Words: The Perfect Wave
Photos: Andy Potts

It's 2015 and the 'forgotten islands' mystique that once enveloped the Mentawai islands has dwindled. These islands are now firmly on every travelling surfers' radar, they've been mapped and graphed and some waves are instantly recognisable when they appear in the surf press - such is the media saturation of the Mentawais. However, a trip to the north Indonesian island chain still brings a heightened sense of anticipation, because mystique aside, the Mentawais consistently delivers unlike any other region on Earth.

Macaronis sits central to the three main areas surfed in the Mentawai chain. The reef is uncannily well shaped, creating the closest thing that most surfers will ever get to that elusive perfect wave, and it's in one of the most beautiful tropical settings known to man.

After the wave was discovered back in the early 80’s - it was first called Pasongan, or P'Land - it'd be a decade before the second wave of surfers found it, and then a mere ten years before becoming internationally renowned. 35 years later it still creates shock and awe, leaving lifelong memories for those who choose to make the journey to the world's most rippable wave.

2015 has been an up and down season for the Mentawai islands with unseasonable winds and a lack of larger swells compared to the past few years.

Fortunately Macaronis delivers in a wide variety of conditions, from small swells to large, offshore wind or onshore. Whatever weather gets thrown at it the wave just keeps motoring along standing up on the outside and throwing the dogleg section down the line.

Here's a selection of photos from the past season.

Visit The Perfect Wave travel company for details on Macaronis Resort