Good to know FAQ
How do I book?
Request your spots here. A non-refundable deposit of USD 1,000 per person is due within 10 days, and the balance 60 days before departure.
What if I need to cancel?
The balance is refundable if you cancel 30 days or more before departure. The deposit is not refundable.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Trips confirm with 8 to 12 guests. Private charters for your own group have no minimum.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for any boat trip in the Mentawai, and the policy must cover extreme sports such as surfing.
How long must my passport be valid?
At least six months from your arrival in Indonesia. Our guest form warns you if it's too close.
When should my flights to Padang be?
Domestic flights are often delayed or cancelled. Arrive in Padang by 3 pm on the first day and book your departure no earlier than 12 pm on the last day.
More questions
Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities get a Visa on Arrival for IDR 500,000 (about USD 30), valid for 30 days. Staying longer needs an extendable visa.
What is the surf tax?
Indonesia charges a mandatory surf tax of IDR 2,000,000 (about USD 130). We pay it in advance and you reimburse us before boarding, in cash or by card with a 3% fee.
What information do you need from me?
Once your spots are held we send a link to a short form per guest: passport, flights, food restrictions, surf level and extra beer. The trip voucher is issued after full payment.
What happens in an emergency?
There is a first aid kit on board for minor injuries. Serious cases are taken to Padang and, if needed, to a hospital in Malaysia or Singapore, at the guest's expense (that's what the insurance is for).
Is there internet on board?
Yes. Sibon Jaya and Sibon Baru have Starlink (USD 60 per person for the trip) and a smart TV.
Should I buy a local SIM card?
We no longer recommend it: registration needs your passport and can take a long time. International SIMs work in some areas, and Starlink covers you on board.
Do I need to bring towels?
No. We provide two towels per person.
Is there snorkelling gear?
Yes, masks and fins are on board, but they're shared by many guests, so we recommend bringing your own.
Where do I wait if I arrive early in Padang?
At the Spaarbank Riverfront Lounge, one minute from the boat, with meals, a pool and an outdoor area.
What is the drug policy?
Illegal drugs are strictly forbidden on board. Anyone caught with them is landed at the nearest village.