I'm up in the North Island again working on some super cool film and photography projects that I will be able to share with you in the coming weeks. I'm right now in my camper (The Salty Slug) in Taupō of all places – that's a big hint. I'm sharing images with you all today from one of our last days from my trip to the Mentawais, Indonesia, earlier this year.
The Indonesian trips are always highlights of my annual travel calendar. It's such a jaw-droppingly beautiful part of the world and the waves are so much fun, and at times scary. As a photographer I split my time between swimming, shooting from the boat or tinnie, and occasionally I'll venture onto land. The land missions are surreal – you're rocking from the faux boat energy that has become your friend, the coral beach reflects the heat straight back at you like you're in an oven and the jungle whispers thoughts and ideas into your heat-hazed brain like it has known you forever.
I miss a few waves. I can't help it. I search for snakes, insects, birds, monkeys, crazy flora and even crocodiles. The jungle is alive and the closer you look the more you realise it's thriving – even with a peppering of plastic discard that seems so completely out of place here.
There is a kind of deliriousness that comes with draining your last drop of water, and just being in wild places like these. Our boat becomes the oasis and safe place – the reef-encircled lagoon between me and the boat just a cooling transition between two worlds.
See you at the beach, Derek
PS We have boats booked for the Mentawais for 2027 and 2028 surf seasons. We'd love to have you along. Here's all the details: Insider Travel Co.
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