Kandui Resort ::::: Mentawai Islands ::::: Indonesia :::: Before Your Trip

There are a ton of things to consider prior to your departure but overall the trip is almost as simple as showing up at Padang airport, catching a flight to Rokot, arriving at Kandui, and finding good waves.

1. How do I get to Indonesia? We recommend that you travel to Padang in Sumatra (port of departure) via Singapore.

We can assist with bookings for your international flights, your Garuda air ticket to Padang, and any necessary overnight accommodations.

Our crew and ground staff will meet you at the airport in Padang on arrival and make arrangements to transfer you to the resort via SMA flight and boat transfer. Click here for detailed flight information.

1a. How do I get home? In 2008 we have adopted a 10day/10 night or 11 day/11 night schedule with the option to do 7 day/7 night trips for those people that can only escape to paradise one week at a time. Our 2008 schedule can accommodate 8 people for each new group arriving and departing on alternate Saturdays and Tuesdays...

Kandui Resort utilizes a plane/speedboat combo to get you out to the resort from Padang via Rokot. If the plane is delayed or not working we will try to use the newest addition to the Kandui Resort team, the “Asia Spirit” speedboat for one day transfers from Kandui - Padang and back, or make suitable alternative arrangements to minimize valuable vacation time lost.

Once your flights are set up and before you purchase your ticket please contact us to verify that your flight will work with our schedule - thanks.

2. What do I do about my flight arrangements? Kandui Resort utilizes Oceanview Travel to handle all of our guests air transportation issues for our United States based customers. International customers please contact your local travel agency. Whether you have frequent flier miles you'd like to use or simply book your flight to the Mentawais or beyond, Oceanview Travel can take care of you better than anyone - please ask for Jeff Samuelson.

Oceanview Travel
629 Camino de los Mares Suite 101
San Clemente, Ca 92673
Local: 949.493.5231
FAX: 949.493.2770
Contact Name: Jeff Samuelson
oceanviewtravel629@yahoo.com

For Australian and New Zealand surfers contact:

World Surfaris Pty Ltd
PO Box 180, 2/174 Brisbane Road - Moolooaba Queensland 4557, Australia
Phone: + 617 5444 4011
Fax: + 617 5444 4911
Email: shaun@worldsurfaris.com
Website: www.worldsurfaris.com

3. Where should I stay if I have an extra night on land? This answer depends on where you have to stay for that extra night. Quite simply we suggest the following options:

Singapore: In Singapore we recommend using the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel - "The Roxy". The Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel is a world away from Singapore's hustle, yet just 10 minutes from key locations such as the city centre, Changi International Airport and Singapore Expo, It is located on the East Coast of Singapore on Marine Parade Road Road, opposite Parkway Parade Shopping Centre and within walking distance to East Coast Recreation Park.

Pricing available on their website.

Click here to find out more information about the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel in Singapore.

If you don't have enough time to leave the airport there is a "Transit hotel" inside the airport that works quite well, the only downside to this option is that they have a major construction project underway and at times your stay could get quite noisy.

Padang: In Padang we recommend using the Ambacang Hotel. The Ambacang Hotel is the newest resort in Padang and the meeting place for surfers all over the world. They offer decent accommodations, a hearty breakfast in the morning and is reasonably priced.

We are more than happy to help you make your reservation and you pay for the hotel when you check out. Due to the volume of clients we book there the "Ambacang" has offered us a special rate of about $50/room double occupancy.

Click here to find out more information about the Ambacang Hotel in Padang.

Jakarta: In Jakarta we recommend using the Sheraton Bandara Hotel. Just three kilometers from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the Sheraton Bandara Hotel offers a unique, five-star, resort-style experience. We’re in the heart of the thriving, cultural metropolis of Indonesia, just a short drive from Jakarta’s central business district. The city’s energy is close by, but the tranquil countryside that surrounds us makes it feel miles away.

Blending an international ambience with local contemporary culture, our décor combines modern and traditional wooden furniture with soft colored fabrics and a wide selection of arts and crafts. Our 220 fully soundproof guest rooms provide wonderful views of the garden or lake as well as High Speed Internet Access.

For under $100/night you can stay at a very upscale hotel, 5 minutes from the airport... best of all they pick you up at your gate upon arrival to eliminate any confusion.

Click here to find out more information about the Sheraton Bandara.

4. What do you suggest I pack for my trip? 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 is spent in the water. Please click here to view our "Essentials" page and a extremely helpful checklist you should use for your trip.

5. What kind and how many boards should I take? Most people bring 2-4 boards. Mid length boards generally get used and only occasionally do the short boards and guns get pulled out. I generally bring 4 surfboards - two shortboards (6'2"), one mid sized board for when it gets a little bigger (6'5"), and one gun for the biggest days (6'10"). If you are going to bring an extra board we would suggest a replacement for the board you will use the most as it is not uncommon to break boards.

The best answer I can think of is to pack whatever you feel most comfortable surfing on. Be prepared to ding up your boards and possibly break a few of them on your trip. Lastly, a good ding repair kit is crucial! The resort should have them but it's still highly advisable that you bring your own just in case. At the very least bring some sort of sun cure resin for quick fixes. A.M.

6. What types of services and amenities are available at the resort? Please refer to the "Resort Features" section to answer this one.

7. What type of health precautions should I take? A. Most travelers usually update their tetanus and hepatitis shots before traveling to any remote region of the world. B. Malaria is a reality in some parts of Indonesia including the Mentawai Islands; consult your doctor for more information. C. If you take a prescription medication make sure you bring the necessary paperwork that goes with it in case of an emergency. D. If you are prone to seasickness please bring something to counteract its effects such as dramamine or bonine. E. For more information please consult your doctor.

8. Should I be concerned about malaria? It is a matter of personal choice whether to take anti- malarial medication. Malaria is endemic in some of the places you will be visiting. Kandui Resort tests all of our employees regularly, we fog the property in between gorups, we have mosquito magnet machines strewn throughout the resort, we have the most up-to-date medical solutions at our disposal, and we have everyone on the island sleeping under nets.

So far none of our customers have caught malaria and the best policy is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.

9. Do I need travel insurance? Travel Insurance is mandatory for your personal safety. The easiest way for United States customers to acquire travel insurance is through our travel partner, Jeff Samuelson, at Oceanview Travel. Travel Insurance packages start at $60 and go up. A decent travel insurance package will provide coverage for the following: trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay, baggage coverage, travel delay, emergency medical and dental, emergency, medical transport and evacuation, and travel accident insurance.

10. What documents do I need to take? Citizens of the United States need a passport with at least six months of validity left and one other form of identification.

Kandui Resort requires that you send us your passport information including the number, date of issue, and place of issue prior to your departure so we can arrange the necessary harbor permits for your travel through the Mentawais. In case you misplace any vital documents you should also carry a back-up photocopy of your passport, id, and airline ticket with you at all times. It doesn't hurt to leave another copy at home as well.

When you are in Indonesia you will be issued an immigration form that you must keep until your departure. When you leave they will ask to see it to determine how long you were in Indonesia. Please take care of that form once they give it to you.

* The most important thing to remember on this list is to make sure that you have an updated passport and a valid VISA if your passport is issued in an obscure country like Sweden. You will not be permitted to enter Indonesia if your passport is going to expire within six months of your departure 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 including citizens of the United States and Australia but before you purchase your airline tickets please check with your local authorities to make sure you're covered.

11. How long can I stay in Indonesia? Most travelers coming from the US, Australia, and Europe are issued tourist visas upon arrival, but if you carry a passport from other countries it is worthwhile checking to see if you need a visa. The standard tourist VISA is applicable for up to 30 days. If you plan on staying longer in Indonesia you must apply for an extended stay VISA at your local Indonesian Embassy prior to departure or in Singapore.

Additional Questions
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