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Travel Guide

Here is some information to help your holiday run smoother. We are located in a remote island 150km away from mainland Indonesia. 

Getting Here

You must get yourself to the port city of Padang which is located halfway up the island of Sumatra Indonesia. You can get to Padang via Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur (KL) or Medan. You will spend a night in Padang then head to Jala Estate early the next morning via a fast ferry then a car. 

Fly to Padang

You can fly to Padang daily from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, or Medan. The airport in Padang is called Minangkabau International Airport (PDG). 

Night in Padang and Hotels

You must spend ONE NIGHT in Padang prior to departing on the fast ferry first thing the following morning to Jala Estate. You will also need to spend ONE NIGHT in Padang on the return trip.

 

We recommend staying at the Oxville Hotel in Padang. Ask for airport pickup and transport to the fast ferry terminal (the following morning) when making your reservation. Rooms cost between Rp500,000 to Rp700,000 and the hotel has a pool and room service. They also provide free breakfast and can provide a packed takeaway breakfast for you to take on the morning of your departure to the ferry if you request it the evening before. Contact details for Oxville Hotel: WhatsApp number: +6282140023597, email:reservation.oxville@gmail.com , address Jl. Kp. Sebelah No.28, Berok Nipah, Kec.Padang Bar., Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia.

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Alternatively we recommend staying at The Budget Hotel By The Harbour in Padang. It is cheaper accomodation than the Orville Hotel and doesn't have a pool or room service but is conveniently located directly opposite the Fast Ferry terminal - you can walk across the road to the ferry. Rooms cost around Rp350,000 and are air-conditioned and have ensuites. This hotel does not do airport pickup but there is a BlueBird taxi stand outside the front door of the Padang airport that have metered taxis. Contact details for The Budget Hotel By The Harbour: WhatsApp number: +62811661687, email: bhbythebarbour@gmail.com , address Jl Batang Area No.88 Blok B 11/12. 

Padang to Tuapejat Mentawai

The Padang to Tuapejat (return) fast ferry schedule is Wednesdays, Fridays at 7am and Sundays and Mondays at 10am. You must arrive in Padang THE DAY BEFORE. When making your booking at the hotel in Padang ask them to include transport to the fast ferry terminal on the morning of your departure. We recommend arriving at the fast ferry terminal 45 mins prior to ferry departure. Once at the fast ferry terminal go directly to the ticket office and purchase your ferry tickets. Cost is Rp350,000 per person and Rp400,000 per board bag depending on the weight. Tuapejat is the capital of Mentawai and is where you will disembark the ferry.

Return: departs Tuapejat to Padang on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 3pm. 

Tuapejat to Jala Estate

Once you arrive in Mentawai on the fast ferry you will then travel to Jala Estate by car. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and is in an air-conditioned vehicle. The trip costs Rp1.3 juta - please have cash ready and pay the driver directly. The driver will be waiting for you when you disembark the Fast Ferry in Tuapejat. A photograph of you will be sent to our driver so he can easily find you amongst the people getting off the ferry. Look for the man holding the 'JALA VILLAS' sign. The driver will help you with your luggage. 

Checklist of what to bring

GENERAL

  • 2 to 4 surfboards, big wave leash, small wave leash, fin keys, fins (min 2 sets), spare grub screws, wax (warm/tropical water).

  • boardshorts/bathers/swimsuit/rashvest (we are generally surfing in boardshorts and rashvest or a onepeice longarm swimsuit. People who are exceptionally thin or who feel the cold easily may want to bring a 1 or 2mm wetsuit vest) 

  • booties (optional, good for less advanced surfers, all the waves except the beachbreak are over sharp coral reef)

  • helmet (optional good for less advanced surfers or kids)

  • Good quality Zinc and sunscreen.

  • Sunglasses and a broad rimmed hat.

  • Snorkelling gear optional but recommended

  • Spearfishing gear optional. 

  • Fishing rod and takle optional.

  • Camera and usb stick/harddrive

  • Light cotton long pants and long-sleeved shirt for mosquito protection in the evenings. 

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MEDICAL

  • general antibiotics for skin infections, if you are allergic to penicillin please bring antibiotics suitable to you

  • antiseptic powder - this is particularly useful

  • antiseptic cream and or betadine

  • heavy-duty bandaids and wound dressing/padding

  • travel sickness tablets if needed

  • aqua-ear alcohol drops for ears, antibiotic ear drops.

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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

  • Passport and copy

  • Visa (if required) and copy

  • Airline tickets printed out recommended.

  • Hotel booking confirmation printed out recommended. Address of the Hotel in Padang written down. 

  • Copy of travel insurance printed out.

  • Cash in Indonesian Rupiah (there is no ATM machine at Katiet)

Frequently asked questions:

Why do I need to spend the night in Padang? No flights arrive in Padang on the morning of ferry departure as it leaves so early. The ferry arrives back in Padang at around 7pm and we recommend you stay one night in Padang on return also.

 

Where do I get supplies like food etc? Katiet is quite well equipped these days and you can buy your food and cooking supplies in the village. Less variety and supply than a western country or bigger town but enough to keep you fueled with healthy filling meals for happy surfing days. With prior ordering, door delivery is available for most supplies. We will be happy to use our extensive local knowledge to point you in the right direction to keep a well stocked kitchen for the duration of your stay.

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What time will I arrive at Jala Villas? Depending on the day of your arrival you will arrive at Jala Villas between 1 and 4 pm. 

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Travel Insurance? Advised. Responsibility of the guest. Please do your own research to find an insurance company that suits you. 

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Visas? Indonesia has a 30 day visa on arrival for citizens of most countries. Obtaining visas is the responsibility of the guest. You can also obtain a 30 or 60 day visa online prior to your arrival by visiting the offical Indonesian e-Visa Website. If you have any questions regarding visas don't hesitate to ask us.  

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Is the place family friendly? Definitely. We are a family ourselves and one of the most common things people say to us is "this is the most amazing place for your kids to grow up". We have a beautiful blue swimming lagoon straight out the front that is perfect for the kids. Enjoy snorkeling, beach walking, kid friendly waves, shell collecting, rock-pool investigating and jungle walk adventures. There is also a trampoline and treehouse onsite.  

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Do you rent surfboards? No. 

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What about motorbikes? Can I hire one so I can get around? We can arrange motorbikes for hire (scooter or motocross) and can have one waiting for your arrival if you wish. Cost is Rp120,000 per day for a scooter or Rp200,000 per day for a motocross bike. There are several waves close by accessible by motorbike. We recommend booking in advance. 

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What happens if I ding my board is there ding repair? Your host happens to be a professional surfboard repair technician with over 12 years experience in surfboard ding repair. So no need to bring a repair kit, we have you covered. 

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Is there a photographer there? Yes we can arrange a photographer for you if you would like to book one in advance. 

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Can I use my credit card there? No you must bring cash. The nearest atm machine is in Tuapejat. 

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Do you have WIFI? Yes we have unlimited Starlink wifi. 

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