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How to get to Mentawai

How to get to Mentawai

How to get to Mentawai?
The first step is to fly to Padang in Sumatra (Minangkabau International Airport) via Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

Visa on Arrival at Padang

If you’re arriving internationally, you’ll be glad to know that Padang’s Minangkabau International Airport offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities. This means travelers flying in from abroad—whether you’re connecting through Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore—can easily obtain the necessary visa upon landing, making your journey to Mentawai hassle-free.

Once in Padang you must spend the night in a hotel and take the Mentawaifast ferry the next day.
* We can organize your transfer from the airport to the surfcamp if you wish.

Help with Travel Arrangements

If planning all the details isn’t your jam, don’t worry. There are several travel agencies and booking sites that can organize your flights, ferry tickets, hotel stays, and ground transfers for your journey to the Mentawai Islands. Companies like Skyscanner, Traveloka, and local tour operators in Padang are well-versed in managing the specifics so you can save energy for surfing instead of schedule wrangling. Just let them know your travel dates, and they’ll piece together the itinerary for you.

Option 1 :

The mentawaifast ferry leaves for Siberut on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7 am. So you must reach Padang the day before.

We can organize the transfers from the airport to your hotel and transfer to Mentawaifast for a very cheap price.

Once in Siberut we will pick you up with our speedboat at the exit of the ferry and take you to the surfcamp.

Typical Airport Transfer Costs in Padang

For reference, airport transfers in Padang generally range between IDR 250,000 and 500,000, depending on the service and type of vehicle. This gives you an idea of what to expect if you’re arranging transportation yourself.

Option 2:

Direct transfer by speedboat from the port of Padang to Sabbit Mentawai Surfcamp. It is the most comfortable and fastest option.

Ask for prices.

 

Recent Changes to Wings Air Flights

If you’re planning to catch a flight from Padang to the Mentawai Islands, it’s important to know that as of late April 2025, Wings Air has suspended all services on this route. This change means there are currently no direct flights operated by Wings Air between Padang and the islands. Before booking travel, be sure to check airline announcements for any updates, and consider exploring alternative transport options like fast ferries or charter flights to reach the Mentawais.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V93hC_zDYUM
Padang to Mentawai

Arrival to Sabbit Mentawai

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Schedule from Padang to Mentawai (Siberut)

 

Tuesday (Duration 6:30): M.FAST FERRY, 07:00. Arrives at Siberut 13:30. Sikobaluan scale

Thursday (Duration 3:30): M.FAST FERRY, 07:00. Arrives at Siberut 10:30.  Direct Siberut

Saturday (Duration 6:30): M.FAST FERRY, 07:00. Arrives at Siberut 13:30. Sikobaluan scale

Schedule from Mentawai (Siberut) to Padang

 

Tuesday (Duration 3h30): M.FAST FERRY 14:30, arrival at Padang 18:00. Direct Padang

Thursday (Duration 6h30): M.FAST FERRY 11:30, arrival at Padang 18:00. Sikobaluan scale

Saturday (Duration 3h30): M.FAST FERRY 14:30, arrival at Padang 18:00. Direct Padang

Land Transfer from Tuapejat or Rokot Airport to Katiet

Whether you’re touching down at Rokot Mentawai Airport or docking at Tuapejat Port, the next leg to Katiet is straightforward and stress-free. Our team will be waiting to welcome you on arrival, ready to handle all your surfboards and luggage for you.

Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey—travel time is typically around 2 hours from Rokot and about 2.5 hours from Tuapejat, depending on sea and weather conditions. Once everything is loaded, you can simply relax and let us take care of the rest, ensuring a smooth arrival at the surfcamp.

Tip: Land and boat transfers are organized as part of your booking with us—just ask for details when you reserve your package.

Frequent questions

Everything you need to know before embarking on your trip to the Mentawai Islands

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Surfboard and Baggage Policies: What to Know

Before you pack up and dream of Mentawai barrels, a heads-up on surfboard transport: Indonesian airlines are notorious for charging per surfboard, and those fees add up fast—especially on itineraries with multiple flights. Some carriers set length limits (e.g., about 6.5 feet), and rates often run per board, per flight leg. It’s vital to double-check with your airline about current surfboard charges and baggage restrictions so there are no surprises at check-in.

For the Mentawaifast ferry, you’re in luck: boards of all sizes are welcome, but the cost is calculated by weight rather than quantity. If you’re bringing a larger quiver, this can be a flexible option, though packing light still pays off when you’re lugging gear.

As always, contact your chosen airline or the ferry company for the most up-to-date costs and policies before your trip. Some travelers even call ahead to clarify cargo fees and ensure a smooth journey from board bag to beach.

Traveling During Local Holidays: What to Expect

Planning your adventure during major local holidays? It’s important to know that festivals like Eid al-Fitr (locally known as Lebaran) and Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence) can impact your travel plans in western Indonesia, including the Mentawai Islands.

During Eid al-Fitr, which follows Ramadan, many Indonesians return to their hometowns. As a result:

  • Flights and ferries can be fully booked well in advance; expect larger crowds at airports and ports.
  • Some transport schedules may change or operate on limited hours.
  • Certain services, shops, and even smaller hotels might close briefly as staff spend time with family.

Similarly, Nyepi brings a full day of silence and closure throughout Bali (though it is less directly observed in Sumatra and the Mentawais). If your trip includes transiting through Bali, note that:

  • Ngurah Rai International Airport completely shuts down for 24 hours during Nyepi.
  • All transport, including domestic flights and ferries, pauses for the day; nothing moves!

Our advice:

  • Try to book flights and ferry tickets as early as possible if your dates overlap with these holidays.
  • Be ready for some changes in local services and allow extra time in your itinerary.
  • Reach out to us with your dates—we’ll help clarify the best routes and timing given Indonesia’s unique holiday calendar.

With a bit of planning, you’ll avoid the holiday rush and ensure a smooth journey to the Mentawai Islands.