WHY CHOOSE KANDUI RESORT?

Kandui Resort is hands down the best surfing location on the planet. Our 70% return guest rate says it all. Still not convinced? see below all the reason's why our guests return year after year.

There's only one Kandui Resort

Under the helm of our beloved “All Day Ray” Wilcoxen, our philosophy from day 1 is put the guest first in and out of the water.  Our goal is to provide access to the best surf in this world, all the comforts of the western world and an atmosphere that is one of a kind.

Choosing a surf resort or surf travel destination is a tough decision

With so many options available, it's a difficult process to find the location that best fits each person's needs and gives you the experience of your life. After almost 2 decades of operation, our proudest feature is our 70% return guest rate.  We strongly feel Kandui Resort offers more than any other Mentawai Surf Resort and have asked our guests what keeps them coming back year after year.  Below is a summary of our guest's reasons for returning that distinctly separate us from the other Mentawaian Resorts.

welcome to kandui resort
Play Icon

Welcome to Kandui Resort

uma low resolutionAll day ray and familyInside the kandui resort restaurantnic von rupp and the crew on the kandui resort boatmentawai fast ferrysunset on the barge at kandui resortthe magic of rifles at kandui resortthe shaman dancing at kandui resort

Top Reasons why our guests return

THE BEST SURF
LOCATION ON EARTH
There is no other surfing island on the earth like Kandui Island. With over 15 waves on our island alone, there is literally something for everyone. Whether it’s the 2 best barreling waves in the world, Kandui Left and Rifles or the fun waves of 4Bobs and Karangbat Left, no other island in this world compares. Throw in 30 additional waves within a 30-minute boat ride, no surfing location comes remotely close.
KANDUI RESORT
VIBE / LOCAL STAFF
The Kandui Vibe and atmosphere is something that is very difficult to describe but is one of the #1 reasons why our guests return each year.  There's something very special about this stretch of beach and anyone who visits experiences the same feelings.   You will not find a better vibe, a more stoked atmosphere or more happy local staff in the Mentawais.

The local staff is a major part of the Kandui Resort experience. You will not find another resort in this world where the local staff is integrated more into the daily experience. Our local Mentawai staff are some of the friendliest, loving, down to earth people in this world and we’re proud to employ virtually 100% local Mentawai. One of our long-term guests said it best “I came to Kandui Resort the first time for the surf, I come back every year for the staff”.
ALL DAY RAY WILCOXEN
All Day Ray is Kandui Resort. After almost 2 decades, we’re stoked to have our All Day Ray at the helm. While things in the Mentawais have changed over time, Ray’s management and vision has not. Ray’s philosophy from Day 1 has been to put the guest first while creating an unparalleled vibe. Ray has been in your shoes. Before being involved with Kandui Resort, Ray would travel the world, staying at countless resorts and learned firsthand what guests want and especially do not want.
BOAT TRIPS
The goal to a successful surfing trip is getting surfed out. We offer 2-3 30 foot Mentawai canoes to transport you to the surf outside of our island and have dinghies/jet skis to transport you quickly to the waves in front. Our daily boat trips are included in your daily rate and there are unlimited trips surfing every day. As long as everyone is accounted for and the 2nd/3rd boat can travel safely, we do not require minimums for daily surf trips. After almost 2 decades of business, we have not had one complaint of not being surfed out.
RESTAURANT / FLOATING DOCK
The heart of Kandui Resort and where it all happens. It’s difficult to describe in words, but the heart and soul of Kandui Resort resides in our Restaurant. We pride ourselves in our local chef and after almost 2 decades, have created the perfect blend of western and Indonesian cuisine. Our menu is a major part of the Kandui Resort experience and no expense is spared. We are not in the bar business and are not looking to take advantage of our guests. Bintangs are still offered at $1 and mixed drinks at $3.75. We also offer daily free Bintangs on our Kandui floating dock and afternoon boats. We appreciate you choosing Kandui Resort and do not take advantage of that at the bar.

If the Kandui Restaurant is the heart of Kandui Resort, the floating dock runs a close second. Located within a stone’s throw of 4Bobs and the perfect place to relax or heckle your friends. Kandui Resort offers free Bintangs every afternoon on the dock and there’s no better Happy Hour in the Mentawais.
PHOTO / VIDEO
For almost 2 decades, photos and videos have become a cornerstone of the Kandui Resort experience. We have 2 photographers and 2 videographers every day and virtually every single session is documented. Every evening the day is relived on our 2 restaurant big screen TVs and your photos and videos are available for purchase at the end of every trip.
STAY IN TOUCH
One step out of the jungle. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more remote location than Kandui Resort and keeping in touch with your family, friends and work is the utmost importance. With 100mb of speed, you will not find a higher speed internet connection in the Mentawais. Whether watching WSL events or FaceTiming your family back home, no other resort comes close. Offered within our Restaurant, Game Room and every Uma, our internet is available at any time and is still 100% free.
TRANSFER FROM THE MAINLAND
Your safely and comfort are the highest priority at Kandui Resort. After almost 2 decades of business, our #1 complaint has been the 90-mile transfer from Padang, Indonesia to Kandui Resort, Mentawai. We have tried everything possible, planes, charter boats, ferries and even seaplanes, but nothing has solved the problem. In 2017, we partnered with the Mentawai Fast Ferry. The Mentawai Fast is an 80-foot transfer boat that was specifically created for transport from Padang to the Mentawai. Kandui Resort rents it for our guests and makes the 90-mile transfer in 3 hours flat. It’s a game changer for transport with 200 plus seats, A/C, TVs, free drinks, bathrooms and the smoothest ride you will find in Indonesia.
CULTURE
The local Mentawaiian experience is a major part of the Kandui Resort experience. At the end of every trip, the local shaman of the Mentawais make the trek down from the jungle to visit the resort. Shamen are the traditional medicine men of the Mentawais and stop by to perform a traditional ceremony showcasing a unique mix of dance, drum beats and chants. We also offered guided tours of our local staff’s village on any day. These unique cultural experiences offer an unreal look into the Mentawais and make you realize truly how far you are from the western world.

THE WORLD'S BEST SURF.
YEAR AFTER YEAR.

Ever since the world was introduced to the Mentawai Islands over 25 years ago, the surf world has never been the same. Countless islands, perfect reef passes, light winds, remote location and a conveyor belt of relentless swell from 6,000 miles away, there is literally no other place in this world that compares to the Mentawais. The Playgrounds region is the most wave rich surf location on earth and Kandui Resort is the only resort with beach access.

The Kandui Resort In-Season (April – Sept) is in the center of Indian Ocean SW swell season. Once high pressure breaks in the Indian Ocean, storms start marching from Africa to Indonesia and do not stop till late season. During this time of year, the surf rarely drops below head high and during a standard trip to Kandui Resort, guests can expect 1-2 swells to really get the blood flowing. While the Northern Mentawais have some of the best barreling waves in Indonesia (Kandui Left, Rifles, Bank Vaults, Hideaways), this area is unique in that it has something for everyone. When Kandui Left is triple overhead, Karangbat Left is head high and perfect for cruising. When Rifles is pumping double overhead barrels, 4bobs is slightly overhead and perfect for turns. In-Season is a great time to push your barrel-riding limits while also kicking back and surfing your favorite fish just around the corner. We’ve been stoked to host thousands of guests from all corners of the earth and even more stoked to put thousands on the waves of their lives.

kandui the waveoverhead drone shot of kandui resortdrone shot of playgrounds in the mentawai islandsbank vaults surf spot mentawai islandsbeautiful view from the canoe at kandui resortsurfing mentawai islands4 bobs sunset mentawai islandssurfing mentawai islands

Below is a breakdown of our In-Season by month and will give you a great idea what to expect. The Northern Mentawais are located on the equator so local wind conditions can change but this is a guide to give you a general idea of what to expect. Feel free to Contact Us for more details on any month.

IN-SEASON MONTHLY BREAKDOWN

MONTH
May is one of our prime months at Kandui Resort and the Mentawais in general. During May, the SW swell season is in full swing, the weather is incredible and the winds are light and favor the right-handers. Virtually every year, the best Bank Vaults and Rifles happens in the month of May. Our area directly in front of the resort (heart of the playgrounds) is in full swing and there’s something for everyone. May is one of our most demanded months and space goes quickly.
MONTH
May is one of our prime months at Kandui Resort and the Mentawais in general. During May, the SW swell season is in full swing, the weather is incredible and the winds are light and favor the right-handers. Virtually every year, the best Bank Vaults and Rifles happens in the month of May. Our area directly in front of the resort (heart of the playgrounds) is in full swing and there’s something for everyone. May is one of our most demanded months and space goes quickly.
MONTH
May is one of our prime months at Kandui Resort and the Mentawais in general. During May, the SW swell season is in full swing, the weather is incredible and the winds are light and favor the right-handers. Virtually every year, the best Bank Vaults and Rifles happens in the month of May. Our area directly in front of the resort (heart of the playgrounds) is in full swing and there’s something for everyone. May is one of our most demanded months and space goes quickly.
MONTH
May is one of our prime months at Kandui Resort and the Mentawais in general. During May, the SW swell season is in full swing, the weather is incredible and the winds are light and favor the right-handers. Virtually every year, the best Bank Vaults and Rifles happens in the month of May. Our area directly in front of the resort (heart of the playgrounds) is in full swing and there’s something for everyone. May is one of our most demanded months and space goes quickly.
MONTH
May is one of our prime months at Kandui Resort and the Mentawais in general. During May, the SW swell season is in full swing, the weather is incredible and the winds are light and favor the right-handers. Virtually every year, the best Bank Vaults and Rifles happens in the month of May. Our area directly in front of the resort (heart of the playgrounds) is in full swing and there’s something for everyone. May is one of our most demanded months and space goes quickly.
Why KanduiSeasonsWavesResortScheduleTravelSurf Shop
1-888-KANDUI-1
Contact@KanduiResort.com

PT Pulau Ombak Indah (DBA Kandui Resort)
Komplek Batang Kabung Asri Blok C/3, RT 04/RW 02
Kel. Batang Kabung Ganting, Kec. Koto Tangah
Kab. Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat