More Information
Once you've booked, you would do well to print out and read thoroughly the following information:
Printable version or More Information document (Microsoft Word Document Format)
WavePark Mentawai (WPM) prices
- Prices in 2008 are according to length of trip:
- Minimum 8 day trips are $235 USD/day
- 11-12 days $215 USD/day
- 22 days or more $185 USD/day
The WPM price is “all inclusive, per person" price. We cater to 14 guests/surfers at a time. Payment information is included in this document. For the purposes of purchasing merchandise mentioned, at the time of writing (December 2007), one US $ is worth about 9000 Rupiah. The daily WavePark Mentawai price includes:
• All Airport - Harbor - Island transfers
and return.
We have a representative/guide in Padang to pick the guests up at the airport. Luggage and clients are taken to their choice of Hotel (not included). The next morning guests are transferred to the airport again for a 35 minute flight to the Mentawais. Our speedboat meets them at the airport and its another 90 minute ride to the WavePark from there. The reverse happens on the way back to the mainland, although of late guests that are headed through Jakarta are able to fly from Mentawai - Padang - Jakarta without needing an extra airport transfer.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND ON THE WAY TO THE WAVEPARK THAT GUESTS ARRIVE THE NIGHT BEFORE THEIR MORNING MENTAWAI FLIGHT. WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY SHOULD YOUR INTERNATIONAL OR DOMESTIC FLIGHT BE DELAYED AND YOU (OR YOUR SURFBOARDS) FAIL TO MAKE THE CONNECTION TO YOUR MENTAWAI FLIGHT IN THE MORNING.
• All speedboat transfers in and around the
WavePark
Search for surf, snorkel, fish and explore, all day, everyday. Transfers for surf etc. out of the WavePark area are NOT included. Visit our island transport page for photos of the boats. The speedboats are capable of 18 knots with 2 x 40 HP outboards and can reach Padang in an emergency in 6 hours. The speedboat is always on standby, anchored just off the beach in front of the house.
• All food and drink, except alcohol
Scotty our Kiwi chef, cooks up 3 hot meals a day. Food is
a mixture of Western cuisine including Pizza, pasta, fresh bread daily,
sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, salads and breakfast specialties with Indonesian
favourites including rice-based fresh fish dishes, vegetarian curries,
fried rice and noodles, etc. We supply surf snacks to go with each mission
to the waves including fresh fruit, crackers, cookies, biscuits and chocolate.
COLD Juice, water, coke and sprite are all supplied.
We stock cold beer including Corona, Bintang, Heineken, and San Miguel.
We also have a full bar for mixed, blended and shaken drinks. There is
a corkage charge of 50,000 rp. on any bottle of duty free brought in the
bar. Beer prices start at 20,000 rp. for a cold can of Bintang, up to
35,000 for a bottle of Corona or San Miguel. A single shot varies between
30-25,000 rp., depending on low or high shelf liquor. Mixers are free.
There are always crackers, bread, jams, jellies and peanut butter, cookies,
snack bars and chocolate available to guests as surf fuel and in between
meal munchies. Tea, coffee, juices and water are available at all times,
all day, everyday. Driking water comes from rainwater that we catch.
The water is filtered and refilled daily to 19 liter bottles and distributed
daily into 1.5 liter individual drinking containers. Water for cooking,
showering and toilet flushes is from a well located near the house. Fruit
is as variable as it is seasonal including, mangoes, bananas, papaya,
watermelon, apples, oranges, limes, mangosteens, grapes, snake-fruit,
passion-fruit (marquisa), and other kinds of local fruit that are rare
and delicious. The fruit is always available during the day and is mainly
served on pancakes or with muesli during breakfast.
• Island accommodation
Accommodation is in lockable private rooms, 2 guests to a room with attached western toilet and wash basin. The house was built during June 2004 – February 2005 from local Mentawai hardwoods and thatched roofing. The main house overlooks the speedboat anchorage and “Hideaways”, the left-hand reef pass that is accessible by a short walk and paddle from the house.
For 2008, we have built two new bungalows. Still under construction they are both expected to be ready for use by April, 2008. The bungalows are designed to accommodate a family of 4, two in a private bedroom, and 2 in a shared living room space. Wherever possible, or upon special request, we will be utilizing the bungalows for only 2 guests at a time. The bungalows have an indoor/outdoor bathroom, complete with a double marble vanity and a couple's shower.
• The sleeping arrangements:
Sleeping arrangements at WPM are very comfortable and everything that a guest could want is supplied by the WPM. Each room has 2 single beds that are convertable into a double bed. Mattresses are custom made of fabricated high-density foam. Permethrin impregnated mosquito nets are provided by Surf Aid International and recommended by the world health organization as being effective against malaria carrying mosquitoes. Electricity is generated by WPM 24/7, powering individual fans for every bed. The hot and cold showers are outside and communal, 4 individual shower stalls in a separate area beside the accommodations. The hot water is heated by solar only, and we don’t guarantee hot water at all times, only when the sun is out, and only when it hasn’t all be used up. WPM provides guests with towels for shower use, but not for beach or surf use. Please bring your own beach towels.
• A personal guide
to the waves/fish/local conditions. We have over 26 years combined experience surf guiding in the WavePark.
• Tax
In 2008 the Mentawai Government's $3/surfer/day use levy, and 10% goods and services resort tax is included in your daily price.
• Visa on Arrival in Indonesia
Nationals of the following 52 countries are eligible to purchase a non-extendable "Visa on Arrival": Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodja, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States of America. The 'Visa on Arrival' fee amounts to US $ 10 for a 7-day visa or US$ 25 for a 30-day visa, payable in crisp " F" series (2003) or newer US$ at the airport upon arrival.
Visa Waiver
Nationals of the following 11 countries and territories
are eligible to enter the Republic of Indonesia under the 'Visa Waiver'
program:
Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Morocco,
Philippines, Peru, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. These citizens will
be issued a non-extendable 30-day stay permit free of charge.
• Board Charges: Here is a list
of airline board charges.
• Equipment:
Our island has three diesel generators running 220v day
and night with Indonesian two-prong outlets, with a capacity up to 30
kilo-watts. Freezers/Fridges, ceiling, wall, and floor fans, flat screen
TV, DVD/CD player, battery charging outlets and lights, full bar, espresso
maker, surround sound speakers, regulation size pool table and ping pong
table and digital projector. All bathrooms have hot/cold showers, western
style sit-down toilets and washbasins, as well as 4 outside cold showers
and an additional ½ bath servicing the bar. The bungalows have
couples showers and twin marble vanities with a western style single toilet.
A satellite phone is available for local and international telephone calls,
and we a 384 kbps wireless and ethernet internet connection. We have a
computer on the island if you don't bring your own laptop. Phone charges
are Rp. 30,000/minute and internet is Rp. 5000 / minute. VHF radio keeps
us in contact with local vessels and mainland Siberut and provides backup
communication. We have a complete medical kit including suturing equipment,
braces, bandages, malaria test kits, malaria medicine and a full spectrum
of antibiotics, etc. Any medical emergencies will be either transported
to the medical clinic in Siberut (1 hour by speedboat) or back to Padang
by speedboat or flight. Emergency fuel for this occasion is always on
hand at the WavePark.
• Not included is Hotel accommodation, meals or drinks while in Padang, transfers to surf outside the WavePark, and alcohol, which is for sale on the island.
• First Aid kit recommendations:
Printable version of First Aid Kit Recommendations (Microsoft Word Document Format)
Recommended First Aid Kit for WavePark Mentawai
1/ Washes/Cleansing/Antiseptics Agents
-Small bottle of 3% peroxide
-Small bottle aqueous chlorhexidine
-Normal Saline (0.9%)
-Betadine (Povidone Iodine)
2/ Cleaning materials
-a packet of Q-tips
-cotton gauze squares
-new toothbrush
3/ Dressings
-Duoderm (or equivalent) is a waterproof colloidal dressing patch useful
for large area full-
thickness abrasions and ulcers which aren’t infected. These reduce
scarring in,
and accelerate healing of, deep/full thickness wounds and ulcers. Suggest
4 inch (10cm) patches.
Note that these are best kept on for three to four days at a time, but
don’t seem to stand up to surfing, so will probably need to be changed
after each session. Possibly applying plastic skin over the top and edges
may prolong their life…
-Primapore (or equivalent) is a non stick wound covering surrounded by
a skin adhesive
tape. It allows wound protection from dirt etc in the same way band-aids
do, but is
larger and the skin adhesive parts completely surround the wound covering
parts.
Suggest 4 inch size.
An alternative is to buy sheets of melolin (or equivalent) non stick dressings
and
tape them down with that tape we got in Padang. You can than cut to size.
-Paraffin gauze dressings with or without antibiotics are useful for dailyn
dressings of infected ulcers.
-Plastic skin sprays
4/ Antibiotics;
- expensive for clients to purchase in Aus or USA, not often required,
but important when needed. WavePark stocks an excellent selection of antibiotics
for use with serious injuries, and we charge our clients in need to replace
them.
-Neosporin (Triple Antibiotic – petroleum jelly based) + Vitamin
E gel capsules in combination with a primapore daily usage is absolutely
the best anti-scar/infection combination that we’ve found.
-Bactroban is a higher quality triple antibiotic for serious wounds and
or staph infections.
-TehTaiYao Gin is a high quality Chinese remedy for antiseptic and drying
purposes on fresh coral cuts. Found in China town on mainland Sumatra,
or on entry ports through Singapore/Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur pharmacies
or “apotik” in Indonesian.
5/ Others
- Please come prepared with your own medication for things like allergies,
asthma, chronic illness, etc. It would be good to know your blood type,
and any allergies you have to medicines (penicillin), food, bugs etc.
SURF
We have 19 named waves to choose from in the WavePark, and others that have no name and are secret, surfed only by us on special swells. Look on the waves page for full wave information. Of special interest, Hideaways, a fantastic left hand reef break, breaks only 5 minutes walk and paddle from the central accommodation, breaking on both high and low tide. An intermediate – advanced wave, Hideaways is an addiction that guests return to again and again to "get their fix". The nearest right-hander is called Tikis, or Napussi which is 10 minutes from the camp. Tikis is the swell magnet of the WavePark and is below head high for only a couple days a season. There is ALWAYS something to surf in the WavePark. If Tikis is too small, Burgerworld will have something. More famous waves in the area include Bank Vaults, Rifles, Kandui Left, Ebay, Playground, Candys and pit-stops. Our speedboat will deliver us to any of the waves within 30 minutes, and we often check multiple waves on each mission.
At ANYTIME a speedboat or charter boat can be hired to get to and from Padang. The speedboat can take anywhere from 4-6 hours to reach the WavePark, depending on weather conditions.
MALARIA
The risk while on the island is very small because
there are usually only 4-6 other people on the island who harvest the
coconuts, aside from our guests and crew. This means that there are very
few potential carriers for the mosquitoes to bite. In order for the Malaria
parasite to be transferred, it must bite somebody that is infected and
then be alive for a week while the parasite undergoes a life cycle change.
Then it must bite another person for them to get infected. If there is
nobody infected to bite, there is no malaria, period. We have cleared
approximately 8 hectares of land around the houses to cut down on mosquito
reproduction habitats. Luckily the surfing season corresponds with the
dry monsoon season, so the mosquitoes are fewest when the waves are biggest.
At WPM we use preventative measures and try not to get bitten in the first
place. It is recommended that guests bring light cotton pants, socks and
long sleeve shirts After the shower before dusk, covering up with this
apparel is the best protection against being bitten from mosquitoes. Shirts
and pants should be loose-fitting, as mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting
clothing. We light mosquito coils every night, and combined with the ceiling
and floor fans, the mosquitoes have a difficult time landing. Insect repellent
is on hand at all times, and our mosquito nets for sleeping are dipped
in pyrethrum insecticide. Mosquitoes are repelled and eventually die on
contact with the nets, but it is safe for humans. We recommend that guests
do NOT ingest anti-malarial (Lariam/Doxycycline/ Malarone/ACT) drugs while
on the island. For trips longer than 10 days, we recommend that they bring
Larium or Malarone with them in case symptoms do appear. Anti-malarial
drugs have been known to cause such side effects as hyper-sensitivity
to sunlight and even psychotic episodes, as well as increasing risk of
the area developing a drug-resistant strain of the parasite.
It is of course up to you whether or not they want to take the preventative
malaria medication, and you are encouraged to seek medical advice before
your trip.
What if I need medical or dental care?
WPM stocks a full medical kit including suturing and
minor-surgical equipment. Small medical problems can be dealt with directly
on the island. There is a doctor 1 hour by speedboat from the WavePark
for consultation as necessary. Anything remotely serious must be dealt
with in Padang. Several hospitals offer modern medical care in Padang,
but it is recommended that a guests with any medical complaints fly directly
to Singapore to seek medical attention. Hospitals in Singapore cover any
eventuality including Tropical Medicine specialists that rank among the
best in the world.
How do I keep in touch with friends and family?
WavePark keeps a satellite phone on standby for direct
telephone nationally and internationally. The guests can use the telephone
as needed at $3 per minute. The number, including International dialing
code is: +62 868 1213 2215
We also offer a new satellite text email service, available at 50,000
Rp./mail. While on the island, you can receive emails to: [email protected],
or [email protected] The email charge will be put on your bar tab,
and if you choose to reply, you will be charged per Mbyte, as described
in the equipment section above.
We also have a VHF radio on standby 24/7 to communicate with charter boats
in the area and mainland siberut as a communications backup.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Travel/Medical insurance is mandatory as per booking conditions. Proof of Travel/Medical insurance will be required before departure to the WavePark from Padang.
Can I plug in my DVD/CD player?
WPM has a separate bar and TV sound system with DVD/CD
player powered by a generator. Bring CDs/ MP3 Player/ DVDs/iPOD if you
want to listen to music or watch movies of your choice. All the connections
are already there.
Camcorder batteries and walkman batteries can be charged in this way as
long as they have the proper adapters. AC power (220/110 V) is also available
via generator. Laptops can be charged at 110 - 220V. You will need an
international plug adapter for your computer though. Most laptops will
accept either 110v or 220v with no problems, but you’ll still need
the correct adapter for the plug in the wall.
A TYPICAL DAY:
Usually everybody who wants to surf is up by 0730-0800 at the latest.
Guests who wish to venture out and surf earlier at Hideaways may do as
they please, but it is advisable to stay inside the mosquito net until
it gets light at least. After everybody is up, a decision is made whether
to eat a cooked breakfast first, or to eat something “on the road”
to the surf. Breakfast is served at 0700-0800 and everybody is generally
in the boat and ready to surf by 0900 Another decision is made regarding
the morning’s surf session, depending upon the local conditions
and the surfers’ differing abilities. It takes 10-35 minutes to
reach the waves and the guests surf until 12 or 1pm. We return to the
camp and have a hot lunch, after which time a nap is usually taken by
all. At around 2-3 pm the afternoon session is agreed upon by those who
still want to surf. Guests return to the camp before sunset so that a
shower and mosquito repellant is applied before dusk. A hot meal is served
at around 7:30pm, and unless bar and night activities take precedence,
everybody is in bed exhausted and asleep by 9:30pm.
MAINLAND ACTIVITIES:
There is usually ½ - 1 day either side of a
WavePark Mentawai trip that is spent on the mainland in Padang, Sumatra.
A guide is supplied while in the city of Padang, and guests are shown
various cultural highlights according to every taste. There are museums,
restaurants, shopping, sightseeing, beaches, jungles, snorkeling, nightlife
and live music to name a few. There are even single day white-water rafting
trips to be enjoyed when the weather cooperates, and more than enough
to do to keep one busy. There are Internet cafes and International phone
booth establishments for those who want to keep in touch with home or
who have business concerns. There are any number of hotels in Padang,
from budget homestays to the 4 star Bumiminang hotel. Hotels rooms are
not included in the price, but we can book the hotel room for you prior
to your arrival if you wish.
AIRPORT PICKUP:
When you arrive at the Padang airport, you will be
met by a WavePark representative holding a WavePark sign. They will assist
you with your luggage and transfer to the city. However, if for some reason
(car breakdown, traffic jam etc.) there is nobody there, please use the
following numbers in their respective order to contact our staff.
CONTACTS:
Note: If in Padang, drop the +62 country code and
add a zero for cell phones, ex: +62812 660 7764 becomes 0812 660 7764,
or for office: 812837
Email:
Padang Office:.......................... [email protected]
International WavePark:.............. [email protected]
Island email address:...............[email protected]
BACK UP CONTACT IF ALL ELSE FAILS:
BOOKING PROCESS:
1) All booking availability must be confirmed via [email protected] or
[email protected]
Bookings are minimum 8 days, no maximum length of stay. We cater
to a maximum 14 guests, no minimum # of guests. Our trip
schedule is available with planned departure days.
2) The following must be completed by client once availability has been
checked.
a) Booking conditions read.
b) Booking form read and signed.
c) Photocopy of guest passport
d) $400 USD deposit:
e) Passport information and flight Itinerary to WPM office.
PLEASE BRING THE SIGNED BOOKING FORM, PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT AND PROOF OF TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH YOU WHEN YOU COME.
For BANK DRAFT:
Mail To:
ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE IN USD UNLESS PRIOR PERMISSION HAS BEEN RECEIVED IN WRITING FROM WAVEPARK.
Any bank fees are responsibility of client. Commissions subtracted are subject to agreement between WavePark Mentawai and their individual agents.
Booking and payment code will be relayed via email/fax once receipt of deposit is received. Payment code may be quoted for remaining balance if cash payment is to be in Padang, or via bank draft/transfer at least 60 days prior to departure.
