Getting ready for your surf adventure at The Point Mentawai? Packing the right essentials will help you enjoy your trip without bringing more than you need.
We recommend packing light, as you’ll spend most of your time in board shorts, bikinis, and surf gear. However, there are a few important items you shouldn’t leave behind.
Travel Essentials: What to Bring Out of the Water
Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, personal essentials, and payment methods for your stay.
- Passport – Check that it is valid for your trip.
- Flight tickets and travel itinerary – Keep your booking confirmations easily accessible.
- Visa – If required for your nationality.
- Accommodation and transport details – Including hotel bookings and ferry information.
- Travel insurance – Bring a copy of your policy and insurance details.
- Emergency contacts – Keep a list of important names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- First-aid kit – Bring basic medical supplies and any personal medication you may need.
- Indonesian rupiah (IDR) – Useful for local expenses, bar tabs, petrol, and photo packages.
- Payment cards and identification – Bring your credit or debit cards, driver’s licence if applicable, and any other relevant travel documents.
Surf Essentials: What to Bring in the Water
The Mentawai Islands are famous for their world-class waves, so bringing the right surf equipment will help you make the most of your sessions.
- Surfboards (2–3) – Choose boards suited to your surfing ability and the conditions you want to ride.
- Fin sets (4–6) – Bring spare fins in case of damage or loss.
- Big-wave leashes (1–3) – For bigger surf conditions.
- Medium-wave leashes (2–3) – Suitable for your everyday surf sessions.
- Rash guards or surf shirts (2–3) – For sun protection and comfort in the water.
- Reef booties – Helpful for protecting your feet around reef breaks.
- Surf wax (4–5 bars) – Bring enough for your boards and the conditions.
- Zinc sunscreen – For extra sun protection during long sessions.
- Fin key (1–2) – An essential tool for changing or tightening your fins.
Optional Gear
Depending on your interests and planned activities, you may also want to bring:
- Snorkelling gear – For exploring the surrounding waters.
- Surf hat – For additional sun protection while surfing.
- Spearfishing gear – If you plan to go spearfishing and the activity is permitted.
- Surf helmet – Worth considering for added protection, particularly in shallow reef conditions.
A Few Final Packing Tips
- Pack light. Bring versatile clothing and only the essentials you need for your stay.
- Bring spare surf equipment. Extra fins, leashes, and a fin key can be very useful during a surf trip.
- Protect your gear. Use a durable board bag and check your airline and ferry baggage allowances before travelling.
- Prepare for the sun. Reef-safe sun protection, a surf hat, and rash guards can help protect you during long sessions.
With the right essentials packed, you’ll be ready to enjoy your surf adventure at The Point Mentawai.
Choosing the Right Surfboards for Mentawai
The Mentawai Islands are famous for their world-class waves, making it important to bring surfboards that suit your ability, preferred surfing style, and the conditions you want to ride.
Choose boards you feel comfortable and confident riding. If you plan to surf bigger waves, consider bringing a step-up board alongside your everyday shortboard.
We recommend preparing a surfboard quiver that suits your experience and travel plans, along with spare fins, leashes, wax, and essential repair supplies.
Pack the boards you trust, prepare for a variety of conditions, and get ready for an unforgettable surf trip at The Point Mentawai.
Travel Insurance for Your Mentawai Surf Trip
Valid travel insurance is mandatory for all guests staying at The Point Mentawai.
Before travelling, make sure your policy provides appropriate coverage for your planned activities and the remote location of the Mentawai Islands.
We recommend checking that your policy includes:
- Emergency medical expenses and hospital treatment.
- Surfing-related accidents, including any applicable exclusions for high-risk activities.
- Emergency medical evacuation and transportation.
- Trip delays, cancellations, and missed connections.
- Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and surf equipment, where covered.
Read your policy carefully and confirm that surfing in the Mentawai Islands is covered under its terms. Coverage varies between insurers and policies.
Please bring a copy of your insurance details and emergency contact information when you travel.