Travel Guide: All you need to know

How to get to “The Point Mentawai”.

  • Flight to Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport) or to Kuala Lumpur (KL International Airport (KUL)
  • Flight to Padang in Sumatra (Minangkabau International Airport).

Airlines: Air Asia, Sriwijaya, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink & Batik Air operate daily flights.

Note: You need to arrive a day before ferry departure.

  • Spend a night in Padang. 

We recommend staying at Budget Hotel by the Harbour as the hotel is just walking distance away from the ferry harbour. 

  • Next morning take the “Mentawai Fast Ferry” (IDR 350.000) and it will leave you in Tua Pejat. (north of the island)
  • If you are taking a board bag, there will be an extra charge according to weight (between IDR 260.000-450.000)
  • Last step, there is 2 options:

OPTION 1: Private boat (IDR 3.000.000-4.500.000), it is a 1h30min journey. Arrival site: 500m of the accommodation, the boat and the price can be shared between a maximum of 6 people.

OPTION 2: Private 4×4 car to the door of The Point (IDR 1.500.000), it is a 3-hour journey and the car and price can be shared between a maximum of 4 people.

*Additional option: You can hire a private boat from Padang to Katiet (directly to our island). It takes 4hours and costs 2000eur/journey. It can fit 12-14 people.

FAST FERRY SCHEDULE

Padang to Tuapejat

  • Monday and Sundays at 10:00am. Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00am

Tuapejat to Padang

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 3:00pm.

Checklist

Below we have created a suggested list of what to bring for both in and out of the water.  Keep in mind that packing light is recommended, as you will mostly be living in board shorts / bikinis!

OUT OF THE WATER

  • Passport.
  • Copy of passport.
  • Airline tickets.
  • Copy of Airline tickets.
  • Visa (if needed).
  • Copy of Visa.
  • Itinerary/Hotel/Other Travel information.
  • Copy of travel insurance.
  • Copy of emergency contacts (name, email, and phone numbers).
  • First aid kit and donations are much appreciated.
  • Rupiah (Indonesian money for bar tab, internet, and photo packages – no ATM on the island).
  • Credit cards, driver’s license, and any other documentation you’re traveling with.

    *When traveling do not keep your original documents in the same bag as the copies! 

IN THE WATER

  • Surfboards (2-3)
  • Fin sets (4-6)
  • Big wave leash (1-3)
  • Medium wave leash (2-3)
  • Rash guard/Surf Shirt (2-3)
  • Reef booties
  • Wax (4-5)
  • Zinc
  • Fin key (1-2)
  • Snorkeling gear (optional)
  • Surf hat (optional)
  • Spear fishing gear (optional)
  • Helmet (optional)

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY

We teach English at the school’s village every week. If you want to bring school supplies and help the children, that would be awesome! Some ideas: colours, pencils, pens, rulers, notebooks, whiteboard markers, posters, flashcards…anything is good. Also, people love receiving board-shorts, t-shirts…They appreciate anything:)

Surfboards

When choosing the right boards for your trip, basically think about what you are comfortable riding. If you think you want to go big, bring a step-up for that firing session! You know what kind of surfer you are and what works for you. Pack what you like and get ready for the best surf trip of your life!

Travel Insurance

It is mandatory for all guests to have valid travel insurance. We advise getting travel insurance that covers travel delay, baggage delay, emergency medical and dental, medical transport, evacuation and travel accident insurance.

FAQs

Why do I need to stay overnight in Padang? 

There is no early morning flight arriving to padang before ferry departure. The ferry only departs 4 times a week and once a day – at 7.00 am Wednesdays, Fridays and at 10.00 am on Mondays and Sundays.

Where should I stay in Padang?

We recommend staying at Budget Hotel by the Harbour as the hotel is just walking distance away from the ferry harbour. There are other higher level hotels that we recommend like the mercury hotel or the santika hotel. 

Do I need travel Insurance?

Yes, it’s mandatory. Make sure they cover surf accidents. 

How long can I stay in Indonesia? 

It depens of your visa. With a VAO (visa on arrival) you can stay up to 30 days in Indonesia and it’s extendable to up to 30 days more. If you need a social visa or a business visa to stay longer we can help you with this. 

Should I be concerned about malaria?

Actually there is no malaria in our area of the Mentawais. 

Is the location child friendly?

Yes, kids can play around safely. We are surrounded by jungle, ocean and nature, what’s better than that? Also there is a lot of kids in the village and they will be happy to play. 

Do you have a swimming pool at your location?

Yes!! We have a swimming pool and BBQ area for all to enjoy.

Do you rent surfboards?

Yes, we have 2 soft tops and some surf boards available. You can contact us to see photos of them. Also we know a shop in Padang that can also rent boards and will help you to put them on the Mentawai Fast.

Is there a photographer or videographer available at the Point?

Yes, we can organise a photographer/videographer for your stay.

Do you accept credit card?

No, we can’t accept credit card since we don’t have a card machine operating. Please make sure to bring cash. 

Do you cater for vegans and vegetarians?

Our menu is fully adapted for vegetarians and vegans. If you are, don’t worry, there is always solutions!

Do you have wi-fi?

Yes, we have STARLINK!! So you can come and work remotely if you need so. 2GB are included in the package stay and after that we have different GB pack options.

Do I have to pay a surf tax in the Mentawais?

Yes, it is mandatory that all surfers pay this tax. It is 2.000.000 idr and it’s good for 15 days. Usually, there will be a person in Tua pejat that will come up to you and collect the surf tax. Make sure they give you a receipt and a bracelet.