Playgrounds (North) · Indonesia
Surfing Beng Bengs
A reef break in Playgrounds (North), Indonesia, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size3-6 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Beng Bengs is a left in the Playgrounds area with rampy, forgiving walls over reef that isn't too shallow. It's a wave for turns and airs rather than barrels.
After a morning at Kandui or Bank Vaults, many crews come here to relax. It works at 3-6ft with soft shoulders, and it's often working on smaller swells when the heavier waves are too small.
It's where intermediate and advanced surfers on a charter get to surf a proper Mentawai wave instead of watching from the boat. It handles NE winds as well. Take the shortboard you turn best on.
-1.655, 99.048 · SW swell, SE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Beng Bengs
Beng Bengs is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, SE wind. This is how the year looks across Mentawai Islands:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| April to May | Good | Fewer boats and good swell |
| June to August | Prime | Peak season: maximum swell, maximum boats, book long ahead |
| September to October | Prime | Still good swell, fewer boats |
| November to March | Quiet | Small season: playful sizes, big discounts, empty lineups |
Waves near Beng Bengs
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitstops | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | under 1 km |
| E-Bay | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced | under 1 km |
| Kandui Left | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Pro | 3 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| Rifles | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Nipussi | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 6 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Playgrounds (North)
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Playgrounds (North) surf guide →
A week here costs from about $1,040 with flights from Europe, or around $2,195 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,500 →
Beng Bengs: common questions
When is the best time to surf Beng Bengs?
Beng Bengs works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, SE wind.
Is Beng Bengs good for beginners?
No. Beng Bengs is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Beng Bengs?
Beng Bengs is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Beng Bengs?
Beng Bengs is in Playgrounds (North), in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-1.655, 99.048). The nearest wave we cover is Pitstops, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.