Things You Should Know About Mentawai

The most important thing to remember is to make sure that you have an updated passport and a valid visa. You will not be permitted to enter Indonesia if your passport is going to expire within six months of your departure time or if you are from a country that requires a special visa to enter. Most people can take care of their visa upon entering Indonesia but before you purchase your airline tickets please check with the local authorities to make sure you're covered.

Culture

The islands are inhabited by The Mentawaians, which their villages scattered throughout the islands, from the coast to the mountain.

Community and Culture of the Mentawai Islands are varied in many languages, cultures, lifestyles and natural resources. The Mentawaians are traditionally known as patrilineal groups and the social life is centered around their uma, a communal long house which held a group of people related through their same ancestor. The uma is vary in size beetween units, referred as lalep.

The Mentawaians believe in spirits in all living objects. Human beings, plants and animals are supposed to have spirits. The specialist in this community is Sikerei ( The medicine man ) who responsible to restore harmony with the group or in relation with the spirits of their environment.

In general, the locals are responsive and very friendly. Their main contact they have with the Western world is through the main ports, or encountering traveling surfers aboard the charter boats. And it is not uncommon too see them parked at a surf break and paddle their canoes out to the charter boats  to sell some locally made, hand-crafted souvenirs.

The landscape is made up of dense tropical forest sloping up from the coast to the high mountain ranges.

Climate

The Mentawai Islands have consistently high temperatures and humidity, with very little change in temperature year round due to it’s proximity to the Equator. The temperature ranges between 72 – 90 F degrees (22 – 32C).

Water temperature is fairly constant at about 80F degrees (27C). The dry season in this region of Indonesia is from January to September, and the wet season is from from October to December. Even during the dry season, you can expect rainfall regularly, for some 1 - 2 hours, day or night.

In the wet season, the rain is more frequent and a light poncho is good to have with you. The winds are variable throughout most of the year. Since the islands are very close to the Equator, they are less affected by any trade winds and most winds are due to local storms or pressure differentials with many glassy days during the surf season.

Health

Malaria is something to take seriously. Malaria is rampant on the islands and surfers should take full malaria precautions when visiting the Mentawais. Malarone is recommended. Malarone must be prescribed by a physician prior to the trip and is taken orally with minimal side effects. Larium is not recommended due to strong side effects and larium is considered by most to be “overkill” for the generally mild risk exposure while onboard a surf charter vessel. Prevention is also recommended by taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites which include repellant, dress, and staying clear of land and swamp areas especially at night.

Equipment

The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. This fundamental rule of travel is especially true on a surf charter through the Mentawai Islands- when most of your time will be spent in the water.

But you must bring everything that you think you may need. There are no surf shops in the islands or in Padang, so make sure you have a spare surfboard or two, along with extra fins, leashes, wax, etc.

Board size is a personal thing, but it would be wise to bring an assortment for various conditions. Recommended quiver is 2 to 3 boards : A normal shortboard, a mid-range gun (6-6 to 6-10), and a larger gun for the bigger days (7-0 to 7-6) when there is a bit more water moving. If you are going to bring some extra boards, bring along a replacement board for the board you will use the most as it is not uncommon to break boards.

A good ding repair kit is a must. Usually the charter boats have it, but still it's advisable to bring your own just in case. At least bring some sort of sun cure resin for quick fixes.

It can get double or triple overhead during the larger swells during the peak month of July and August. The warm crystal blue waters make it possible to swim without a wetsuit, but a vest or long-sleeved rashguard is advised for protection from the sun. Booties are a necessity due to the sharp coral found at all of the reefs. A helmet is also recommended. Be sure to bring plenty of sunblock, tropical surf wax and wax comb.