Eastern Sri Lanka is nothing like the southern coast. It might as well be it's own country. Wild elephants roam freely and the point breaks are out of this world. This guide shares a few of our favorite places on our last trip east....
I love Sri Lanka. It is no secret. This trip to Sri Lanka I decided to check out a few "new" spots. I wanted to switch it up. And it was mind-blowingly good. Find out what I did, where I stayed and what I ate ...
Swaying in a hammock under a coconut tree, this is how you relax in Sri Lanka. After over a year traveling through and around this gorgeous country (this was written a few years ago now), this country is certainly one of my favorites...
Diana Basto Ferreira is a surfer. And a chef. Oh yea, she travels too. So to sum it up, she is pretty much our dream girl. Diana recently moved to the Southern coast of Sri Lanka to help our friends at Sunshine Stories open Weligama's new hotspot Ceylon Slider's Cafe....
From Colombo down along the stunning southern coastline all the the way to Arugam Bay on the east coast, we have put together a list of our favorite "western-style" restaurants and coffee shops ...
This sweet video was made by photographer and filmmaker Philly Lewis who joined us in Sri Lanka last March for a week of surfing and yoga. The week was spent sleeping within earshot of the waves, underneath a field of towering palm trees, and eating three incredible Ayurvedic meals a day. We...
Details coming soon
Bali Villa Details
Scarecrows
Your New Frontyard – A long lefthander wraps around the front of the Island for rides of up to 200 yards. Picking up most available swell and surfable on any tide, and at any size, Scarecrows is one of the most consistent breaks in the Mentawais. A wave of many moods depending on swell size and direction, the length of the wave ensures a little of everything is on offer. On a good day out front a surfer will find, open faces perfect for carving, long racing walls and multiple barrel sections… sometimes all on the one wave! A fun wave, suitable to surfers of all abilities and skill levels. The reef here is deep by Mentawai standards, though the inside “Curry Bowl” section can get shallow and challenging at low tide, rewarding those who commit with a more intense barrel!
7 palms
Good option for some fun on small days Only a short ride from Togat Nusa, Seven Palms peels off along the reef in front of a scenic limestone coved beach. The wave tends to close out when the swell gets too big so is generally saved for a bit of a change on those smaller days. It is a fun, rippable wave capable of throwing out the odd barrel. Suitable to surfers of any skill level, those looking for more of a challenge can push themselves further up the reef to a sometimes makable faster barrel section.
Telescopes
When its on this long lefthander would have to rank as one of the funest waves in the world.
Requiring a more specific swell direction, Telies is not as consistent as some of our other spots but, once the swell direction is good and lines start wrapping around into the bay at Mapadegat, it really is a sight to be seen. Long rides of over 200 meters are possible, as predictable section after section offer ample opportunities to whack, carve, trim and pull in! Considering the quality of wave, Telies is quite forgiving, the reef here is relatively deep, though the wave should definitely not be taken too lightly. Big swells see large sets breaking further up the reef as barrels reel quickly down the line and into the regular takeoff zone, slowing down briefly before walling up and concentrating again on the inside tube section.
Icelands
Rarely a day goes by when there isn’t some form of surfeable wave at this swell magnet An average day at icelands will see a steepish takeoff, followed by a shorter ride with opportunity for a couple of turns and the occasional barrel. However, once a big W-SW swell hits Icelands it truly starts to show itself, transforming from a small swell ‘go to’ spot into somewhat of a beast. A powerful left, the takeoff is steep, as the wave jacks quickly out of deep water throwing out a heaving barrel, for anyone who has what it takes…..
Suicides
A right hander which breaks over a shallow and very live reef, Suicides is best surfed on a high tide. Those who aren’t lured too far up the reef by an enticing, yet unmakeable section, can negotiate a steep takeoff straight into a barrel before coming through to the next section and chance for a couple of turns as the wave fattens out into the channel.
Embok Tikus
A fun playful left hander hidden around the corner from Icelands, fun for those looking for something a little mellower , longboarders or intermediate surfers. A great place to check if the swell is big and want some shelter.
Secrets
When the waves are big there are options to explore some secret spots that start to work. We have some perfect setups around for longboarding and mellower fun waves. There are are plenty of other fun waves tucked around the islands , fun for the whole family.
The Boats
All surf transfers in the neighbourhood are included. A traditional dug out canoe, powered by two 40 horsepower Yamaha engines will transfer you safely to and from the surf at speeds of up to 20 knots.
Day trips on the speed boat down to Lances right ( HT’S ), Lances Left or up to the Playgrounds Area are $300USD per day for up to 8 People.
Please note that this is not a beginners trip, we can accommodate for mellow cruiser styles and waves including longboarding, but you must be able to ride a wave, duck-dive and look after yourself out there.
We love to take photos and we will have a photographer floating around to capture your waves and dreamy days free of charge. We are really looking forward to making art at this amazing destination with you.
Please Consider approching the photographer if you would like to shot any commercial products.
There are a few things to consider prior to your departure. Overall the trip is as simple as showing up at Padang airport on the 1st October where you will be met by a Togat Nusa employee who will guide you onto your last leg from Padang to the island.
You will need to arrive in Padang the day before your trip date (1st October) as the ferry departure is first thing in the morning (2nd october). Once you arrive at Minangkabau International Airport (PDG) and have collected your luggage, You will be met at outside by our friendly Togat Nusa representative. Who will organise everything you need from that point onwards. You will be shown to the waiting vehicle(s) for the entertaining 40 minute ride from the airport into Padang city. We will book a hotel for you, and you can pay on arrival to the hotel. (transport around Padang is all included in your fee) Padang city is an interesting place and our staff will happily provide you with some suggestions of things to do, or you may just want to rest up after your flight.
On your return another night in Padang is recommended as the ferry arrives in padang at 6.30pm. You will be picked up the next morning and taken to your flight.
You will Be picked up from your hotel by our friendly staff at 6am and guided to the Mentawai Fast Ferry for a 3.5hour trip to the island resort where you will be greeted by pure paradise.
All transfers from arrival at the airport out to the island and back are included in your package.
Travel Insurance is mandatory for your personal safety. Travel Insurance packages start at $60 and up we like to use World Nomads. 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.
The most important thing to remember is to make sure that you have an updated passport and a valid VISA. 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 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.
We cannot be held liable for changes to travel arrangements or delays brought about by external influences or transport providers.
The best advice when packing for a retreat is to pack as light as possible.
There are waves suited to all different types of surf craft, but a really good tip is to bring boards for the types of waves YOU want to ride. When the swell is up, there is plenty of options so don’t feel like you need to bring a big step-up board. Most people bring 2-3 boards, and dont forget to check with your airlines about surfboard fees.
Photocopy of travel insurance and passport
Cash (Indonesian Rupiah) to settle any extras that you buy.
Camera and video camera and lenses/accessories
Sandals or thongs
Beach towel
Laptop and smartphone (optional)
Flash drive (for photos)
Insect repellant (please avoid bringing aerosols to the island where possible)
Malaria medication if recommended by your doctor
First aid kit for yourself and/or the tropics – we do first aid equipment
Sun cream and zinc and after sun products its hot out here
2 pin European/indonesian Electrical adaptor
Reef walkers or booties – if your feet arnt used to the reef
Books – you are welcome to swap from our collection if you finish those that you bring
Small backpack or waterproof carry bag
Spray jacket
Sports or stainless water bottle (please help us to minimize plastics in the area)
yoga mat
Wireless Internet is available in the Bar/restaurant area for guests to email, skype and check surf reports and tell all your friends how amazing this is.
Divine Treats :
A hammam (Moroccan steam bath), a rejuvenating indulgence to deeply relax, traditionally followed by a gommage, an exfoliating massage-scrub, a body mask and then a full body massage. Unwind with this heavenly afternoon treat (500 dh / approx: $55).
Paradise Valley :
Our local guides can drive you inland into beautiful Paradise Valley. Explore its’ streams, waterfalls and pools, take a picnic, walk, swim and relax (30 min drive, 300 dh -$33 min 2pp, 150 dh – $15 pp min 4 people).
Agadir :
A trip to this area would not be complete without a visit to the Agadir Souq (main market), perfect for gift shopping. Agadir beach is a huge sandy bay, great for swimming, walking, sunbathing and lots of tourist activities, restaurants, cafés etc.
Essaouira :
This lively and artistic town makes for a popular mid week break, an
ideal place for shopping, eating and experiencing a bit more of
magical Morocco. Transport for the day (vehicle & driver 800 dh
approx $80).
Camel riding, horse riding, quad biking, jet skis.
We can arrange for you to take-in this dramatic coastal and hillside region on a quad bike, jet ski, camel or on horseback. Excellent horses and guides are available to suit all abilities. Camels and horses can even pick you up from our front door! (from 180 dh per hour approx $18).
Prices in USD and may change based on currency rates
