Macaronis Mentawai Resort: Location, Transfers, Packages and Alternatives

If you search for a macaronis mentawai resort, you are usually looking for one of two things: the resort of that name, or any place to stay close enough to surf Macaronis every day. This page covers both. It explains where the wave and the resort are, how getting there works, what packages usually include, and what the alternatives are if the dates or the budget don’t fit.

Mentawai Surf Holiday is an independent planning guide. We aren’t affiliated with Macaronis Resort or any other property named here, and naming a property is not an endorsement. All rates below come from published 2025–2026 information and can change, so confirm them with the operator before booking.

Where Macaronis is, and why people want to stay there

Macaronis is a left-hand reef break on Silabu, a small island off North Pagai in the south of the Mentawai chain. It is well known for long, even walls and sections that suit high-performance surfing, which is why it appears in so many surf films. It is still a shallow coral reef, and it gets more serious as the swell and tide change.

Staying on land right in front of the wave means you can surf it at first light, between boat groups, or in a quiet evening window. That’s the main reason surfers book here rather than visiting by charter. For a detailed look at the wave itself, read our Macaronis surf spot guide.

Other waves near Macaronis

The surrounding Silabu and North Pagai area has several other breaks, including Silabu Left and Thunders. Which ones you surf on a given trip depends on swell direction, tide, wind and the resort’s boat schedule. For the wider region, see our Pagai Island surf spot guide.

Macaronis Mentawai resort: getting there

The southern Mentawais are further from Padang than the Playgrounds or Sipora, so travel takes a little longer.

1. Fly into Padang (Minangkabau International Airport, PDG). Most guests arrive at least one day before check-in.
2. Take the Mentawai Fast ferry from Padang to Sikakap, roughly 4.5 hours when it runs to schedule.
3. Transfer by speedboat from Sikakap to the resort, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Because check-ins are tied to the ferry timetable, scheduled trips usually run in 7, 14 or 21-night blocks. The resort publishes a return transfer package (around US$350 for surfers with boards and around US$300 for non-surfers in its published information), covering Padang pick-ups, ferry tickets, board freight and the Sikakap speedboat. Check the current figure when you book.

Packages, prices and what’s included

Surfer packages generally cover accommodation, meals and the resort’s surf services, including boat access to nearby breaks. Flights, a Padang hotel night, alcohol and insurance are typically extra. Exact inclusions change from season to season, so read the current terms. For how this compares with the wider market, see our Mentawai surf resort guide.

Who Macaronis suits

Macaronis is often described as a fun, playful wave, which leads some intermediate surfers to assume it’s easy. It isn’t a beginner wave. It suits confident intermediates and advanced surfers who are comfortable duck-diving and kicking out over shallow reef, and who can read a lineup that may hold other boats in peak season. A newer intermediate surfer can have a great trip here in smaller, cleaner conditions, but should be honest about reef experience and talk to the resort about which nearby waves suit them.

Non-surfing partners can stay at a lower rate, but the area is remote. Days are quiet, built around the beach, snorkelling and reading. Anyone who needs nightlife or easy shopping will find it very limited.

Best months for a Macaronis trip

Macaronis needs swell to wrap into the reef, so the main season from about April to October is the most reliable, with the most consistent surf from June to September. The wave can work in the shoulder months, and the smaller wet-season months from November to March can still bring fun, uncrowded days on the right swell.

Planning checklist for a Macaronis Mentawai resort stay

The southern location makes a few planning details matter more than usual.

• Book flights around the ferry. Land in Padang the day before your transfer, and leave a night in Padang on the way home. A missed sailing to Sikakap can cost days.
• Pack a reef-ready quiver. Most surfers bring two or three boards: an everyday shortboard, a slightly longer board for bigger swells, and a spare in case of breakage. Pack fins, leashes, wax and a ding repair kit.
• Bring reef protection and first aid. Reef booties, antiseptic and dressings for coral cuts are worth the luggage space. Medical care is hours away by boat.
• Carry cash. Rupiah in small notes helps for tips, the surf levy if it isn’t collected for you, and small purchases. ATMs and card payments are limited in the islands.
• Get the right insurance. Choose a policy that covers surfing and medical evacuation from a remote island to Padang or further.

Alternatives to staying at Macaronis Resort

Quick facts

• Location: Silabu Island, North Pagai area, southern Mentawais
• Route: Padang to Sikakap by ferry (about 4.5 hours), then speedboat (1–1.5 hours)
• Wave: left-hand reef break; nearby waves include Silabu Left and Thunders
• Published surfer package: around US$195–225 pp/night (2025–2026)
• Typical stays: 7, 14 or 21 nights
• Main season: April to October

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Macaronis Resort?

Fly to Padang, take the ferry to Sikakap, then a speedboat to Silabu. The resort’s transfer package bundles these legs, including board freight.

Is Macaronis good for intermediate surfers?

Confident intermediates usually enjoy it in suitable conditions. It’s a shallow reef, so newer surfers should pick smaller swells and take advice on tides.

How far ahead should I book?

For June to September, many guests book well in advance, often six months to a year ahead. Shoulder and wet-season dates are usually easier to get.

Can I surf Macaronis without staying at the resort?

Yes. Charter boats visit the wave, and there are smaller local homestays nearby. Expect to share the lineup with other groups in peak months.

Is the surf levy included?

Not automatically. Budget IDR 2,000,000 per surfer for each 15 days and confirm with the resort how it’s collected.

Plan a Macaronis trip

Want help comparing Macaronis with other options for your mentawai surfing holiday? Send your dates and level on WhatsApp or email bd@juaraholding.com.