South Mentawai · Indonesia
Surfing Telescopes
A reef break in South Mentawai, Indonesia, for advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Telescopes is a left in central Sipora that runs down the reef in a very regular way: from the takeoff you can see the next three sections lining up ahead of you.
It's one of the best lefts in the islands for turns, with barrels at the top and on the inside, and it's predictable enough to plan your next move. It works at 3-8ft on SE-E winds, and mid tide makes more waves makeable.
It's well known and there's only one takeoff, so it gets crowded. Go early or time your sessions between charter groups. Bring a fast shortboard.
-2.2, 99.63 · SW swell, SE-E wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Telescopes
Telescopes is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, SE-E 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 Telescopes
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 6 km |
| Scarecrows | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 10 km |
| Lance's Left | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 30 km |
| Lance's Right (HT's) | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 31 km |
| Macaronis | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 80 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 87 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around South Mentawai
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the South Mentawai 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 →
Telescopes: common questions
When is the best time to surf Telescopes?
Telescopes works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, SE-E wind.
Is Telescopes good for beginners?
No. Telescopes is a wave for advanced surfers.
How crowded is Telescopes?
Telescopes is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Telescopes?
Telescopes is in South Mentawai, in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-2.2, 99.63). The nearest wave we cover is Iceland, about 6 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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