Frequently asked questions

See our Frequently Asked Questions or message us to learn more about the best resort in the Mentawais and get all the insider information to plan your dream vacation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Transport

How do I get to Aloita?

In order to get to Aloita, you have to reach Padang (Sumatra) and take a ferry to Tua Pejat, the Mentawai capital where our crew will take you to Aloita by private speed boat (15 minutes). We organise an ALL-IN Transfer Package from Padang Airport to Aloita.

Currently the best way to get to Padang is to fly from Jakarta (with Garuda or Lion Air) or Kuala Lumpur (with Air Asia). Once in Padang Airport you have two options:

A. Organize your own transfer to Tua Pejat (capital port of the Mentawais) where you will be greeted by our staff and transferred by speedboat to Aloita.

B. Book the Transfer Package and let us take care of everything for you. This includes all transfers from Padang airport to your hotel and to the harbour the following morning, 15 kg luggage allowance, 15 kg board bag (1 piece) and porters.

The accommodation in Padang is not included in our Transfer Package.

The Mentawai Fast ferry departs from Padang every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7 am and every Sunday at 10:00 am and arrives in the Mentawais approximately 3 and half hours later.
On return, the Mentawai Fast ferry departs from the Mentawais every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3:00 pm and arrives in Padang approximately at 6:30 pm.

Due to flight scheduling you will likely have to stay one night in Padang on the way back also. Please plan your dates accordingly.

What does the Transfer Package include?

It includes all transfers from Padang airport to Aloita and return, including the taxi to your hotel and to the harbour the following morning, the Mentawai Fast ferry ticket (with 15 kg luggage allowance and 1 surfboard bag for surfers – max 15 kg), porters, and our speed boat to/from Aloita

Do I have to reach Padang one day in advance?

Yes, as the Mentawai Fast ferry leaves from Padang early in the morning ( 7 am), and most of the flights to Padang arrive after 7 am.

Do I have to stay in Padang the night of check-out?

The Mentawai Fast ferry arrives in Padang around 6:30 pm, when most of the flights out of Padang have already left.

If the ferry is on time and traffic allows it, it is possible though to catch the last flight to Jakarta. Any delay could result in having to spend one night in Padang.

Does the Mentawai Fast ferry run every day?

The Mentawai Fast ferry departs from Padang every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7am and every Sunday at 10:00 am and arrives in the Mentawais approximately 3 and half hours later.

On return, the Mentawai Fast ferry departs from the Mentawais every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3:00 pm and arrives in Padang approximately at 6:30 pm.

Is the Mentawai Fast ferry the only way to get to Aloita?

Though the Mentawai Fast ferry is the most reliable transport to the Mentawais, it is not the only one. Suzi air flies out of Padang twice per week. And it is also possible to charter a private plane.

Is the accommodation in Padang included in the Transfer Package?

No, the accommodation in Padang is not included in our Transfer Package. We recommend Mercure Padang Hotel (www.mercurepadang.com) as it is not far from the harbor and it is possibly the best option available.

Do I need a Visa for my visit to Aloita?

Entry into Indonesia requires a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

Visitors from most countries do not require a visa. A 30-day tourist visa on arrival still applies for some countries (35 USD). Another option is to apply at the Indonesian embassy in your country for a 60-day tourist visa. Please check with your embassy.

Does Aloita have fixed rates for porters?

At the harbour there is no way to load/unload your bags without the help of porters. Price depends on number of bags and boards. If you chose our TRANSFER PACKAGE porters are included. Bargaining with porters can be unpleasant, therefore we recommend choosing one of our packages to avoid possible misunderstandings.

General

Is there a stable Wi-Fi connection at Aloita?

Free WiFi is provided. Signal is usually quite good, however due to our remote location, sometimes the signal can be suspended temporarily.

How is food at Aloita?

Our meals are served buffet style. We do not have a fix menu as it changes depending on seasonality and availability. We always have at least 1 vegan choice, a salad bar, fish or chicken, rarely meat. Lots of fruit and homemade bread for breakfast.

We grow most of our salads, herbs and some other veggies on the island, together with papaya and bananas. We also produce our own coconut oil, rice milk, and yogurt.

I am not a surfer, what are the activities offered at Aloita?

At Aloita Resort we offer a wide variety of activities for surfers and non surfers alike: Day Spa treatments, Yoga classes in our beachfront Yoga Shala, Surf & SUP lessons, Snorkeling Tours, SUP Tours, Trekking in the nearby jungle and Sunset boat Excursions. The use of snorkeling gear and SUPs is complementary.

Can I make cash and credit card payments at Aloita?

The local currency in Indonesia is Rupiah (IDR). Cash withdrawals can be made at ATMs in Padang. You can also bring foreign currency to exchange in Padang. At Aloita we accept cash (only IDR), VISA and MasterCard. Unfortunately we do not accept American Express.

How much do I have to pay prior and/or upon my arrival at Aloita?

A 30% deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.

What are your refund and/or cancellation policies?

Standard Cancellation Policy:In case of cancellation, deposits and final payments are non-refundable. For cancellations received up to 30 days prior to date of arrival, payments can be credited toward a future trip within one year from date of final payment made. No refund of credit will be provided for cancellations within 15 days of arrival or No Shows. Please read terms and conditions here:(www.aloitaresort.com/terms-and-conditions).

 

Covid-19 Cancellation Policy: unprecedented times call for flexible options, therefore we are making your booking as easy as possible.

That’s why we are offering fully flexible re-schedule options that let you book your trip with confidence. Cancellations on all bookings are fully flexible for guests to reschedule free of charge within the period of 2 years from their original booking date. Cancellations must be sent by email, minimum 15 days prior to arrival date. All payments are non-refundable.

Do you have any special deals for honeymooners?

We offer a romantic candle-light dinner setup at our jetty, our guests love it! Personalized menu is available on request.

What time is your check-in? And check-out?

Check-in time: 1 pm. Check-out time: 10 am.

Health

Do I need travel insurance to visit Aloita?

For your personal safety, travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. In case of an emergency, we will assist you in contacting your insurance company.

Is there a risk of contracting Malaria in the Mentawais?

Mosquito bites can bring several diseases, so personal precautions are suggested. Risk of contracting malaria is extremely low in the Mentawai Islands.

Are first AID kits and/or doctors easily available at Aloita?

We have a first aid kit on premises, however we strongly recommend bringing your own medications. In particular, an antiseptic to clean cuts and antibiotics in case of infection. Aloita does not have a doctor on site. There is a local hospital in Tua Pejat (half hour away).

Surf

What does the Surf Package include?

The Surf Package includes 2 daily surf sessions by boat, accompanied by our surf guide. Optional surf photography packages are available.  It costs 79 USD. Days should be chosen in advance, as the number of surfers at Aloita is restricted to 18 people. Days must be consecutive.

Can I buy the Surf Package once in Aloita?

Yes you can, though we highly suggest you purchase it at the moment of the booking. If chosen in Aloita availability is not guaranteed, and the price is 95 USD instead of 79 USD regardless if you participate to 1 or 2 sessions per day.

I have never surfed before, is the Surf School suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes it is! Our home break is very suitable to learn to surf, fun and seldom crowded. At high tide the reef is safe without any strong current and generally the waves are just perfect for beginners. Our team of instructors will take care of all your needs in order to make your water time safe and enjoyable.

I am an intermediate surfer, can I surf in the Mentawais?

Absolutely! Our surf guides will assess your skill and level and, depending on weather and swell conditions, either enroll you on the surf boat or perhaps do some coaching in order to improve your performance.

Can I bring my own surfboards to Aloita?

Yes you can. Indonesia customs allow a maximum of 3 surfboards per person (additional boards will be considered imports and will be charged approx. 100 USD per board). Our Transfer Package includes 1 board bag (3 boards, 15 Kg).

Can I rent a surfboard at Aloita?

Yes you can. We offer a variety of surf boards for rentals: Shortboards (5.10 to 6.4; 24 to 32 litres), Minimals (7.0 to 9.0), Soft tops (shared with the Surf School) and a few Longboards (8.0 to 9.3). We are confident that our selection will satisfy your taste and skills.

What extra surf gear should I bring with me?

We suggest to bring sun protection, extra leashes, spare fins, warm water wax, a rush vest or a light neoprene jacket, surf booties (if you feel that you need them then you probably do, always better to have them and not to use them), a dry bag and a wind stop or rain jacket for boat rides.

What is the Mentawai Surf tax?

All surfers must pay a surfing tax of 1.000.000 Idr (approx. 80 USD) to the Mentawai Tourism Office. We will collect and pay it for you once you are in Aloita. The tax is valid for 15 days.

Weather

How is the weather in the Mentawais?

Aloita lies near the Equator, weather is very similar all year round with occasional tropical storms. Days are warm and humid, nights are slightly cooler.

From May to September:
During this time of the year we enjoy sunny days with little to no wind, and occasional rain – just your standard tropical weather!

March-April & October-November:
With drier weather and light variable winds, during these months sky is mainly clear and you can enjoy amazing sunny days.

Christmas:
Weather can be a bit unpredictable during this season, still on average you will get mostly sunny days, and refreshing nights.

Aloita Resort - Simakakang-Island - Tuapejat Sipora Utara - Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai - Sumatera Barat 25932 - Indonesia
Aloita Resort - Simakakang-Island - Tuapejat Sipora Utara - Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai - Sumatera Barat 25932 - Indonesia

CONTACT

You’ll find us at

Aloita Resort Exclusive marketing and Sales:
Eightyeight collective LTD,
287-299 Queen’s Road Central
Hong Kong, SAR

Aloita Resort
Simakakang Island,
Tuapejat, Sipora Utara,
Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai,
Sumatera Barat 25932, Indonesia

Google Maps

Telephone / WhatsApp: +62 813-2097-1810

Email: info@aloitaresort.com

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