Everything you need to know

You must transit in Jakarta or in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Jakarta is the best option due to the high number of daily flights to Padang (~20 daily flights). For this leg we recommend Garuda Indonesia as it’s reliable and doesn’t charge for surfboards. Other airlines possible: Pelita Air, SuperAirJet, BatiK Air, Lion Air.

From Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Padang there are only 3 daily flights, with AirAsia, but it’s also a good option (reliable and affordable).

It requires a change of airports (from KLIA1 to KLIA2), thus a stop-over of a minimum of 5-6 hours to be one the safe side.

No later than 1 pm on departure day.

Clearing immigration, baggage collection and transfer to the boat requires more than a couple of hours.

Yes, our staff will be at Padang airport waiting for you.

And we take care of the transfers to the boat or to a hotel. You don’t need to worry about it, just send us your flight details in advance.

All the transfers are included in the trip’s price. No extra charges.

Yes, there are many affordable hotels and guesthouses in Padang. We can assist with bookings.

Actually we recommend you to stay in Padang for one night at the end of the boat trip, to avoid missing your return flight(s) in case of delay during the return of the boat back to Padang. In the unlikely event of bad weather we cannot be sure about the arrival time of the boat, therefore, to avoid missing flights it’s advisable to book your return flight for the day after the end of the boat trip.

We recommend departing from Padang on the day after the end of the boat trip, staying overnight in Padang, to avoid missing your return flight in case of a delay on the boat arrival back in Padang (see previous question).

Usually it’s possible to fly after 4 pm on the day of boat arrival, but we cannot guarantee 100% as in the unlikely event of bad weather during the crossing back to Padang (rare but possible) delays can occur.

Therefore, if you really want to fly on the same day of boat arrival - at your own risk -, book your flight for after 4 pm, and you should foresee the possibility of changing all your return flights, just in case.

Do not book your return flight for the morning of the boat arrival back in Padang (the last day of the boat trip), or the boat may have to return back from the islands earlier than usual, cutting short the last day of surfing (yours and of all the other passengers).

Passport valid for at least 6 months

Visa to enter Indonesia (Tourist Visa obtainable at https://www.evisa.imigrasi.go.id).

Return ticket

Travel insurance (mandatory for the boat trip)

Yes, 24/7. Both our boats, Melaleuca and Kaimana, have a STARLINK antenna providing excellent internet access 24/7 for all the guests.

Sometimes. Best option is buying a local SIM card with data in Padang. Coverage can be limited in remote areas.

April to October is “High season”, offering the best conditions for surfing, with more swell consistency from May to September.

March and November, called “Shoulder season”, can also offer good surf although less often, but on the other hand with fewer crowds.

December to February is “Low season”, smaller waves (0,5m - 1m) but still surfable and fun, and no crowds.

Definitely Mentawai and Telo. Each of these archipelagos offer literally dozens of good waves, of all types and for all levels.

The Mentawai have a higher number of surf spots (~50) and of famous/world-class waves, but also attract high crowds.

The Telo islands have less quantity of surf spots (~30) but still more than enough to make any surfer happy, including some top quality waves, and have fewer crowds.

Nias, Hinako and Banyak also have good surf spots, but in much lower quantity (around 5 spots in each archipelago), making it harder - and risky - to guarantee successful surf trips, even more considering its usual short duration (10-12 days).

Not at all. With more than 50 waves on offer at the Mentawai and more than 30 waves at the Telo, there are waves of all types and for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

True it’s not the best destination for beginners, but intermediate level surfers have more spots on offer than what they can possibly surf in a couple of weeks.

Average wave size is 3-6 feet (1-2m), and very rarely reach 8-10 ft (2,5-3m).

If you can catch waves independently, you are ready. And you will progress like nowhere else.

Absolute beginners are not recommended.

At the Mentawai islands the most famous surf spots are often crowded (Macaronis, Lance’s Right, Rifles, Telescopes, etc.), in particular during peak season (May-September), but many other spots remain uncrowded due to difficult/limited access.

During shoulder season (March and November) and low season (December-February) it’s usually uncrowded and it’s easy to find empty waves.

At the Telo islands most of the surf spots are still pretty much uncrowded year round, with plenty of sessions for one single group from a charter boat or a local resort.

Yes. Besides the Mentawai and the Telo (our main destinations), we also operate in Nias, Hinako and the Banyak islands, and we can combine regions.

Additional fuel charges may apply for longer distances.

Guests decide, based on the surf guide's recommendations regarding swell, wind and tides.

Safety, size and the surf guide knowledge are key.

Larger boats with twin engines are generally safer and more comfortable.

No strict minimum. 8 to 10 guests recommended for balanced pricing.

With less than 8 guests, the trip’s price (per person) increases substantially.

Maximum usually 12 guests.

Sure. Standard trips are 10 days of surfing / 11 nights on board.

Recommended minimum duration is 8-9 days.

No limit for maximum duration.

At your own pace.

Early surf at sunrise, multiple surf sessions at your pace, delicious healthy meals in between surfs, surfing until sunset, relaxed evenings watching the day’s footage, and early sleep.

Or, if you are the relaxed kind of surfer, sleep until late, then paddle out when your mates are about to come in from their dawn session. Take a power nap after lunch, and surf again whenever you feel like it.

It’s up to you. You can surf literally from sunrise till sunset, if you want.

Or you can go fishing, or snorkeling, or SUPing, or for a walk at the beach, etc. Whenever you want.

Snorkeling, fishing, spearfishing, SUP, kayaking, yoga, relax at the beach, visit the locals, relaxing onboard, etc.

Now you can also work onboard online (unfortunately, some will say) using internet 24/7, thanks to our antenna Starlink.

2 to 3 boards for a 10 day trip.

Suggested range 5'5 to 7’ according to your preferences.

Sure!

SUP boards, longboards, bodyboards, ski surf, foil, fishing rods, whatever you want to bring.

3 boards; tropics wax; ding repair kit; reef shoes; sun protection; clothing; documents; cash around 100 to 150 USD; USB stick for photos.

220V European 2 pin sockets. US guests need a transformer.

Two breakfasts daily, hot lunches and dinners including fish, meat, rice, pasta and Indonesian dishes. Snacks available all day.

Yes. 30 beers per guest included. Extra beer available onboard. Spirits should be purchased duty free before arrival.

Yes. Up to 1 litre per person allowed by customs.

Strictly forbidden. Severe penalties apply in Indonesia.

Yes. Mandatory.

We provide first aid onboard and coordinate evacuation to hospitals if necessary. Modern hospitals available in Padang, Jakarta, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Very unlikely during boat trips. Seek medical advice before travel.

Rare. Sea is usually calm and we anchor in sheltered areas when necessary.

Transfers; all meals and non alcoholic drinks; 30 beers; surf guide; equipment onboard; taxes except Mentawai surfing tax.

Flights; travel insurance; hotels; photography package; tips; Mentawai surfing tax.

Yes, usually. Optional package 150 to 250 USD.

Yes. Minimum 50 USD per guest recommended.

Refund possible if a replacement is found.