How to get to Mentawai Islands.
Getting to Mentawai Islands can be an adventure in itself. So let me explain how you can master it:
Step 1: First you need to get to the City of Padang, in Sumatra, Indonesia. The best way to get there is by plane. Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta are good transition hubs if you are searching for cheap flights.
Step 1.5: Since most of you might spend a night in Padang, book an accommodation in advance and use the time in Padang for last preparations. You might want to get mosquito repellent, ponchos, medicine (for reef cuts), maybe surf wax or reef boots and some local currency for souvenirs or drinks. If your mobile phone provider does not work in Indonesia you might want to get a local Sim card. We recommend Telkomsel for the Mentawais since it is the only provider working here. To get the local Sim card please go personally to the “Telkomsel graPARI” in Padang, only they can make sure that your phone works properly in Mentawai.
Step 2: Next you need to get to Siberut island. For that you take the Mentawai Fast ferry (link). But CAUTION: it only departs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:00 AM in the morning. So you might need to spend a night or two in Padang.
Tickets can be bought at the harbor a day before or in the morning of the trip (around 350.000 IDR). We recommend buying the day before since it can get sold out from time to time. Surf board bags are charged extra (around 230.000 to 600.000 IDR depending on the weight).
On the way back the ferry departs on the same days and you will arrive in Padang around 6:00 PM depending on sea conditions. Keep that in mind when booking your flight tickets.
Step 3: When you arrive at Siberut harbor we will be waiting for you with our fast boat. You better might be wearing your board shorts and have your raincoat/poncho ready in case of bad weather conditions. But most of the time just lay back and enjoy the wonderful ride with beautiful scenery to our surf camp.
Two more things: The government officials will also be waiting at the harbor to collect the Mentawai surf Tax of 1 mil IDR. Better have the cash ready. Also the porters at Siberut harbor will charge you 30.000 IDR for each board bag they are loading or unloading from the ferry (that goes also for the return)
-In case you haven’t booked a fast boat ahead of time with us (e.g. you have booked only the basic package without the pickup from Siberut) you might need to find someone who can take you to “Ebay” on Nyang-Nyang Island / Masokut Island from Siberut. Boat prices are around 2,5mil IDR. (Not recommended if you don`t know what you are doing)
-If you have booked the Crown Package you just wasted your time reading all this. We will pick you up at the airport and bring you back to the airport after the trip. Just book your flights correctly and tell us the details.
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