Sumatra Combo Trip • West Sumatra & Diving in the Mentawai Islands

Secluded dive sites and breathtaking natural beauty. Experience Sumatra at its best.

Travel period

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Features

Boat Dives

Starting from

17 days from US$ 3.558 p.p.

Diving around the Mentawai Islands & a tour of West Sumatra

This unique journey takes you to Sumatra, Indonesia’s second-largest island. Off its west coast lies the remote Mentawai Archipelago, a group of islands known worldwide as a surfing destination. Less well known is that a virtually undiscovered diving world lies hidden beneath the surface. From the luxurious Awera Resort, you’ll spend five days exploring the colorful coral reefs surrounding the islands of Awera, Silabok, Siburu, and Sipora. Dive tourism is still in its infancy here, which means many reefs are exceptionally well-preserved, and you’ll be visiting a destination that’s barely on divers’ radar yet.

After the diving days, you’ll continue your journey across the mainland of West Sumatra. Here, you’ll discover a completely different side of Indonesia. You’ll visit the lively mountain town of Bukittinggi, hike through the impressive Harau Valley, and admire the lush volcanic landscapes around Lakes Maninjau and Singkarak. Along the way, you’ll discover the rich culture of the Minangkabau people, recognizable by their distinctive houses with gracefully curved roofs, colorful markets, and centuries-old traditions.

The trip concludes on the tranquil coast near Nagari Sungai Pinang. During a boat tour, you’ll explore the tropical islets off the coast and snorkel above colorful coral reefs, after which there will be plenty of time to relax by the sea. This trip is ideal for divers who enjoy discovering new destinations and want to combine their diving vacation with impressive natural scenery, local culture, and a relaxing stay in some of West Sumatra’s most beautiful spots.

Best time to go on a diving trip to West Sumatra:

Diving in West Sumatra is possible year-round thanks to the tropical climate and an average temperature of about 30 °C. The best time to visit is from March through October, when it is relatively dry and the sea is usually calmer. Although occasional tropical rain showers may occur, sunny days predominate and diving conditions are generally excellent.

The rainy season runs from November through February. The weather can be more unpredictable during this time, and the sea is sometimes rougher. Even so, there are still plenty of days suitable for diving during these months, with frequent sunny spells and pleasant temperatures.

Average temperatures

Wetsuit Recommendations for Mentawai in Sumatra

The water temperature stays around 30°C all year round, so a 3mm wetsuit is perfectly fine for diving here.

What will you experience on this trip?

View itinerary here

Days 1–3 | The Trip to Sumatra

Today marks the start of our journey to the Mentawai Islands. This archipelago lies about 150 kilometers off the west coast of Sumatra and consists of more than 70 tropical islands, only some of which are inhabited.

From the Netherlands or Belgium, you’ll usually fly to Padang with one or two layovers, often via Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. Due to the travel time, you’ll typically arrive in Padang on the second day of your trip.

Since the ferry to the Mentawai Islands departs early in the morning, you’ll almost always spend one night at a hotel in Padang. This way, you can start the final leg of your journey well-rested the next morning. Of course, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel for the night. The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll set off again; a driver will be waiting to take you to the ferry on time.

The fast ferry departs several times a week from Padang to Tua Pejat on Sipora Island. The crossing takes about three hours. Upon arrival on the island, a resort staff member will be there to pick you up. A short speedboat transfer of about ten minutes will then take you to Awera Resort on the small island of Awera, where your diving vacation truly begins.

Days 4–8 | Diving around the Mentawai Islands

The next five days will be entirely devoted to diving around the Mentawai Islands. From Awera Resort, you’ll explore a vast diving area surrounding the islands of Awera, Silabok, Siburu, and Sipora. Together, they offer a wide variety of dive sites, ranging from sheltered inner reefs with little current to outer reefs where the ocean creates a more dynamic environment. This makes the diving area suitable for both less experienced divers and advanced divers who enjoy more challenging drift dives. Which dive sites you visit is determined each day based on weather conditions, currents, and the group’s experience, so you can always dive under the best conditions. There are 32 dive sites, so there’s plenty to explore!

The Mentawai Islands are still among Indonesia’s lesser-known diving destinations. Precisely because of this, many of the reefs are exceptionally well-preserved, and you’ll find an impressive level of biodiversity here. The coral reefs are colorful and healthy, featuring vast fields of hard and soft corals, fans, and sponges that provide a home for schools of reef fish. During your dives, you’ll have the chance to encounter manta rays, sea turtles, Napoleon fish, schools of barracuda, giant trevallies, and various species of reef sharks. Lovers of smaller underwater creatures will also find plenty to enjoy here, with colorful nudibranchs, shrimp, crabs, and other unique macro creatures hiding among the coral. The combination of varied dive sites, healthy reefs, and rich marine life makes Mentawai a destination that is still surprisingly unknown but offers everything you’d expect from a diving trip in Indonesia.

Day 9 | Back to Padang & start of the tour

After a relaxing stay on the Mentawai Islands, it’s time to return to the mainland. You’ll depart by speedboat for Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, where your tour of this diverse region begins. From Padang, it’s about a 2.5- to 3-hour drive to Bukittinggi, a charming mountain town situated at an elevation of over 900 meters. Along the way, you’ll stop at the impressive Lembah Anai Waterfall, which plunges down right beside the road. It’s a beautiful spot to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the lush surroundings.

Bukittinggi is known as the cultural heart of the Minangkabau region and is surrounded by volcanoes, rice fields, and deep valleys. Thanks to the cooler mountain climate, it’s a pleasant place to stay. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at the comfortable three-star hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. In the evening, you’ll visit the famous Jam Gadang clock tower, the city’s most recognizable landmark. Around sunset, the lively city center comes to life with locals, atmospheric lighting, and various food stalls.

Day 10 | Exploring Bukittinggi

Today you’ll discover the highlights of Bukittinggi and its beautiful surroundings. The day begins at the lively Pasar Ateh and Pasar Bawah markets, where locals do their daily shopping. Amid the stalls filled with colorful spices, fresh fruit, traditional Minangkabau textiles, and local specialties, you’ll get a taste of the authentic atmosphere of West Sumatra.

Next, you’ll visit Lobang Jepang, an impressive tunnel system carved out by forced laborers during World War II. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll learn more about the history of these underground passages and the role they played during the Japanese occupation.

Afterward, you’ll enjoy the view of the spectacular Ngarai Sianok, a deep gorge with steep rock faces, rice fields, and lush vegetation. The route continues to the crater lake Danau Maninjau, one of the most beautiful lakes in Sumatra. Via a spectacular mountain road with 44 hairpin turns, you’ll descend to the lake, which is surrounded by densely forested hills and the remnants of an ancient volcanic crater. Along the way, you’ll be treated to impressive panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape before returning to Bukittinggi.

Days 11 & 12 | Exploring the Harau Valley

After breakfast, you’ll leave Bukittinggi and head toward the impressive Harau Valley. Along the way, you’ll visit the beautiful Pagaruyung Royal Palace, the ceremonial palace of the former Minangkabau Kingdom. Although the original palace was destroyed by fire several times, it has been completely rebuilt in the characteristic Rumah Gadang style. The striking, gracefully curved roofs and richly decorated wooden facades make it one of the finest examples of traditional Minangkabau architecture. During a walk through the palace grounds, you’ll gain a good understanding of the history and culture of this unique ethnic group.

After the visit, you’ll continue on to the Harau Valley, one of West Sumatra’s most impressive natural areas. The valley is surrounded by steep granite cliffs that rise more than 100 meters high in some places. Nestled among the cliffs are green rice paddies, tropical forests, and several waterfalls, giving the landscape an almost surreal appearance. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll check in at your accommodation, beautifully situated in the heart of this spectacular valley. You’ll stay here for 2 nights; breakfast and dinner are included in your stay.

The next day is all about the Harau Valley. You’ll take a hike through the lush valley, passing impressive granite cliffs, traditional villages, and vast rice paddies. Along the way, you’ll visit several waterfalls cascading down from the steep cliffs. At some of the waterfalls, you can take a refreshing dip in the clear water. You’ll also have time to stop for lunch along the way; lunch is included in today’s itinerary.

During the walk, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily life of the Minangkabau people. You’ll walk through small villages where traditional life still takes center stage and see how the rice fields are cultivated by hand.

Day 13 | From the Highlands to the Coast

Today, you’ll leave the highlands of West Sumatra behind and head toward the coast. Along the way, you’ll stop at the beautiful Lake Singkarak, the largest lake in West Sumatra and the second-largest on the island of Sumatra. The lake is nestled between green mountain slopes and traditional villages, making it one of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. Take some time to enjoy the view and experience the tranquility this place exudes.

After the stop, you’ll continue on to Nagari Sungai Pinang, a small coastal village on the Indian Ocean. Here you’ll stay for three nights in a small-scale accommodation with a unique location: on one side, the densely forested hills of West Sumatra, and on the other, the beach and the ocean.

Days 14 & 15 | Tropical Islands Around Nagari Sungai Pinang

Today, you’ll explore the beautiful archipelago off the coast of Nagari Sungai Pinang by boat. This unspoiled area is visited by very few travelers and is known for its tropical islets, deserted beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Along the way, you’ll stop at various snorkeling spots, where you can see colorful coral gardens, schools of reef fish, and—quite often—sea turtles. Around noon, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on a snow-white sandy beach or a small sandbar in the middle of the sea, after which you’ll explore even more hidden coves and idyllic islets. At the end of the day, you’ll wrap things up with a cozy campfire on the beach as the sun slowly sinks into the Indian Ocean.

The next day, there’s no set itinerary, so you can decide for yourself how to spend your last full day in West Sumatra. Relax on the beach or in a hammock overlooking the sea, take another refreshing dip, or go for a walk through the village and the surrounding rice fields. If you’d like to explore more, you can optionally participate in a cooking workshop with a local Minangkabau family or visit the village’s education center. A relaxing conclusion to a varied journey filled with nature, culture, and special encounters.

Days 16 & 17 | The Return Trip

After a final breakfast with a view of the sea, you’ll say goodbye to West Sumatra. From Nagari Sungai Pinang, it’s about a 2.5- to 3-hour drive back to Padang Airport, where your international return flight begins.

After five days of diving around the pristine Mentawai Islands and a varied tour through West Sumatra, you’ll look back on an extraordinary journey filled with breathtaking nature, colorful Minangkabau culture, and authentic encounters. From tropical islands and colorful coral reefs to volcanic lakes, deep valleys, and lush rice terraces: this trip will show you a side of Indonesia that is still relatively undiscovered by most travelers.

Depending on the flights you choose, you’ll usually arrive back home the next day.

Highlights of this trip

What can you expect from this trip to Sumatra?

Diving around the Mentawai Islands

Over the course of five days, you’ll explore the underwater world of the Mentawai Islands, one of Indonesia’s least-visited diving destinations. You’ll dive on colorful coral reefs around Awera, Silabok, Siburu, and Sipora, where healthy reefs and rich biodiversity take center stage. Depending on conditions, you’ll visit sheltered reefs or current-rich offshore sites. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to encounter manta rays, sea turtles, Napoleon fish, schools of barracuda, reef sharks, and a surprising abundance of extraordinary macro life.

Tour of West Sumatra

Travel through one of Indonesia’s greenest regions, where volcanoes, crater lakes, waterfalls, and deep valleys alternate. You’ll visit the impressive Harau Valley, look out over the Ngarai Sianok Canyon, and drive along the famous hairpin turns to Lake Singkarak and Lake Maninjau. Along the way, you’ll explore traditional Minangkabau villages and experience just how diverse and impressive the landscape of West Sumatra truly is.

Hidden Islands on the West Coast

Off the coast of Nagari Sungai Pinang lies a tropical archipelago with small islands, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. On a boat tour, you’ll explore secluded coves and snorkel above colorful coral reefs teeming with reef fish and sea turtles. Among the islets, you’ll enjoy a picnic on the beach, and the day will end with a cozy bonfire by the sea. A relaxing way to end the day surrounded by nature.

The accommodation

The stay and surroundings

Awera Resort

Awera Resort is located on the small island of Awera, in the heart of the Mentawai Archipelago off the west coast of Sumatra. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, white-sand beaches, and the Indian Ocean, the resort is an ideal base for both divers and surfers. Thanks to its central location, you can quickly reach the many dive sites around the islands of Awera, Silabok, Siburu, and Sipora. The famous surf spots of the Mentawai Islands are also within easy reach, making the resort an excellent choice when not everyone in your travel group dives.

This small-scale boutique resort is spacious and offers plenty of peace and privacy. Nestled among the palm trees, you’ll find a charming restaurant serving both Indonesian and international cuisine, a wellness center where you can enjoy massages, and a variety of excursion options to further explore the surrounding area. After a day at sea, you can completely unwind by your private pool or on the beach overlooking the ocean. The personalized service and intimate setting create a relaxed atmosphere, while the luxurious amenities ensure a comfortable stay on one of Indonesia’s most remote archipelagos.

At Awera Resort, you won’t be staying in a hotel room, but in a spacious, detached villa designed entirely to let you enjoy the tropical surroundings to the fullest. The resort features a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, ensuring that couples, families, and small groups alike can find the perfect accommodation. Some villas are located right on the beach, while others offer stunning views of the ocean or are nestled among the tropical vegetation.

All villas feature a private infinity pool, a spacious terrace with comfortable seating and lounging areas, and a cozy living room where the indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly. The bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable beds, and a spacious bathroom with luxury amenities. Large windows and open living spaces ensure that you’re constantly surrounded by views of the ocean or the lush green landscape. Thanks to the spacious layout and numerous private amenities, each villa feels like your own tropical retreat. After a day of diving, you can relax by your pool, enjoy the sunset from your terrace, or listen to the sound of the ocean as evening slowly falls.

Travel costs

What is included

This travel package is US$ 3.558 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.

Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.

Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!

Included in this trip, from US$ 3.558 p.p.

Mentawai
6 nights in a One-Bedroom Villa
Accommodation on full board basis
Coffee, tea, drinking water, and snacks
Dive package with 10 dives
Use of SUP boards & snorkeling equipment
2 yoga classes a day
West Sumatra Tour
2 nights in Bukittinggi
2 nights in Harau Valley
3 nights in Nagari Sungai Pinang
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
All admission fees for the listed excursions
Private boat tour for island hopping on Day 14
General
1 night in Padang on Day 2
Return Ferry from Padang to Tua Pejat
Return transfers
VZR & Administration fee

Excluding

✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.

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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday

Diving general

What diving certification do I need for this trip?

This trip is suitable for both beginner divers and more experienced divers. There are plenty of dive sites for every skill level.

What kind of diving do you do here?

All dives are conducted from a boat. There are more than 30 different dive sites around the Mentawai Islands, offering plenty of variety. There are sheltered reefs with little current and shallow profiles, ideal for beginners and less experienced divers. There are also more challenging outer reefs where you can make deeper dives and encounter sometimes stronger currents, suitable for advanced divers.

How far are the dive sites?

That depends on the dive site. Basically, there are four different islands where we dive. So the dive site could be just a 5-minute boat ride away if it’s close to the dive school, or about a 30-minute boat ride.

How many dives can I make per day?

You can do a maximum of 2 dives per day here. The dive school hopes to eventually offer more dives per day, but currently only has the capacity for 2 dives per day.

Can I do night diving here?

No, night dives are not currently offered. However, the goal is to be able to offer them in the future.

Is there a house reef?

Yes, there are two house reefs at Awera. They are suitable for both beginners and more experienced divers. The maximum depth ranges from 18 to 25 meters.

Can I take a diving course here?

Yes, you can take various SSI courses here.

Is the diving school close to the resort?

The diving school is located at the resort.