Below is a list of the general questions that have appeared on our radar over the years. Please have a look and if you still have any questions, get in touch and we’ll gladly answer any queries you may have.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. A tourist visa is available for most nationalities at Indonesian Immigration upon arrival. As of June 2016, citizens of Australia, New Zealand and the United States may obtain a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Please consult the Indonesian Immigration website to see if a fee is required for your country. When traveling to Indonesia, it is a strict requirement that your passport be valid for AT LEAST six months from your arrival date.
What happens once I arrive in Padang?
An English-speaking representative from Mentawai Daze will meet you at the arrival gate once you’ve exited immigration and customs. Our transport will take you into Padang, either to a spot to chill or directly to the boat. If you plan to arrive a day before departure, please ensure you book a hotel in Padang. There are a number of comfortable western style places to stay, and Padang is actually a fascinating city to explore once you search beyond the organized chaos. At the end of the charter, we provide return transfers to the airport.
What surfboards should I bring?
A good base for your quiver would be to bring two short boards and a step-up. Your standard board short board will get you through the general 4-6ft waves, and it’s a good idea to have a second as a backup if you happen to snap one. An additional step-up will assist you getting into the waves when the swell picks up. A good step-up is generally about 4-6 inches longer or 3-4 liters more than your standard board, though the best bet is to chat to your local shaper. Your final decision will be based on how the forecast is looking right before you leave home.
Do I need travel Insurance?
Yes. Proof of travel insurance is required before you start your trip, and your travel insurance policy must include medical evacuation. Serious accidents do happen here from time to time; it is part of surfing. We recommend taking out travel insurance when you pay your deposit, so you are covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances that may arise before your trip. We recommend Surf Travel Insurance. They provide insurance packages specific to surfers visiting the Ments and Telos.
What’s the best time for waves?
The “peak season” here is May through October. This is when the Indian Ocean is most active, and the swell is most consistent. However, this is also the most popular time of the year. We run charters year round, and though the swell is often a touch smaller and a little less consistent outside the peak season, the crowds are generally fewer, and we’ve had killer trips November through April too.
Is a photographer available?
The surf guides on D’Bora and Indo Satu provide photo service. Our guides are avid photographers and have top notch pro equipment to ensure you can take home some amazing shots. Prices for a photo package are generally around $150 USD per person, and photos are provided at the end of the trip before you get off the boat. We can also arrange video shooting services on prior notice.
Is there phone signal or internet on the boat?
A number of cell towers are now active in the islands. If you need to call home, you can often get signal every few days. The boat has no internet though the cell towers also have 4G data which allow you to connect to the internet. Purchasing an Indonesian SIM card upon arrival in Padang is the most economical way to connect. The boat also has a satellite phone which can be used at a cost of $3 USD per minute. In emergencies, the boat can be contacted via this phone; the satphone number is on our Contact page and is contactable 24/7.
Do I need medication for malaria or other vaccinations?
Malaria medication is generally considered overkill while on a boat. You are mostly anchored far from land, and there is a often a good breeze at night. It’s a good idea to stay aware, keep an eye out for mosquitoes, wear appropriate clothing to cover up in the evenings and spray any remaining exposed areas with mosquito repellent. These simple but smart preventative measures are generally considered enough.
We strongly recommend that you seek information from your doctor regarding malaria treatment and any other considerations such as hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, etc. We also advise speaking to your doctor about any additional recommendations for illnesses that are common in this area generally. (For example, Cipro is often prescribed by some doctors to combat a stomach bug that can be common in these areas, and it’s also a good broad spectrum medication for bacterial infections.)
Any medical concerns you may have should be discussed with a doctor. Mentawai Daze accepts no responsibility for any illnesses or injuries incurred while on board our trips.
What’s included in the charter price?
Charter packages include air-conditioned accommodation, 3 cooked meals/day plus a light breakfast and snacks in between, 3 complimentary beers/day and unlimited juice/soda/coffee/tea/drinking water, round-trip airport transfers, use of snorkeling and fishing equipment, use of speedboat tenders. Additional beer is available for purchase in Padang prior to departure.