Q&A (Includes information on ‘how to book’, ‘what to bring’, and our ‘disclaimer’)
Q&A
Q. How to book?
A. You can contact us via email, phone, or the internet.
Email: boat@sumatransurfcharters.com.au
Mobile Australia: 0431 203 380 Internet: go to the ‘Contact us’ pageOnce contacting us, we can discuss date options, prices and generally help you to decide upon what will be best for you. Once deciding on a charter, you will need to read and agree to the disclaimer (you can press on the word disclaimer to read our terms and conditions), and in order to confirm your booking make a 25% deposit….then, it will just be a matter of reading the rest of the Q&A to find out the rest.
Q. How do we pay you for the charter?
A.
You make a payment (your choice of cash, cheque or money order) into our bank account which we will give to you once dates have been established. Please do this with a reference of either the trip number (which we will give you), the dates of the trip or the name of the trip organizer. Due to the amount of trips run each year it is hard to trace single payments made, and hence it is preferable that you make a group payment (one payment) for the deposit, and a group final payment (one payment).
Q. How do I get there?
A. There are a few options to choose from when traveling to Padang. You will need to fly into Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. (The following options are based on a passenger traveling from Sydney, Australia) The below are just suggestions, obviously your trusted travel agent will be able to help you further. If you don’t have a travel agent, just drop us a line, and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
1. Sydney – Singapore – Padang
The Sydney to Singapore leg is with most airlines, we find most people usually fly Singapore Airlines, and then the Singapore to Padang leg is with Tiger Airlines. This is probably the most popular route. Flying this way will mean spending an evening in Singapore.
2. Sydney – Kuala Lumpur – Padang
The Sydney to Kuala Lumpur leg is generally made with Malaysian Airlines, however most airlines do fly to KL (there are a few guests traveling with Jet Star which entails they leave from the Gold Coast), and the Kuala Lumpur to Padang with Air Asia. This seems to be the cheapest option. Flying this way will mean spending an evening in Kuala Lumpur.
3. Sydney – Denpasar (Bali) – Jakarta – Padang
The Sydney to Denpasar leg is with most airlines, and then the Denpasar to Jakarta on to Padang leg can be either with Garuda or any other Indonesian based domestic company. Flying this way also will mean spending an evening in Denpasar or Jakarta.
4. Sydney – Jakarta – Padang
The Sydney to Jakarta is with Qantas and only flies 3 times a week, from Jakarta to Padang you are able to fly with Garuda or any other Indonesian based domestic company. Flying this way also will mean spending an evening in Jakarta.
Once you arrive into Padang, we will be there to meet and greet you at the airport. Please remember before travelling, you must have AT LEAST 6 months left valid in your passport. If you do not have at least 6 months remaining on your passport you will not be given a visa to enter Indonesia.
Q. What is the general run down of the trip (airport – porters), transfers, overnighters, respect for the locals, other surfers etc, and boat etiquette. e.g what time do we leave the harbour in Padang bound for the islands?)
A. ARRIVAL What happens when I land in Padang?
Once you have left the aircraft you will be directed to the ‘visa area’. Once obtaining your visa (US$25), you will then be allowed to collect your luggage. Once collecting your luggage you may proceed to the exit line. There, the customs will check your luggage for excess liquor and cigarettes, and if all is ok they will let you pass through to either us, or an English speaking representative who will be waiting with a sign “Barrenjoey” to shuffle you into the transport vehicle. If you have heaps of stuff and you need a hand, just grab a porter, it is only 20,000Rp (which is about US$2).
Remembering I am in a foreign country, is there anything I should know about?
Padang is a densely populated Muslim city of Sumatra. As always when travelling overseas it should be remembered that you are in a foreign country and that country may have a different lifestyle, or religious preferences, and you should try and respect the country you are now in. The people generally are friendly, and welcoming to tourists. The older people frown upon travelling surfers who walk around with
Are local visa/taxes included in the charter price?
You will have to pay USD $25 visa upon arrival at the airport of entry into Indonesia. You receive a visa of 30 days in your passport. This is not part of the charter cost and we suggest you bring USD$ 25 in cash to avoid any confusion in the exchange rates.
Also, there is currently a Mentawai Surfing Tax of USD $3/person/day imposed by the local Mentawai Government on all surfers who enter the region. This is an extra cost NOT factored into the overall charter price.
All other taxes are included into the overall price.
What happens if my luggage or boards don’t make the flight?
We, or the representative picking you up, will help fill out a ‘lost’ document form and try and trace the boards, and have delivered the lost article as soon as possible. If, as in the past, a passenger doesn’t see his boards for a day or two, we organize the boards or luggage to be delivered to the Barrenjoey ASAP. Generally speaking between us and the other passengers your one or two days without your boards or luggage will not be too traumatic.
TRANSFERS
How do I get from the airport to the hotel and/or boat?
We will collect you as previously mentioned from the airport, and if it isn’t us personally, then our English representative will ensure your safe journey from the airport to the hotel or boat…this depends upon the time of your arrival, and if you are spending a night prior to joining the boat. If you do stay in a hotel, or decide to have a drink prior to joining the boat, we will collect you from your hotel/ or drinking place and take you to the boat. Additionally, at the end of the charter, we organize your pick up from the boat to the hotel or airport.
HOTELS
What is a good hotel to stay at?
We are able to recommend a few different hotels. If you have not been to Padang before and hence do not know the area or where you would like to stay, we will supply you with some options.
ARRIVAL TO THE BOAT
What happens when I get to the boat?
You are handed a cold Bintang, told to take your shoes off, and check the boat out. You are also given a rundown on the ‘boat rules’ and we discuss our overall plan for the trip.
What time do we leave port?
Usually between 3pm and 5pm. This will obviously depend on your flight arrival, and also our provisioning.
How long does it take to get to the Mentawais?
We steam overnight and try to arrive at the first break at dawn, weather permitting.
THE CHARTER
Where do we surf first?
We have a group discussion on the first surf factoring in weather conditions, swell size, location of other boats, goofy footers and natural footers. It is a majority decision, but the Captain has final say with regards to the safety and wellbeing of the vessel, crew, and passengers.
Are there any boat rules?
No food or alcohol allowed in the cabins. No jumping drunk from the mast. No entering the Captain’s cabin. No illegal substances. As mentioned, you will get a full welcoming speech upon arrival.
Again…the Captain has final say with regards to the safety and wellbeing of the vessel, crew, and passengers.
What will the crowds be like?
If we are doing our job, there will be no crowds. However, most of the name spots have local kids, camps, or other boats on them during peak season. We try and keep the vibe friendly and can sometimes bargain 2 hour sessions with other operators.
Can we use the Bynda Laut (the fast boat) whenever we want to?
You can use the Bynda Laut at the Captain’s discretion. The only time we don’t like using it is when the weather gets too radical. Believe us, you don’t want to be in the Bynda Laut if the weather gets nasty.
Q. What should I bring?
A. For a comprehensive list of what to bring press what to bring.
Q. Besides ‘what to bring’ is there anything else I will need like money? Copies of my passport and insurance papers?
A. Obviously this is up to you, you may want to buy gifts for family back home, or you might want to buy some trinket for yourself. If you have had a good time, you might want to tip the crew. We advise that you do bring money. You can buy cheap souvenirs from the local villagers who paddle out in canoes. There are also t-shirts and sarongs (this also supports the locals). Padang has its own unique culture, but definitely not Bali when it comes to the shopping department.
Also, it is always smart to travel with copies of your documents such as passport and travel insurance papers (to be kept in a different location to the original in case you loose them), it makes renewing them that much quicker. It is also a good idea to leave a copy at home so your family/friends can assist in the event of you loosing them.
Q. What health hazards should I be aware of? What about in an emergency?
A. There are many health issues you should be aware of. We have stated very clearly in our Disclaimer that we advise full travel insurance, and that you should seek the opinion of a doctor prior to travel.
We have a FULL Medical Kit on board should you forget or need anything. The Captain has completed a current First-Aid course and is versed in most problems that may arise.
Malaria is definitely something you should speak to your doctor about. Yet again, if you choose to take a course of anti-malaria tablets, or just put aero-guard on each night – the decision is yours as you have been made aware of the fact of Malaria in the region. Dengue Fever is also present.There are also the ever present reef or board injuries. Over the years we have had a lot of experience with these types of injuries. There are times when the Captain will be able to sew you up. Generally speaking, we are not trained medical personnel. If the situation calls for an immediate evacuation, this will be coordinated with your insurance company via the satellite phone. Depending on response time, you might be shuttled back to port via the Bynda Laut if weather permits. Again, take out travel insurance.
(AFTER INCIDENT WITH DARREN LONGBOTTOM, PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT TRAVEL INSURANCE IS MANDATORY ON THE BARRENJOEY – THIS ALONG WITH YOUR PASSPORT DETAILS WILL BE NEEDED PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP)
Seasickness is also a factor given you will be on a boat. It is rare that someone becomes seasick, and generally speaking, it is only for the first evening. Generally after the first night, passengers have adjusted to the motion of the ocean and have become comfortable. If you are prone to becoming seasick, perhaps pop in some travel sickness tablets for the first night.
Dehydration is another regular health hazard we have encountered aboard. We are very close to the equator and it is very hot here. Passengers get excited; surf as much as they can, drink too many cold cokes or beers and NOT ENOUGH water. Next thing they have headaches, nausea, listlessness. We cannot stress enough to drink plenty of water. Perhaps bring some oralit in case you or one of your mates comes down with dehydration.
Q. As well as travel insurance for accidents and health reasons, should I take out general travel insurance?
A. Absolutely. If you want to cover yourself, you should take out full travel insurance. You will never forgive yourself if the video camera you bought in Singapore goes for a swim…things have a tendency to go diving on the boat – it is an occupational hazard. And, what if you lose your board bag and it never shows up? If you are going to spend the money to go on this trip, it is wise to be covered for all possibilities.
Q. How will we know what the surf is going to do? Can we get maps of the weather?
A. We use the weather maps provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology through the SSB radio and onto a laptop. We are also emailed by Buoyweather.com a 7 day surf/wind/swell forecast each day. We also talk, via radio, to other operators in and around the area. We combine all this information with 12 years operating experience in the area to bring you the best surf on offer.
Q. I want to re-charge my camera gear on the trip, what sort of power do you have on board?
A. We have 240 volt AC power with both Australian and Asian connections.
Q. Besides power, what is the general layout of the boat?
A. There are 2 forward cabins, each with a double bed and a single bed above. The aft cabin has bunks for 6. There is a toilet, hot water shower, saloon for watching DVDs, etc, plenty of deck space, as well as the wheelhouse. A back section that can be weather-proofed, and a top deck, called ‘The Lizard lounge’ for the sunset beer.
Q. My family has asked if there is anyway of contacting me while I am on board?
Will I be able to contact them too?
A. There are a couple of ways now to contact the boat.
Your mobile if it has global roaming will work in certain areas. Not all islands are fitted with the satellites; hence not all areas have mobile coverage. But, it is a nice way to keep in touch without costing a fortune….your own phone to use for incoming and outgoing calls, as well as SMS.
We have an Iridium satellite phone on the boat, and we use this for OUTGOING calls only. The cost for this services is expensive (US$5 a minute), but it is there if you need to call home.
Alternatively, if your family needs to contact you, they can contact us via any of the suggestions on the ‘contact us’ page. We will endeavor to get the message to you quickly, so you can then contact them. We have daily contact with the boat via a private email address. The reason for this is that any spam mail or photos will block the service provider. The email is available, but we would rather it be used for important/emergencies not general correspondence.
Q. My wife is concerned about my safety, she is concerned about all things like, bombs, terrorist, and tsunamis, what can I say?
A. We cannot guarantee there will not be another tsunami, earthquake, or terrorist attack. We have been operating as an Australian owned vessel in the region for the last 6 seasons. The Mentawai Islands are very isolated and are a mixed Christian/Islam religion. They want tourism and are very friendly towards tourists. We feel very safe in our area of operation.
We suggest you check the travel warnings with your local government before departure. You can also contact us if you are unsure. We will advise if we do not think the current situation is safe for travel to the area.
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Indonesia
Q. Besides surfing, is there anything else we can do on board?
A. Heaps! We have masks and snorkels, as well as flippers – enough for all on board to go for a snorkel over the reefs. We even have dive gear, including a compressor so you can try your hand at diving if you have a current dive license. We also have a spear gun, and before you ask – a lot of fishing gear. A lot of our passengers bring their own equipment (personal choice), but if you have no room to do so, we have plenty of gear for you to use. Additionally, there are plenty of board games to play, 2 guitars, and even a small library.
Q. I am a vegetarian; will you be able to cater for me?
A. After running the Barrenjoey for 6 years, the chef, is ready to meet your needs. We can cater for all the truly different eating requirements of our guests. Obviously if you let us know prior to your arrival, we can order appropriately, making sure your needs are met.
We have a varied menu, and have been told “too good, and too much food “ on many occasions.. Besides the two breakfasts, we also have lunch and dinner….then there is the constant supply of snacks, comprising of fruit, chocolate, freshly made muffins, sushi, and the odd cake!
Q. You said that 30 cases of beer are supplied and included in the charter cost, what about spirits, wine and cigarettes?
A. We do not supply spirits, wine or cigarettes. We advise that you should purchase these in your travel to us. The duty free section i
Q. What is your drug policy?
A. Plain and simple. Drugs of any kind are NOT tolerated on the Barrenjoey. And, please note, drugs are not tolerated in Indonesia, those caught could face the death penalty. If you are found with drugs on board, no matter where we are you will be escorted off the boat.
Q. I have another question. Can I contact you?
A. Yes, please do, just go to our ‘contact us’ page and there a few ways to contact us, and we will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.