How do I get to Indonesia?
You have three options travelling into Sumatra. You can fly to Padang via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta.
Flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Sumatra are limited to 2 - 4 days per week, whereas there are at least 10 flights a day from Jakarta. We recommend as a general rule to travel via JKT because in the case of surfboard and luggage going missing, we usually have other flights to get the missing luggage to you, and therefore, no missed days onboard.
Can Sumatran Surf Voyages help me with any domestic travel?
If your travel path has some internal domestic legs to it, please contact us and we’ll endeavour to assist. Sometimes we can organise your domestic travel a lot cheaper than booking from home.
Where do I stay if I need to overnight in Indonesia?
Please contact us if you need us to help you in booking any accommodation in Jakarta, Padang or Medan. We have a list of preferred hotels that we use and due to the volume of clients we send, can usually get a special rate.
What about health precautions?
Malaria is a reality in some parts of Indonesia including the Mentawai Islands and Nias. Although we have never had any of our passengers get malaria onboard any of our charters as we are usually far enough offshore and sleeping in an A/C closed environment, it is still wise to consult your local doctor on this subject.
If you are taking any other form of prescription drug, please bring the necessary paperwork that goes with it in case of an emergency. We do carry an extensive first aid kit and medical box.
What kind of Surfboards do I bring?
Most people bring 2 - 4 boards. To be honest, short boards and mid-length boards are surfed most of the time with the quality across the reef style waves that the Mentawai’s has to offer, although there are those days that the long board does come out. A good suggestion would be:
2 x short boards 6.2” – 6.5” (rounded, pin or swallow)
1 x mid board 6.6” – 6.9”
1 x gun 7.0” – 7.4”
What documents do I take?
Your passport with at least 6 months validity left on it and one other form of identification. Also, it is best to carry a few photocopies of your passport just in case.
We at Sumatran Surf Voyages will also require you to email (via your group leader/organiser) your full name, passport number, flight details in/out of Sumatra and your travel insurance company and code number. This is so we can arrange all the necessary clearances before your arrival and airport transfers.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is mandatory for your own personal safety before boarding any of our vessels. A decent travel insurance package should cover:
•Trip cancellation
•Travel delay
•Lost luggage
•Medical transport evacuation
What about Indonesian Visas?
Tourists from Australia, USA and most of Europe are issued with Visas on arrival. The standard tourist visa is applicable for up to 30 days on arrival and costs USD 25.00 pp (cash only). You pay this at a special booth before you are allowed to pass immigration and customs.
Australian citizens can apply for the extended 60 day tourist visa from any Indonesian Embassy in Australia before departing.
Anything else I need to know about the airport hustle & bustle?
Indonesian airports are very busy. We suggest you use one of the porters when you arrive at the airport (they are not going to rip you off)! They will take your luggage directly to the Sumatran Surf Voyage representative at the airport and you will then be directed to our vehicles and transferred to either the hotel or boat. The Sumatran Surf Voyage representative will pay all porter costs.
What time is departure from harbour?
Normally we up anchor around 5 - 6pm, as it is an overnight sail across the Mentawai Strait.
If your flight is an early one, chances are we’ll take you to the Bumiminang Hotel first for a swim, beer and relax before departure time.
Do I need to bring any extra money?
Your charter price covers all airport, hotel and boat transfers, plus all food and drinks onboard including 3 BEERS A DAY.
It is always advisable to carry at least USD 200 cash. This currency is widely accepted throughout Asia if you find yourself in strife or short of cash. The only extras you will need to pay for is the satellite telephone use and email when onboard any of the charters.
