Travel Links Indonesia
Here are some useful links with more information on travel requirements and visa information for Bali and Indonesia. Always check your information with the official government run websites or your visa agent.
- Indonesian Expat
- Bali Business consulting
- The Bali Sun
- Bali.com
- Indonesian Embassy
- Indonesian Immigration
- Bali Solve
- Welcome back to Bali
Instagram Links
Facebook Groups
Here are the current requirements for entry into Indonesia.
- Proof of double vaccination
- Negative PCR Test
- Completed E-hac which is in the PeduliLindungi Mobile Application
- Have Insurance that covers you for COVID19
- Immigration documents - Passport and Visa (Valid for over 6months)
- Visa on arrival is now available in Jakarta and Bali.
- No quarantine is needed with a negative PCR test
These requirements can change so check with your Visa agent or Immigration before travel. For more details please check through these links above. I hope this information helps with organizing your trip to Indonesia and if you have any more questions or know any other good sources of info please drop us a line here
See you in the surf soon,
Cheers
Luke
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 MV Mentawai Fast 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 ferrys 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 ferrys 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.
Are you planning a trip to Indonesia soon?
Travel news and rules on entry into 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. We put together a list of Travel Information to help you plan and prepare yourself for a trip to Indonesia.
Andrew Lau / Burgerworld 2018
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f you would like more information on traveling to the Mentawai Islands please feel free to get in contact or leave your questions here
Cheers see you in the surf soon.
Luke
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
Cheers
Luke
Local Style, Lombok, Indonesia
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.”
You can see the short story we did on Putu Juliartha Here. For everyone who asked about purchasing a print from Putu please see his online gallery at Gold Coast prints. 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.
We work closely with a small network of local guides and photographers throughout Indonesia. If you need help with connecting to a guide then please get in touch today. Next week we have a story from South Sumatra with some amazing photography from the region.
If you are planning a surf trip to Indonesia soon then check out our latest travel guide and requirements for entry to Indonesia Below
Cheers
Luke
Travel information for Bali & Indonesia
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
- Negative PCR Test
- 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
How to treat a reef Cut in Indonesia
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 your reef cuts with soap and fresh water. You need to be thorough with the cleaning process making sure you remove any coral dust or foreign debris. Use a syringe to flush out the wound with saline solution and wipe it dry with some alcohol wipes. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover the reef cut with hemostatic gauze to help encourage blood clotting. Cover this with an adhesive stretch dressing and monitor the wound for infection.
What do you use to treat your reef cuts in Indonesia? Chinese medicine, Lime, Hydrogen peroxide, Alcohol or Iodine? Below is a breakdown of our step by step process for cleaning reef cuts.
Mikala Jones surfing a shallow reef - Indo
Treating a reef cut is simple
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. Its 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.
Doctor Hector has done a ton of trips with us. He has passed on a lot of great information over the years, Hector always surfs with his helmet and doesn't mind charging big waves when its on. Thankyou for all the great information and good times over the years, Cheers Heck
The most common cuts are on your feet so start by protecting them first.
We have been running surf charters in the Mentawai islands for over 10 years and every trip we see someone walk away with a couple of reef cuts. If you don’t protect yourself then I guarantee its going to happen at some point.
Here is our breakdown of the process. Step one is CRUCIAL
Captain Matt applying some stiches to a head wound in the Mentawai Islands
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.
Shallow water duck dive, Mentawai
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.
Tai Graham - Indonesia
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.
Wipeout - Its going to happen!
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.
Mikala Jones - Indonesia
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 and a razor
- Saline Solution
- Syringe
- Hemostatic gauze
- Adhesive stretch dressing
- Pain killers and Ibuprofen
- Iodine, Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide (Use carefully)
- Torch light
Everyone has their own personal way of cleaning reef cuts, what are your best tips and tricks for treatment? Have you got a question regarding surf travel in Indonesia? Lets here your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers
Luke
Surfing in Lombok, Indonesia
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.
Ok thankyou for your time Putu lets see some of your favorites photographs from your island of Lombok.
Yes here are a few of my favorite's but so hard to choose the best, thanks for sharing my work
We love Putu's work and hope you enjoyed his short story. He has some of his amazing images available to purchase but he also works as a guide through Lombok. Go follow his Instagram and send him a message if you enjoyed his story.
If you are Travelling through Indonesia then we highly recommend using local guides like Putu but its also worth checking out the Storm Rider Guide. This is a detailed guide book that has great information on surf exploration around Indonesia and the Indian ocean.
Instagram PUTU JULIARTHA Print Store Gold Coast Prints
Are you planning a surfing trip to Lombok? Have you got a question regarding surf travel in Indonesia? Lets here your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers
Luke
Mentawai Boat Trip Check List
Are you planning a surf trip to the Mentawai Islands? Here is our checklist we created for your trip. This is a rough guide and a good reference point to get you prepared for your trip to Indonesia. Remember to check with your doctor before departure for any updated health concerns within Indonesia and make sure you get a doctors note for any subscription drugs.
Check List
- Passport and photocopies plus a copy of your travel insurance (Passport over 6 months expiry)
- Health precautions - tetanus and hepatitis shots plus check Covid 19 regulations below
- Sun cream and after sun lotion. Natural zinc and good waterproof sun cream is a must.
- 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.
- Spare Leg ropes, 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.
- Reef boots - Its worth having a pair packed even if you don't use them for surfing. We like the split toe boots with the thicker sole but I see a lot of guys using the Ripcurl socks, These are a lot thinner and can slip into the pockets of your boardshorts.
- Tropical surf wax, warm water wax. Normal wax is useless in the high water temperatures
- Spare set of fins and fin key. Always good to have a couple of sets of fins on standby.
- Good polarized sunglasses, sun hat and a long sleeve shirt for fishing trips. Get a strap for your sunglasses so you don't loose them over the side of the boat.
- First aid kit - painkillers, ibuprofen, antiseptic and antibiotic's are a must. Maybe bring some Imodium or even better some activated charcoal tablets. We did a small article on how to treat Reef Cuts and included some more information on first aid kit there
- Sea Sickness can be a real problem, Bring some Dramamine or motion sickness medication
- Extra cash & Credit card for emergency. Keep a spare credit card somewhere safe just incase you loose your wallet.
- Mosquito Repellant for day trips ashore. Mosquitos aren't usually a problem onboard but always good to have repellant for transit.
- 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.
- Phone and charger with electrical adapter (Possibly worth getting a waterproof case) Check what electrical sockets are on your charter boat.
- A couple of spare sets of good quality boardshorts.
- Lightweight rain jacket for the stormy wet days exploring the Jungle. Not essential but always handy to have a rain jacket in Indonesia.
- Supplements - Vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc, Electrolytes
- Ding Repair kit and ding tape for any emergency board repairs
- Dry bag to keep all your valuables (Passport, paper work, handphone & cash) Good to have a small bag for them days your heading ashore to explore
- Subscription drugs must have paper work from your doctor.
- Aqua ear and ear plugs
- Bottle of Rum from the duty free. Always good to have some extra alcohol on board.
COVID 19 Regulations
Travelers must have a vaccine certificate, physical or digital. 2 vaccine shots. Carry a negative PCR test certificate and have the Peduli Lindungi Application downloaded on your phone with the Indonesian e-hac completed. Have travel insurance that covers Covid 19. Here is some more information on Travel Requirements to Indonesia.
Save and share this checklist for future reference
Here are a few photographs from some previous trips to the Mentawai Islands.
Do you want more information on traveling to the Mentawai Islands? Have you got a question regarding surf travel in Indonesia? Lets here your thoughts in the comments below.
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