🌴SOUTHERN MENTAWAI OUT SPOT
OVERVIEWS
SMO is an all inclusive ecologically conscious surf resort located on the previously uninhabited island of Sibigau. Our island is home to the world famous surf break Thunders, one of Indonesia’s most consistent high quality left-handers. The smaller Thunders gets, the harder it barrels, and at head high height it can spin off barrels of 3 seconds or more to the lucky few who are willing to test its inside section. For those who want to ease into things, the wide section of the break offers a thrilling take off and wide-open walls. Thunders can handle all sizes, and for the chargers, there are days with legitimate 20ft face waves. If that isn’t your thing, there are a number of other breaks in the area, including the renowned Roxy’s aka Coldsprings, which offers fun barrels and walls when Thunders is throwing out waves past your gulp limit. Rag’s Right and Rag’s Left are also within sight of Thunders, less than 3 miles away. There are additional spots you’ve never heard of where you’re likely to get a good session with just you and your friends. Our boats are standing by to get you into the waves of your dreams! On the days when Thunders and some of the nearby spots are onshore, Rag’s Right, as well as another right-hand break just becoming recognized to the world, known to many as Thunderbox, offer some of the deepest and thickest barrels the Mentawai Islands and Indonesia have to offer! SMO Owner/Operator/Guide Eric is an ISA Level 2 certified surf coach, so if you want to perfect your pop up, your barrel stall, or even your tail waft, extra instruction with him including video analysis, is available for a small fee. However, day-to-day pointers are free…just ask. We want you to get the best waves of your life, so let us help you do it! Southern Mentawai Outpost is located directly in front of the well-known Thunders break. The concept guiding the design of SMO is that of a full Eco Resort. The creators of the resort believe that sustainability is the best approach to any development, and therefore have designed SMO to be completely solar powered. Generators are very rarely used (only when absolutely necessary), and guests of the resort will likely never hear one. After 10 years of living on a boat with a generator running 24hrs a day, one of the co-creators has insisted we keep the area as pristine and quiet as possible. With so many waves close to Sibigau there is no reason to live on a cramped boat any longer! No generator, no smog, no traffic or motor bikes without mufflers, no horns, no big smoking two-stroke engines – this place was created to escape all of that. We also have running water from our wells. How amazing is it to be on a tiny island in the Indian Ocean and have fresh water wells! Our buildings are constructed entirely of Bamboo, and have been designed and positioned with prevailing winds in mind. Due to the mindful design of the buildings, air conditioning is unnecessary. We are sure you’ll be sleeping comfortably under your sheets at night. Bamboo is not only a sustainable building material, but has a great reputation for withstanding earthquakes, which are frequent in Indonesia. In addition, the resort is located in the shadow of a large hill. In the event of a Tsunami, the hill provides an available route for vertical evacuation, which is the only sure way of staying safe in such an event. Tsunamis, like the recent one in Japan, have shown us that no building can truly be “Tsunami Proof,” and the only way to remain free from harm is to be in deep water or at elevation. Fortunately, Sibigau Island is blessed with both options. SMO holds a maximum of ten surfers/guests, which provides privacy and prevents the grounds from feeling crowded. The small capacity also allows us to give our guests a more personal experience, similar to the experience of a boat trip, with a high staff-to-guest ratio. Our staff will see to all your needs, just like on the ‘Addiction’ Surfing Charter trips Eric crewed, but you will also have the privacy of your own room and space to stretch your legs on the island. Sibigau offers endless empty beaches and jungles for hiking and exploring. We can provide information about the local flora and fauna one may encounter on their adventures. The reefs are full of life at night, we love to eat what we catch and get excited when guests want to go hunt lobsters, collect lamunan (sea snails), or go spear fishing. We encourage our guests to embrace the sustainability ethic as well, please be conscious while packing. There is not much thought to recycling or production of trash in Indonesia. Please leave your plastic packaging at home and recycle or re-use what you can. Also, don’t forget to use your metal SMO water bottle that will be gifted to you upon arrival. There are no villages on the island, allowing visitors to enjoy near exclusive access to expansive white-sand beaches and jungle trails. If you are looking for privacy and peace of mind, this is the place to get it. Plans are being finalized to create an organic vegetable garden, so as to include fresh local vegetables on the menu. We do not support or condone unsustainable fishing practices, and any seafood we serve will be caught by guests or staff. You will wake up everyday to a bowl of fresh local tropical fruit and a steaming pot of tea or Mentawai-grown coffee on your front porch. Other meals will be served in the main restaurant, and we will make sure your dietary needs are catered to, and that you never go hungry. We are surfers and understand you need the necessary fuel to be sure to get the most out of your sessions. All meals are included with your stay: cold breakfast, hot breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Beers and sodas are available at the bar. Guests can run a tab and settle up before departure. During the day, you can take a dinghy to surf the various breaks on and near Sibigau, and a western surf guide will be with you to put you onto the wave of the day whenever you are ready. SMO is the best place to be if you want to score one of your bucket list waves! Post up here and wait for the perfect time to strike. We always have waves, even with no swell in the water, we only need the wind to cooperate. The southerlies create perfect wind swell that organizes as it wraps all the way around the island and tick off fun chest- head high+ barrels! Prices and distances are posted and the bill is settled at the end of your stay. There is no reason you should worry about money while you are on vacation, you won’t need much cash and any bills can be paid with a credit card before you leave. Southern Mentawai Outpost is designed for people who want to experience the consistency, quality, and intensity of the incredible waves offered by the Southern portion of the Mentawai Islands. At the same time, you can take a guilt free vacation knowing that you are leaving the smallest possible impact in a beautiful, pristine place – something that is becoming a commodity in today’s crowded and often polluted world. We are confident in stating that no other resort in Indonesia is taking the same steps as we are to encourage and maintain sustainability and support the local economy. If this matters to you as much as getting barreled on your surf board, then your choice is clear: make SMO your Eco conscious Surf Resort destination. We hope to see you soon (I’ll be the one going past you in the barrel).
Gallery
×
WAVES
No verbal description of a wave can do it justice, each surfer will have their own personal take on what the wave is like for them. There’s every type of break in lefts and rights, there are waves for all wind directions, all swell sizes and directions. There is always something to surf around Southern Mentawai Outpost. We are located directly in front of Thunders, the most consistent swell magnet, possibly in all of Indonesia. Even in the Mentawais, there are more days of the year in between swells than there are days with swell. So for most trips, the best spot in the area is directly in front of your house! Another huge benefit to this is that we always know when the swell has hit, and what the direction is, just by looking out front to see how the wave is breaking. We aren’t governed by the guesswork involved in getting swell forecasts and crossing our fingers that the forecast was correct and the wave we travelled to that morning is working. When deciding where to surf we use our sight… Not a website. When a surfer is based at SMO, riding an hour in a boat to go surf is an OPTION. Most camps require a boat ride just to check and gauge what the swell is doing. That ultimately boils down to less time in the water for their guests. When variety is what a guest wants, we have it available in spades. Just like surfing anywhere else on the planet, the breaks that are working at any given moment, are determined by the conditions, but you can be sure that there is always a classic session to be had within reach of Southern Mentawai Outpost.
THUNDERS
Thunders is the most consistent high quality break in Indonesia. This lefthander stretches along more than 300 meters of reef and offers several different sections, each with its own personality. On smaller swells the wave hugs the reef producing hollow and mechanical barrels. Even on the smallest days head-high waves still roll through with quick barrels for surfers able to tuck under the lip. As the swell grows the wave shifts further off the reef. On the biggest swells it produces wave faces over 25ft, delivering one of the closest experiences to big wave surfing in the Mentawais. Southern Mentawai Outpost exists because Thunders never fails to deliver exciting waves for surfers of all levels.
THUNDERBOX
On the southern side of Sibigeu Island lies Thunderbox, one of the most powerful right hand barrels in the region. The wave begins with a wedging peak that can sometimes split into both a right and a left before opening into a wide hollow barrel. Thunderbox is famous for producing some of the widest barrels in the Mentawais. Although the ride is relatively short, the intensity and power of the wave make it legendary among experienced surfers. This wave works best on medium to large swells and can hold significant size when the swell direction is correct.
RAG'S RIGHT
Located on the southern side of Pitojat Island about 2.5 nautical miles away, Rag’s Right is an extremely fast and shallow barreling wave. From takeoff to finish the wave is a barrel. Surfers must position perfectly on the drop or risk being outrun by the section. Mistakes usually result in a quick encounter with the reef. When you make a wave here it can easily become the best barrel of your life. Rag’s Right gained worldwide attention after appearing in the surf film Innersection where both Kelly Slater and John Florence scored incredible rides here.
RAG'S LEFT
Rag’s Left is a long reef break offering multiple sections. After the 2007 earthquake that lifted reefs in southern Mentawai, the wave changed slightly and now behaves differently depending on swell direction and tide. Some days it offers heavy barreling takeoffs, while other days produce long open faces perfect for powerful carving turns. Each year the reef continues to settle and slowly the wave moves closer to its legendary form where riders could link multiple sections across a long reef.
BUDDHAS
Buddhas sits about four nautical miles away from Thunders and offers one of the most versatile waves in the area. On smaller swells it becomes a perfect beginner wave with a slow deep-water takeoff and a mellow wall that fades safely into deep water. Beginners can even ride straight without worrying about hitting the reef. When the swell increases Buddhas transforms into a powerful wave capable of producing beautiful barrels, but still with the comfort of deeper water beneath the rider.
COLDSPRINGS (ROXY'S)
Coldsprings is located about six nautical miles from Thunders and gets its name from cold freshwater flowing from nearby rivers into the lineup. When the swell is small the wave is often called Roxy’s, a fun and highly rippable right-hand wave with a quick takeoff and playful wall. When larger southwest swells arrive the wave becomes Coldsprings, producing powerful hollow waves with square barrels and wave faces reaching up to 8–10 feet or more. On the biggest days this spot can deliver some of the heaviest barrels in the region.
📍 SMO Location
ROOMS
bamboo bungalows have 2 beds in each, with a shower behind each one. Two bathrooms are located centrally behind the main clubhouse.
Your own private bungalow. King bed on one side with bench and table on the other.$225 USD per person/ night (+10% tax)
Shared bungalow – 2 twin beds
×
$350 USD per person/ night (+10% tax) or $400 per couple/ night (+10% tax)
Your own private bungalow. King bed on one side with bench and table on the other.
×
FOOD AND DRINKS
In line with the Mentawai theme, our restaurant and bar are the centerpiece of the resort. Take in the phenomenal view of Lance’s Left from large spacious terrace while indulging in a delicious and freshly prepared meal by chef. in-house chef selects only the tastiest local and imported ingredients to prepare a variety of nutritious meals daily, leaving you feeling energized and ready for another day of adventure. Start your day off with a coffee, fresh fruits and eggs / bacon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are considered a “set menu” yet tailored to your taste buds. Enjoy a spread of freshly caught fish tacos or load up on a colorful Greek salad for lunch. Even if it’s the burger and fries that you cannot resist, we will remind you to save space for dinner! Our large local seafood BBQ’s at night are a vibe. Got space for more? Our chef delights in serving something sweet when a mouthwatering treat is in order. Vegetarians, pescatarian’s and gluten free diets are catered for, simply let us know your preferences when booking your stay. All meals are prepared using fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats.
Kick back and sip on a coconut while you watch perfect wave, after perfect wave reel down the reef. Opt for an ice cold beer at the bar to celebrate the moment and cheers your friends to being in paradise. The shaded terrace is designed to take full advantage of natural light and to catch the ocean’s breeze while the tranquil atmosphere of our restaurant creates a space to relax while enjoying the incredible view of waves and exotic natural surroundings.
×
SPEEDBOAT
SMO currently have 4 boats at SMO.
he pride of our fleet
new custom built 35-foot boat. Powered by twin 200hp Yamaha’s. Cruising speed: 27 knots!.5′ and 20′ boats are available for charter to explore the waves in our zone. We’ve moved to a fuel recovery system—no more fixed half- or full-day rates. You just pay for the miles you run, split between whoever’s on board. Life on the water isn’t fully lived without at least one fast and reliable boat. At SMO boats are more than transport—they’re part of the adventure. Whether you’re scoring perfect waves or headin’ out for a fishin’ mission. We keep it transparent and fair, so you only pay for what you use and always know what to expect. Dinghy Access – Included We include dinghy use for: Surf drop-offs to Thunders and other nearby breaks Fishing trips around the island Alternative surf access when conditions change Our surf guides will help you find the best way out—whether walking across the reef, paddling from the keyhole, or hopping in the dinghy. If you prefer not to paddle, our dinghy is standing by for drop-offs near the lineup When Thunders is too big, we offer included dinghy trips to: Buddhas – often more mellow, protected left The Rights on the bottom of our island. Custom 35′ Surf Strike Mission SpeedBoat Our new 35′ custom boat, powered by twin Yamaha 200hp engines, cruises at 27 knots and delivers you to surf in comfort and style, with all the boards on the roof. Our genius friend Mo build us the best board rack in existence. Custom built to easily hold 10 board coffins for ferry port transfers. When we are in strike mission attack mode we can hold 26 boards (13 with fins, 13 without). Everyone can bring at least 2 boards, 1 with fins, so you’re ready to rock as soon as we arrive. Direct transfers from the ferry port to the island (19nm) Ideal for surf missions to further locations, with extra comfort on the water. Fuel Recovery Pricing: We charge $10 per nautical mile, based on GPS-tracked routes. Mileage is recorded via chart plotter on boat, and the Navionics Boating app on crew phone. Activity is reviewed and logged at the end of each day, then transferred to the white board in the restaurant. Costs are split evenly between all guests on board. We only charge for boat trips you take. Sometimes Thunders is perfect everyday and guests don’t want to go anywhere else. We don’t want to charge you for something you don’t use.
20′ Panga
For shorter trips or lighter missions, our 6-meter panga with Yamaha 40hp is available to surf the waves of, and around our island. We make sure you have the opportunity to surf the best waves of the day, based on your ability. If Thunders is too big we will bring you to more protected waves that are nearby. We have so many nooks and crannies we will get you waves. We include about a 3nm radius around our island. You can trust us to put you on the best waves nearby. If you would like to make a strike mission based on your own predictions, or ours to further distanced waves, we offer a 20′ panga to be chartered at: $2.50 per nautical mile Trip Planning & Settling Up Charts and maps are available to help you plan surf & fishin missions All boat fuel charges are tallied and settled at the end of your stay
×
FERRY SCHEDULE
- Padang → Sikakap: Friday – 11:00 AM
- sikakap → Padang: Friday – 2:00 PM
- The fast ferry takes approximately 4–5 hours.
OPTION 2: PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT TRANSFER
A private speedboat is available directly from Padang to Kingfisher Resort. The private speedboat is exclusive to your group and can be tailored to suit your arrival / departure time in Padang.
- Maximum Capacity: 12 people
- Price: USD 4,000 return trip
NOTES
- Option 2 is at an additional cost and NOT INCLUDED in your quoted rates.
- Please let us know in advance if you would prefer this service.
How Long Does It Take to Get to SMO Resort?
Option 1 – Ferry + Speedboat
Travel from Padang to Sikakap by ferry takes approximately 4 hours.
Total travel time: ~4.5 hours
Option 2 – Direct Private Speedboat
Travel directly from Padang to SMO Resort by private speedboat takes approximately 3.5 hours.
SMO – All-Inclusive Holiday Experience
SMO Resort offers the ultimate all-inclusive holiday experience, which includes accommodation, three delicious daily meals, unlimited use of resort speedboats to go surfing, fishing and exploring, coffee, water and tea, and free use of all our Resort amenities.
Rates:
- Shared bungalow – 2 twin beds $225 USD per person/ night (+10% tax) Our bamboo bungalows have 2 beds in each, with a shower behind each one. Two bathrooms are located centrally behind the main clubhouse.
- Private Bungalow $350 USD per person/ night (+10% tax) or $400 per couple/ night (+10% tax) Your own private bungalow. King bed on one side with bench and table on the other.
Nightly Rate Includes
- Food: All meals included. 4 meals a day: Coffee & tea with cold breakfast before sunrise. Hot breakfast after surf. Lunch when you are ready. Dinner buffet, severed family style. Snacks. We are surfers, we know how important it is to re fuel. Food is always available.
- Bamboo House: Wave front bungalow. King bed or 2 twins. Private shade hut and hammocks.
- Drink: Water, tea and coffee always available. Beers are available for purchase.
- Wi-Fi: You can stay as connected to the world as you’d like. 24 hour electricity and Wi-Fi.
- Boat trips: To near by waves, with in 6nm. Fishing trips included as well.
- Surf Guide: The best surf guide in Mentawai! Eric has over 20 years experience living, working, guiding, surfing in Mentawai. He is also a certified surf coach. ISA Level II.
Nightly Rate Excludes
- Hotel in Padang. We can recommend hotels for any level of comfort.y r
- Transportation package: Round trip transportation from Airport > Hotel > Ferry (including tickets and board bags) > Boat transfer from Sikakap port to our island, Sibigau. $350 USD
- Ferry Tickets & board bag charges
- Mentawai Surf Tax: IDR 2.000.000/ about $125 USD For the new surf tourism tax. This will be paid to the office at ferry port, you will receive a wristband that is valid for 15 days. This is extendable
- Photo Package: Expect to pay around $200 for all photos. Depending on the photographer at the camp when you visit the price will vary. Also, some video and drone services may be available.
- VOA/ Visa On Arrival: 3o day Visa On Arrival is paid at immigration counter when you enter the country. Cost is 500.000 IDR / about $35.. If you want to stay longer we are happy to help arrange your visa.
- Travel Insurance
SMO SURFCAMP BOOKING NOW
0 Comments