Mentawai Packing List - Surf Trip Essentials

Packing for a Mentawai surf trip requires some thought - you're heading to a remote island chain with limited shops and medical facilities. Pack smart, pack light, but don't forget the essentials.

📦 Baggage Tips

Board Bags: Most airlines charge $50-150 each way for surfboards. Some Indonesian domestic flights have strict limits (Susi Air doesn't allow boards at all on the Mentawai flight).

Weight: Keep your main bag under 23kg for domestic flights. Extra bags can be expensive.

Ferry: Surfboards on the Mentawai Fast Ferry cost 230,000 IDR (~$15) per board.

🏄 Surf Gear

Surfboards

2-3 boards minimum - Dings happen, boards break. Bring backups!
Recommended quiver:
- Step-up (6'6" - 7'2") for solid HT's
- Daily driver shortboard for 4-6ft
- Small wave board or fish for playful days
Board bag with padding - protect your sticks!

Surf Accessories

4-6 spare leashes - Leashes break, especially at HT's
Spare fins + fin key - At least one full spare set per board
Wax - Tropical/warm water wax (basecoat + topcoat). Bring plenty!
Ding repair kit - Solarez or Sun Cure, sandpaper, cloth
Reef booties - Highly recommended for reef protection
Helmet - Optional but smart for shallow sections
Fin savers - Cheap insurance

⚠️ You Can't Buy These in Mentawai

There are no surf shops in the Mentawai Islands. If you break a leash or need wax, you're relying on other surfers or your resort's limited supplies. Bring more than you think you need.

👕 Clothing

Essentials

Rashguards (3-4) - Long sleeve for sun protection, essential for reef rash
Boardshorts (4-5) - Quick-dry material
Light cotton t-shirts (4-5)
Casual shorts (2-3)
Light long pants (1) - For evenings/mosquitoes
Light hoodie or long sleeve - Evenings can be cool, also good for sun
Flip flops / sandals
Reef-safe shoes for walking on reef (optional)

What NOT to Bring

Wetsuits - Water is 28-30°C year-round
Jeans - Too hot, too slow to dry
Too many clothes - You'll live in boardshorts

💊 Medical & Health

First Aid Essentials

Reef cuts treatment:
- Betadine/iodine solution
- Antiseptic cream (Neosporin or similar)
- Waterproof bandages (lots!)
- Medical tape
- Sterile gauze pads
Pain relief: Ibuprofen, paracetamol
Antihistamines: For bites, stings, allergies
Oral rehydration salts: For traveler's diarrhea
Broad-spectrum antibiotics: Consult your doctor before travel
Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium)
Motion sickness tablets - For ferry crossings
Personal prescription medications (bring extra!)

Sun & Skin Protection

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - Multiple bottles!
Zinc - For face and nose
Aloe vera gel - For inevitable sunburn
Lip balm with SPF
After-sun moisturizer

Insect Protection

DEET insect repellent (30-50%)
Mosquito coils (can buy locally)
Anti-itch cream for bites

🏥 Medical Reality Check

The nearest proper hospital is in Padang (3-5 hours by speedboat). Resorts have basic first aid, but serious injuries require medical evacuation. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is absolutely essential.

See our Infrastructure page for healthcare details.

📱 Electronics

Phone + waterproof case
Power bank (10,000mAh+) - Power can be intermittent
Universal power adapter - Indonesia uses Type C/F (European style, 220V)
Camera / GoPro + mounts + spare batteries
Memory cards (bring spares)
Dry bag for electronics
Headphones / earbuds
Kindle or tablet for downtime

📶 Connectivity

Many resorts now have Starlink internet (50-200 Mbps). Mobile signal is limited to Tuapejat town. Check with your resort about WiFi availability.

📄 Documents & Money

Passport (valid 6+ months, with blank pages)
Travel insurance documents - Print copies!
Flight confirmations - Print copies
Resort booking confirmation
Cash (IDR) - ATMs don't exist in Mentawai
- Withdraw in Padang before ferry
- Bring more than you think (Rp 5-10 million+)
- Small bills for tips and local purchases
Backup credit/debit card
Copies of all documents (stored separately + digital copies in cloud)
Passport photos (2-4) - For any visa extensions

🧴 Toiletries

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Shampoo, conditioner (reef-safe preferred)
Body wash / soap
Deodorant
Razor
Contact lenses + solution (if needed)
Prescription glasses (backup pair)
Earplugs - For sleeping (roosters, generators)
Hand sanitizer

🎒 Other Useful Items

Dry bag - For boat transfers, keeps valuables safe
Small daypack
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses (polarized) + case
Hat or cap
Headlamp or small flashlight
Snorkel & mask (some resorts provide)
Playing cards / books
Small gifts for locals (kids love stickers, pens, small toys)
Ziplock bags (various sizes) - Incredibly useful

❌ What to Leave at Home

Valuables - Expensive jewelry, watches
Too many boards - 3-4 is plenty
Drone - Check resort policy, many areas restricted
Full-length wetsuit - You won't need it
Expectations of luxury - It's remote, embrace it!

✅ Quick Checklist

Surf:

☐ 2-3 surfboards
☐ 4-6 leashes
☐ Spare fins + key
☐ Wax (tropical)
☐ Ding repair kit
☐ Reef booties

Medical:

☐ Reef cut supplies
☐ Sunscreen SPF 50+
☐ DEET repellent
☐ Pain relief
☐ Antibiotics
☐ Personal meds

Documents:

☐ Passport
☐ Insurance docs
☐ Cash (IDR)
☐ Bookings printed

Electronics:

☐ Phone + waterproof case
☐ Power bank
☐ Adapter (Type C/F)
☐ Camera + cards

🎒 What to Pack for Mentawai