Travel Information
Discovering the untamed beauty of the Mentawais is an adventure of a lifetime. But navigating your journey to this remote paradise for the first time can be a challenge. Welcome to our guide on Travelling to the Mentawais.
At Playground Surf Resort, situated within one of the planet’s most secluded spots, we boast nearly decades of expertise in managing seamless travel experiences. Our commitment to ensuring your journey is hassle-free extends to our partnerships with global travel agents, making your trip smoother than the pumping surf you’ll soon be riding. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive array of transfer options tailored for your Mentawais trip; invaluable insights into your journey here; and everything else you need to make your pilgrimage to Playground Surf Resort an unforgettable experience.
Flight Information
Your journey to the serene waves of Playground Surf Resort begins with a flight to Padang. To fully enjoy your surf retreat without rush, you must arriving in Padang one day prior to your resort experience and departing the day following its conclusion. For example, if your retreat dates are from August 5 to August 15, plan your flights for arrival on August 4 and departure on August 16.
Selecting your flight route to Padang (PDG) depends on your starting point. Common connections are made through Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, both serving as gateways to your destination. To ensure a smooth transition to your surf adventure, we recommend booking flights with ample layover time to avoid any stress with ferry connections.
International Travelers
From North America, South America, or Europe
Connect through major airline hubs like Dubai or Doha, where ongoing flights to Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur await to bring you closer to the waves.
From Australia
The most direct path is through Jakarta. Should availability challenge your plans, Kuala Lumpur stands as an alternative before you make your way to Padang.
From Bali
Swiftly connect via Jakarta, with frequent flights ensuring you’re on the next flight to Padang.
Accommodations in Padang
Mercure Padang
Esteemed by surf enthusiasts en route to the Mentawai Islands, Mercure Padang stands as a top recommendation. Be in the lobby at 6am to be picked up and taken to the ferry.
Hotel Santika Premiere Padang
Experience a blend of modern amenities and local hospitality at Hotel Santika Premiere, the latest addition to Padang’s hospitality scene. Early risers will appreciate the breakfast available from 5am, designed to cater to those departing for the Mentawai Fast Ferry or jet-setting home.
Plan B Hotel Padang
For the savvy traveler, Plan B Hotel offers a smart lodging solution without compromising convenience. Ideal when traveling on a budget.
Padang Transport Services
**Included with Your Stay**
At Playground Surf Resort, seamless transitions are part of our service promise. From the moment you arrive in Padang until your last wave goodbye, we’ve meticulously pre-arranged your transfers for a worry-free travel experience.
Arriving in Padang
Upon your arrival at Padang Airport, a welcoming member of our staff will be readily identifiable, holding a sign for Playground Surf Resort. They will guide you to your selected hotel, ensuring your comfort from the very first step.
Embarking to the Resort
The following morning, a prompt pickup awaits you at 6 am in your hotel lobby. You’ll be escorted to Padang Harbor, where Tika, our local liaison, will provide you with tickets for the Mentawai Fast Ferry departing at 7am.
Transport Services
**Included with Your Stay**
Returning from Your Surf Haven
The journey back mirrors the ease of your arrival. A resort representative will greet you at approximately 6 pm at Padang Harbor upon disembarking the Mentawai Fast Ferry, and you’ll be comfortably shuttled to your chosen hotel.
Departure Day
On your final day, we coordinate a smooth transfer from your hotel to Padang Airport at a pre-arranged time, ensuring you’re timely for your flight home.
At Playground Surf Resort, every detail of your journey is crafted to enhance your surfing adventure, without the hassle of transport logistics.
Transfer with Mentawai Fast Ferry
**Included with Your Stay**
At Playground Surf Resort, we prioritize your comfort and convenience. Our preferred mode of transfer is the Mentawai Fast Ferry, renowned for its punctuality, safety, and service quality. We meticulously align our trip schedules with the ferry’s operational dates and times to facilitate a seamless journey to Siberut Island. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our private boat, which will whisk you away to the welcoming shores of our resort.
Your voyage to our surf sanctuary commences with a departure from Padang Harbour at 7 am, either on a Tuesday or Saturday. The Mentawai Fast Ferry will navigate you through 80 nautical miles to the Mentawai Islands, with a brief interlude at Sikabaluan for a moment of respite. Your arrival at Siberut is scheduled for approximately 2pm, where our dedicated team awaits to continue your journey.
Speedboat – Playground Surf Resort
Our staff will ensure a swift transition from the ferry to our private speedboat, providing assistance with your gear and guiding you on the final leg of your trip. The speedboat ride to Playground Surf Resort typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, subject to weather and sea conditions. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff, served a delightful late lunch, and invited to prepare for your first epic surf session.
Leaving the Mentawai Islands
As your retreat comes to a close, we ensure that your departure is just as smooth. After a morning surf and a satisfying lunch, our speedboat will depart from Playground Surf Resort 12pm to Siberut Harbour. The Mentawai Fast Ferry will be ready to embark around 2pm for a direct passage back to Padang Harbour, arriving around 6pm.
Personalised Booking Assistance
Embark on your surf getaway with ease, thanks to our dedicated booking assistant service – Tika, our esteemed representative in Padang, who is ready to streamline your travel arrangements.
From flights to accommodations, Tika’s expertise ensures a smooth and hassle-free planning process. You can reach out directly via WhatsApp at +62 822-8847-4876 for a personalized touch to your travel needs, making your journey to Playground Surf Resort as relaxing as your stay.
Inclusive Costs
Mentawai Surf Tax: Hassle-Free Inclusion with Your Package
At Playground Surf Resort, we ensure that our surfers can ride the waves without any hidden costs. A mandatory Mentawai Surf Tax has been instituted by the local government to support community initiatives. This tax, amounting to 1 million IDR (approximately US$67), is required from every surfer visiting the islands.
We’ve taken the initiative to absorb this cost within our package pricing. Our goal is to provide a transparent and all-encompassing surf holiday experience, so you can focus on the waves instead of the paperwork. Non-surfers, rest assured, this inclusion does not affect your package price. We offer this benefit to our surfing guests at no additional cost to ensure that everyone enjoys an equal measure of paradise.
Enjoy the waves and local culture, secure in the knowledge that your contribution is aiding in community development, and that all administrative details are smoothly handled by your dedicated resort team.
Travel Inclusions
Your travel package includes all costs for the Mentawai Fast Ferry, ensuring a hassle-free passage to and from our resort:
One-way ferry ticket: 350,000 IDR (approximately US$25)
Additional fees apply for surfboard carriage.
Surfboard Bag Fees (per journey):
Up to 15kg: 230,000 IDR (approximately US$17)
15kg to 25kg: 460,000 IDR (approximately US$33)
Over 25kg: 690,000 IDR (approximately US$50)
Light refreshments are available for purchase on the ferry, with payment in Rupiah. While water is provided, we suggest bringing extra snacks and beverages to enhance your comfort during the transit.
Jarrad
Oscar
Gus
Kelly Slater
"The Mentawais are like a surfer's dream. The waves are perfect, the water is warm, and the scenery is amazing. It's one of the best places in the world to surf."
"I spent 8 days here with an awesome crew of friends and the outstanding coaching support of Margaret River High Performance Centre. The resort is simply stunning; the welcome from Donny and his tribe of cooks, photographers and boat crew goes well beyond anything I've experienced before. Such a great, happy, welcoming group of people. And the waves... OMG, these are world class and there are options for all levels. At least 20 surf breaks on your doorstep and local knowledge ensures that you hit the right ones according to winds, tide and swell. I'll never forget my time at Playgrounds and the wonderful people with whom I shared this experience!"
Jon Evans - July 2023