Hollow Tree's Resort (Mentawai, Indonesia)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

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LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS

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Located right in front of one of the finest right-handed waves in the world, Hollow Tree's resort is a dream location for the perfect trip in Mentawai with friends & family. 

Reopened in April 2017, the resort offers four beachfront villas mixing the Indonesian & European services. Each of them shared two bedrooms with double or twin share beds & one big bathroom with all modern amenities: AC & hot shower. Terrace & dipping pools offer chill areas to relax & refresh. 

The resort features a brand new restaurant concept where the in-house chef cooks every day fresh gourmet meals from Western & Asian inspirations.  Lunch and dinner are served buffet style, and for breakfast, you order from the mouthwatering menu. Refreshing freshly squeezed juices and smoothies available all day along with the best coffee in the island!  The dining area looks out onto HT's, so you can spot surfers carving the waves from the moment you sit down.  

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CAMP CHARACTER

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Active individuals, luxury travelers, food connoisseurs, entertainment seekers, nature enthusiasts - whatever kind of globetrotter you might be, you won’t be disappointed with the range of amenities on offer at Hollow Tree’s.

When you book a stay at our all-inclusive surf resort in the Mentawai Islands, your every sense will be stimulated. Blessed with its secluded location on Sipora Island, HT's is a place to escape the everyday routine and bask in the beauty of the Indonesian islander way of life.

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

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ACCOMMODATION TYPES

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ALL VILLAS ARE A COMBINATION OF MODERN AND NATURAL DESIGN

Since the way of life on Sipora Island is very simplistic, we aim to reflect this in the design of our Mentawai Islands accommodation. Four villas are scattered along Katiet beach, each of which features eight rooms with double and single beds.

Enclosed by palm trees, powder-soft sand, and azure waters, our accommodation options have a homely feel that will make you feel comfortable when staying in the Mentawai Islands.
 

WHAT’S INSIDE

From the moment you step inside HT's modern villas, you will notice how most of the interior features are made from either recycled wood AND natural materials. The white walls and ceilings give the rooms an airy feel, while the windows allow natural light to flood into the living spaces, creating the illusion of extra space. Enjoy hot water showers any time of day and Air-conditioned (A/C) comfort is guaranteed in each of the rooms for your entertainment pleasure. If you want to keep your soft drinks and alcoholic beverages chilled, use the mini fridges.

WHAT’S OUTSIDE

Perhaps the main feature of HT's modern villas is the dip-in swimming pool. Every villa has its own pool, so you can take the plunge in complete privacy. Get a sun-kissed glow by unwinding on one of the poolside loungers. Alternatively, seek shade after a day of surfing by resting at the cabana area. The cabana doubles up as a reading area, so you can get lost in a good book or bury your head in a travel guide and find out what the Mentawai Islands have to offer! Katiet beachfront is just a few footsteps away from the pool and cabana, making it easy to keep a close eye on the swell.

 

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CATERING

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ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR TASTE BUDS ON A GASTRONOMIC JOURNEY BY TAKING A SEAT INSIDE THE RESORT RESTAURANT?

Seating a maximum of 20 people, the Hollow Tree's restaurant has a laid-back vibe, but the scenic setting also lends itself to events and group gatherings. The dining area looks out onto Lance's Right, so you can spot surfers carving the waves from the moment you sit down for breakfast. 

 

FINEST QUALITY INGREDIENTS, LOCALLY GROWN AND ORGANIC.

The Multi-cultural Menu

Choose something savoury or sweet from the mouthwatering menu, which was carefully put together to reflect the unique flavours of Indonesia. You will also find a wide range of French and Thai dishes on the restaurant menu, from pasta dishes and baked Camembert to tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup) and pad Thai (Thai-style fried noodles). Lunch and dinner is served buffet-style, allowing you to fill up on as much food as you can put away! 

Perfect presentation and service with a smile is guaranteed for everyone who dines at our restaurant. Start your day with coffee, fresh fruit and pastries, before indulging in a delectable fresh seafood platter or traditional Indonesian dish, such as Nasi Goreng or cap cay. Conclude your dining experience by sinking your teeth into a scrumptious dessert. HT's chef, Saka, recommends the crème brûlée.

 

FOOD ALL DAY

The daily meal schedule at Hollow Tree's is as follows:

With unlimited coconuts on offer at the restaurant and bar, you will never go dehydrated during your stay at HT's. Also available on the drinks menu are fruit smoothies and freshly squeezed juices, which go down well after a day of surfing the best waves in Indonesia. Fancy a tropical drink? Order a glass of beer, or a mixer at the bar. 

The HT's chef will be happy to prepare meals according to your dietary requirements. We also welcome you to get in touch if you plan on organizing a group gathering in our restaurant/bar area. Simply let the team know about your culinary preferences before booking your stay at our all-inclusive Mentawai Islands surf accommodation.  

 

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

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SURF COURSE DETAILS

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SURF LESSONS - FOR BEGINNERS ONLY
We do not have any scheduled surf lessons. If you would like to take surf lessons, we are flexible with times. We will take you to the best waves in the area that suits your ability. You will learn how waves are formed, how weather conditions create the surf & be given the step by step guidance that will have you up & riding the waves on your first day. 
- Student ratio is 1:4. 
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: $70 USD per person including surfboards

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SURF MATERIALS

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We advise to bring your own boards, but if you wish to rent boards we also provide this service using with Awayco - it's a platform where you reserve all new CI surfboards for your stay with us without needing to bring boards. If you're interested, please sign up!

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OTHER ACTIVITIES<

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Activities provided equipment’s such as stand-up paddles, kayaks, pool table & a wide range of activities from scooter rides to massage complete the epic experience & make the resort a couple/family-friendly destination.  All included! We also offer yoga and surf lessons with an extra rate.

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

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SURF CONDITIONS
If you decide to come to Mentawais you can do it from March to November; due to their position in the Indian Ocean the islands are exposed to the South-Southwest swells, so from March to April the waves are smaller but consistent as well. Then they will become stronger in May. The same happens to the ending of October and the beginning of November: smaller but consistent waves again.

From April to October strong swells from South Africa and Antarctica reach our coral reefs carrying amazing waves that roll into clean and perfect barrels. Now you can plan your trip thinking of this: if your choice is NO crowded and easier surfing we suggest you to book in March, April, October and November, if you like to play rough you must book from May to September! Surfline suggests Mentawai in August is the Best Bet in the world.

Hollow Tree’s, known locally as HT’s or Lance’s Right, in short, is one of the best and most consistent fast, barreling right-handers in the world and our resort looks straight out over it. You are welcome. 

The wave wraps around the south end of the island and into the sheltered bay where it unloads on the reef known as The Office and finally the Surgeon’s Table. As the name suggests, this wave is for intermediate and advanced surfers and rated as one of the top five waves in the world. 

With 10 world-class waves within a short boat or bike ride from our resort, there’s surf to suit all levels. Or if you don’t want to hit the waves, then simply enjoy a tropical paradise and watch the action unfold from the beach.

The crowd varies between 10 - 20 people, depending on the swell and the conditions. As mentioned we have over 10 waves surrounding our vicinity, if HT's is too crowded we can visit other breaks nearby.

 

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 SURROUNDINGS / REGION

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Characterization of surroundings/region

Hollow Tree’s Resort is located on Katiet Beach in south Sipora, one of the big four islands of the Mentawais. From our resort you have views of one of the best surf breaks in Indonesia, arguably the world – “HT’s” short for “Hollow Tree’s” or also known as “Lances right”.

 

Despite their close proximity to mainland Western Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands archipelago – consisting of 70 islands and islets - was isolated in the Indian Ocean before the 19th century, with strong currents, winds and sharp coral kept outsiders away. But today, with easy boat access from Padang, surf travellers in search of the best waves in the world make the pilgrimage.   

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 JOURNEY

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Ways to get to the Resort

1. Fly to Padang.                                                                                

From Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Jakarta, daily flights to Padang in Sumatra (Minangkabau International Airport).                 

 Airlines: Air Asia, Sriwijaya, Garuda Indonesia, Citilink.

At the airport, our resort representative will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation or the speedboat. 

2. Get to the resort. 

Option 1 : Ferry + speedboat transfer
This is recommended for solo travelers, couples or a couple of friends. You need to arrive in Padang the night before the day of the ferry departure. Please view our “ferry schedule”.

Once arrived to the ferry terminal in Tuapejat or Sioban, there will be a speedboat to deliver you to the resort.
For surfers* - $350 USD per person - roundtrip Non-surfers - $250 USD per person - roundtrip

Package includes: transfers from/to airport, ferry tickets, luggage, surfboard luggage* & speedboat transfers.

Option 2: Private speedboat service
$4,000 USD - roundtrip - max: 14 people)
This is the most convenient option and can be arranged to suit any connecting flight schedules to Padang - arriving before mid-day.

Important details

Why do I need to stay overnight in Padang?                                     

Only if you opt for the ferry option.

The ferry only departs once a day early morning. That's why you need to arrive one day in advance & book a night in Padang. 

We recommend staying at Budget Hotel by the Boat Habour as the hotel is just walking distance away from the ferry harbour.  Other option is: Mercure Hotel.

The ferry departs from Padang 4 times a week on Monday at 6.00 am and on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7.00 am.

For the return the ferry departs from Tuapejat to Padang on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3.00pm arriving around 6.30pm in Padang. 

For the resort - please bring cash only, as we do not accept credit cards. We prefer IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) but we also accept USD, AUD or EUR currencies. Mostly guests bring extra money for the following reasons:

Souvenir money = $20 USD Surf shop = $10 - $80 USD Drinks & alcohol = $1 - $10 USD per drink Massage = $20 - $30 USD  Laundry = $1 USD per piece of clothing Yoga packages = $50 - $150 USD (depending how many days) Photography service = $100 USD (please bring USB, hard drive or Laptop) 

Travel insurance is mandatory according to the resort policy. We advise to get travel insurance that covers travel delay, baggage delay, emergency medical and dental, emergency, medical transport and evacuation, and travel accident insurance. You can never know what might happen to you. - During a surf session, flight delays, or personal health. We recommend: World Nomads

 

PACKAGES & PRICES

Package A - Hollow Tree's Resort - $1400 USD per person/week (excl. 10% government tax).  

What’s included:

3 gourmet meals per day  Complimentary unlimited water provided dispenser in the villa AC, hot shower's & outdoor dip pool 1x complimentary 15 mins back & shoulder massage per person/stay Free Wi-Fi throughout the whole resort Scooters Use of all resort facilities (standup paddles, kayaks, etc.) Surf guide Unlimited use of speedboat trips to nearby destinations Roundtrip private transfer service from Padang (local) airport to hotel in Padang & boat harbor

Excluding: 

Padang Hotel - we recommend staying at Mercure hotel or Budget Hotel by the harbour Roundtrip boat transfers - package includes ferry ticket plus luggage & surfboard luggage & then speedboat transfer to/from the resort.  For surfers - $350 USD per person. For non-surfers - $250 USD per person (travelling without surfboards). Mentawai surf tax ($75 USD valid for 15 days for visiting surfers only) Travel insurance - all guests must have travel insurance according to resort policy.