Before You Travel
Everything to know before you land: safety, life on the island, your surf days and what to pack. For flights and transfers, see How Do I Get There?
Safety
The Mentawais sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so small tremors are common and stronger earthquakes can happen. Here is how we handle it:
- In a major earthquake, the restaurant is our meeting point and our team guides you from there.
- With deep water around the bay, a tsunami here usually shows as fast-changing tides rather than a big breaking wave.
- If there is a tsunami warning, we walk you to the waterfall, 50 m above sea level (about 15 minutes on foot).
- Keep your passport and cards somewhere easy to grab.
- CCTV covers the restaurant and the outside of every bungalow. Lock your door when you go out and leave the key at the bar.
- Travel insurance covering surfing and medical evacuation is mandatory.
Water, Power & Wi-Fi
- Drinking water: reverse-osmosis filtered, with minerals added. You get a reusable bottle to refill in the restaurant. Aim for 3 litres a day.
- Tap water: from our own 30 m deep well, filtered for sediment.
- Power: solar panels and batteries, backed up by diesel generators. Please switch off the AC when you leave your room.
- Wi-Fi: free unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi across the resort, in the restaurant and in every room.
- Bathrooms: septic system, so toilet paper goes in the bin, not the toilet.
Your Surf Days
- Every evening at dinner, our surf guides share the forecast and the plan for the next day.
- No fixed session times: we use local knowledge to pick the wave, the tide and the hour for your level.
- Two speedboat sessions a day, or one longer trip to distant waves like Burgerworld.
- Board rental at the resort (US$ 20/day + 10% government tax), or order a new Dylan Longbottom board to be waiting for you.
- Snorkelling gear, stand-up paddle boards and fishing gear are free to use. Bring your own snorkel mask if you like a perfect fit.
Meals, Drinks & Extras
- Three full meals a day by Chef Wandi at the Sikerei restaurant, served fresh when you sit down. Second servings at lunch and dinner are free.
- Arrival day: dinner. Departure day: breakfast.
- Tell us any diet, allergy or restriction in your online check-in.
- Breakfast: any 2 items from the breakfast menu. We ask for your choice the evening before; extra items are charged.
- Drinks are paid separately (+10% government tax): soda IDR 30,000, coconut water IDR 20,000, Bintang IDR 55,000, island beer IDR 75,000. A few free soft drinks go on the boat.
- Laundry: IDR 20,000 per piece. Snacks and off-menu meals are charged separately.
Surf Etiquette
- Arriving at a spot with other boats, wait about 10 minutes before paddling out.
- Go in small groups of 3, a few minutes apart.
- Start on the inside and work your way up, not straight to the peak.
- Smile, say hello and call your waves clearly.
- Priority goes to whoever has waited longest. Never drop in.
Most of all, have fun: the best surfer out there is the one enjoying it most.
Disconnect to Reconnect
We are far from everything, and that is part of the magic. Phones and laptops are welcome, and the Wi-Fi is free, but most guests end up reading, sharing stories and watching the bay.
If anything needs attention during your stay, tell us right away and we will sort it out.
What to Bring: Surf Gear
Our recommendations for the Mentawais:
- Surfboards (2–4):
- A shortboard for turns, ideal for smaller days
- A shortboard for barrels, with extra thickness for paddle power on medium to heavier days
- A slightly longer step-up with good volume for bigger waves
- Tip: in the Mentawais you can surf bigger waves on shorter boards than you think.
- Leashes (3–4): one thin comp leash, two regular 6’ leashes and one thicker 8’ leash
- Fins (4 sets): small, medium and big-wave sets, for both turns and barrels, plus 2 fin keys
- Wax (3–5 bars): tropical warm-water wax, and a wax comb
- Boardshorts (2–3)
- Long-sleeve lycra or 2 mm wetsuit top, plus a rash guard
- Waterproof sunscreen (lots of it)
- Ding repair kit / sun cure (strongly recommended)
- Optional: surf hat, helmet, reef booties
Travel light: a brand-new board waiting for you. Order a new board handmade in Bali by Dylan Longbottom for US$ 450 and it will be waiting at the resort when you arrive. No airline board fees and no dings in transit. Boards take at least 30 days to make and deliver, so order no later than 30 days before your arrival. Order your board here.
Forgot something or broke a board? Rental boards are available at the resort.
What to Bring: Travel Essentials
Documents and money
- Passport and a photocopy (mandatory)
- Travel insurance and a copy of your policy (mandatory)
- Flight tickets
- Credit cards and some cash in new bills for drinks and tips. Tips are never mandatory, but if you’re happy with the service they’re appreciated, and they’re shared equally among the staff after your departure.
Health and comfort
- Mosquito repellent (lots of it) and a white long-sleeve shirt for the evenings
- Moisturizing cream
- Painkillers, and antimalarials if your doctor recommends them
Clothes
- T-shirts (3–4), shorts (2–3), one pair of pants
- Sandals and one pair of shoes
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof jacket (optional)
- Towel (optional, we provide them at the resort)
Extras
- 64 GB+ flash drive for your photos and videos
- Laptop or tablet (optional)
- Plug adaptor (optional)
- Favorite snacks or protein bars (optional, the resort also offers snacks)
- Fishing or spearfishing gear (optional, we have complete equipment at the resort and our bay is rich in marine life)
- Books (optional, we have a small library)