Kingfisher Surf Resort

About

Kingfisher Resort is a small, all-inclusive surf resort on the southern tip of Sipora island in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands, off the coast of West Sumatra. The resort sits directly in front of Lance’s Left, a long left-hand reef break known for its year-round consistency. Kingfisher calls it the most consistent wave in the Mentawais. Lance’s Right, also known as Hollow Trees or HTs and one of the region’s best-known barreling right-handers, is about 10 minutes away by boat. The resort is deliberately small. It has 3 traditional-style beachfront bungalows handmade by Mentawai craftsmen and 1 modern suite with a private plunge pool, all looking across the bay to Lance’s Left. Occupancy is capped at 12 guests at any one time. That keeps the lineup uncrowded and makes a full-resort buyout a realistic option for a group of friends, which Kingfisher says it often accommodates. Surf access runs on Kingfisher’s own boat fleet: A 41-foot speedboat with twin 250 HP engines, used for longer day trips to waves like Macaronis and Telescopes. A 28-foot aluminium-hulled boat with twin 200 HP four-strokes, used for everyday surf and fishing runs. A 3-meter dinghy that shuttles guests in and out of the Lance’s Left lineup. Around 10 breaks are within reach of the resort. They range from mellow beach breaks and forgiving reef waves for newer surfers to shallow, heavy barrels for advanced riders. The resort’s surf guides know which spots work in which conditions. The 41-footer also serves as the resort’s emergency evacuation boat and can make the crossing to Padang on the Sumatran mainland. Off the water, guests can trek the island’s jungle tracks or visit the nearest village, about 5 km from the resort, for a woodcarving or weaving lesson. Fishing is another option: guests can trawl for Spanish mackerel, tuna, wahoo and trevally on the boat ride home. Contact Heli to check dates and book.