers in search of the best waves in the world make the pilgrimage.
Located off Sumatra is the Indonesian Island of Sipora. This is the heavenly location of our all-inclusive surf resort, Hollow Tree’s. While it might be the smallest of the Mentawai Islands, Sipora is actually the most developed of the four. It is the sublime scenery, island conveniences, and impressive ocean swells that lure surfers and nature lovers to this stunning island year-round. Approximately 1/4 of the island’s original rainforest remains on the island, allowing visitors to soak up unspoilt views on an outdoor adventure.
A home away from home
Hollow Tree’s Resort is a unique destination whether you are a surfer, couple, honeymooner, yoga, adventurer, traveling with a group of friends, a food lover or simply just want to escape and enjoy an exotic slice of paradise. Located right in front of one of the finest right-handed waves in the world, “HT’s” short for “Hollow Tree’s” or also known as “Lances Right”. And with 10 world-class waves within a short boat or bike ride from our resort, there’s surf to suit all levels.
4 REASONS FOR A SUDDEN RUSH SURF TRIP TO THE MENTAWAIS:
- Here you surf waves, which absolutely deserve the predicate “world class”. And one of these waves is right in front of the resort!
- The great know-how of the camp management (former surf pro) and the always available boat guarantee that you will always surf the best spot
- Thanks to the large selection of top surfboards (via Awayco) you can leave your boards at home and save yourself the hassle of carrying your board bag around
- Here you will be welcomed as a friend and enjoy an unforgettable time together with happy, positive surfers
Accommodation
Enclosed by palm trees, powder-soft sand, and azure waters, the accommodation options have a homely feel that will make you feel comfortable when staying in the Mentawai Islands. All villas are a combination of modern and natural design. Since the way of life on Sipora Island is very simplistic, we aim to reflect this in the design of our Mentawai Islands accommodation.
VILLAS
Four villas are scattered along Katiet beach, each villa has two separate rooms (two people per room) sharing one bathroom. Double and single beds available.
Every villa has its own pool, so you can take the plunge in complete privacy. Get a sun-kissed glow by unwinding on one of the poolside loungers. Alternatively, seek shade after a day of surfing by resting at the cabana area. The cabana doubles up as a reading area, so you can get lost in a good book or bury your head in a travel guide and find out what the Mentawai Islands have to offer! Katiet beachfront is just a few footsteps away from the pool and cabana, making it easy to keep a close eye on the swell.
RESTAURANT & BAR
Our Mentawai beach resort features a stylish restaurant and bar that seats a maximum of 20 people. Lunch and dinner is dished up buffet-style, allowing you to take your pick of culinary delights prepared with organic and locally-grown ingredients.
Start your day with coffee, fresh fruit and eggs / bacon, before indulging in a delectable fresh seafood platter or traditional Indonesian dish, such as Nasi Goreng or Rendang. A nutritious lunch will set you up for a day of surfing. You will also find a wide range of French and Thai dishes, from pasta dishes to tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup) and pad Thai (Thai-style fried noodles). Lunch and dinner is served buffet-style, allowing you to fill up on as much food as you can put away! The HT’s chef will be happy to prepare meals according to your dietary requirements.
With unlimited coconuts on offer at the restaurant and bar, you will never go dehydrated during your stay at HT’s. Also available on the drinks menu are fruit smoothies and freshly squeezed juices, which go down well after a day of surfing the best waves in Indonesia. Fancy a tropical drink? Order a glass of beer, or a mixer at the bar.
Surf
If you decide to come to Mentawais you can do it from March to November; due to their position in the Indian Ocean the islands are exposed to the South-Southwest swells, so from March to April the waves are smaller but consistent as well. Then they will become stronger in May. The same happens to the ending of October and the beginning of November: smaller but consistent waves again.
From April to October strong swells from South Africa and Antarctica reach our coral reefs carrying amazing waves that roll into clean and perfect barrels. Now you can plan your trip thinking of this: if your choice is no crowded and easier surfing we suggest you to book in March, April, October and November, if you like to play rough you must book from May to September! Surfline suggests Mentawai in August is the Best Bet in the world.
WAVE SELECTION
Hollow Tree’s: Known locally as HT’s or Lance’s Right, in short, is one of the best and most consistent fast, barreling right-handers in the world and our resort looks straight out over it. The wave wraps around the south end of the island and into the sheltered bay where it unloads on the reef known as The Office and finally the Surgeon’s Table. As the name suggests, this wave is for intermediate and advanced surfers and rated as one of the top five waves in the world.
Lance’s Left: This is a long and consistent left hander right around the corner from the Resort. The wave offers a barrel of the take off and a long open face for multiple manoeuvers down the line. Being on the other side of the island and facing east the left is a good option when the wind is onshore at HT’s. Perfect for all levels and long perfect lefts lovers.
Cobra: Cobra is an A frame peak just a few meters up from Lance’s left that offers a good backdoor left hand barrel. Don’t forget to kick out before it closes out on dry reef. Sometimes you may get lucky and connect with Lance’s Left and get one of the longest waves. This wave is a good option to get away from the crowd of Lance’s left.
Bintangs: This is a short dredging right, on the other side of the bay at Lance’s left. On medium Swells, it offers a short but thrilling barrel. On smaller days becomes a fun mellow rippable wave. Works best on south swells and north winds.
Shipwrecks: A perfect barreling right, not surfed by many. Mid to high tide only and beware on the inside section. A nice getaway.
Beach Break: Just a short bike ride away from the resort, the beach break offers beautiful crystal clear left and right peaks, perfect for all levels and even if you want to learn how to surf we can organize lessons.
Mini HT’s: Small peak going right or left. This reef break is just a short walk from the resort. It will suit either beginners or longboard fun rider.
The Point: A long fun right hander, suitable for all levels, with hollow and flat sections. Just a few hundred meters from HT’s.
Monkey’s: A fun shifty left that works on smaller swells and offers occasional barrels. The wave is tucked away in a beautiful bay away from plain sight.
SPEED BOAT
Visit different waves faster with our two speed boats available.Go around to other surf breaks in no time with our two speed boats. The small one can take you anywhere from Shipwrecks to Lance’s Left or even the Beach Breaks. While our bigger one will take to further breaks such as Macaronis, Telescopes or Scarecrows. You can even use them to visit the Gilligans, for a snorkeling day with picnic on the beach.
SURFBOARD RENTAL
The Resort is working with Awayco- it’s a platform where you can reserve all new CI surfboards for your stay without needing to bring boards. With models for waves big and small, for experts and beginners, you’re sure to find something perfect for the day. If you are interested, please sign up.
SURF LESSONS
We do not have any scheduled surf lessons. If you would like to take surf lessons, we are flexible with times. We will take you to the best waves in the area that suits your ability. You will learn how waves are formed, how weather conditions create the surf & be given the step by step guidance that will have you up & riding the waves on your first day.
– Student ratio is 1:2
– Duration: 2 hours
– Surfboard included
Prices
MENTAWAI ALL INCLUSIVE SURF PACKAGE
Including:
- Bungalow accommodation
- 3 gourmet meals per day
- Complimentary unlimited drinking water provided dispenser in the villa
- AC, hot shower’s and outdoor dip pool
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the whole resort
- Use of all resort facilities (stand up paddles, kayaks, etc.)
- 1x complimentary 15 minutes back & shoulder massage per person/stay
- Scooters
- Surf guide
- Unlimited speedboat trips to nearby destinations per person/stay
- Private transfer service from Padang (local) airport to hotel in Padang & boat harbor (roundtrip)
- 10% government tax
Excluding:
- Padang Hotel – we recommend staying at Mercure hotel or Budget Hotel by the harbour
- Roundtrip boat transfers – package includes ferry ticket plus luggage & surfboard luggage & then speedboat transfer to/from the resort.
- for surfers – $350 USD per person
- for non-surfers – $250 USD per person (travelling without surfboards)
- Mentawai surf tax ($75 USD valid for 15 days for visiting surfers only)
- Travel insurance – all guests must have travel insurance according to resort policy
Arrival
1. FLIGHT TO PADANG
You would need to take a flight to Padang in Sumatra (Minangkabau International Airport) either via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Jakarta. Below are airline options to above destinations:
- Air Asia
- Sriwijaya Air
- Garuda
- Lion Air
- Citilink Air
Once you get to the airport our resort representative will be waiting for you holding the sign “Hollow Tree’s Resort” – you then will be transfered to your accommodation in Padang or directly to the harbour (if you booked a private speed boat service).
2. OVERNIGHT IN PADANG
You will need to spend two nights in Padang – one night on arrival and one night return. As there are no flights connecting with the ferry schedules, the ferry only departs 4 times a week and once a day – on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
3. FROM PADANG TO THE RESORT
There are 2 options to get to the resort.
Option 1: Ferry to Tuapejat or Sioban
For surfers: $350 USD per person – roundtrip / Non-surfers: $250 USD p.p – roundtrip
This is recommended for solo travelers, couples or a couple of friends. If you choose this option, you will need to arrive in Padang the night before the day of the ferry departure.
The ferry departs to Tuapejat at 6 am on Mondays & 7am on Wednesdays & Fridays. It departs to Sioban at 7am on Sundays. Once arrived In Tuapejat or Sioban, the resort speedboat will come to take you to the final destination.
- Travel time: +/- 5 hours via Tuapejat & +/- 4 hours via Sioban.
This option can be arranged for big groups (5 – 12 people). This is the most convenient option and can be arranged to suit any connecting flight schedules to/from Padang – arriving in Padang before mid-day. The transfers might be rescheduled depending on the weather conditions.
Way back from resort to Padang: on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sunday at 3pm from Tuapejat.
Activities
YOGA
Peace your mind with some yoga. Use our yoga deck to relax and connect with nature. Come during one of our yoga retreats to practice and learn from some internationally recognized yoga teachers. Or if you are an apprentice yogi, just borrow one of our Pandan Yoga Matt and off you go.
RELAXING MASSAGES
Our masseuse will help you disconnect with a full body deep tissue massage! Pick your mind from our large menu of massages, skin treatments and body maintenance. The pressure point from the deep tissue massage will relax your muscle and stretch you off all surf sores. Too much sun? Refresh and rejuvenate with an Aloe vera mask.
SNORKERLING
Home to various species of marine life, such as the Goldstripe Maroon Clownfish (just like the fish off the animated movie Finding Nemo), Sipora Island is an idyllic snorkeling spot.
HIKING
Go off the beaten path on a hiking trip around the island, where unexpected walkways will expose untouched valleys and mountains. Wear comfortable shoes on a trekking adventure in the direction of hidden waterfalls, dense rainforest, and lush green rice fields.
RIDE THROUGH THE JUNGLE
The resort has plenty of scooters for you get on and visit new beaches, surf breaks or say hello to the villages near by. Just take some water and your board if you want to Search for new waves. If you don’t want to go alone, our surf guide will happily drive you to the locals’ favorite spots.
..AND MORE
Kayaking, Fishing, SUP, Cooking,.. there’s always a fun thing to do!