Indonesia
Signature
March to November
Trip Overview
Driftwood Mentawai is a boutique surf retreat located on Nyang Nyang Island in the heart of the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, one of the world’s most renowned surf destinations. Nestled along a pristine beachfront, Driftwood offers front-row access to a variety of world-class waves in the Playgrounds region, including Rifles, Kandui, and Bank Vaults, making it an ideal base for surfers of all levels. The resort combines traditional Mentawai design with modern comfort, providing cozy bungalows, delicious chef-prepared meals, and a laid-back atmosphere that caters to surf-focused travelers.
Guests at Driftwood Mentawai enjoy personalised surf guiding, ensuring they score the best conditions each day based on tide, swell, and wind. With fast boat access to over 20 waves within close range, the variety and consistency of surf is unmatched. After sessions, surfers can unwind in the communal lounge, take a dip in the turquoise lagoon, or enjoy a sunset bonfire on the beach. Whether chasing barrels or simply soaking up the island vibe, Driftwood delivers a memorable surf adventure in one of the most iconic destinations on the planet.
Accommodation
Driftwood Mentawai features two air-conditioned Jungle Bungalows, each equipped with private sun decks, en-suite bathrooms, and views of the lush jungle surroundings. For larger groups or families, the two-story Beachfront Family Villa presents a spacious retreat with air conditioning throughout, two balconies overlooking the ocean, multiple king-size beds, and a private bathroom.
Additionally, the Treehouse Rooms provide a unique stay among the palm trees, featuring king-size and extra-large single beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and panoramic views of the surf. Driftwood Mentawai accomodates up to 12 guests, with no more than 2 guests per bedroom.
Additional amenities include free internet access, use of sports equipment such as yoga mats and snorkeling gear, and communal areas designed for socialising and unwinding after a day in the surf.
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Surfing The Playgrounds Area
Driftwood Mentawai offers an exceptional surfing experience, strategically located in the renowned Playgrounds area of the Mentawai Islands. The resort provides immediate access to a variety of world-class waves, including the left-hander E-Bay, just steps from the bungalows, and the right-hander Pitstops, a short walk away. Additionally, over 20 diverse surf spots, such as Beng Bengs, Nipussi, and Bank Vaults, are reachable within a 30-minute boat ride.
Driftwood Mentawai offers daily boat transfers to these breaks, utilising two speedboats equipped with surfboard racks and shaded seating. Experienced local surf guides accompany each trip, ensuring you are matched with the best waves for your skill level and current conditions. This personalised approach caters to intermediate and advanced surfers, providing an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich variety of waves that the Mentawai Islands are famous for.
Siberut Island (Playgrounds Area)
Siberut Island (Playgrounds Area)
Nipussi
An easy, mellow right hander with a beautiful tropical backdrop. A good option if nearby Bankvaults is a bit too intimidating. Nipussi is best on a mid-size swell with light NNW winds.
Bankvaults
A powerful, challenging right hander. Expect an open ocean style take-off, then an incredible, wide open barrel section. This wave suits experienced surfers only, as it ends up bending back over shallow reef. Bankvaults is best on a SSW swell and a N wind.
Pit Stops
A playful and rippable right hander with a sand and reef bottom. The wave breaks close to the shore, within paddle distance of Mentawai Surf Retreat. Pit Stops needs a WSW swell to get into the sheltered bay, and any wind except for N/NE. The wave is perfect for busting out some turns.
E-Bay
A beautiful, barrelling, and world-class left, with intense emerald green water, just a short paddle down from Pit Stops. E-Bay needs a big W/SW swell with SE winds to work. The bigger it gets, the better it gets. This is a truly magical wave!
Bang Bangs
A playful, user-friendly left that breaks further down in the bay from E-Bay and Pit Stops. Suitable for longboarders, funboards, and has a good section for some big turns.
Hideaways
A world-class hollow left hander that breaks directly in front of Wave Park Mentawai Resort. Hideaways picks up plenty of swell and offers incredible barrels for experienced surfers. This wave works best with a SW swell and SE wind on a higher tide.
Malibu
This novelty right hander, perfect for longboarders, runs down the side of a tiny sand island. A super scenic spot suitable for all levels.
The Secret Slab
A short, intense right-hand barrel. This wave is a good option on small swell.
Bikinis
A very mellow peak, perfect for longboarders or beginners.
Burger World
This long right-hand wave with a beautiful backdrop is considered the swell magnet of the Mentawai Islands and works best on a small 2-4ft SW swell with NNW winds. On bigger swells, the paddling required to hold position tends to prove not worthwhile. Burger World is a great wave for a relaxing surf together with some turns. Some surfers pack a fish or funboard specifically to surf at this spot.
A-Frames
A playful peak that’s mostly a left, a good wave for a couple turns.
Rifles
World-class right hander with multiple barrel sections over a reef so perfect it must have been designed for surfers. Rifles likes a big SSW swell and light WNW winds. This is considered one of the longest, most perfect waves in the Mentawai Islands.
4 Bobs
A playful, one-section right with an easy take-off. If you’re lucky, you’ll score a quick almond shaped barrel or a 2-turn combo.
Kandui Left
Incredible freight-train left out the front of Kandui Villas, with big, heavy barrels and long sections on good days. Here, there’s potential to get the best barrel of your life. Kandui Left likes a SW swell and E/SE winds on a mid to high tide.
Baby Kandui
A very mellow, playful left hander. Baby Kandui is great for beginners and long boarders, or a relaxed session for more advanced surfers looking to refine their skills or trial a new board or fin set up.
Pistols
A super fun right with short but good barrels, and nice sections for turns.
Food & Drinks
At Driftwood Mentawai, surfers enjoy a satisfying and energising dining experience that fuels their time in the water. Guests are served three generous meals a day by a team of in-house cooks, featuring a blend of Western and Indonesian dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian options are available upon request, and daily snacks, fresh fruit, and an unlimited supply of coconuts keep energy levels up between surfs. Complimentary coffee, tea, and drinking water are available throughout the day.
Meals are served in a relaxed, open-air setting that encourages a communal, laid-back vibe among guests. The atmosphere is designed to reflect the resort’s island charm, with ocean views enhancing every dining experience. A small bar offers ice-cold Bintangs, sodas, and other beverages for purchase, perfect for unwinding after a day chasing waves.
Enquire NowActivities & Experiences
Driftwood Mentawai offers a diverse array of non-surfing activities that allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Mentawai Islands. The resort provides snorkeling equipment to discover the vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with colorful reefs and abundant marine life.
Island-hopping adventures are also on offer, enabling guests to explore uninhabited islands and secluded beaches, with the option to have packed lunches for day-long excursions.
Guests can embark on guided jungle treks, and for leisure, the resort offers various games, including board games and sports equipment, fostering a communal and relaxed atmosphere. Evenings can be spent stargazing on the beach, enjoying sunset bonfires, or simply unwinding with a book, allowing guests to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.
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On land, Driftwood Mentawai caters to wellness and cultural interests. The resort features a raised yoga platform overlooking the home break, providing an idyllic setting for yoga sessions; equipment is freely available, and during selected peak season periods, a yoga instructor offers complimentary classes.
