Reports 2008                                

October 27th Report...

 

Well it’s been another epic week of surf here at Macas. We had a flat spell the week prior which had the boys heading down to Thunders to get a few, before coming back up to Macas to wait for the new late October swell to arrive. And Huey did not disappoint!!!

 

Last few days we have had some really nice carvable walls with only a puff of wind here and there, and yesterday ‘the day of the year’, 6-8 feet Macas, absolutely firing no wind all day, some crew got the best waves of their life. It actually felt like water skiing in a lake the waves were so glassy making late take offs easy and deep barrels standard.

 

Robby Page was again a stand out; he did a 7 hour session yesterday, also keeping vocal and everybody sharing in the line up. All crew were enjoying themselves, totally stoked, a great bunch of blokes visiting both on boats and staying at the resort.

 

Also hats off to the Portugal guys and Angela also staying at Macas Resort. All these guys were surfing well and took off on some beauties. A few of these shots are shown below, and were still waiting on a few more shots that will probably be shown in the next report.

 

Just check out how glassy the waves were all day yesterday…

 

October 17th report.....

Hi guys

Well we've had an eventful couple of weeks here at Macaronis Resort.

We have had the winner of Tasmania's Rip Curl West Coast Classic competition visit, John Kolehmainen, who took out the Macas Resort Grand Prize this year. John has been stoked to score a few Macas barrels for his efforts winning the Masters division of the comp this year. John's friend and rival Nigel Wallace also came along for the trip, who had a blast of a time, until trouble surfaced after a diving accident trying to recover an anchor 3 days before the end of the trip.

We ended up having Nigel air Evacuated by helicopter to Padang, in fear that he may have been suffering from an aneurism, but fortunately the results were negative and Nigel is now recovering after a couple of days rest in the Padang hospital.

Macaronis Resort and Nigel would like to say a big thanks to 'Cover More' travel insurance who did an excellent job arranging the helicopter at short notice picking Nigel up off Fish Fingers beach at Macaronis. Also everyone should keep in mind that an event like this goes to show why Travel Insurance is an absolute must if visiting such a remote part of the world like the Mentawai Islands.

This week we have World Grand Masters Champion Robbie Page back out at Macas Resort, after his last trip of perfect waves we just can't seem to keep the man away. Robbie's surfing and Macas wave compliment each other so well, just check out some of the shots of Robbie pulling into some deep deep barrels at Macas this last week.

So we've said to Robbie that he might as well just stay on as surf guide and look after the place for a while, and so the regular crew can take a well earned break. Robbie's stoked with the job, and not a bad surf guide to have on your trip either, so any one keen for a last minute trip should drop us a line and get up here for the next trip departing on Thursday 23rd of October. Robbie plans to stay out at Macas for another 2-3 weeks.

At the end of the most recent swell and after dropping John and some of the other guests off in Sikakap to head back to Padang, Robbie and crew have headed down to Thunders for a few days on Indies Explorer as it is looking as though we are in for a week of small swell before we have another bump in the swell that looks as though it should begin to show at the end of the week.

Well it has pretty much been the usual over the past fortnight at Macaronis, some deep barrels had and a few bintangs polished off in the bar at the end of the day.. The only quite unusual event was the first air evacuation we have ever had, that went down well, and fortunately Nigel had suffered no serious damage as had first been feared, so we are all thankful for that.

If any body is keen to get out here for a late season trip and score some waves like the ones below of Robbie getting barreled off his nut, then drop us a line and we'll do you a special deal.

Until the next time, stay safe we hope your getting a few, if not you should get yourself up to Macas only US$100 flight away from Bali with Lion Airways.

Cheers

Mark @ Macas

Well if ur going to get a tube at macas, the best way is to do it like that....????!!!

Report October 02

Hi crew,

We've had a top week here at Macaronis Resort.

Since our last report we headed north to Lances with guests scoring fun 3-4ft lefts and a couple of 3 foot rights at Bintangs as well. The guests were stoked with the waves and spending a couple of nights aboard our charter boat the 'Laut India'. On the last new swell the waves were 4-5 ft and glassy at Macas early before the wind came up at about 10:30am. Some of the guests then opted for Gilla mamas which handles the south wind well with only resort guests surfing.

Generally later in the week guests have been content to surf Macaronis and Macas Right which have both been consistently good with light north winds and not to many people around. Today guests have headed down to Thunders as the swell has got a bit smaller, but still with an increased period there have been a few nice waves hitting the reef out at Macas this morning.

Last week we enjoyed the Australian Rules football Grand Final on our big screen in Macas Bar. In addition we have had the Singapore Formula 1 grand prix live on the big screen and of course Rugby, so its definitely great to be able to watch these major sporting events live out here in the middle of no where.

We'll be back with another report a bit later. New swell hitting this weekend. We're about to go fishing for our fish BBQ tonight !!!

Stickman & Locky

This one was caught by Alvin.... nice catch Alvin, and it was nice Sashimi too !!!

Report September 23rd

Hi Crew

 

Wow, the new swell hit a couple of days ago and we have scored epic waves here at Macaronis. As the swell started to pulse on Sunday it was still very raw making conditions a bit difficult but the guests have still managed to get their share.

 

Sunday night lying in bed here at Macas Resort and hearing the constant sound of thunder hitting the reef we knew that Monday morning was going to be a pretty amazing day. And that it was, the guests scored 4-6ft waves with many crew left just watching waves go through that were that hollow they were nearly unrideable.

 

3-4 boats have been in the area but the crowd factor has never really come into play because the size and ‘oohh faaarrrk’ factor of the waves on offer. Yesterday winds started to come up from the South a bit before lunch time, so we then decided to hit Gila Mamas for the arvo sesh and scored 5-6ft clean waves with just Macas Resort guests out.

 

Today’s conditions were similar, but probably a bit better quality. The swell had settled but still about 4-6ft and winds were light and variable making conditions perfect. The southerly picked up in the afternoon, so our guests did some snorkeling and canoeing in Macas lagoon.

 

Tonight we are all sleeping aboard Indies Explorer, and are heading north as the swell has now started to drop and the crew is all keen to surf some different waves. And we should get some great waves over the next couple of days down south as well, so stay tuned for our next report later in the week.

 

What a great way to end the trip, after surfing some epic Macaronis the past few days, a couple of days on Indies Explorer fishing and surfing different waves, before guests depart on Friday making way for the newcomers.

 

Until the next report, hope your getting some.

 

The Stickman

 

Report September 19

Hi crew,

 

Well we have come to the end of another great trip for those staying at Macaronis Resort.  Our old guests are leaving for Sikakap after lunch today to catch the Ambu Ambu Ferry back to Padang and our new guests have just arrived here at midday today after traveling to the Mentawai Islands last night aboard Ambu Ambu ferry.

 

As for our departing guests, they scored some great waves this week with the swell pumping for nearly the entire trip. Waves ranging from 2-5ft have kept them very happy and apart from a day surfing up at Lances, they have not wanted to go surfing anywhere else, as Macas has been at its finest.

 

The crowds have varied from day to day but mainly all crew visiting Macaronis this week have been really cool and friendly in the water. Today we have only one boat in the bay, the winds have got up a bit from the south with a 2-3ft abating swell, but predictions are that the swell will be coming back up tomorrow and it’s looking awesome for the up coming week.

 

We have just completed fitting 5 mooring buoys in Silabu, 2 on Macaronis wave and 3 at Silabu Island night anchorage. Resort Management will soon be releasing information to boat owners and the surfing public regarding use of the Mooring buoys and a proposed rotation / sharing system between visiting boats and the resort.

 

The main aims of implementing mooring buoys is to encourage sustainable tourism for visiting boats and Macaronis Resort, while also reducing impact on the environment and increasing income to the local village to allow them to benefit from the barrels scored at Macaronis daily.

 

Stay tuned to our reports page for further information on this.

 

We hope you enjoy the photos, and with this new swell coming there will be a lot more on the way, bring it on Huey…!!

 

Also don’t forget to keep an eye on our Specials Page, last minute trips are still up for grabs, just US$150 per night inclusive of nights spent on Indies Explorer.

 

Cheers

 

Stickman

  

www.macaronisresort.com

 

Hey guys... check out some Macas barrels found on you tube.

Surfing with Rob Page - from Tengiri

Macas Sessions

Macas Wipe Out - Play golf its safer.

Report September 11

Hi there guys

Where is everyone???

This morning we woke to find no boats in the bay, and as guests had departed yesterday to Lances there were also no guests at Macas Resort, so the line up at Macas stayed empty all day. Waves were 3 ft and very clean with a light off-shore blowing all day. Things really seem to be starting to slow down here in the Mentawais, but the waves are still pumping!!

As expected the swell that hit on Tuesday produced solid waves all week long. Guests staying at Macas Resort were treated to some Macas perfection, although there were a few boats around at the peak of the swell (see photos below), but even so our guests preferred to stay and surf Macas most of the week located just 5 minutes from the doorstep of the water front villas.

Guests headed north on Friday morning aboard Laut India and scored clean Lances left about 4 feet in the morning, before the wind came up meaning it was time to hit HT's. The waves at HT's in the afternoon were also clean with a light offshore blowing all afternoon, 4ft with 3 -4 second barrels to be had on sets - not quite breaking from the office, but the crew were still stoked to score some nice clean rights for their last surf of the week.

We now have our new guests at Macas Resort with no boats in the bay and a new swell arriving on Sunday, which is looking great for the rest of the week. This really is a great time of the year to visit, winds are variable, no strong southerlies like in previous years, and hopefully this pattern will continue up until Christmas – it's looking good so far.

For those that are thinking about a last minute trip to Macaronis Resort we still have vacancies up until Christmas and Special Prices available..

Be back with another report a bit later on.

Cheers

Stickman

Report September 09

 

Hi Crew,

 

Stickman here after a couple of weeks holiday. After spending the last few months on our island here at Macaronis I was starting to get what we call out here “island fever”. Yeah I can here you all saying “ah poor stickman” but it goes to show you CAN get too much of a good thing. Plus the waves were pretty average in August, so now I’m back at Macas and back for another report and so is the swell, thanks Huey.

 

This trip we departed Padang aboard Laut India and headed for Lances with a small swell. Arriving early, the winds began to come up from the north. We headed over to Bintangs which was off shore and the boys hit it. Head high clean waves were had and the crew was stoked to get wet on their first morning.

 

Later on the way to Macas, Tim crashed out in his cabin and forgot to close his port-hole…..  low and behold, a wave hit and he was rudely awoken…. soaked. He said he came up swinging thinking his mate Darren had thrown a bucket of water over him. He soon settled down when the fish started biting.

  

The latest swell was expected to hit yesterday but as usual she was a bit late. We woke up to find Macas still small but after seeing swell on the horizon we decided to head to Batcave. The Crew scored 3-5ft waves until the offshore became too strong so we then headed back to macas.

 

Arriving at Macas around midday the crew scored nice clean 3ft waves and the swell was starting to pulse. A couple of boats were in the bay but the guys were taking turns and sharing which is what it is all about out here – remembering to bring along your ‘surf etiquette’ is a must for all surfers planning on visiting the Mentawais.

 

The swell forecast for the next few days is looking good with light and variable winds so there should be many epic waves to be had in different areas through out the Mentawais.

 

Will be back with our latest update shortly.

A few niiice local shots for you all below.......

 

See you in the green room,

 

Stickman

 

Report August 31

Hi guys

 

Hope Huey has been kind to you all. Its certainly been a strange month here in the Mentawais this August with smaller swells than usual and winds shifting in all directions, keeping us surf guides busy to find the best waves possible, with trips to Bat cave, HT’s and Greenbush in the last week.

 

The good news is over the last few weeks numbers in the water have also started to thin out, one day this week the waves were perfect head high sets, offshore and super fun with only a handful of guys out all day putting not only a smile on guests faces but also my own!!!

 

The fishing has also heated right up again, with our last few trips up to HT’s scoring big catches, including mahi mahi (dolphin fish), dog tooth tuna, skipjack tuna, and giant trevally, all in one day. At one stage a few days back we also hooked up something extremely large that wasn’t giving an inch, but unfortunately something gave and 20 minutes into the fight the line broke.

 

Well I hear the evening Bintang calling so as the swell out look is looking good, I better go have one and hit the sack before hopefully scoring a few good waves tomorrow.

 

A few photos below of Greenbush with pumping left handers, also a nice Mahi Mahi landed by Paul.

 

Be back with another report a bit later on.

 

Cheers from Mick at Macas

 

 

Photo Above: Nice barrel scored by Andre at Greenbush - - yeeehaa!!

 

Photo Above: Mahi Mahi caught by Paul on the way to Lances, great for steak on the barby...

 

 

Report August 20

Hi Crew,

 

We hope Huey has been kind to you over the last week… unfortunately for the Mentawais he seems to have gone on holidays as the swell has been small and the winds have been strong. Guests have still managed to score some small waves here at Macas including two days without any other surfers in sight. We also did a day trip up to Bat Cave yesterday and scored some nice clean offshore waves around 3ft (sorry forgot the camera!).

 

An overnight trip up to Lances on our way back to Padang aboard Laut India should see us score some more medium sized and hopefully clean waves before heading back to Padang on the Indies Explorer.

 

On 17th of August, Indonesia celebrated Independence Day. Macaronis Resort guests visited Silabu Village to witness celebrations, traveling by longboat up the jungle enclosed river which leads up to Silabu Village – like something straight out of National Geographic. We kept our eyes peeled for a 10ft crocodile living up the river, but unfortunately he must have heard us coming, but we did manage to see some native birds and a troop of Mentawai leaf monkeys foraging for food in the mangroves.

 

We arrived at Silabu to find locals engrossed in a local version of Trivial Pursuit. After a walk around the village we watched the volleyball tournament - 5 teams and supporters from surrounding areas had trekked through the jungle or paddled sampans (local canoes) to participate in the festivities. The celebration ends with a karaoke night and a feed of local boiled pork – we left the villagers to enjoy that for themselves.

 

It is looking like Heuy is finally throwing a new swell our way next week, so anyone interested in last minute trip feel free to contact us at www.macaroinsresort.com/specials.html

 

Until next week,

 

The Stickman

 

Report August 12

Hi crew,

 

The stickman here with another weekly update from Macaronis Resort.

 

After being spoilt for nearly 3 weeks with exceptionally good waves, something had to change and unfortunately it did this week. The weather and waves have been hard to predict as we have been experiencing a lot of localized storms. Winds have been blowing from the south, right through to the north then changing back again, which makes it a little difficult to make any plans on where to surf. But as Macaronis is somewhat of a freak wave that is surfable on most winds, tides and swell, the guests have been lucky enough to still score some decent waves this week.

 

Today the swell has straightened out and cleaned itself up with 3ft clean fun waves had by all. Tomorrow the forecast is also looking good for Macas left and KFC’s (Macas Right) with light and variable winds and waves also in the 3 ft range. The swell will probably drop a little by Tuesday so an over-night trip to Thunders aboard Laut India might be on the cards for our guests.

 

We have also had a couple of trips to Bat Cave this week which is a right hander that can break 300yrds on a flat coral / sand reef. A great all-rounder for short and longboarders, and very picturesque for the non-surfers. 

 

For this month we are using our charter boat, Laut India (‘Indies Explorer’) to transfer guests to and from Padang as the Ambu Ambu Ferry that we usually use is currently in dock for it’s annual once over. This is the advantage of having our own charter boat on standby, so if there is ever any problem with the ferry schedule or like in the month of August Ambu Ambu needs to undergo annual docking, then we always have a back up boat of the same sleeping capacity for Padang – Mentawai – Padang transfers.

 

For anybody interested in visiting Macaronis Resort this year we still have availability, so feel free to check out our website for current specials at www.macaronisresort.com/specials.html

 

Hope to see you at the resort !!

 

Until next week……

 

The stickman

Report July 30

Hi Crew,

Well its been a while since our last report and only one word can describe the surf at Macaronis over the last few weeks - “Pumping” - the waves consistently in the 3 to 8ft range. Ranging from epic square barrels to fun perfect rippable waves enjoyed by all visitors here at Macaronis Resort.

Today a new swell has arrived with 4-6ft waves, cross offshore S/E winds which are expected to abate a little this afternoon. We have been getting a new swell every 4 or so days for the last 2 weeks which has meant that the waves have been picking up, then maxing, then slowly dying off for a day or 2, then a new swell hits picking the waves back up again. Consistency has been at its finest.
 
We have also done a couple of day trips to Bat Cave and down to Greenbush but mainly the guests have been content to hang at Macas and score one of the best left handers there is to offer.

Over the past 2 weeks we had a guest from Brazil with his wife and family. Luis Lovasz was in the forefront of Brazilian surfing professionals back in the 70’s and 80’s. He is still ripping even now. Peter Hayes is also in the camp with us at the moment who is a 2 times Australian Champion, and he’s loving every moment of being on land and surfing at Macas.

We have also had for the past 3 weeks in our resort, current 2 times Australian Masters and Grandmasters champ and also reigning ISA World Grand Masters Champ, Robbie Page. Robbie has won 2 Aussie titles in his time and also won the Pipeline Masters back in 1988. Not to forget that classic acting roll in one of the classic surf movies North Shore.

Robbie is currently working on his new range of flexable, stringer less surfboards, which he has been working on for the past 8 years and is now in the process of bringing the boards to the Australasian market. He has also just released his new wax formula to the market under the new soulful surfing company called Cream. He has said “that having the best board, with the best wax and surfing arguably the best left in the world, is a great combination to test his new equipment out”.

And Robbie absolutely loves it here at Macaronis Resort. After the session we had on Sunday with waves in the 6-8ft range, Robbie actually said that it was the “best days surfing he has had in 20 years”. Now coming from a guy like Robbie Page who has surfed some of the best waves on this planet, that tells you the quality of waves we are getting right now !!
   
We hope you enjoy the pics, be back with another report a bit later.

Cheers
   
The Stickman

Report July 07

Hi Crew,

 

Well the last 2 weeks has seen a mixed bag of wave conditions. The swell that hit last week on the 1st July created some classic Macas waves in the 4-6 ft range, with only our guests and a couple of boats around.

 

Greenbush, another left close by to Macaronis, also turned it on during this same swell. Greenbush, as seen in “Young Guns II” with Dane Reynolds getting that long seemingly unmakable barrel, is about 40mins from Macas Resort. It is a very fast hollow left and is a great option if the wind conditions are off-shore with a SW swell. As the swell dropped out we had clean and consistent waves for the rest of the week.

 

This week has seen the arrival of a new swell. Waves in the 4-6ft range have been had in the early mornings but the south west trades have been blowing in by 8.30am. Not that this matters too much because Macas can be surfed onshore, offshore, low tide and high tide.

 

This morning the trades arrived early so we decided to head around the corner to ‘Muma’s left. Conditions were off-shore, waves at 3-4 ft were scored by the boys who enjoyed the small but clean conditions.

 

The winds are predicted to be around again tomorrow then easing on Wednesday as the swell starts to drop.

 

We’ll keep you posted.

 

The Stickman

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.html) 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 @ Macas

The Management.

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!!

Sumatran Tigers at Bungus Harbor (January 30, 2008)

In late 2006, Sonny one of our chief employees at Macaronis Resort, trapped a large Sumatran Tiger nearby his house 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 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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Surfing the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, Indonesia. All right reserved