Mentawai Islands Holiday Package: Options Beyond Surfing
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A Mentawai Islands holiday package is usually a 7 to 12 night stay bundling accommodation, meals, boat outings and transfers from Padang for travellers not only there to surf. Typical inclusions are snorkelling, island trips, paddling and fishing, with yoga or a short Siberut visit as options. April to May and September to October suit most non-surfers.
Most accommodation in the Mentawais was built for surfers, and that shapes what a holiday here looks like. There is no resort strip, no shopping street and no busy dive scene. What you get instead is quiet islands, warm water, simple island life and boats that take you somewhere different every day. This guide explains how a Mentawai Islands holiday package works for non-surfers, mixed couples and families, which package styles exist, what they cost, and when to go.
We are an independent planning guide. We do not own or run resorts or boats. We help travellers compare island stays and connect with operators that fit.
Who a Mentawai Islands holiday package suits
- Mixed couples and groups where one person surfs and the other does not. Many surf resorts take non-surfing guests, and some quote a lower rate for them.
- Families who want a remote island stay rather than a busy beach town, and who are comfortable with long transfer days and basic medical access.
- Active travellers who want snorkelling, paddling, fishing and island trips in one place.
- Travellers looking for rest, including yoga-focused stays at camps that offer classes alongside surfing.
If you want nightlife, a wide choice of restaurants or easy day trips by road, the Mentawais are probably not the right fit. Most movement happens by boat, and the weather sets the schedule.
Types of holiday package
| Package type | What it usually includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Island resort stay | Room, full board, boat outings, snorkel gear, Padang transfers | Couples and families who want one base |
| Surf resort with a non-surfer rate | Same resort as the surfer, without surf guiding and surf boats | Mixed couples and groups |
| Activity-focused stay | Snorkelling, paddling, fishing and island trips on a set programme | Active travellers and families with older children |
| Yoga and surf stay | Daily yoga classes, healthy meals, optional surf lessons or guiding | Travellers who want rest as much as waves |
| Island hopping trip | Two or more islands linked by ferry or private boat | Travellers who want variety and do not mind moving |
If moving between islands appeals, our Mentawai island hopping package guide sets out realistic routes.
What you can actually do
Snorkelling and swimming
Snorkelling is realistic around the offshore islands, where water is often clearer than near the ports. Visibility depends on the weather, and sheltered lagoons are the safest choice. Resorts typically run snorkel trips by boat.
Island trips and beach days
Boat trips to uninhabited islands and quiet beaches are the core of most holiday packages. Boats do not run in rough seas, so an outing may move to another day.
Paddling
Calm lagoons and mangrove channels suit kayaks and paddleboards. There is no island-wide rental network, so this usually means equipment provided by your resort.
Fishing and diving
Some resorts and charters offer fishing trips. Diving is limited compared with Indonesia’s established dive regions; confirm equipment, compressor access and dates with a specific operator before counting on it.
Yoga and wellness
A few camps run daily yoga, often at sunrise or sunset, alongside surfing. Classes may be included or charged per session. Ask whether a teacher is on site for your whole stay or only for set retreat weeks.
Adding surf or Siberut to a holiday package
Many holiday packages are built around one person’s surf week. The surfer goes out by boat in the morning while the rest of the group snorkels or rests, and everyone joins the afternoon outing. If you want to learn, some camps offer lessons on softer waves in the smaller months; ask for an honest view of whether the nearby waves suit beginners.
Siberut, the largest island, is home to Mentawai communities who still live in and around the uma, the traditional longhouse, and much of the island is rainforest within Siberut National Park. A few guided days there can be added before or after an island stay. These visits need a local guide and the consent of the host community, trails can be muddy and steep, and ceremonies are never guaranteed. Treat it as an optional add-on rather than the centre of the holiday, and plan it around the days the inter-island boat runs.
When to go
For non-surfers, the shoulder months tend to work best. April to May and September to October usually combine settled weather, manageable seas and fewer surfers. June to August brings the biggest swells of the year, which matters if your resort faces an exposed reef, although sheltered bays can stay pleasant. November to March is the wetter period: rain is more frequent and boat conditions less predictable, but the islands are quieter and some properties offer lower rates.
What a holiday package typically costs
Island accommodation is mostly priced per person per night with meals included. Typical 2026 ranges run from around US$135 to US$200 at simple camps to US$350 to US$800 or more at premium resorts. Non-surfer rates, where offered, are often lower than surfer rates because they leave out surf boats and guiding. Yoga classes, fishing trips and spa treatments may be extra. Outside the package, budget for flights to Padang, at least one night in Padang each way, insurance, drinks and tips. Our Mentawai island tour price guide breaks the costs down by package type.
A sample 10-night plan
- Night 1: arrive in Padang, hotel near the harbour.
- Day 2: fast ferry to Tuapejat, boat transfer to your island resort.
- Days 3 to 6: snorkel trips, beach days, kayaking, morning yoga.
- Days 7 to 9: optional short visit to Siberut, a fishing day, or more resort time.
- Day 10: ferry back to Padang, overnight.
- Day 11: fly home, with the Padang night acting as a weather buffer.
Practical points before you book
- Check how far the resort is from the ferry port and how the transfer works with children or heavy luggage.
- Ask about medical access and confirm your insurance includes evacuation.
- Carry cash from Padang; do not rely on cash machines on the islands.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket, insect repellent and water shoes.
- Expect limited mobile coverage and slow internet in many places.
Quick facts
- Typical length: 7 to 12 nights.
- Gateway: Padang, then ferry or private boat.
- Best months for non-surfers: April to May, September to October.
- Main activities: snorkelling, island trips, paddling, fishing, yoga.
- Diving: limited; confirm with the operator.
- Typical nightly rate with meals: around US$135 to US$800 or more per person.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the Mentawai Islands without surfing?
Yes. Snorkelling, island trips, paddling and fishing make a good holiday on their own. Choose a resort with a strong non-surf programme and ask which boat trips are included.
Are Mentawai holiday packages good for children?
They can be, for families comfortable with long transfers, basic facilities and limited medical care. Choose accommodation with sheltered water and confirm safety equipment on boats.
Do holiday packages include the ferry from Padang?
Many do, but not all. Some include airport pickup, a Padang hotel night and ferry tickets; others start at the island port. Get inclusions in writing.
Are there yoga retreats in the Mentawai Islands?
A few camps offer daily yoga alongside surfing, and some run dedicated retreat weeks. Ask whether a teacher is on site for your dates and whether classes are included.
Is it safe to swim everywhere?
No. Exposed reefs can have strong currents and breaking waves. Swim in sheltered lagoons and follow local advice.
Plan your island holiday
We help travellers compare island stays and activity options, and Mentawai surf packages for the surfers in the group, then connect with operators. Send your dates and group details on WhatsApp at +62 811 3941 4563 or email bd@juaraholding.com.
