Reports

Report June 11

 

Well the pro's have been spending some time in the Mentawais with some amazing surfing lately by both the men and women. The swell hitting last week at Macas had 4 - 5ft waves reeling down the reef and the pro women surfers Rebecca Woods, Keala Kennelly and Sofia Mulanovich were charging in waves that resembled a mini Teahupoo (sorry guys a bit short on photos this session, but it was smoking - see on of the shots below). The boys staying at the resort were blown away to score macas with only themselves and the women out, some of them apparently calling it ' the session of their lives".

 

This week the swell dropped out so with our new guests onboard Laut India, we headed south to our local swell magnet, Thunders. Our guests scored some nice 4 to 5 ft waves for 2 days before arriving at the resort on Sunday evening.

With the swell still small at Macas Monday, we arranged a day trip to Bat Cave. Guilherme got a nice Tengiri on the way which got everyone excited, and after a few small waves at Bat Cave and a wander around the island, we headed back to Macas fishing on the way. Marina snagged another Tengiri but lost it before getting it on board, and just on dark while entering the bay at Macas, Julie hooked another and managed to land it weighing in at around 5 kg. 

 

This morning we woke to find the swell still hadn't quite hit but head high waves were enjoyed by all the crew. Charter boat Nusantara arrived with Clay Marzo and Ry Craike among others this morning who hit the surf and were ripping it apart mid morning. The latest swell is predicted to kick this arvo and early tomorrow, so everyone is waiting in anticipation of what is to come. Hoping for some more of those epic barrels which we scored last week !!

Photo Above: A nice Spanish Mackeral caught by Julie

 

We’ll be back with another report in a few days……. Hope everybody is all geared up to get a few on this newly arriving swell that will be backed by a bigger one hitting early next week.

 

Cheers from Macas Resort,

 

The Stickman 

Report 26th May

Hi Crew

 

We woke this morning to find Macas looking pretty good. At first we were considering going somewhere else on Indies Explorer, then within an hour or so after day light, the report was it was pumping.

 

Everybody had a great day today, no wind, sunny weather, and glassy 3 – 5 ft surf. Only a couple of boats visiting in the bay, we ended the day catching a feed of fish while knocking over a few Bintangs, then we had a great meal this evening, and now everybody has retired to their villas to recharge for tomorrow.

 

Looks as though the swell will slowly be dropping this week, so we may head off on Indies Explorer some time later in the week to surf somewhere else, but right now, everybody is enjoying the comfort of the resort and resting up in their villas after a day of good waves.

 

We’ll be back with another report in a few days time. Hope you’re all getting some, where ever you are…..

 

Cheers

 

Mark at Macas

Report 25th May

Hi guys,

 

After guests have spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Thunders owing to small swell conditions, this morning has delivered some fun waves at Macas, about 3 feet on day break and rising. It looks as though the swell will probably keep picking up a little throughout the day and into tomorrow.

Photo Above: Macas Early Morning

Here with us we have Rosaldo Cavalcanti from ‘Next’ Productions and Sport TV channel who is doing up a short promo DVD that will soon be on U-tube, and also Rodrigo ‘Digone’ Mascarenhas from Bali Surf Connection (www.balisurfconnection.com). So we’re hoping to get some good waves in the next couple of days to put on our promo DVD that will be out soon.

Photo Above: Thunders on Friday

 

Conditions here are thunder stormy, but with very little wind around, so surf is still fun with glassy conditions.

 

Hope you’re all getting some waves from this new swell, and we’ll drop you another surf report from Macaronis in the next couple of days.

 

Cheers

 

Mark at Macas

 

Report - 21 May

Hi there crew,

 

We are waiting in anticipation for a new swell about to hit some time Saturday. Looks as though conditions will be clean and Macaronis should have a few nice waves for the upcoming week.

 

The last few days have been spent doing a lot of fishing and diving, but guests have still also been doing a lot of surfing. One of our guests, Alex has still been doing solid 6 hour sessions in the water each day. As the larger groundswell has slowly been dropping, so have boat visitors, and our guys have been enjoying Macas virtually to themselves… still 3 feet and super fun.

 

A 4 hour dive was also part of the activities today. We found some beautiful untouched coral, and one fish hole absolutely loaded with fish, so we spent a bit of time spear fishing there before swimming back up the coast and heading back into Macaronis lagoon. On the way in a small black tip reef shark was spotted and in the process of getting in through the surf, unfortunately 2 fish were lost, dinner for the shark we figured.

 

Tomorrow morning at 4:00am resort guests are heading off with Mick down to Thunders area for a couple of days on Indies Explorer before a swap over of new and old guests on Friday. We are expecting clean off-shore conditions at Thunders and there still seems to be enough lump in the ocean for Thunders to serve up a few fun ones tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.

 

On Saturday we expect the crew will be back to see the new swell arrive at Macas. Check our specials page guys (www.macaronisresort.com/specials.php) as we still have plenty of spots left for the next two upcoming trips, and we are offering about the cheapest trips available in the Mentawais right now, so don’t miss out!! Remember here at Macas Resort we offer the best of both worlds, so no need to have to choose between a boat and a resort, because we have both..!

 

We’ll most likely be back with another report and a few photos on Saturday when the boys return from surfing down south, and when that new swell starts lapping at our shores sometime Saturday.

Cheers

 

Mark at Macas

Photo Above.... sorry guys our surf photographer decided to go fishing on this occasion... not a bad catch though, a Spanish Mackeral, Corenation Trout, Coral Trout and Groper......

Mentawai Government - Public Announcement (English Translation) - 18 May

View the film below to see the Mentawai Bupati (Government Head) making an official statement about the future directive of tourism in the Mentawai Islands.

Worth a watch if interested in the future development of tourism in the Mentawais.

Click on the bottom right corner to view full sceen version...

Latest Report - May 16

Hi guys

Another report for you......

Waves have been pumping here this week, Macas has been in fine form, solid 4-6 foot waves over the past week, while a few of the boys also have been sneaking away to surf some Silabu Left's, 4-6 foot aswell, but with just 3 of us out. Certainly not as perfect as Macas, but totally fun with as many rides as you can poke a stick at.

After 5 days of constant good conditions at Macas, the boys at the resort decided it was time to head off on the Indies Explorer to surf a few other waves. So on Wednesday night, the crew headed up to Bat Cave early and surfed some nice glassy righthanders early Thursday morning, which everybody was stoked with, then up to Lances Right for the arvo sesh. Some nice waves were scored at Lances Right, followed by some more nice waves today at Lances Left.

The crew staying on for 2 weeks arrived back this evening on one of our longboats, and the rest of the crew have headed back to Padang this evening on the Indies Explorer, as we have had to head to Padang anyway to replentish our fuel supply. The Indies Explorer carries almost 35,000 liters of fuel, so not only is she a great passenger ferry and surf charter boat for Macaronis Resort, but she can also carry all of our supplies as well.

Upon arrival this evening from Lances, a couple of the crew hit Macaronis again with still a couple of hours left in the day, still 3-4 feet, glassy and totally ripable, and only two people out!! Looks like the swell is slowly dropping for a quiter week next week, so we figure it might be a good opportunity to head down to Thunders (our local swell magnet) for 2 - 3 days, while we await the next swell.

Also the past week we have caught some nice fish as usual. Below is photo of a nice Trevally caught by Alex a couple of days ago.

Also, here are a few photos from Marc Siegel of the waves encountered at Bat Cave, Lances Right and Lances Left, visited by the guys the last couple of days on the Indies Explorer.

Photo Above: A nice shot of Alex at Lances Right....

A nice shot of Marc in the pocket.....

and a nice shot of Sergio lookin for the barrel aswell.

All in all a successful trip on the Laut India to scout out a few different waves. Unfortunately no photos of Bat Cave from the trip, the crew said it was actually the pick of all spots and they were all in there surfing it. Looks like we might be headed up that way again in the next couple of days. Thanks for the photos Marc....

Until next time, or as they say in Indo, Sampai jumpa...!

Mark at Macas

Latest Report - April 27

Hi Again folks, well after a week of very strange windy and wet weather (that some have called the worst in years), things are finally back to normal.

Today, the sun is shinning, blue sky, no wind and crystal clear water mixed in with some super fun waist to head high waves - and with only one boat in the bay. Myself and Jon visiting from Waterways Surf Travel had super fun Macas all to ourselves for 2 hours today; I was surfed out and sun burnt, so I let Jon have Macas all to himself in the end, before we grabbed a late lunch and sat back and watched the waves peel away live on TV back at the resort.

The past week or so was a bit quiet for waves, but party wise it was anything but. One wet arvo we had boys in here from all corners of the globe trying to escape the confines of their boats and stir up a good swell from Huey...

One arvo there was almost 40 guys partying as hard as could be anywhere during daylight hours on a week day, and I am happy to say even though we went through fridge loads of Bintang, it was always ice cold. I think the bar staff were just happy we didn't have to keep the tequila cold !!

Since our last report we have also had a number of assorted visits from non-surfing private boats, keen to use the Wi Fi internet, have a drink, meal or a game of pool. Perhaps one boat in particular that included a group of young western ladies on their way down from Thailand may have been part of the reason the bar has been so busy...

As most people should know Macaroni's Resort also has its own private charter boat the "Laut India". During arrivals or departures we do our best to get down to Thunders or a few of the other spots. Last Friday we spent a day at Thunders with nobody else around, but to be honest, when we got home to Macas, we got better waves; often the case due to Macas consistency in a variety of conditions.

Anyway better go, got a big day of surfing and fishing ahead tomorrow. Here is a photo sent from Jason from his trip to Macas Resort in late March 2008 ….. Not a bad shot, of a warped Macas ledging tube, on the largest swell of that trip (don't worry guys its not always like that !!). For a shot in motion of a barrel on the same day click here

 

Cheers until next time or as we say in Indonesia "sampai jumpa' 

Mick at Macas.

 

Latest Report - April 20

Hi guys, Mick here from Macas Resort for the third report of the season.

Firstly, we would like to wish farewell to Clause & Madakini who have again stayed with us over the past month. Claus we think is addicted to Macaronis. Also great to hear Justin and Jason who visited on our first trip will also be returning a little later in the season.

In classic Macas style, Macas turned on some solid and very hollow waves last Friday, barreling from the launching pad through to the inside section, without a charter boat in sight; what better way to start or end a trip. Since then, the waves have been smaller with light to no wind, making for some fun rippable waves.

Anthony has been getting right into the fishing catching some nice coral trout, correlation trout, and also one huge barracuda and two smaller barracuda which surprisingly were caught on the same lure, at the same time?

Also the boys were spotted one arvo making some crab pots in an effort to catch some local mud crabs. However, no luck as yet; although the mud crabs are definitely there, as the boys were keen to buy some mud crabs from the locals passing buy on the way home, so they could tell everyone back at the resort they were successful, but unfortunately their wallets were also at the resort.

During the past week the ping pong table and pool tables have also had a work out with visiting boat guests dropping in for a bintang and to use the wireless hot spot Internet. Pleased to report the Macas crew have been kicking butt on the pool table.

Some good size swell on the way, and keep an eye out for Macas Resort webcam, that will soon show live Macaronis on this website. Our IT man Lindo is still tweaking it at the moment, but should be up and ruinning in the next month or so...

Anyway...back out for an arvo surf, catch ya’s next week.

Mick at Macas….

Latest Report - April 08

It has been a quite week at Macaronis Resort, with just two guests, Claus and Mandakini, hanging at the resort and surfing locally. The odd yoga session and working from their villa on the wireless internet has kept them occupied. A busy night the other night though with the boys from Tenggiri visiting the bar and almost drinking the place dry..... Claus was stoked though as there weren't many surfers in the water the next day for some reason?

Below: A nice shot of Macas last week with some lucky guy getting a nice tube as the swell was on the rise.

Below: A nice Spanish Mackeral caught last week, this one caught by Kent on the Indies Explorer.

Below is the official poster for the West Coast Classic held in Tasmania annually, of which Macaronis Resort is a proud sponsor. On this occasion, John Kohlemainen won the Macas Resort trip who will be visiting later in the year. If ever in Tassie on March long weekend, always a top event to check out, which runs over 3 days. Glen Saltmarsh still the competition organiser, must be almost 20 years now.... Good on ya Glen, sounds like there were some good 6 foot waves to be had at Lighthouse Beach throughout the competion.

 

 

Latest Report - Trip 1 (Ending March 29, 2008)

Sorry guys, a long while since our last report.We have been busy catching tons of fish and scoring quality waves at Macas and surrounding breaks. Kent managed to land a 14 kg Spanish Mackeral the other day, while I got hold of a 12 kg Spanish Mackeral, Michael a Great Trevally and Ben and Tim 4 huge coral trout they caught yesterday that we had on the barby cooked in coconut curry paste, absolutely delicious...!

Surf has been good quality, especially yesterday and today, and on dark last night Macas wave`was looking a bit like Teaupau with solid 6 ft sets serving up deep barrels in off-shore conditions, that a few guys off Indies Trader 2 were going nuts over. Today conditions persisted to be excellent quality with 4-5 feet conditions and some nice barrels to be had for all.

Our first group of guests left today to Sikakap on Indies Explorer, including Stewart Allen, Journalist and photographer from Long Break Magazine. Stewart expressed that he was stoked with the resort and was impressed with the facilities and the fact that Indies Explorer offered the unique opportunity to go off and surf other waves, but really most guests have mainly just enjoyed hanging in comfort at Macas Resort as the surf has been consistently good in this area as has the fishing.

We hope to have a few new photos off Stewart ASAP to put on this website, once Long Break mag editors have had the chance to decide which photos they require for their up-coming article (some 1,800 photos that Stewart took so this may take some time!!), we are a bit short here so hoping this will happen sooner rather than later... Sorry guys, no photos of the epic surf last night, going to have to hunt some down off the other guests...!

Anyway all is great here, everybody stoked..... drop us a line if you are keen to visit in 2008 as we still have plenty of spots available and the reception so far has been great, so much so that some of our guests, Claus and Mandakini visiting on our last trip, have decided to stay on for another 2 weeks, deciding against their planned trip to Bali. Why not, with only 8 guests in the resort and only 1-2 boats in the bay surfing Macas on most occasions?

Will be in touch with another report soon, and with some photos of our most recent trip and the latest renovations to Macas Resort and Indies Explorer.

Cheers...

Mark Loughran

Resort Operations Manager

 

 

Upgrades and Maintenance Works Continue (January 16, 2008)

Indies Explorer has been undergoing a total refit since mid-december already with newly fitted out cabins, deck repairs well underway and with various structural timbers being replaced. Dry docking will soon commence for minor hull maintenance and anti-fouling. Replacement diving and fishing equipment will soon be purchased in readiness for 2008 surf excursions out of Macaronis Resort.

 

Photo Above: Sulewasi carpenters busy working on Indies Explorer deck repairs. All crew including Risno, Naga, Yan, Ridwan and Herman having been assisting on the job.

At Macaronis Resort, developments and maintenance repairs are coming along well, with new stairs being built in front of villas from natural stone and concrete to replace previous wooden stairs that have not held up to the marine environment. Also underway is construction of a jetty nearby the cafe, stone sheltered veranda in front of the cafe, construction of a water tower to increase water pressure to villas and various maintenance works to have the resort ready for 2008 trading.

 

Photo Above: Carpenters constructing water tower.

Various other developments are underway, stay tuned for further updates.

 

Dry Docking & Maintenance Begins (December 21, 2007)

After acquiring Indies Explorer, negotiations with existing crew have come to a favorable outcome. We are pleased to announce that all previous crew (some of whom have been employed on the boat over the past seven years) have now signed new contracts to continue working on Indies Explorer for the 2008 season.

This is an exceptional outcome and we are pleased that not only will we be keeping hold of an experienced and proven boat crew, but also thanks to previous owners settling long term employment contracts, this has made for a smooth transition.

Indies Explorer is now undergoing annual maintenance at Teluk Bayur prior to dry docking for minor hull maintenance and antifouling. Specialist Phinisi boat builders from Sulewasi will be carrying out hull maintenance and renovations to cabins in readiness for the 2008 season. Annual maintenance of Indies Explorer is expected to take 4 weeks and is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of February.

On Thursday 27th of December a team of Javanese carpenters that originally built Macaronis Resort in 2004 - 2005, will be revisiting to commence annual maintenance and renovations. Stay tuned to this reports page to see photos of upgrades as they are being carried out over the next 2 months prior to re-opening of Macaronis Resort in March 2008.

 

Mooring Buoys Planned for Macaronis in 2008 (December 17, 2007)

In 2008 Macaronis Resort will be trialing a mooring buoy system in Macaronis Bay for use of 2 visiting charter boats on a daily basis. The proposed mooring buoy system is strongly supported by the Mentawai Regional Government who will be assisting with its implimentation. This decision is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) made between Macaronis Resort and the Mentawai Regional Government to promote sustainable development of tourism in the region.

Use of mooring buoys promises to reduce damage to coral and other parts of the marine environment caused by continual use of anchors, and once embraced we expect that the proposed system will offer both Macaronis Resort and visiting live aboard boats a sustainable long-term solution sharing Macaronis wave equally between visiting surfers either staying at Macaronis Resort or visiting Macaronis aboard a live aboard boat.

Macaronis Resort will be targeting to have maximum 16 surfers surfing Macaronis each day sharing the wave with approximately 16 surfers from visiting charter boats using mooring buoys creating a sustainable carrying capacity and manageable number of surfers sharing the wave on a daily basis.

Standby for further reports regarding this topic.

 

Tourism Licenses (December 14, 2007)

PT. Internusa Bahagia holds a 15 year Resort & Marine Tour License issued by the Mentawai Regional Government permitting operation of Macaronis Resort and 6 commercial live aboard boats.

In accordance with Regional law No.16 year 2002 ("Perda 16"), PT. Internusa Bahagia has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) / Cooperation Agreement with the Mentawai Regional Government in the framework of advancing and improving sustainable tourism development.

To view a copy of this MOU please visit the following links: Page 1 / Page 2 / Page 3 / Page 4 / Page 5 / Translation

Mentawai Waves... Effects from Earth Quake? ( December 11, 2007)

A quick update to let you all know that after the earth quake earlier this year, surfing conditions at Macas have not changed, well barely anyway!! The reef seems to have risen at the most 15 - 20cm max, which in most peoples opinion may have actually improved the wave. Reports are Thunders in south has risen a little further, but is still virtually the same wave as is the case with Rag's Left..

Strangely the islands seem to have risen more in some areas than others; different elevations over just 1 or 2 Km. In 2008 we may find a few 'new' breaks and perhaps we even may loose one or two, like Rag's Right which is said to be even shallower now making the wave even more dangerous. But in general, the waves are still pumping and 2007 has been an epic season before and after the earthquake, let's hope this continues into 2008!!

 

Fellas Joins Macaronis Resort (December 05, 2007)

As of March 2008, 'Fellas Bar and Restaurant’ will be expanding its operation to open at Macaronis Resort. Also operating Fellas in Padang from which staff will be rotated, we are looking forward to enjoying the warm hospitality and quality food and beverage service of fellas at Macaronis Resort.

For those who are unfamiliar with 'Fellas', next time you are in Padang drop by for a delicious meal and some drinks sometime, a popular ex-pat hang out, just 5 minutes walk from Bumiminang Hotel walking south toward Muara / Padang Port. The mouth watering food and friendly service is absolutely unbeatable!!

* Stay tuned, Fellas is now planning on building an exotic Massage facility in a garden setting along side the Bar and Restaurant facility overlooking Silabu lagoon. Nothing like a relaxation massage after a long day in the surf, that can be followed by a hot bubbling spa in your villa..!

Three private massage gazebos (similar to those shown below at Fellas in Padang) will offer private massages for guests in a relaxed garden setting with the sound of trickling water and light music, whilst the existing Massage Gazebo at Macas is planned to be renovated to become the new gift shop.

Photos Above: 'Fellas Bar and Restaurant', Padang, December 2008 - Soon to open at Macaronis Resort.

 

Sumatran Tigers at Bungus Harbor (January 30, 2008)

In late 2006, our chief speedboat operations manager, Sonny, trapped a large Sumatran Tiger nearby his residence at Bungus, just a few miles in land from where Indies Explorer and Ambu Ambu Ferry depart for the Mentawai Islands. Villages were alarmed over a period months prior as the tiger was regularly stalking rice paddies at night and was killing domestic dogs and goats that were in the vacinity. Fortunately, Sonny being a beleiver in protecting these now endangered animals, assisted to make sure the tiger after being trapped was transfered by truck deep back into the jungle and was released.

We sadly regret to report that now the village of Bungus is now again in terror, after 4 adults in the past week have reportably been mauled by a large Sumatran tiger and have lost their lives. All villagers in Bungus are currently staying in-doors at night while police and local trappers are attempting to capture the tiger (pronounced 'Harimau' in Bahasa Indonesian). As on this occasion this tiger has been responsible for taking 3 human lives in  just 1 week, it is highly likely that this tiger will not enjoy the previous good fortune of the last tiger trapped at Bungus.

Despite this tragic event, the Sumatran tiger is truely an amazing animal, being the largest of the tiger species that live throughout the Asian contenent. Although endangered, the Sumatran tiger is still alive and well living in the hills at Bungus, but no need for travelers to be alarmed, these incidents have occured several miles inland from the port and such incidents occuring are very rare indeed.

 

Stay tuned for further reports.

For those planning on visiting in 2008, we look forward to seeing you all and we hope to make your trip a safe one and a memorable experience for you all.

See you at the resort!!

The Management.

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