Testimonials

July 12 - July 21, year 2011, Mikumba 1

Had a awesome time thanks to barts the legend surf guide!Was on the Mikumba 1 while waiting for the resort to be completed,while we didn't get a solid swell I left there feeling like I got more than my money's worth.Special shout out to Christian better known as Barts mate with your knowledge,hospitality and organization of the boat things went on smooth sailing.We still managed to get quality waves where ever we went,even though we booked for maccas resort I'm glad we were on the boat in the end.I will be back to check out the resort next time for sure!Too the captain and all the crew and barts the legend surf guide thanks for an awesome trip Khan Winstanley Aka Mr West!

June 28 - July 07, year 2011 - Mikumba 1

Hi Gina (The Perfect Wave)

Just a quick message of thanks, the trip was fantastic, my best surf trip yet everything went very smooth and in a place where a lot can go wrong

nothing did .Could you pass on my thanks to mark for being so generous with the boat and letting us move around to different spots. The other

thanks for making the trip so good was the surf guide Christan who took us to some amazing spots and always showed us where to sit and

encouraged us into waves, was really good at his job and made the trip memorable. The indo crew where great as always and very helpful.

Thanks again, Dave Lowlett

June 14 - June 30, year 2011 - Mikumba 1

10 Aussies from SW Australia - Group leader Chris Brown

Hey mark the trip was all time. Harald did a great job putting us in the barrel down south. So stoked to score the hole. And mate the chef was that good everyday awesome meals. The crew were excellent too. All round successful trip on a great boat. Thanks mate for your persistence in organising the trip with everything you've had on your plate of late. Yew! Browny.

June 14 - June 30, year 2011 - Mikumba 1

Thanks mate all time trip the boat and crew were sic the food was great and hazza put us on some bullshit waves with no one else couldn't have been better. Carnt thank you enough mate.
Heath

June 14 - June 30, year 2011 - Mikumba 1

Mark,

I want to say a big thank you for hooking us up and organising what was an absolutely fantastic trip where the crew looked after us 100% and we got such amazing waves. The boat was far better than i anticipated- stoked as soon as i got on! Obviously Huey played a big role swell wise, but the whole structure of the trip from go to woe was excellent and well thought out. Would apreciate if you could foward $100 tip on to Hazza as a token of my appreciation of landing us in the 'right place at the right time'. So my eternal gratitude for the trip that has set a new benchmark and set my surfing mind alive once again. All the best Brock

May 03 - 19, year 2011 - Saranya Charter

10 Aussies from Norther Beaches - Group leader Wayne Reaid

Hi Mark

cheers for putting together an unreal trip for us under the circumstances, all the boys were stoked!!
The Saranya was great, Barts was a legend and the crew were fantastic.
Im pretty keen to get back and stay at the resort next year.
good luck with the rest of the rebuild.

Thanks again.

Wayne Reid

April 19 - May 03, year 2011 - Saranya Charter

Hi Mark,

I was staying on Saranya for 2 weeks, from about the 19th April - 3rd May this year.

We had an amazing time there and the waves were the best I've ever had. Definately coming back next year!

Thanks,

Matt Prouten.

No testimonials in 2010....??? We can assure you there were plenty, as this was our most successful year and the resort's reputation was begining to rely largely on word of mouth.

Since the tsunami has occured on October 25 2010, we will now post more testimonials to show what our latest guests think of our replacement boat trips and in particular the new accommodation and recreational facilities at Macaronis Resort which will be open soon... so stay tuned to this page..!!

Grant and Joya Kevey October 2009

Hi mark

Thanks for looking after Joya and I. we had a great time and will be keen for another crack after the ski trip in March 2010. The 2 weeks in bali were pedestrian after Macas. We are living in Coolangatta till Christmas, keep us in the loop

Cheers

Grant Kevey

Paul Crowely and Co. - 14 Aussies September 2009

Hi Mark

Hope things are well over there. We had a get together / slide night last Sunday with all the boys and consensus was this year by far the best trip we have done in the last 10 years. The big pulse in swell helped that.

I think you can expect us back in the coming years.

Attached are a couple of photos of Chelsea from the party night with Hawaiians for the family album.

Best regards

Paul

From Diets and Ingo October 2009

Howsit Mark!

Just wanna say thanks again for the wonderfull time we had at Macas! Was truly something we will remember forever! Awesome service, great people and fun surf! Can't ask for more than that hey! All the best, and we might see you again... in the future. If we are ever in the area again, we will definately not hesitate to come to your little slice of paradise!

Ciao man,

Diets and Papie*

From Tom & Maureene - Florida USA July 2009

To Mark and all the staff at Macaronis,

I just wanted my trip to digest a bit before I wrote you.

Since I left, there never has been a day pass that I haven't thought of all of you and my experiences. It was the best trip of my life. You guys went out of your way to please everyone there during our stay. The village trip, Indies Laut to Bat Caves, Connor and I each catching 17 kgs Wahoo's, our longboat captians, our trip on the Laut back to Padang, the waves, the beauty, and the Ambu Ambu.

Maureen and I loved all of you and the other guests.The caliber of surfers that I surfed with was humbling to me. As both you and they were humble and helpful. At 52 years old it was nice to see Snaky ripping it up at 49 years old. Peter, Bret, Brad, young Christian and Connor were fantastic surfers as well. Say hello to Sonny for us.

Two last things: I never want to take a standard boat trip after staying at Macaronis. I like the positive impact that you are having on the locals of the village near your resort. Your positive impact to those people is much greater then any boat charter. You are making a difference in those peoples life. A special thanks to those young Mentawai children across the lagoon who were in the Mangrove trees that sang me to sleep in the hammock after a good session.

WE Will be back!! With Love and respect, Tom and Maureen

PS Here is a poem I wrote soon after leaving Macaronis, Its title is, " OUT OF MY MIND ".

Yeah, Indo etched in our brain, so little pain except for the plane, I want to remain it that dimension, but if I were to mention, we need attention, listen hear, Indo is near, unsettled minds, independant thoughts, don't let this diminish, cause this isn't finished, Macaronis has a part of you, left behind, half a world away, please don't delay, she wants you to play, come back, come back, just pack, she will allow you to smack, just take a snack, during her attack, she will never lack, always waiting, in the back of our mind, will be easy to find, that momement of time, to leave this rhyme, lets make the move, with something to prove, She has our soul, in the macaronis bowl. don't forget it, GO GET IT!!!!

Tom on a g.l.a.s.s.y BOMB at Macas

Tom also caught a BOMB Spanish Mackeral.... Kap and Rizal looking on.

Dave Everett - East Coast Aus, July 2009

Click Here to read Dave's account of his experience at Macaronis in his monthly magazine.

Above: Dave at Macas exiting from a nice tube...

Steve 'Snakey' Blakely - West Aus, July 2009

Finally made my first trip to Macas. What have I been doing for the last 29 yrs surfing /visiting Indo?

Got the lead in from the purple hayze former 2 time Oz open champ and another friend of mine Brad Kidd, great surfers in their own rights.

Wow what a place to visit. The trip in on the ambu –ambu overnight from Padang to Sikakap was a breeze with a air-condition room and a few Jack Daniels along the way. Waking up in Sikakap and jumping on the Indies Explorer for a cruisy 2 hr steam down to the resort on perfect glassy ocean was a site to behold.

Entering the bay at Macas 4-5 ft and firing, welcome to surfer heaven. A quick trip into the the lagoon and we are at the resort . Wow absolutely amazing set up --spotless villa overlooking a crystal clear lagoon and not a mosquito in site.

The staff are super friendly and go out of their way to make the stay even more special (got dinner brought to the room one night because a footy game I was watching caused me to miss dinner, the 10 Bintangs didn’t help either —but the food arrived even without asking --- that’s 5 star service).

Truly as we as surfers all know this is one of the world’s best waves. The experience of staying at Macas Resort is for sure one of the best life experiences I have enjoyed in the short 49 years I have been on this planet and the resort itself adds to the experience

The people you meet and the friendships that are forged are incredible in one of the great surf resorts in the world---- I'll be back!!

Snakey

Above: A nice shot of Snakey with Macas Viewing Tower in background.

Brad Kidd - West Aus, July & August 2009

I had not surfed for nearly 2 years, bar one side trip with the family to a very crowded and dirty Legian beach.

So when Friend and ex pro surfer Pete 'The Penguin' Hayes, booked and paid for me to go to Macaronis Resort, I was fully committed..(Holy Shit!)

I had never been to the Mentawai's and hadn't really surfed a serious wave like Macca's before. So I was pretty much shitting myself but being a typical Aussie bloke didn't let on...I am only an average surfer at best these days and at 40 don't have the same balls either. I was amazed when I arrived....I was expecting a rough it surf camp..What I got was land based luxury..My wife and 7yr old boy are coming with me next time thats for sure!!

I had my first paddle out and realized how good and how safe this amazing wave is to surf, no booties and no wetsuit, it doesn't get any better than this..!!.

If you want to have a life changing semi adventurer experience, I throughly recommend to stay at Macaronis Resort. It gave me so much pleasure and confidence in my surfing I am totally hooked again!!!! And I have video and photos to prove it!!!!!!

Thanks Maccas Crew, from Brad Kidd West Aussie lads...

Photo Above: Brad in a nice early morning Keg at Macas...

Jason - SURFEX (USA) July 2009

Mark, Tom and Mo just got back and they said you and Macaronis was UNREAL. They had nothing but great things to say about you and the staff. Thanks for taking care of those guys, Jason

Bret Webster - July 2009 (1 week)

Hey mark,

This is bret webster from florida (just was at the resort last week). Just wanted to let you know that I made it home safe, no worries mate. and wanted to thank you again, the trip and experience was awesome. I'm watching video of the village now, it's just really cool. I have a lot to write about, ill keep you posted.

Thanks again.

From

Danielle and Bret Webster (WBW)

Chris Bingemann - June 2009 (1 week)

Mark,

Thanks for a great trip, I was very impressed with your professional attitude combined with your fun relaxed nature.

All the best for the rest of the season and hopefully will see you out at Macca's again in the future.

Regards,

Chris

Brent Mills - April 2009 (3 weeks)

Our trip at macca’s resort was brilliant! My wife was super comfortable chilling in the luxury bungalows in the camp which meant I was able to surf as long as my heart desired (blisterering my lips in the process, don’t forget the sunscreen!). The waves were fantastic and taking regular trips on the Indies to other spots meant for varied surfing, fun exploring, jaw dropping scenery and interesting cultural experiences meeting the friendly locals.

The staff at the camp and on the boat couldn’t have been friendlier, the food was outstanding at all times (do you yourself a favour and ask Sonny to make brownies) and Mark was the perfect host. I couldn’t recommend Macca’s resort enough!

Cheers

Brent Mills & Nikki Mills

South Africa

Nicky Myerson - April 2009 (1 week)

Dear Mark and the Macaronis Team,

We just wanted to thank you for an incredible 8 days at the resort. The food was out of this world and all the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. It is so rare this day to find such a secluded and well built resort in a beautifully remote area with world class waves out in front! Thanks again and we'll hopefully see you guys soon!

All the best,

Nicky and Mel

South Africa

Daniel McGreggor - March 2009 (2 weeks)

Hi Mark,

What can I say, 2weeks in the early season, surfed 2-3 times every day. Got the most fun, perfect, uncrowded surf's of my life. Fri the 13th what an arvo, once in a life time session!
Resort was smick , food was great, especially the lobster soup. Thanks for being a great host, look forward to coming back next year and next year and next year.

P.S Sorry for getting you and the crew up before light every morning.

All surfed out.

Dan

Snapper Rocks

Goldy

Photo Above: Dan in nice water shot tube... early March 2009

Matt Graziano - February / March 2009 (5 weeks)

Hi Mark,

The five weeks at Macas in February and March will be unforgettable. Incredible surfing at such a good wave. It was also good to see HTs and Thunders. During those weeks, with only two days when the weather didn‘t cooperate, the off-season proved to be the on-season: let everyone know that February and March won‘t disappoint. Even though my leash broke on the last day of surfing, it was one of the best surf trip experiences of my life and during that time my surfing definitely improved. God blessed with awesome and consistent surf, and with only a few minor reef cuts. I'm glad we got pictures to show others. Thanks for setting up the resort and the comforts there! Greetings to the staff.

Gratefully,

Matt

Now back in Estonia March 27, 2009

Robbie Page - September & October 2008

Hi Mark,

Well thanks again for another great surf trip to your resort. It is such an awesome and beautiful place and it's unreal to test the world's best surfboard technology in the funnest wave on the planet. I will be back next year to surf, live and share the joy of surfing with the rest of the soulfull people that find them selves at Macas Resort in 2009.

See you then.... Pagey loves Macas!!

Robbie Page

Pipe Master 1988

2 x ISA World Grand Masters Champion

Founder of Cream Surfing

Bruno Catalinho and Friends - October 2008

Hi Mark,

Already back home and also back to the reality that is working.
It was the best surf trip ever, thanks for that and for the quality you presented to us at your resort, it is an amazing place and beautiful. Great waves, great people.......... have no words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep up with the good job and then when you have a break come to visit us in Portugal.
We will be back for sure...................Keep in touch.
Greetings to Mama, Sonny and all of the Macaronis gang

Cheers

Bruno

Antonio - October 2008

Hey Mate!! How are you doing? Already on holidays? Still drinking a few cold ones?

Man I really want to thank you, Sonny, Mama and all the crew that makes your resort so valide!! You really have a great team, don't let them go!! We had the time of our lives in Mentawai staying at Macaronis Resort, and we really loved Indonesia! Really got in contact with whats important for us, and surfing is really one of those things. You're right we're all soul surfers, that's what we were born to do. Thanks for letting me know a part of what you dreamt of, gotta be a real challenge to do that!

Here I am back in cold and grey hehe.. was hard to get used to it.

Wish you the best for your family, and kindest regards to Mama, she really is a sweet person! Also best wishes to Sony, he is also an incredible human as well! Also all the best for you man, and hope that we'll soon catch up again!!

Cheers

Antonio

Brian Hood - August 2008

Gday Kent, we are back in the cold no waves zone again, thanks for your hospitality, the surf was great & Sonny’s cooking & humour was outstanding. I will try to put a package together with some of the guys in our longboard club to see if we can organise a trip. All the best to you & the Crew.

Regards Brian (old fart on Mal)

Claus and Mandakini - April 2008

Addicted to Macas..... We had a stellar stay at Macas Resort in March - April 2008, for the second time. Apart from its natural beauty and the wAvEs, we thoroughly enjoyed the good food, company and attentiveness of the staff, in making sure we had the best possible time off the waves as well.

In fact we enjoyed ourselves so much over our 2 week stay, we extended our stay by another 2 weeks and gave Bali a miss - next time around we'll plan it right.

Thanks again guys. We're really looking forward to next years visit, 2 months down already :-)

Alex Leader - May 2008

Surfed every single day for between 5 and 8 hours, there were always great waves to be had. Staff couldn't have been more welcoming or helpful. Plenty of tasty food, and top accomodation. Sad to leave!

* Alex actually hold's the water time record for the longest time spent in the water in two weeks. 5-8 hours a day over 15 days = approximately 100 hours, and that's no word of a lie, he did surf 5 - 8 hours every day, sometimes straight. A marathon effort Alex, look forward to seeing you back again someday. P.S... bring more chocolate next time !!

Jason Needham - March 2008

Hey Mark, a few lines for your website...

I stayed at Macaronis Resort for two weeks in March 2008.
We spent three days sailing down to Macaronis on Indies Explorer and surfed HT's and Scarecrows on the way.
Macaronis is one of the funnest waves I've ever surfed and is excellent when small, big or even with onshore wind.
The resort at Macaroni's is amazing. Eight Large bungalows all with hot water, Air con and wireless internet.
Great food with plenty of variety. The best service. Fresh fish caught daily.
All this and just five minutes by boat to get to Macas left or right.
Cheers for a great trip. Already planning my next visit.
Jason Needham. UK

Justin Edgecombe - March 2008

Macas, what a place, really poured it on for us, Macas left was firing, big stand up barrels, yep this is what the Mentawais is all about. Did I mention the food - amazing, some of the best in Indo. Bungalows on the water top notch, staff were great, even had a chance to hook up some fish, its got it all, definitely be back, in May, great option of land based with boat trips available on a truly grand boat.