Wondering what to take as you plan your next surfing adventure? We’ve taken the guesswork out of this dilemma and come up with this comprehensive list. As you start packing for your Mentawai surf trip, don’t forget these essentials.
First Aid, Medications & Toiletries for Your Mentawai Surf Trip
First Aid Kit
Accidents and aches happen, which is why you’ll need a first aid kit. Most of these already come with bandages of different sizes, wraps, salves, and sanitizers. You can throw in extra items like small scissors, tweezers, and some aloe vera gel for sunburn.
Prescriptions and Meds
Additionally, you’ll need to bring your prescription medications, plus acetaminophen and ibuprofen for sore joints and muscles. Also, consider adding antihistamines, which relieve allergic reactions as well as antidiarrheal and anti-nausea medications.
Sunscreen
And remember to pack the best sun protection, a sunscreen that’s reef-safe. Consider opting for a rating of 50 or higher.
Lip Balm
Just like your sunscreen, you’ll need a lip balm with a high SPF rating to keep your lips from cracking and peeling.
Zinc Oxide
Plus, an extra layer of protection never hurts. So pack a tube of zinc oxide to apply on your nose, shoulders, and other areas that are more prone to sunburn.
Insect Repellent
Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands are known for their beauty and mosquitoes. So make sure to throw in some insect repellent that contains DEET or OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus).
Toiletries
Finally, don’t forget the sample sizes of toothpaste and other toiletries.
What to Wear: Clothing & Accessories for the Mentawai Islands
Rain Poncho
If you happen to travel during the monsoon season, you’ll be glad you brought a rain poncho. Most varieties are foldable and will fit in your tote bag.
Your Favorite Swimwear
Considering how often you’ll be wearing a swimsuit during your Mentawai surf trip, you might pack two or three sets.
T-shirts/Lightweight Shirts and Shorts
Lightweight cotton t-shirts or button-up, short-sleeve shirts, and shorts work best for the tropical weather. Two or three sets ought to be enough.
Sarong/Mumu
And Ladies, you might take a couple of sarongs, wraps, or muumuus to wear over your swimsuit when hanging out at the beach or in the community.
Sandals/Comfortable Shoes
To avoid taking up space, you might stick with a pair of sandals and/or a pair of lightweight, comfortable walking shoes.
PJs
Finally, keep your sleepwear as lightweight as your daytime clothing since the nights are still humid.
Surf Travel Kit: Gear You Need for the Mentawai Waves
Surfboard and Bags
You’ll first need to call the airline to ask about their policy and pricing for taking these bulky objects. If you get the green light, then pack your short board and/or groveler or a longboard in their respective bags.
Surfboard Wax
Considering that you might not find a surf shop in the area, you’ll need to include wax that’s compatible with the water’s temperature.
Refillable Water Bottle
Let’s not forget how important it is to stay hydrated. So remember to pack a refillable water bottle in your backpack or daypack.
Soft Racks
If you’re not sure if your transport service comes equipped with racks, then you’ll need to bring your own. Your board(s) will stay anchored more securely to the car.
Surfboard Fins and Fin Keys
Fins and keys are other must-haves in case of mishaps. Moreover, you might not be able to find replacements nearby.
Leashes
You’ll also need two leashes. If one breaks, then you have a backup.
Ding Repair Kit
Dings are bound to happen. So don’t get caught in a situation where you can’t patch up your board. Consider bringing a ding repair kit with epoxy or polyester resin.
Reef Booties
Reef booties may not be the most attractive accessory, but they keep your feet from getting severely cut by the reefs below.
Rash Guard
Rash guards also protect your back and shoulders from getting “rashed” or from a painful sunburn which makes them a must-have.
Surf poncho
Most beaches don’t have changing rooms. For this reason, the surf poncho proves to be extremely helpful since it works like a tent.
Wide-brimmed hat
Another protective necessity is a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun as you wait for the waves to build.
Board Shorts
If you like the extra coverage, then include a pair of board shorts in your bag. They pair well with a rash guard, and they coordinate with t-shirts for a comfortable summer outfit.
Ear Plugs
Ever heard of a surfer’s ear? Earplugs prevent this condition and protect your inner ears from bacteria and waterborne pollution.
Turkish Towel
While you can bring a regular beach towel, the Turkish towel makes packing easier because it’s thinner. Another perk is that it dries quickly.
Dive or Swim Fins
Chances are you’ll want a break from surfing. So you’ll need a pair of dive or swim fins for water exploration.
Surf Helmet
The Mentawai Islands are famous for their breaks, but there are shallow areas with sharp reefs. So for safety purposes, take a surf helmet.
Backpack
Thus far, we’ve mentioned a lot of surfing gear, which is why a backpack is necessary for carrying the smaller items.
Dry Bag
Also, a dry bag is useful for keeping the wet items separate from the stuff that needs to stay dry. Plus, it’ll fit in your backpack.
Sunglasses
With the intense sunlight, you’ll also need to protect your eyes. However, we recommend taking an inexpensive pair of sunnies rather than your designer varieties. They might get lost or broken.
Snacks
Last, but not least on the list of surfing gear, is a steady supply of snacks. Specifically, you’ll want to load up on protein-rich choices, like jerky and nuts.
Important Travel Documents for Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands
Passport
The passport doubles up as your ID. With this in mind, make sure to keep it in a safe, dry place during your daytime excursions.
Tourist Visa
Plan ahead of time because you’ll need to visit an embassy or consulate or apply online for a tourist visa. It can take five days or more for processing.
Travel Insurance
You might not think you’ll need it, but having travel insurance is better than wondering what to do when you lose valuable items or, worse, all of your belongings.
Extra Must-Haves for Rainy Days or Downtime in Mentawai
You might also consider taking a few extras in case of a rainy day. These include:
- A Good Book
- Deck of Cards
- Adaptors
Visiting the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia will be an amazing surfing adventure you won’t ever forget. By following our checklist of necessities and booking your stay with Bela Sulu, you’re sure to have the best getaway ever.
