Water Housing Checklist

Are you new to water photography? Here is our checklist and some tips for setting up your water housing before swimming out in the ocean. We are currently using the Liquid eye system, but you could apply these tips to any water housing.

Camera Settings - Before preparing your housing do your camera checks first. Make sure the battery is fully charged, check your memory card is in and formatted ready to go. Check your camera settings are correct before putting it inside the housing. Check your focus settings and make sure your lens and camera are clean and dry. Once you have performed all the necessary checks, insert the camera into the housing carefully, making sure it is seated properly. Make sure the base plate is secured tightly

Mentawai Surf Charter Boats

Our list of Mentawai surf charter boats.

Pelagic Surf Charters / Indies Trader 3 / Tengirri Surf Charters /  Raja Elang  /The Barrenjoey  / The Bintang / The Huey  / The Indo Satu  / The Jiwa   / The King Millenium  / The Mahogonay  / The Mangalui  / The Addiction / The Naga Laut  / The Nomad  / Ocean Dreams  / The Santana laut  / The Switchfoot  / Star Koat  / Crystal Clear  / Budyadahri  / D'Bora  / Moon Palikir  / The Orca Laut / Sola Garcia / Sibon Baru / Jaya  / Sothern Cross  / The Maki boat  / The Wave Hunter / Ombak Kabau   / Oasis  / The Asia  / Wildcat surf charters / Samudra Biru / The Melaleuca  

How much does a Mentawai Surf charter Cost?

Prices vary between USD $2000 to $6000 per person for a trip. While budget boats may seem like a more affordable option, it's worth considering the benefits of paying extra for your trip of a lifetime. Do your research and talk to people that have done trips before. Martin Daly did a good run down on all the boats operating in the islands 'The definitive list of Mentawai Surf Boats'. He makes some good points in this article and worth reading before you book a charter.

What to consider when booking a Mentawai surf charter

Boat Size: Consider the size of the boat and the number of guests it can accommodate. You want to make sure there is enough room for everyone to be comfortable and store their equipment. Also take into mind how many surfers are on the boat. More than 8/10 surfers on a trip might bring the per person price down but surfing in a crowd can spoil your experience.

Safety Equipment: Check the boat has the necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, first aid kits, life Rafts and most importantly a satellite phone in case of emergency. 

Boat Amenities: Check if the boat provides amenities such as air conditioning, fresh water, and comfortable sleeping quarters. 

Food and Beverages: Most charters offer 3 meals a day with soft drinks included. Make sure you're on a charter that's well stoked. Beer allowances vary so check that especially if you don't mind a couple of beers at the end of the day. 

Mentawai Tax: Is the Mentawai tax charge included in your price for the charter. The current price per person is $100 USD. The Mentawai tax is paid in Padang before departure.

Photography Services: Is there a photographer onboard and does this come at an extra cost? Some photographers can charge up to $400 USD per person.

Airport transfers: Are your airport transfers covered from the airport to the boat?

Fuel Surcharges: are there extra charges for fuel? Check that there are no limitations on where your charter goes. Plenty of charters stick to the 'Milk Run' and don't like to deviate too far off track.

Surf Guides / Captains Check if the surf charter boat provides experienced guides who know the Mentawai Islands well. Having a good Captain or guide can make or break a trip. Take a look at the boats testimonials and check the reputation of the charter operator.

In conclusion do your research and ask around before you book on a trip. Most the charter websites claim they are the best in the business, every operator provides a different service. The key is to find a charter boat that suits your needs. Don't trust everything you read online, speak to people in the industry and chat with friends that have done trips before.

A guide to the Mentawai Islands

There are 4 main Islands in the Mentawai Chain. Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan. By far the best way to access all these areas is by a surf charter boat. For a full guide on all the spots and more good information on the Islands take a look the Surf Indonesia website. We also highly recommend having a look at the Indonesian Stormrider guide from low pressure. The Indonesian Storm Rider Guide is one of the most detailed guide books for surfing in Indonesia. Dont bring it on your surf charter though, the captain may well chuck it overboard.

 Have you already booked your trip and heading to the Mentawai Islands soon? Check out our Mentawai Boat Trip Checklist for what to bring with you. For more information on a Mentawai surf charters contact us at [email protected]

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Mentawai Fast Ferry Price & Schedule

Here is the schedule for the Mentawai fast ferry that runs between Padang and the Mentawai Islands. The ferry operates every day of the week but travels to different locations.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday the ferry runs between Padang and Tua Pejat (Sipora Island)

- 6am Padang - Tuapejat

- 3pm Tuapejat - Padang 

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the ferry runs between Padang and Sikalabuan / Siberut (Siberut Island)

- 7am Padang - Sikalabuan - Siberut

- 2:30pm Siberut - Padang

Friday the Ferry runs between Padang and Sikikap ( Pagai Utara Island)

- 7am Padang - Sikikap

- 1pm Sikikap - Padang

Sunday the ferry runs between Padang, Sioban and Tuapejat.

- 7am Padang - Sioban - Tuapejat

- 3pm Tuapejat - Padang

Please check the schedule on the website as these dates can change. Also please note the ferry is sometimes cancelled because of bad weather so check with the ferry operator the day before departure.

Mentawai Fast Ferry Price?

A ticket for the Mentawai Fast ferry will cost you $25 per person. You can buy a ticket at the local office on the day before departure or you can contact them online.

There is an extra charge for surfboards (Last time I paid $10 but again check before departure)

Mentawai Fast Ferry Location

The Mentawai fast ferry departs from Harbor at Muara (Pelabuan Muara) 

Other Information on the Mentawai Fast Ferry.

The ferry trip usually takes between 3-5 hrs depending on the weather and where you are travelling. Always check if the ferry is running with the operator day before departure. The ferry leaves Padang early morning so you need to arrive day before departure. You can buy snacks and drinks onboard the Ferry. If you get seasick take some Dramamine or motion sickness pills before the crossing.

Are there any other ways to get to the Mentawai Islands?

There are overnight ferry's that run between Padang and the Mentawai islands. Both the Ambu Ambu and the Gambolo operate trips a couple of times a week. These are both slow ferry's and the crossing can take up to 12 hrs or more. Good for budget travel but they can be crowded and sometimes overloaded. 

Can I charter a private speed boat to the Mentawai Islands?

Most the surf resorts in the Mentawai islands offer a private speedboat transfer from Padang. The prices vary on which resorts you use but this can be a dangerous crossing and its only advisable to do this trip with the more professional operators. There are also numerous surf charters running between the Islands.

Can I fly to the Mentawai Islands?

They are building a new airport close to Tua-Pejat on Pulau sipora Island. Currently Suzi air fly there twice a week but you I'm sure there will be more flights available once this project is complete. 

Mentawai Boat Trip Checklist

Are you planning a Mentawai boat trip? Here is our checklist for your trip. This is a rough guide and a good reference point to get you prepared for your trip.

Passport - All travel documents with photocopies, Passport, Travel Insurance, Airline ticket (Passport over 6 months expiry). Keep all your important documents safe in a small carry bag. 30 day Visa on arrival is available at the airport and costs about 35USD

Health precautions - check with your doctor regarding malaria medication and any other vaccinations needed. (Hepatitis A and Tetanus Vaccines) Currently you need the Covid vaccination to enter Indonesia. Make sure you tell your charter operator about any serious health conditions.

Hooded Rash Vest and surf hat for them long days in the water. With the hooded vests even if you don't like wearing the hood it gives you good sun protection on the back of your neck.  A rash vest will also protect your skin from irritants like saltwater, sand, and wax. Might even be worth considering a 2mm vest to help with extra buoyancy and protection from the reef.

Sun Cream - Good sun cream that is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, but preferably 50 or higher for maximum protection. Get some after sun lotion that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera, which to help soothe and hydrate the skin. 

Leash - No comp leashes. Get a decent leash and don't use an old one. Try get a quick release system just in case you get caught out on a coral head. Look for a leash 5mm or thicker and around 6 foot long. Always good to have a few spare packed in your bag.

Reef Boots - Boots will help protect your feet from the sharp coral reef. It's worth having a pair packed even if you don't use them for surfing. We like the split toe boots with the thicker sole. Perfect for scratching up the reef to collect your surfboard if your leash breaks.

Wax - Tropical surf wax, warm water wax. Normal wax is useless. Tropical wax is typically harder and more durable than standard surf wax, which can melt or become too soft in warmer water temperatures Clean your wax off your boards before the trip. 

Fins - Bring a variety of fin sizes and a spare fin key. Always good to have a couple of sets of fins on standby. Pack some large fins for them bigger days. Double check your fin system before purchasing fins. (FCS or Future)

Sunglasses - Good, polarized sunglasses, sun hat and a long sleeve shirt for fishing trips. Get a strap for your sunglasses so you don't lose them over the side of the boat.

First Aid Kit - painkillers, ibuprofen, antiseptic and antibiotics are a must. Bring a small first aid kit with you. Make sure you have a Docters note for any subscription drugs. Triple antibiotic ointment for your reef cuts. 

Anti-Nausea- Sea Sickness can be a real problem, Bring some Dramamine or motion sickness medication. Sea sickness can end a trip so make sure you bring something to help if you are affected. Read the link attached to the top of this paragraph.

Cash - Extra cash & Credit card for emergency. (IDR Indonesian Rupiah) Its always handy to have spare cash for transit, extra beer money tips for the crew etc... You can get cash from the ATM or one of the banks in Padang.  A good tip for the crew is around 100 USD and an extra carton of Bintang costs about 35 USD. Visa on arrival costs 35 USD.

Malaria - Mosquito Repellant for day trips ashore. Mosquitos aren't usually a problem onboard but always good to have repellant for transit. If you are worried about malaria, please check with your doctor regarding best practices and medication

USB Stick - Bring a spare USB or hard drive for photos from your trip. Check your other electronics like phone and charger. Check what electrical sockets are on your charter boat. Might have to get a travel adapter.

Board Shorts - Most your days are spent in your board shorts.  Make sure you choose a decent set that are comfy and fit well. Get a couple of spare sets for the trip, we recommend at least 3 pairs.

Rain Coat - Lightweight raincoat for the stormy wet days exploring the Jungle. Not essential but always handy to have a rain jacket in Indonesia. Good if you plan to spend any time on land.

Supplements - Eat well on your trip and stay hydrated. If you're going to spend a lot of time in the surf its worth bringing some extra supplements like Vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc and Electrolytes.  

Ding Repair Kit - Solar resin and ding tape for any emergency board repairs. Most surf charters have a kit onboard but always handy to have the basics.

Dry Bag - To keep all your valuables (Passport, paperwork, handphone & cash) Good to have a small bag for them days you're heading ashore to explore. 

Ear Plugs - Aqua ear and ear plugs or blue tack. Antibiotic ear drops. Ear infections are commonplace in the tropics so make sure you protect them.

Surfboards  - 2 standard thrusters and one step up, depending on surf forecast) We always recommend getting a little extra volume in your boards. Having that extra Paddle power is really important. Make sure you pack your boards well to avoid damage in transit. If you want to order surfboards in Bali and get them shipped to Mentawai, then try contacting Luke Studer for custom shapes.

Travel reqirements for Indonesia

Requirements for entry into Indonesia?

The entry requirements for Indonesia depends on the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, and your country of origin. Here are some general guidelines:

- Passport with at least 6 months validity from date of arrival

- Travel Insurance that covers you for COVID19

- Proof of Covid 19 vaccination or exemption letter from your doctor

- Immigration documents - Appropriate Visa papers

- Visa on arrival is now available at the airport for short stay (under 30 days)

- Completed E-hac which is in the Peduli Lindungi Mobile Application

- Going through immigration you may also be asked to show your return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Indonesia

Useful Links for more information!

- Indonesian Expat

- Bali Business consulting

- The Bali Sun

- Bali.com

- Indonesian Embassy   

- Indonesian Immigration

- Bali Solve

- Welcome back to Bali

These requirements can change so check with your Visa agent or Immigration before travel. For more details please check through these links above or get in contact with us via email. Visa on arrival is easy enough to organise at the airport and can be extebded for another 30 days if needed.

How to treat a reef cut in Indonesia

Protection - If you’re coming to Indonesia for a surf trip, then protect yourself from Injury. We recommend getting a decent pair of reef boots. I like surfing in a spring suit to give extra protection from the reef. It's also worth considering a helmet especially on the more critical reef breaks. When you wipe out tuck your legs up and don't kick off the bottom. Use your arms to protect your head and try and relax during every wipeout. Reef cuts are common place in Bali and across Indonesia, Staph infection is a real risk and Infections can get nasty real quick. Here is our breakdown of how to treat a reef cut when your in Indonesia? 

Clean the wound  –  Use sterile water (bottled water) to irrigate the wound. If you have a syringe use that to flush out any debris. You can also pierce a pin hole in the top of water bottle and use that as a high pressure flush. This works well with a two-litre bottle and you need to repeat this flushing process over and over again. Thorough extended cleaning is the key to success. Wash around the wound with soapy water and remove any dead skin or hair. Use sterile tweezers or a pin to remove any tough bits of coral stuck in the wound. Use a torch light or headlamp to check the wound after you have finished cleaning.

Sterilize the wound - After the cleaning process use saline solution and alcohol wipes to clean the wound again. People use Lime, hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol to kill the bacteria but you have to be really careful not to damage the skin cells. If the skin cells are damaged then the healing process can take allot longer. If you have cleaned the wound thorough with soapy water and flushed it well with saline solution then a rub over with some alcohol wipes should do the trick.

Treatment – Once the wound is cleaned and sterile the next step is to decide if you’re going to carry on surfing. Leaving a wound open in a tropical environment can create a breading ground for bacteria and infection. A handful of studies suggest that keeping a wound covered and moist helps blood vessels regenerate faster than a wound that is allowed to dry out. If you carry on surfing the wound will take longer to heal. My advice is to keep the wound clean, free of debris and out of the sun. Make sure you apply antibiotic cream ointment daily and keep an eye out for Infection. 

Staph Infection can soon cause severe sickness and even death so if an infection starts spreading you need to get on some strong oral antibiotics ASAP. Mupirocin is an antibiotic ointment that prevents bacteria growing on your skin and Ciprofloxacin is a strong oral Antibiotic that is good for bacterial infections but please check with your doctor before your trip.

Covering the Wound - If you decide to cover the wound then use hemostatic gauze to help encourage blood clotting. Cover this with an adhesive stretch dressing but make sure the area around the wound is dry and clean before you apply the dressing.

Monitor the wound and apply antibiotic cream daily, keep the dressing clean and change when needed. Use an Ice pack to reduce swelling and keep yourself hydrated to help the healing process. Seek medical attention if there are signs of the Infection spreading. If the wound is large or very deep and you can’t clean it properly yourself then get to a medical facility to be treated ASAP.

There are lots of First Aid Kits on the market, here is our checklist for the basic supplies you will need to treat a reef cut. Antibiotics, Oral (Amoxicillin & Ciproflaxin) Ointment (bacitracin) Check with your doctor, Alcohol & Antiseptic wipes, Scissors, Tweezers, a needle, a razor, Saline Solution, Syringe, Hemostatic gauze, Adhesive stretch dressing, Pain killers and Ibuprofen, Iodine, Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide (Use carefully) Torch light

Surfing in Mentawai

Surf Photography by Putu Juliartha. Lombok - Indonesia

Surfing in Lombok, Indonesia (Putu Juliartha)

If you have ever wondered about surfing in Lombok, Indonesia then take a look at some of the stunning photography work from Putu Juliartha.. We have admired his artistic approach to surf and lifestyle photography for many years. We recently caught up with Putu and wanted to share his story with you.

Hey Putu please tell us a bit more about yourself, Where are you from? Why did you choose to be a surf photographer working in Lombok?

I was born in Lombok and I live with my family in a small Village called Tanah Embet Village in west Lombok. I work as a local guide around Lombok but my passion is photography, I started shooting surf photography back in 2013.  A friend called Ebong gave me my first camera and I worked in kalimantan for a few years. I moved back to Lombok a few years back after my father passed away and I wanted to be close to my Family. We now live together with my mother my grandmother, my wife and my two daughters.

The first Camera I bought when I moved back to Lombok was a Canon 60D, I was lucky enough to get given a Sigma 150-600 lens and i've been shooting surf photography since then. The photography work along with my guiding tours helps me support my Family so I am very happy I can combine my passion with work.

I was inspired to take photographs from a young age, I always loved drawing and painting and when I was given a Camera to create my own images I really fell in love with capturing them special moments around me. These days I am shooting with a Canon 1D and  7D for my water photographs

Where are your favorite places in Lombok?

Lombok has alot of beauty and a very interesting culture, from the hills of mount Rinjani to the perfect waves at Desert point there is endless natural wonders throughout the island.  The people are special and we have a mix of religions. The Watu telo people are a unique culture that adhere to both Hindu and Muslim religion praying 3 times a day and living in harmony at the foot hills of Rinjani.

Where are the best places to surf in Lombok?

You can surf all across Lombok from the west coast of Singgi down to Desert point and right across the south coast past Kuta and all the way to Ekas point. There are also waves on the east coast of Lombok, its a big island with a lot of places to explore. If you need a guide through the island please let me know.

We love Putu's work and hope you enjoyed his short story. Go follow his Instagram and if you are travelling through Indonesia then we highly recommend using local guides like Putu. If you are interested in purchasing one of his Fine art prints then they are available now in our Print Store or you can email him at [email protected]

Local Style, Lombok, Indonesia

Did you miss the short story we did on Putu Juliartha?

Putu Juliartha is a surf and lifestyle photographer from Lombok, Indonesia. We had a great response from some of his photography work in a recent story we did for him. The one photograph that really stood out and which a lot of people asked me about was the image of the older guy smoking a  rolled up cigarette, I asked Putu for a few words and the story of capturing this shot.

“This photograph was taken on a trip to the village of Bayan in North Lombok. We were visiting the Village to celebrate the Maulid Nabi Ceremony. The village is located at the foot of Mount Rinjani and is inhabited by the Sasak community who still hold fast to its ancestral traditions”.

“The Photograph is one of the Elders taking a break from the ceremony smoking a traditional style roll up cigarette 'klobot' using clove Tobacco and the dried corn husk. I took the photograph using  a Canon EOS 60D camera and a Tamron Lens 17-50  (Aperture F/6.3 Exposure 1/500 ISO 200). I love to mix up my surf photography with traditional lifestyle shots like this.”

If you are interested in purchasing a Print from Putu we have his collection displayed in our Gallery of images If you’re travelling through Lombok then using local guides like Putu can be invaluable to scoring good waves and getting some good photographs. Don’t forget to save his contact for a future trip. 

You can contact Putu at putulomb[email protected] or give us a shout at [email protected]

Cheers

Luke

Travel information for Bali & Indonesia

Are you planning a Surf trip to Bali or Indonesia soon? 

Travel news and rules on entry into Bali and Indonesia change on a daily basis. With a lot of mixed information from Social media platforms its difficult to stay on top of the latest news.  Here is a list of websites we use to keep updated on Travel & Visa requirements for Indonesia. 

• Indonesian Expat 
• The Bali Sun 
• Bali.com 
• Indonesian Embassy   
• Indonesian Immigration  
• Bali Solve
• Welcome back to Bali

These are a mix of different sources from government run websites to private visa agents and news platforms, Its good to check your information with different sources.

 " When it comes to Indonesia’s entry requirements, one has to rely on official government releases called “Surat Eradan,” as many local websites make official-looking infographics based on rumors and not official policies". (loyaltiylobby.com)

Here are the current requirements for entry into Indonesia

• Proof of double vaccination or exemption letter
• Completed e-hac which is in the PeduliLindungi Mobile Application
• Have Insurance that covers you for COVID19
• Immigration documents - Passport and Visa

The visa on arrival is now available in Bali and Jakarta with no quarantine on arrival. 

While we have seen positive changes recently there is still a lot of red tape and confusion on the exact requirements to enter Indonesia. Its looking more promising for the months ahead so we have our fingers crossed that we will be seeing you here soon.

 If you have any questions on surf travel to Indonesia please let us know here. 

Its been a slow start to the swell season here in Indonesia with a lot of wet weather and small swells. The outlook is promising with some action in the Indian ocean. Here are some photographs from the last 10 days here in Bali.

Tuesday 1st - Friday 11th March 2022 

Have you got a trip to Indonesia planned soon? What would you like to know about surf travel in Indonesia? Keep an eye on the information links listed above 

Cheers

Luke

Surfing in Bali during the wet season

Can I surf in Bali during the wet season ?

We often get asked this question so here is some information on surfing in Bali during the wet season. 

The wet season in Bali starts in October and finishes in March with the highest levels of rain seen between December through to February.

The winds can be strong and generally from a west direction, giving offshore winds on the east coast of Bali. 

Bali has plenty of good waves to surf during the wet season, from friendly beach breaks to barreling reefs there is something for every level of surfing

Generally Indonesia gets less frequent swells during this period but you can still find head high waves most days. Some cyclone swells can produce solid waves providing plenty of very good days to surf

Where are the best waves to surf during the wet season?

The southeast coast of the Bukit Peninsular has some great surf spots. You will also find good waves at Sanur and Keramas beach with plenty of other options on this coast. Some other spots include Nusa Dua, Serangan and Greenball. You also get good days up at Balian and Medewi especially in the shoulder season.

The Key to success is the early morning surfs before the winds get strong. Keep an eye on the Wind forecasts so you don't miss any good days on the west coast. Take precautions surfing after the heavy rains, water quality isn't that great especially close to the river mouths. Hire a car during the peak of the wet season, driving around on a motorbike in the torrential rain isn't much fun. For a detailed guide on the surf spots throughout Bali & Indonesia I would highly recommend taking a look at the Stormrider Guide from low pressure. Its one of the most detailed surf guides that will help you with the best information on each Individual spot we have mentioned above. 

Always bring good etiquette to the lineup and don't act like an idiot in the surf, remember a smile goes along way.

 Below are some of our photographs from surfing in Bali during the wet season.

Keramas beach - December 2021 

Misty Morning - Nusa Dua November 2021

Swell lines - January 2022

Behind the Peak - December 2020

South coast - January 2022

East coast - December 2020

Will you be planning a trip to Bali this year? Have you got a question regarding surf travel in Indonesia? Lets here your thoughts in the comments below.

Cheers, Luke

Does Bali go flat?

Does Bali go flat?

Yes I guess it does go flat sometimes but most days you will find a wave somewhere to surf in Bali? This wet season has been slow but I don't think there was a day you couldn't surf.

Nyang Nyang and Green ball work better on the smaller swells and if you get a north wind or its glassy then its always worth checking these spots. Even on the smallest of swells you should find a wave somewhere, below is a recent photograph from one of the smaller days of this wet season. 

Small fun right handers hitting the south coast of Bali last week. If your interested in one of our lineup photographs don't forget we ship our prints overseas with no extra charge.

Are you planning a trip to Bali or Indonesia soon? Have a look at our Travel page for a list of the most up to date requirements for entry into Indonesia