Aloita Resort - Indonesia’s finest Mentawai Islands Resort > Answers

Answers

Haven’t found the answers to all your questions in our other pages? Perhaps the solution to your query is in the responses to our frequently asked questions below. Of course, you can always contact us directly for a more personal response.

Travel:

What should I pack for my trip?

We have compiled a comprehensive packing list here.

Can you book my flights for me?

Yes and no. We have our own Indonesian travel agent that can book any intra-Indonesia flight, or any international flight connecting to Padang. Our booking manager also can assist with international flights from the United States. However, though we can provide our assistance and advice, you are ultimately in charge of your international flights.

Will someone pick me up at the airport?

Yes, typically this is arranged in your package and outlined in your invoice and booking details. Our ground crew will be there to meet you and will be holding an Aloita Resort and Spa sign. In 2010, the ground transporation cost is $20usd/person each way from the airport to the Muara River Harbor (where the speedboats are docked) and $30usd/person each way from the airport to the Bungus Harbor (where the Ambu Ambu is docked).

Do I really need traveler’s insurance?

Yes, you really need traveler’s insurance. Injuries that require medical attention are actually quite rare on these trips. But if they do happen, you’re usually an extremely far ways from home and you want to ensure you have the best possible treatment in the rare case something serious happens to you. But much more commonly you have travel problems, such as your flights are delayed or your surfboards are damaged or your bags are lost, and traveler’s insurance can cover you for all that. If you miss days at our resort because your flights were canceled, Aloita cannot refund you that money, but traveler’s insurance can. The cost is usually under $100usd, and it’s small cost to pay for the reassurance that both your health and property will be covered.

How much (if at all) will my airline charge for boards?

It’s virtually impossible to keep on top of all the airline charges because they are constantly changing their weight requirements and policies. But Surfline recently did a feature in June, 2009 that outlined some of the costs pretty well. However, you should always check with your airline directly for the most accurate information on charges.

Do I need to get shots for my trip?

If you haven’t been to this part of the world recently, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor to see if it’s necessary for you to get any appropriate shots or vaccinations. Some common shots you see prior to trips to the Mentawais include those to prevent typhoid, hepatitis, polio el-PV, as well as shots to update your tetanus booster. Doctors might also prescribe a good all-around anti-biotic like Cipro to protect against infections and also to treat a rare stomach bug that can occur in these waters.

Surf:

What is the surf like?

Put simply, this is the best surf in the world. Bar none, hands down, no other place in the world has yet to be found with so many world class waves in such a small stretch of islands. Even we salted vets continue to pinch ourselves about how amazing it gets, and how often it gets this way. The waves in the immediate Aloita zone, as well as the Mentawais overall, have something for everyone, from long playful walls to short slabby barrels to heavy deep water big wave spots. Almost all of the waves break on reefs, so it requires a certain awareness of your surroundings, even for the most confident surfers. But the rewards are like no other place on the planet. For a more detailed description of the surf in this area, be sure to check out our Waves page.

Is there any place suitable for learners, i.e. a beachbreak?

The waves in the Mentawais are almost entirely reefbreak, and though there are stretches of sand such as in front of the resort, most of the swells are blocked by outer reefs before they reach the sand, thus not allowing for rideable surf. There are a few odd beachbreak sections in the Mentawais that are sort of semi-secret spots, but these are not really reliable as destination surf locales. However, that doesn’t mean there are no spots for beginners. The fact that these waves break on reefs makes many of them very perfect, mechanical, and thus predictable. And many of these waves are slower rolling “fun” waves, rather than top-to-bottom barreling “heavy” waves. There are two waves that break right off our island, Tikus and Muka Ikan, that are ALWAYS very soft and manageable, and even Telescopes is doable by the novice on most days. So, as long as you play it safe and don’t overestimate your abilities, even the greenest surfers can have a blast in the Mentawais.

Do you have a surf instructor? / Do you teach surf classes?

We do not have a dedicated surf instructor or formal surf classes at this point. It pays to come to the Mentawais with at least a little bit of surf experience, or at least a solid understanding of waves and how they break on reefs. However, we do have a full time surf guide that can give you expert advice on how to make the most of your surf experience at Aloita. He can tell you the best spots for your ability level, the best times to surf, where to sit, what the dangers are, what the waves break like and any funny characteristics that might not be visible to the untrained eye, and, in general, how to have the most fun! He will make sure you don’t overstep your ability and put yourself into a dangerous situation. Even experienced surfers should take the advice of your surf guide during your first visit to the Mentawais, because it’s very different than most spots in the world.

Do you rent surfboards?

Yes. Though we don’t have a formal shop for our surfboards, we usually have plenty on stock and rent most boards for a rate of $25usd/day. Stock and supplies vary greatly over time, and certain boards can rent for a little bit more or less, depending on the quality of the board. But we usually have plenty on hand for all ability levels and sizes.

How many/what kind of surfboards should I bring?

The answer to this question varies from surfer to surfer. Some surfers have one board that they favor for virtually all conditions. Other surfers bring a whole slew of boards to hopefully try out, as the Mentawais is the ultimate place to test out your quiver after all. In general, we recommend a 3-board quiver that consists of a.) your standard everyday shortboard, b.) a “step-up” board that’s a few inches longer than your shortboard and perhaps has a tail/bottom that holds better in bigger/hollower waves yet still allows you to turn, and c.) a bit of a semi-gun that holds better in bigger surf and for which the main purpose is making the drop and driving down the line, and hopefully driving through barrels. The actual size of and dimensions of this quiver can vary greatly from person to person. But as an example: our webmaster is 5′9”, 155 pounds (70kgs), and he brings a 6′0” squash, a 6′4” rounded pin, and a 6′8” pintail. Again, this can vary greatly from person to person, but hopefully you can use this as a guide to extrapolate it to your specific size, weight, ability, and surfing desires. Also, you need to factor airline and travel constraints. There is no limit to how many boards you can bring; you can bring 50 different surfboards to test out if you want. However, most airlines have a weight limit of 50 pounds and/or can impose fines if you carry more than a certain number of boards. It’d also be very difficult to haul that many boards around, too, so you need to weigh in potential costs and difficulties in travel when making your decisions as well.

Do I really need reef booties?

Yes. Don’t be a cool guy. At the very least, BRING reef booties, and if you’re feeling extremely comfortable, then you don’t have to wear them. But we can tell you from way too much experience: nothing ruins a trip quicker than a nasty little slice on the bottom of your foot. The reef is so sharp in places that you’re not even sure that you touched it, only to come back to the speedboat to find you’ve got a nice little gash. Then you are surfing so much and walking around barefoot all the time so it never heals, and the next thing you know you can’t surf AT ALL. This is the “nice” scenario. The “not nice” scenario is that you slam your feet really hard or lose your board and have to walk on the reef to get it – not fun. So, invest the extra few bucks and space in your bag and at least bring a pair with you.

What will the surf be like (i.e. how big) when I’m on my trip?

The Mentawais is a small little nook of the world, so forecasters often get it slightly wrong. However, if you see a surf report that says it’s going to be 10 feet at 20 seconds from 200 degrees, it definitely will not be flat. Here are some links to some of the better surf forecasting sites out there:
* Surfline: You can get a good idea from their standard non-member page in the Indonesian section, but if you spend like $20 bucks a year it will give you access to all the charts and long range forecasts. Best money you’ll ever spend.
* Stormsurf: Astute wave studiers really love this page. There are several different charts and wind and swell models that really give you a good idea of what’s coming over the next 2 weeks. But mostly, if you see a big purple gobstopper plowing through the Indian Ocean, you know you’re in for a treat
* Wavewatch: A newer site, Wavewatch provides pretty good visual display with all kinds of wind, swell, and period models that give you more depth about what the storm/swell is actually doing. Plus it’s FREE
* NOAA: Another favorite for the astute wave studiers, this is the site that many of the more mainstream sites actually pull from. Similar to Stormsurf’s layout, there is an additional global view for wave period here: http://www.lajollasurf.org/indap.html.
* Wetsand: Wetsand seems to be doing a lot of things right these days, including providing high quality, easy to read, accurate, FREE surf forecasting for the Mentawais
* Buoyweather: One more good site to look at, but like Surfline, the best stuff is for premium members only.

What is proper surfing etiquette in these waters?

Localism, in most forms, sucks as a general rule. If you’re traveling to this location on a vacation, you’re not a local, and neither are 99% of the people you will see in the water either. Therefore, no one owns these waves, except the generous locals who let us build on their land. So, virtually no traveling surfer can claim more rights to these waves than any other, no matter how good they are or how many times they’ve been to the Mentawais. Thus, everybody is in the same boat, so it pays to not be selfish and SHARE. Take your turn. If you just got an epic set wave, don’t just paddle to the top of the pack during a lull and take the very next set wave. It sucks getting burned on a crappy, dribbly day at home; imagine how crushing, and flat out dangerous, it can be to turn burn someone on a perfect Mentawais barrel? So, be patient, take turns, share – any hopefully Mother Nature will reward your good karma with some extra good surf.

Can I use the speedboats as often as I like?

We typically schedule two speedboat rides per day to the local area, or one full-day trip to The Playground or Peninsula. You do have the opportunity of hiring the speedboat out for additional trips at the rate of $3.5usd/mile. However, we can only do this when the other speedboats are not in use.

Will I get tubed?

Definitely

Resort Life:

What is a typical day like?

A typical day usually begins with a bit of planning the night before, shortly after the meal is finished at the dinner table. At that time, your surf and dive guides will discuss swell and weather reports and come up with a plan for the following morning’s activities. Depending on that discussion, breakfast is usually served between 6:00 – 8:00am for those who want to partake in the morning surf or dive. Otherwise, you can awaken any time you wish and tell our chefs that you’re ready for them to prepare your breakfast. The surfs and dives usually last most of the morning, and we try to get back to the resort before noon so our guests can unpack and clean up if necessary before lunch. Lunch is always served buffet style, typically between about noon – 1:30pm, depending on when everyone gets back. We typically then allow for a period of rest and recuperation before heading back out for an evening surf or dive some time around 2 – 4pm. We will partake in these activities until about a half hour before dark, or whenever our drivers deem it still save to get our speedboats through the reefs and back at our dock. After we return, the resort manager usually informs you about roughly what time to expect dinner as you head back to your bungalows to unpack, clean off, and unwind a bit before your delicious meal is served. Dinner is again served buffet style, usually around 7:00 – 8:30pm, again, depending on when everyone gets back. After dinner, people often enjoy a drink, movie, some conversation, or a game of ping pong at the A Bar before calling it a night. Then we wake up in the morning and repeat the whole thing again.

What is the food like?

The owners of Aloita Resort are also surfers and divers and as such understand the level of appetite that develops after spending a day on or under the water. You will find the dishes served at main meals nutritious, varied and filling. Where possible we source fresh seafood and vegetables from local fishermen and farmers. The meals are typically a combination of local Indonesian, European, and Western cuisines, and we also have a specialty in various coffees, espressos and deserts. We also make sure there is plenty of fresh fruit available along with a range of in-between meal snacks.

What drinks and snacks do you serve at the A Bar?

The A Bar serves all kinds of soft drinks, juices, smoothies, beers, wines, mixed drinks and healthy snacks and small meals. Prices are similar to “Bali prices”’; a little cheaper than your average Western bar, but not dirt cheap. If you don’t see your drink on the menu, be sure to ask our bartender specifically and I’m sure he can make it for you.

Do you accept credit cards at the resort?

Not at the actual resort, no. It is recommended that you bring cash if you wish to settle any expenses such as bar tab, mini bar, dive courses, etc. before you leave the resort. You CAN pay via credit card in our offices in Padang. However, you must then budget time to do so after you return from Aloita and before you go to the airport to catch your flight. For credit cards in our Padang office, we accept Visa and MasterCard only, and there is a 3% surcharge for using this method.

What currency do you accept at the resort?

We accept US dollars, Australian dollars, Euros, and Indonesian Rupiah.

Do I need malaria meds?

This is a matter of personal preference. We spray at the resort regularly, and take many precautions to minimize the risk of Malaria. The Surf Aid offices are also just around the corner in Tua Pajet, so if any little island in the Mentawais is going to be safe, it would be us. However, there is always still a slight risk of being exposed to malaria if you take no precautions at all. If you do not take malaria medications, we recommend bringing at least one pair of light, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and try to wear them every night when you’re outdoors, from dusk until dawn. Then, we recommend spraying the remaining exposed areas with a decent coat of insect repellant. This combination brings the risk factor down to practically nil, but if you’re going to take a malaria medication we’d recommend Malarone. It’s currently the newest medication, it has the least side effects, and you take it every day like a vitamin.

If I take malaria meds, do I still need mosquito repellant?

It is still a very good idea, yes. Just because the anopheles mosquito might not be getting to you doesn’t mean that tons of other little critters won’t. We recommend you spray every night regardless, and don’t forget the areas of the wrists, hands, ankles, feet, neck and face. Those little critters LOVE those areas.

Do you run electricity/air-conditioning all day/night?

Yes, we run electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So, you can run the air conditioning any time you want, as well as charge electronic devices at any hour of the day or night.

Do you have internet access?

Yes, we run free wifi internet access for our guests in the restaurant, lounge, and A Bar areas.

Do you get internet in the bungalows?

No, only in the areas mentioned above (restaurant, lounge, and A Bar)

Do you run the internet all night?

Yes, we run the internet 24/7. Wifi access is still a relatively new concept out in the Mentawais, so it’s slightly less fast or reliable as your home connection or at your local Starbucks. But it is still quite fast and reliable.

Do you have a community computer that all guests can use?

No, but if you didn’t bring your laptop with you and you need to check your email in an emergency, you can usually arrange something quite easily with the resort manager to use his computer or another available system.

Can I get cell reception at the resort?

Yes! If you have a good global plan on your cell phone, you should be able to get cell reception at most times at Aloita. However, it’s a good idea to check with your provider to make sure that you are on the local plan, Telkomsel, before you arrive. You can also pick up a prepaid phone in Padang before your trip for very cheap.

Do you have outlets for my iPod/computer/cd player? Do I need an adapter?

Yes, there are electrical outlets strewn throughout the resort and in your bungalows. Everything is on 220v at the resort, however even if you run 220v it’s still a very good idea to pick up a universal adapter just to make sure that your devices can be properly charged in our outlets.

Miscellaneous:

What does the logo mean?

Aloita’s logo is adaption of the form of a carving from Siberut area known as a ‘jaraik’. The jaraik shape has been traditionally been hung in the houses of Mentawai natives and placed in their fishing canoes as an amulet to safeguard the occupants. We thought it a suitable form to lend from the Mentawai indigenous people as our logo and to ensure the comfort of our guests during their stay.

Do I need any special items if I plan on going on a cultural trek to Siberut?

Yes. The most important thing to pack is a strong pair of hiking shoes or boots. Flip flops, sandals or regular tennis shoes will not cut it in the jungle. It’s also wise to pack a more durable pair of hiking shorts and thick shirt to protect against the sticks, bushes, and branches that can scratch against your body as you are trekking through the woods. Also, be sure to pack lots and lots of insect repellant.

Do I need to tip my crew?

Unlike a boat charter where there are 4 – 6 designated crew members to help you on your trip, there are no designated people assigned to you at the resort. Rather it is a total team effort, from the chefs who cook your meal to the maid who cleans your room to the drivers to take you to the waves to the bartender that makes your drinks, and so on and so on. It’s a much larger group of people that are hard at work to make sure you enjoy the most pleasurable experience at Aloita, and it would be impossible to tip them all. And tips, by their very nature, are optional, so you should never feel obligated that you have to tip anyone. But if you feel like someone went that extra mile to make sure your trip was fantastic, then by means feel free to give that person a little something extra. There are no guidelines to tipping – whatever you feel comfortable giving, including nothing at all. We try to treat everyone with the same amount of attention and respect regardless.

How much does the US dollar rate cost in my local currency?

The US dollar rate is the one in which we base all other currencies off of at Aloita. Rates in other currencies will vary greatly and fluctuate over time. To see how much our prices are in your native currency, we recommend using XE or Yahoo! Currency Converter to get your rates.

Virtual Tour

Want an idea of what a day in the life of a Mentawais Paradise is like? Take a virtual tour of the Aloita, created by Jamie of The Perfect Wave in Australia.

Specials!

We have a variety of specials to accommodate the many types of travelers we get at Aloita, such as our Surfari Special, Fish'n Mission, and Diventure Package. We also offer custom cultural trekking excursions to the jungles of Siberut. Contact us for more details.

Check the Latest Weather

How will the visibility be for you dives during your stay at Aloita? Check the latest wind and weather forecast for the North Mentawais on Windguru.com.

Happy Travelers

beach2sm My husband and I spent 10 days at Aloita and it was heaven! Our private bungalow, just steps from the beach, was the perfect escape from my busy city life. As a surfer/non-surfer couple we have gone on many tropical vacations together and Aloita was one of the best. We were able to relax, snorkel and explore the island together all just a quick speed boat trip away from Indo's famous surf. Plus the resort is absolutely beautiful! I loved our bungalow, it was super nice and comfortable and had a big front terrace where I could kick back with a book and a cold beer from our fridge filled with goodies. The staff was super nice and service was excellent. I loved the dining area and bar as well - excellent food and beautiful surroundings. We will definitely visit Aloita again!

Kristin Kellner (San Francisco, CA, USA)