Indonesia is blessed with some of the best waves in the world. Surfers usually flock here during the “peak surfing season” from April to October in pursuit of world-class waves, warm tropical waters, in an exotic destination.
What’s relatively unknown is the unique opportunities that exist during the summer months, referred to as the “low season”, running from December to February. Nobody can deny swells are consistently larger during winter months, however, those seeking perfect waves in the 3-4 feet range can score during summer months, while the majority of surfers from Southern hemisphere countries such as Australia and Brazil, usually prefer to stay home for their summer months.
Bali and islands to the East have become popular surf travel destinations during the summer months due to the publicity these areas have received. The Mentawai Islands, located 150km off the coast of West Sumatra, are a little more tricky to reach, but the rewards can be far greater due to only a few venturing this far. Normally, the Mentawai Islands become highly populated with surfers during winter months, but during summer months, only a few tour operators remain open, while most do their offseason maintenance and take holidays.
It’s easy to understand why operators usually close down in the summer months when bookings can be scarce, and as a result, lineups remain ridiculously uncrowded. Macaronis Resort has remained open during summer months over the past 10 years since 2013, as the rewards are too great to pass up for the lucky few that visit during this time, usually going home well rewarded. Since starting our intermediate surf coaching clinics in 2018, from this time we have hosted a steady occupancy of guests in the summer months, but with very few other surfers around.
Southern Mentawai waves, in particular gems like Greenbush and Macaronis, are ideally suited to South swells which are common in the summer and shoulder season months. When the swell drops out, Macaronis normally always has a wave, alternatively ‘Thunders’, known as the regional swell magnet, is just a 45-minute boat ride away to the South.
Given the Mentawai islands are located two degrees South of the equator, the temperature remains fairly consistent year round (26C-32C), and the water temperature remains at around 26C-28C. It’s the perfect destination to escape the Northern hemisphere winter, or for anybody that wants to escape crowds in the Southern hemisphere summertime, and score quality uncrowded surf.
There is no distinct ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ season, unlike Bali and other islands to the East. As a result, visitors can enjoy days on end with no rain and sunny conditions during the summer months. Highly enjoyable for the skilled surfer, but particularly attractive for intermediate surfers keen to further their skills, surfing some of the best breaks in the world, without needing to compete with crowds. Surfers who are dialed in, or discover these conditions by chance, rarely go away disappointed.
Macaronis Resort is the only Southern Mentawai surf resort open during the summer months, also offering a range of activities for beginners and non-surfers, catering well to families and couples. Christmas and the New Year’ is a favorite for families, with some returning multiple times. There is a sand bottom beach break ideal for learning to surf, snorkeling and fishing equipment, sea kayaking, stand up paddle boards, spa services, and a lagoon-style swimming pool to relax around throughout the day.
The “low season” is likely to always remain uncrowded, due to the many factors which make summer months an unusual time to visit remote Indonesia in the Southern hemisphere in search of surf. As a result, most operators choose to close down during this time, providing a unique opportunity for anybody prepared to take a punt and visit when the vast majority of surfers prefer to stay at home.
Another more recent article: How to Score Perfect Uncrowded Waves in the Mentawais
