The Mentawai Islands have been thrust into the global spotlight over the past few days. A photo went viral on Instagram, showing Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ frontman Anthony Kiedis smoking with two Mentawai indigenous people on a beach there. The picture, taken by photographer David Mushegain, has garnered over 500,000 likes and surprised many fans, as the Mentawai Islands are a relatively unknown tourist destination and that’s why we are writing this article. We’ll explore more about Mentawai Island and why we say it’s a secret paradise perfect for surfing investors, at least investors who love surfing.
Where is Mentawai Island?
The Mentawai Islands are a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. Administratively, the Mentawai Islands are a regency within the West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. This regency is located outside the main island of Sumatra and comprises four principal islands. The capital of Mentawai Regency is Tuapejat, situated on Sipora Island.
The Mentawai Islands consist of four main islands:
- Siberut Island
- Sipora Island
- North Pagai Island
- South Pagai Island
- and several smaller islands.
The two of the most famous for international surfers are Siberut and Sipora island, which we will cover more in this article.
How to get to Mentawai Islands?
Kinda tricky questions, since Mentawai Islands are group of island but most of the time when we mentioned Mentawai Island we always mean Sipora Island. So when asking how to get to Mentawai Islands, we will answer with how to get to Sipora Island, the main city of Mentawai Islands.
There are no direct flights from outside of Sumatera Island to any of Mentawai Islands. Example, To get to the Mentawai Island from Bali, you need to go to Jakarta first then fly to Padang. From Padang city, you can choose to go with smaller airplane or by boat to Sipora Island.
The closest airport is the newly opened Mentawai Airport (MWI) on Sipora Island, the second-largest island in the archipelago. The airport started operations in October 2023 and can accommodate ATR 72-600 planes with a maximum capacity of 78 passengers.
While traveling to Siberut Island typically involves flying into Mentawai Airport and then taking a ferry or speedboat to Siberut.
Mentawai People
One thing for sure, don’t get mixed between Mentawai people and Minang people even tho’ both are coming from Sumatra province of Indonesia.
The Mentawai people, who originally come from the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia, have a special way of life that’s close to nature. In the past, they would move from place to place along the coast and inside the island depending on the season and where they could find food. They build big houses together called Uma, made of wood and leaves. These Uma houses are like a village for many families and a place for them to do special things together.
The Mentawai people believe that spirits live in everything around them, like trees, rocks, and even the waves. This way of believing is called “萨满教” (Sà mǎn jiào) [Chinese characters for Shamanism]. If you see the picture that RHCP posted, you can see the two Mentawai people have unique tattos. Those tattos are to show how important these spirits are, they get tattoos with special pictures that tell stories about their lives and families. Traditionally, both men and women got these tattoos.
Tourism in Mentawai
Surfing is definitely the main draw for tourism in Mentawai, attracting experienced surfers from around the world with its consistent swells, peeling waves, and offshore winds.
The Mentawai Islands’ unique combination of tribal culture, traditional ways of life, and stunning natural beauty creates a one-of-a-kind travel destination. Some tour operators offer “live-in” experiences with the Mentawai people, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tribe’s daily life.
While in-depth data might be limited, available information we can get from BPS suggests a positive trend in international tourist arrivals to the Mentawai Islands between 2016 and 2018. The figures indicate a year-on-year increase, with visitor numbers reaching 12,325 in 2018, compared to 9,833 in 2017 and 7,982 in 2016.
Siberut Island
Siberut Island is the largest island in the Mentawai archipelago, located off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is known for its dense tropical rainforests, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species like the Siberut orangutan and the Sumatran gibbon.
Siberut Island has recently garnered international attention as a priority conservation area. The unique culture of the Mentawai people and the island’s endemic biodiversity are compelling reasons to protect this irreplaceable place.
While Siberut holds immense tourism potential, it remains largely undeveloped. Currently, most visitors come for the cultural experience, eager to witness the communal life of the Mentawai tribes in their traditional Uma houses along the riverbanks.
Siberut National Park, encompassing the western half of the island, safeguards Siberut’s natural treasures. A community-based conservation program is currently underway, led by the government, local NGOs, and other institutions.
Sipora Island
Sipora’s compact size compared to its neighboring islands becomes a charm in itself. Despite its size, its strategic location between Siberut and Pagai Islands makes it easily accessible by boat. Sipora also holds the distinction of being the Mentawai District’s capital, with Tua Pejat City nestled within its embrace. Lush rainforests cover roughly 15% of the island, creating a pristine natural landscape. The local population thrives on farming and fishing, and visitors might encounter traditional houses and fishing boats dotting the coastline.
Sipora has emerged as the heart of Mentawai tourism. Its diverse offerings cater to various interests, but it’s particularly renowned among surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The island transforms into a vibrant hub between April and October, when wave conditions are at their peak. However, surfing remains enjoyable throughout the year thanks to Sipora’s consistent swells. Even beginners can find their rhythm here, especially with guidance from friendly locals.
Many international tourists use Sipora as their base, taking advantage of readily available rentals or charters to explore the archipelago’s diverse surf spots scattered across other islands. Accesibility is the key because Sipora is the easiest island to reach in the Mentawai chain, with frequent ferry connections from Padang, Sumatra. This convenience is a major draw for international visitors.
Investing in Mentawai?
As part of Indonesia, Mentawai has the same investment regulations in Bali. But we could say that is something foreign investor in Indonesia already know. So let’s talk about investing in Mentawai.
Mentawai consists of islands, transportation is the biggest challenge. but that is something surfers love. The more remote the less crowded the line up is.
Investing in Mentawai Islands options are limited to Surfing related such as surf camp or resort, surf shops, and could go to food and beverage industries. So real estate investment in terms of rental could be a great opportunity.
Data suggests a rise in rental properties available for tourists on Sipora Island. This surge in investment likely reflects the growing popularity of the Mentawai Islands as a tourist destination, particularly among surfers. Investors are capitalizing on the island’s potential by constructing new rental properties to accommodate the increasing tourist numbers.
The growth in rental properties highlights the increasing importance of Sipora Island within Mentawai tourism. However, it’s crucial to ensure this development is sustainable and respectful of the environment and local culture. Responsible management practices are essential to safeguard the unique character of the Mentawai Islands for future generations.
While rental properties cater to tourists, the Mentawai Islands offer a unique opportunity for personal investment. Imagine building your dream escape here, a haven for relaxation and reconnection with nature. Whether it’s a tranquil retreat for your retirement or a private weekend getaway, the Mentawai Islands hold the key to a truly special sanctuary.
FAQ
Depends on where you are going from. Example if you are from Bali then it will take around 4-6 hours to arrive in Mentawai Island.
Yes, there are sharks in the Mentawai Islands, as with most parts of the ocean. However, encountering a shark while surfing or swimming is very unlikely.
The Mentawai people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra, Indonesia over 500 BC. They are known for their rich cultural traditions, unique way of life, and deep connection to nature such as the Mentawai people practice animism, a belief system where spirits are believed to inhabit all things in nature.
