MACARONIS Surf Resort - Sumatra, Mentawai. Indonesia
INTRODUCTION
All-inclusive Mentawai surf trip packages on a year-round flexible schedule.
Macaronis Surf Resort is situated over picturesque Silabu salt water lagoon. Tidal movement keeps the lagoon clean and cool to swim in, with an abundance of marine life viewable from your villa balcony, and magnificent sunsets that occur over the lagoon at the end of each day.
The resort features all the modern conveniences you would expect, including A/C, hot water, a beautiful lagoon-style swimming pool and On-Location Spa, offering massage and skin-treatments.
Macaronis Surf Resort offers a unique experience for surfers and their companions, located right next to ‘Macas’, one of the world’s great surf breaks. Macaronis breaks perfectly on all tides, is ridable in almost any wind condition.
The schooner boat known as ‘Indies Explorer’ operates as a mobile extension of Macaronis Surf Resort, offering 2-3 day surf excursions heading north or south of Macaronis, allowing guests to split up and surf in different areas.
For those who don’t surf, chill out around the cocktail bar and large decked area overlooking the fantastic salt water lagoon. The resort offers a dining/entertainment complex with pool tables, table tennis, music and a large screen TV for evening movies.
In addition to incredible surfing, guests can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, snorkeling, and more right from the resort doorstep. You can expect that we have your priorities covered, including those of the ladies and the kids!
THE ACCOMMODATION
Macaronis Surf Resort guest suites were recently refurbished to provide extra comfort, privacy, and quality.
All 16 guest suites are located on the second-floor of the resort building, elevated 8m above sea-level with spectacular ocean, lagoon, and pool views. Each suite has a 4m veranda with seating and drop-down shades for privacy.
Suites
Specific focus has been made to ensure maximum thermal and acoustic insulation in floors, walls, and ceilings, keeping rooms cool and completely noise proof for maximum guest comfort. The guest suites offer the highest quality Mentawai surf resort experience, being raised from ground level with wonderful sea breezes.
All the suites feature:
✔ Spectacular Ocean, Lagoon & Pool Views
✔ En-Suite Bathroom with Hot Water
✔ 4m Veranda with Seating & Privacy Shades
✔ Split Air Conditioner
✔ Proper Thermal & Acoustic Insulation
✔ 32″ Flat Screen TV & DVD Player
✔ International Channels & Sports
✔ Macas Channel: Live Surf Cam Broadcast
✔ Work Desk & Clothes Storage
✔ In-Room Free WiFi Internet
✔ Bedding Options: Queen or Two Twins
✔ New Mattresses & Bedding
✔ Daily Service & Clean Towels
Daily Meals Included
Coffee, Tea, Guava & Mango Juice, Fruit, and Baked Treats are available all day.
✔ Continental Breakfast Bar
✔ Mid-Morning Hot Breakfast of Your Choice
✔ Mid-Day Hearty Plated Lunch
✔ 3 Course Dinner or Self-Serve Buffet
Chefs can accommodate any food allergies or eating preferences. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian guests are carefully accommodated to.
Restaurant & Bar
The Bar & Restaurant is located on the ground floor within the community entertainment area. There is indoor seating and outdoor seating by the pool. A live surf cam feed of Macaronis wave is usually up on the big screen until dark when guests can watch surf DVDs, the latest Macas videos, or the days footage. The building has excellent sound proofing so guests can rest while others enjoy a late night beer.
Chefs prepare a variety of Western and Indonesian cuisine including pastas, salads, roast chicken, beef rendang, and nasi campur.
Breakfast options are loved amongst the guests including: bacon, eggs any style, fresh baked bread for toast, banana pancakes, made-to-order omelets, porridge, fresh fruit and Indonesian classics.
Desserts are served after lunch and dinner and include chocolate cashew cookies, cheesecake, tropical fruit crumble with fresh cream, coconut chocolate slice, banana chocolate chip muffins and many more!
A twice weekly outdoor BBQ under the stars (weather permitting) is a highlight of every trip, with a delicious buffet of BBQ’d fish, chicken, chops, satays plus delicious sides, salads, sauces, and desserts.
The bar serves a variety of cocktails, imported Australian red and white wine, liquor, beer, espresso, and snacks. Just ask for your special drink request and the bar staff can prepare it for you (subject to ingredient availability).
Bar Menu items are not included in package rates and can be paid for at the end of your trip with Visa, Mastercard, or in cash with Indonesian Rupiah.
A 50″ wall-mounted flat screen TV usually plays Macas TV live surf cam feed until dark when guests can watch surf DVDs, the latest Macas videos, or the days footage. No bar would be complete without a billiard table and no surf resort without a ping-pong table – the resort has both!
THE ACTIVITIES
Surf
Only 5 minutes speedboat ride from the Resort. Macaronis is officially voted the the funnest wave in the world by an outstanding 76% of all pro surfers and industry figure heads.
Surf Spots
MACARONIS (Macas Left)
As one of the most consistent Left-hander waves on Earth, Macaronis works on both large or small swells, and on all tides and almost any wind conditions. Epic 8-2 feet tubes on medium to large swells. Great for Intermediate to Advanced surfers.
MACCAS RIGHT
Distance: 2 minutes speedboat ride from the Resort. Macas Right offers fun long walls on north winds and a high tide.
BAT CAVE
Distance: 30 minute speedboat ride from the Resort. This mellow long right-hander breaks on the outside of a tropical deserted island, also a fantastic location to have a swim or to snorkle. There are also high cliffs across the channel for those who are into cliff jumping. As well as offering fun long waves, great surroundings for snorkelling, and high cliffs for jumping, Bat Cave is a great place to chill out with a picnic on the beach.
GREENBUSH
Distance: 20 minutes speedboat ride from the Resort. This hollow left-hander can either lock you in a barrel with no exit, or you might be lucky enough to avoid the lip and make an extraordinary tube before a safe exit. You have to really pick the right wave to paddle for, but pick the right one and youll catch one to remember for life. Remember the epic barrel Dayne Reynolds scored in the movie “Young Guns 2”?
SILABU LEFT
Distance: 10 minutes speedboat ride from the Resort. This left-hander can be firing with strong southerly winds, as long as Macaronis and producing 5-6 feet high waves. It is surfable on all tides, but a little more hollow and longer on low tide.
OTHER SPOTS
Other spots from 30-40 minutes away are frequently visited by the Indies Explore and include: Hollow Tree’s (HT’s), Lances Left, Bintangs, Rag’s Left, Rag’s Right and Thunders.
Speed Boats
Macaronis Surf Resort has six speedboats in operation all powered exclusively by Yamaha engines. All boats carry radios and other safety equipment as well as spare fuel and parts at all times. Marine operations are taken seriously to ensure safety and comfort for all guests.
Ramco Runabout
Used for guest transfers, excursions, & extended Mentawai islands surfing missions.
A 7m solid plate aluminum runabout built by Ramco, New Zealand
Powered by twin Yamaha 2-stoke 85hp outboard engines
4 Long Boats – Macaronis Surf Resort Speedboat
Used for short hauls to Sikakap and carrying supplies.
One 12m longboat powered by two or three 40hp Yamaha engines, used mainly for carrying supplies.
Three 14m longboat powered by twin 80hp Yamaha engines, built for guest transfers & traveling to other breaks besides Macas.
These boats are great for cutting through swell, are well shaded and can carry a heavy load.
5 Aluminum Quintrex – Quintrex Explorer
Used for accessing the local breaks around Macaronis.
One 4.2m Aluminum Quintrex Top Ender with hand rails and foot platform for easy climbing into boat. Powered by a 40hp Yamaha Outboard Engine
Two 3.9m Aluminum Quintrex Explorer ideal for accessing local breaks in comfort with stability. Powered by a 15hp Yamaha Outboard Engine
Two 3.5m Aluminum Quintrex Traveler also used for short trips to the surf. Powered by a 15hp Yamaha Outboard Engine.
Beginner surfers welcome!
Fish Fingers is the perfect wave for learning to surf. It is located right across the channel from the resort with a soft sandy bottom. It is a perfect small peak that peels mostly right but a little left too.
At Fish Fingers you can learn to surf or teach the kids with a selection of soft-top learner boards available for use free of charge (for use at Fish Fingers only). Learning surfers who have built up their confidence can also try out Silabu Left and Mini Macas.
Beginner surfers are permitted to surf at Fish Fingers wave only, using the soft-top learning boards only. Beginners will not be permitted to surf at other waves unless they arrange and pay for a lesson and board rental. For your safety, the opportunity to advance to other waves is at the discretion of our surf instructors. Surf lessons at Fish Fingers are RP300,000/hour (one free lesson is included in Beginner package).
Beginner surfers are those who will not be guaranteed to surf at Macaronis. If less than 20 surfers at the resort, beginners may be given an opportunity when waves are small and perfect, ideally from Nov – Feb.
Siniai Spa
Macaronis Surf Resorts own Siniai Spa. Indulge in a healing spa treatment by one of Macaronis own massage therapists. Professionally trained, the lovely massage therapists give high-quality, caring treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. With an understanding of surfer ailments, they work with you to focus on areas of tension and address your specific needs.
Set in the open air pool-side gazebo, the calming tropical sounds of the sea breeze rustling in the palms and the beautiful bamboo chimes make for an unforgettable experience. Choose from a variety of massage options and healing body scrubs to make your vacation experience that much more rewarding!
Other Exciting Activities
All activity gear is available to guests free of charge!
Snorkeling: There are 12+ sets of fins and masks for guest use free of charge. There is great snorkeling out front in the lagoon, but even better behind Silabu Island, a short boat trip through the mangroves. Silabu reef is calm and generally very clear with dynamic live reef and a variety of beautiful bright reef fish. Snorkeling trips can be arranged anytime through the resort hosts and guides. Beautiful reef fish, rays and turtles can all be spotted at this clear water snorkeling haven!
Stand Up Paddling: Stand up paddling around the lagoon, through the mangroves or out around the bay is a favorite activity. There are two stand up paddle boards with paddles available for guests at anytime. The lagoon in front of the resort is calm and perfect for easy launching.
Kayaking: There are two sea kayaks with paddles for guest to explore the area. A beautiful trip through the calm and quiet mangroves is well worth it! The water is clear and you can watch the fish swimming beneath you as you make your way through the beautiful passage-way.
Fishing: Quality spear guns, and 12+ sets of fins and masks are available to guests. There are some great spots for spearing nearby and the guides know just where to take you. Spinning rods and game rods and tackle are available as well for trolling off the power boats. Special fishing trips can be arranged or trolling can be done to and from surf spots on bigger trips.
Beach Combing: There are some great beaches both in walking distance and a short trip on the boat for exploring and relaxing.
Jungle Walks: Walking through the jungle on the island is an adventure. Home to beautiful and unique wildlife, friendly local people and beautiful plants and foliage.
Visits to the Village: A walk or beautiful boat trip to the village of Silabu is a fascinating experience for many guests. The Mentawai people live a beautiful lifestyle and greet visitors with joy.
LOCATION & GETTING HERE
Location
The Mentawais are without question one of the best locations on the planet for catching a ridiculous amount of quality waves. In a stunning, tropical location that is at the heart of what we’ve always dreamed, these islands have all the necessary ingredients that create some of the most perfect waves in the world, the ideal playground for surfers. With excellent exposure to the southern Indian Ocean, the Mentawais offer some of the most consistent surf in the world.
Macaronis Surf Resort is situated on Siniai Island, just off the coast of North Pagai Island in the southern region of the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. Located centrally between Katieit on South Sipora (Lances surfing area) and Sibegau Island nearby South Pagai (Thunders surfing area).
Macaronis Surf Resort is in a very remote area, 120 nautical miles from Padang, West Sumatra. The largest village and port on North Pagai Island is Sikakap, with passenger ferry transits to-from Padang. From Sikakap a speed boat transfers guests to Macaronis Surf Resort.
The resort itself is built along-side picturesque Silabu salt water lagoon, just across the bay from legendary Macaronis wave. Macaronis wave breaks in Pasangan Bay, located just outside of the lagoon. The resort is 5 km from the closest village, Silabu, which is 3 km inland on the edge of an arterial river system.
Visa
Depending on your passport there are three options to enter Indonesia that apply to most travelers that come for tourist or social purpose only:
- No Visa required (140 countries – FREE entry, 30 days valid, NOT extendable)
- Visa on Arrival (35US$, 30 days valid, extendable (once for 30 days)
- Visa needed (apply abroad before arriving in Indonesia)
You can check visa requirements for your country here: https://www.bali.com/visa-indonesia-entry-requirements-bali.html
Vaccination and Insurance
Recommended Vaccination and Vaccines for your trip to Bali:
- Tetanus Diphteria
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
Traveling with a valid travel health insurance is highly recommended.
Mentawai Surfers' Tax
All foreign surfers visiting Mentawai are legally obliged to pay a surfer tourism tax prior to departure to Mentawai, valid for a 15 day stay (extendable).
Getting Here
Flying to Padang Airport
More Info
Book Flights to: Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia; Minangkabau International Airport (PDG)
Your international flight should arrive at one of these airports in order to get to Padang:
1. Jakarta, Indonesia, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK)
2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Flying into Padang (PDG):
From Kuala Lumpur: Fly direct to PDG Air Asia
From Jakarta: Fly to PDG Lion Air or Garuda Indonesia
From Bali: Fly via Jakarta to PDG Lion Air or Garuda Indonesia
NOTE: Garuda Airlines & Lion Air DO NOT ACCEPT non-Indonesian credit cards on their websites.
When to Arrive:
Latest Flight Arrival Time to PDG: 2:00pm (on Tuesday or Saturday) – Your Trip Start Day
Earliest Flight Departure Time from PDG: 10:00am (on Thursday or Monday) – Your Trip End Day
Arriving Before Your Trip Start Date
The resort provides transportation from the airport no matter when you arrive or depart. The resort staff will also reserve a hotel room for you in PAdang if needed and arrange for you to pay when you arrive.
From Padang Airport to Macaronis
More Info
Macaronis Surf Resort arranges easy and comfortable return transfers from PDG airport to the resort and back. Guests will need to arrange only their flight into Padang, Sumatra Airport (PDG). Guests will be picked up at the airport (no matter when they arrive) and shuttled to the ferry headed for the Mentawai Islands or to a hotel in Padang. ( for extra cost)
Guests will have a private A/C sleeping cabin on the overnight ferry as well as meal, and clean sheets and blankets. The ferry is the safest, most reliable way to get to the resort.You won’t have to worry about a thing, it is all taken care of for you.
Round Trip Transfer to Macaronis Resort Includes:
✔Airport Pick-up (Arrive PDG no later than 2:00pm on Tuesday or Saturday)
✔Early Arrivals Spend Transit Time at Nice Padang Hotel with wifi & pool
✔Shuttle (with A/C) to Ambu Ambu Ferry, Bungus Harbor (1 hr)
✔Ambu Ambu Overnight Ferry (14hrs, Departs at 5:00pm)
✔All Port Handling and Fees for Luggage & Board Bags
✔Evening Meal & Bottled Water
✔A/C Sleeping Cabin with Clean Blankets (share with other resort guests
or private, 2-4 max guests/cabin)
✔Resort Staff Accompaniment on the Overnight Ferry
✔Pick-up in Sikakap Port, Mentawai (7:30am the following morning)
✔Speedboat Transfer to Macaronis Resort (1:30 hr, Arriving 9:00am)
✔Booking Arrangements and All Needed Transport from Padang Hotels
Extra time in Padang between flights and ferry rides are spent at choice hotels with Wifi. Extra time in the afternoon is spent pool-side with the option to purchase beverages and shower, while extra time in the morning is spent with access to a large breakfast buffet and a relaxing lounge with Wifi.
PRICES & PACKAGES
Room Rates
Shared Between Room Occupants with a Maximum of 2 Adult Surfers Per Room
Deluxe Suite – USD $90.00 / Night (Max 2 Guests, or 3 with a child under 13 yrs using a fold-up bed)
Family Suite – USD $120.00 / Night (Max 4 Guests, or 5 with a child under 13 yrs using a fold-up bed)
Add-on Packages (Required for all guests)
Inclusions:
- all meals
- activities
- use of facilities and equipment
Surfer Package – USD $195 per night
Non-Surfer, Beginner, or Kids 6 – 12 years – USD $95 per night
Package Inclusions
- Guest Suite: Queen or single beds, sofa bed (family suites), air-conditioning, daily room cleaning, fresh towels, sheets changed twice a week, ensuite bathroom, hot shower, work desk, clothes storage, in-room WiFi internet, 32″ flat screen TV with movie channels and live surf cam of wave, DVD player and large veranda.
- Meals: Early Continental Breakfast Buffet, Hot Made-to-Order Breakfast, Plated Lunch, Three Course or Buffet Dinner.
- Beverages: Purified Drinking Water, Juice, Milk, Brewed Coffee and Tea Making Facilities All Day.
- Surf Boat Transfers: All boat rides to surf at Macaronis and other local surf breaks, plus occasional day trips to more distant surf breaks within a range of 25 miles, depending on surf conditions.
- Recreational Boat Use: Including guide to go fishing, snorkeling, to the village, or island exploring.
- Recreational Equipment: Includes snorkeling gear (10x), spear-fishing equipment (3 quality guns), trolling and popping fishing equipment, kayaks, 2 stand up paddle boards and a range of beginner soft-top surf boards.
- Internet: Free wifi internet in-room & through-out resort grounds.
- Mobile Phone Signal Booster: Allows SMS and phone calls when signal is strong enough.
- Stainless Drinking Flask: Plastic throw away water bottles are banned from the island.
- Hotel & Restaurant Tax: 10% Hotel & Restaurant Tax levied by Mentawai Govt.
- Local Village Donation: Silabu Village Donation Rp. 30.000 / day.
You will also need
Padang Transit Hotel: Traveling on Mentawai Fast, 1 transit night is required in Padang at commencement of your trip – we highly recommend Mercure Hotel which can be booked when making your reservation. On return from Mentawai you may choose your own Padang transit hotel (or request to book another night at Mercure); we still provide your airport transfer the following day.
Round Trip Transfer from Airport to Resort:
Airport – Resort – Airport Transfers (return): Non-surfers USD 275 & Surfers USD 295 (includes freight of board bags).
Mentawai Fast Transfers Include:
√ PDG Airport Pick-up & Transfer to Padang Hotel
√ Hotel pick-up 5.45 am & Transfer to Ferry Terminal
√ Ferry Tickets, Port Handling, Freight of Luggage & Boards
√ Pick-up in Mentawai Port 11.30 am
√ Speedboat Transfer to Resort (1 – 1.5 hrs)
Mentawai Surf Tax
As of August 01 Year 2016, all foreign surfers visiting Mentawai must pay surfing tourism tax of IDR 1.000.000 (approx USD 75.00) prior to departure to Mentawai, valid for a 15 day stay (extendable).
Visa on Arrival to Indonesia
Most countries receive a 30-day free Indonesian visa on arrival, which is not extendable. Free 30-day visa on arrival countries include: Australia, USA, Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Sweden and Germany.
To see the full list go to this link: http://www.topbali.com/indonesia-free-visa-entry/
For those that would like to extend their stay in Indonesia past the initial 30 days, if you get the free visa, you will NOT be able to extend. You must pay $35 USD (or equivalent in other currency) for a visa on arrival – this can be extended.
Travel Insurance with Medical Evacuation Coverage
For the safety of our guests, it is mandatory that all guests traveling to theResort have travel insurance covering surfing with Medical Evacuation Coverage. All guests must provide their insurance details and bring a printed insurance certificate along with them to the resort. Our resort is very remotely located and we require these documents for your safety in the case of an emergency where a guest may need to get air-lifted to a Padang hospital.
Extras optional
Surf Photo & Video Service
Current photo and video service packages are detailed below and include all photos and videos:
4 day package – Rp 2,000,000
7 day package – Rp 3,000,000
10 day package – Rp 4,000,000
14 day package – Rp 5,000,000
Custom video edits can be provided at an additional charge of Rp 1,000,000 per guest
Photo & Video service charges are added to guest bar bills and are paid on checkout with Visa / Mastercard or Indonesian Rupiah.
Firewire surfboards are available for hire
Rental Rates
Full Day: Rp.250.000 (USD 17.00)
Per Session: Rp.100.000 (USD 7.00)
Spa Treatments
Massages start at Rp. 150.000 (about USD 10.00). Your bill can be paid at the end of your stay with Visa / Mastercard or Indonesian Rupiah.
Bar
Any extra snacks and beverages purchased at the bar. Your bar bill can be paid at the end of your trip with Visa / Mastercard or Indonesian Rupiah.
Laundry Service
Laundry service is available and is priced per item. A T-shirt costs Rp. 25.000 for washing
Long Stay Discount: Surfers receive 30% Off the Surfer Package in their second and additional weeks if staying a minimum of 14-Nights booking at any time of the year. If planning on staying up to 28 nights.
Grom Deals: Children under 6 stay FREE. Roll-away/fold-out beds are available.