Burgerworld surf spot guide for small-swell days

Where is Burgerworld in the Mentawai Islands?

Burgerworld breaks off a small island and reef off the south coast of Siberut, on the northern edge of the Playgrounds, the cluster of small islands between Siberut and Sipora off West Sumatra. It is reached by boat from resorts and camps in the area, and charter boats use it on small-swell days. Our Playgrounds surf guide shows how it fits with the other waves nearby.

What is the wave like at Burgerworld?

Burgerworld is a right, not a left. It picks up more swell than most reefs around it, so it often has fun, rideable waves when the famous breaks are too small. On small to moderate swells it offers long walls with the odd barrel section. When the swell gets bigger it becomes more powerful and less user-friendly, and guides tend to move to other reefs.

• Type: right-hand reef wave
• Swell: small to moderate south to southwest swell; less is often better
• Tide: rideable through most tides; sharper in the lower half, so take care at dead low
• Wind: can handle west to northwest winds, which makes it useful in the off-season
• Level: progressing to intermediate on small days; more advanced when it is powerful

When is the best time to surf Burgerworld?

Because Burgerworld works on small swells and tolerates northwest winds, it is one of the more reliable waves outside the peak months. In the main season, April to October, it is the fallback on small days. In the off-season, roughly November to March, when the swell is smaller and the northwest monsoon turns many west-facing reefs onshore, it can be one of the better options. See what to expect in the Mentawai off-season.

How do you get to Burgerworld?

Fly into Padang (PDG), then take the Mentawai Fast ferry to Maileppet on Siberut or Tua Pejat on Sipora, roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours on a direct sailing, and a resort speedboat from there. Most surfers book a resort, camp or charter package that includes boat trips, so getting to the wave is part of the stay. See how to get to Mentawai surf resorts.

Where can you stay near Burgerworld?

• Surf resorts: land resorts in the Playgrounds and southern Siberut include meals, guiding and boat trips. See the Siberut surf resort guide.
• Surf camps and guesthouses: simpler, cheaper options with shared boats. See the Mentawai surf camp guide.
• Charter boats: sleep on board and move between reefs. See Mentawai surf tours compared.

What board should you ride at Burgerworld?

• Shortboard: for experienced surfers on better days.
• Fish or funboard: a good choice for intermediates on small days.
• Longboard: can be fun on the smallest days if the camp has one.

See what surfboards to take to the Mentawais.

Tips for surfing Burgerworld

• Surf early: mornings are usually cleaner and less crowded.
• Mind the tide: the reef is sharper at low tide.
• Respect the line-up: boats from several camps may share the wave on small days.
• Pay the surf levy: the regency charges foreign surfers a levy of IDR 2,000,000 per surfer per 15 days (since February 2024); many operators collect it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Burgerworld a left or a right?

A right. Burgerworld is a right-hand reef wave off southern Siberut.

Is Burgerworld good for beginners?

For progressing surfers on small days with a guide, it is one of the friendlier options in the area. It is still a reef, so complete beginners should learn on a beach break first.

Does Burgerworld work in the off-season?

Often, yes. It works on small swells and can handle west to northwest winds, which makes it useful from November to March.

What tide is best for Burgerworld?

It is rideable through most tides. The lower half of the tide is sharper, so take care at dead low.

Keep planning

For more waves at this level, read our guide to breaks for intermediate surfers and the Pitstops guide. To see what a typical stay includes, visit our Mentawai surf packages page.