Macaronis Resort

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE AREA..

Macaronis Resort is located on North Pagai Island in the southern region of the Mentawai Island chain. We are located central to Katieit on South Sipora (Lances surfing area) and Sibegau Island nearby South Pagai (Thunders surfing area). Macaronis is remotely located 120 Nm from Padang and 5 km from Silabu Village which is located 3 km in-land on the edge of a an arterial river system.

Silabu Village has approximately 200 indigenous inhabitants and is located about 20km from Sikakap, only connected by walking track that can also be crossed on a motor bike taking about 1.5 hours. The village is largely traditional due to its remote location. The only reason the villagers have had any contact with the outside world is through Christian missionaries that converted them in the early 1900's, and more recently due to Macaronis wave and its popularity among visiting surfers.  

Salt water crocodiles (known locally as Buaya) still inhabit the area but are timid of humans and can usually only be seen in the interior river systems, but sometimes in the ocean as well. Guests still swim in the lagoon and ocean regardless, and we have been informed by the villagers that although several dogs have been taken over the years, no humans have been known to be taken by crocodiles in the area. There are also some of the largest snakes in the world living in the jungle, including reticulated pythons that grow as thick as a tree trunk, king cobra and green tree snakes. Water Dragons (similar to goannas and known locally as Buayak) are also plentiful on our island growing up to 2 meters in length.  

In the jungle there is wild bore with large white tusks and on our island there is a family of endangered Pagai monkeys with black fure and white faces. Various other species of Monkey exist including the Mentawai Leaf Monkey, Macaques and another two species. There are also flying squirils (tupay) on our island and Macaronis is home to the Crested Serpant Eagle that lives in the hollowed out rotting tree trunks around Macaronis Point and on Silabu Island.

Silabu lagoon has a variety of fish species including squid, various crab species including mud crab, Giant Trevally, octopus, sea snails, mangrove jack, snapper, mullet, yellow tipped Trevally, blue tipped trevally and Scorpion fish. Trawling in the ocean one can catch Giant Trevally, King Mackral / Tengirri, Mahi Mahi, Sail Fish and sometimes even Black Marlin. The forests and ocean is abandant with nature. In the forest there are also wild black spotted deer and who knows what else can be found in there; a surprise is always around the corner.

2. HOW ARE SURF CHARTERS ORGANISED ON INDIES EXPLORER?

Surf charters aboard Indies Explorer are optional for all guests staying at Macaronis Resort at an additional cost of US$80 per pasenger for each full day of surfing, or US$480 per day for the whole boat if there are less than 6 passengers.

2-3 day trips are offered on the information board in the cafe heading either north to Lances or south to Thunders depending on swell and wind conditions. To book a spot, guests simply put their names down on the list and upon confirmation, payment can be made at reception prior to departure.

3. HOW RELIABLE IS THE AMBU AMBU FERRY SERVICE?

Ambu Ambu Ferry is contracted by the Indonesian government to operate minimum 45 return trips to Sikakap annually (port closest to Macaronis) over 48 weeks of the year. The ferry service must complete this minimum service level to obtain its subsidy supplied by the Indonesian Government (therefore minimum reliability is 45/48 x 100 = approx. 94 %). In the past 2 years this service level has been acheived, and only on one occasion in year 2007 did the Ambu Ambu Ferry fail to depart to Sikakap due to severe weather causing dangerous seas.

Further Information about Ambu Ambu Ferry:

  • Total Certified Crew: 21
  • Jakarta docking times (not in service): The full month of August, annually.
  • Main engines: 2
  • Back up engines: 2
  • Twin share air-conditioned cabins: 5
  • Quad Share air-conditioned cabins: 3
  • Safety Equipment: International Standard - life rafts (viewable in photo below), life jackets, fire fighting equipment / interior sprinklers etc.
  • VIP airconditioned seating lounge: 60+ reclining seats
  • Facilities: Canteen serving cold drinks, snacks, tea and coffee, cold beer
  • Over-all an enjoyable cultural experience, also having the opportunity to mingle with locals.

Above: Ambu Ambu Passenger Ferry operated by ASDP Ferry Indonesia

 

* Please Note: Macaronis Resort does not recommend use of any other Mentawai ferries available that have proven unreliable with only basic safety standards..

 

4. WHAT HAPPENS IF AMBU AMBU FERRY FAILS TO DEPART PADANG?

If we receive news at the resort that Ambu Ambu Ferry has failed to depart Padang, then guests at the resort will be asked to pack their luggage to depart on the Thursday evening at 9:30pm back to Padang arriving at 12:30pm the next day. Indies Explorer will then depart at 4:30pm Friday back to Macaronis Resort with new guests arriving at 7:30am on Saturday morning. This in reality will mean half a day of surfing lost for both arriving and departing groups effected by an emergency situation. Macaronis Resort does not charge guests any extra for emergency transfers provided on the Indies Explorer.

For this reason Indies Explorer stands by at Macaronis Resort on Thursday and Friday evenings in readiness in case emergency transport is ever required to / from Padang. In addition, we should mention that Indies Eplorer has operated as a charter vessel in Mentawai waters for over 7 years and has comfortably made the crossing to and from Padang on dozens of occasions, therefore guests should feel comfortable that they are in safe hands traveling back to / from the Mentawais on the Indies Explorer if ever this situation does occure.

5. WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT PROCEEDURES?

  • All bookings require a non-refundable US$500.00 deposit to secure the booking.
  • Balance Payment is required 60 days prior to the commencement of the booking.
  • All payments should be made to your agent or if booking direct to the following bank account:

Bank: Mandiri

Branch: Imam Bonjol, Padang

Account Name: Mark Loughran / Silabu Unit Trust

Currency: USD

Account Number: 1110004459620

Swift Code: beiiidja

 

6. DO I REQUIRE CASH WHILST AT THE RESORT?

Additional funds will be required for speedboat hire or Indies Explorer surf charters, beverages consumed from the public bar, additional meals ordered from the Ala Carte menu, purchase of souvenirs or any other extras. Macaronis Resort offers a money changing service accepting United States dollars, Australian dollars and Euro Dollars. For convenience, we are currently installing Visa Card facilities for season 2008.

7. WHAT ABOUT MALARIA?

The risk of contracting Malaria in the Mentawai Islands is no different to the risks associated with visiting the island of Nias, the Hinako Islands, Simeulue, G-Land, Lakey Peak, Desert Point, Sumba and various other remote surfing areas in Indonesia. Any remote area has the potential for an outbreak of Malaria, depending on controlling factors such as rainfall, potential mosquito breeding areas and awareness of the local community.

Over the past 3 years since the construction of Macaronis Resort some 500 guests have visited Macaronis Resort and we are proud to say that as of January 2008, no guests having stayed at Macaronis Resort has been unlucky enough to have contracted Malaria.

Given the fact that all accommodation and entertainment facilities at Macaronis Resort are fan cooled and air-conditioned, the chances of contracting mosquito bites are remote given that proper caution is taken. We recommend that all guests visiting Macaronis Resort take anti-malarial medication as an added precaution (we recommend doxicyclin) and take extra care at night by covering up and applying mosquito repellent (when outdoors).

8. IS EMERGENCY EVACUATION AVAILABLE?

Emergency evacuation to Padang is available by Speed boat (Surf Cat or Bluefin), Indies Explorer or in some circumstances by helicopter (you must consult with your travel insurance company to qualify) or by plane from Rokot airstrip on Sipora Island 60 miles to the north.

9. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

Traditionally, March through to October is regarded as the peak surfing season, when the swell is largest and most consistent. However perfect glassy surf in the 3 - 6 ft range can also be found with less crowds from November to February, an ideal time for less experienced surfers or those surfers who are in 'the know' and are looking to avoid crowds.

As the Mentawai Islands are located only 1 degree south of the equator, weather conditions are generally similar all year round (tropical, humid, sunny weather), however August and September are known to produce less stable weather, with occasional storms and strong winds.

The months of December to February are generally fairly stable with respect to wind, but these months are very humid creating additional rainfall in the afternoon and of an evening. That's certainly not to say that during these months there aren't perfect unridden barrels passing through most of the islands in the Mentawais.....(well most of them unridden!!)...

10. HOW MANY SURF BOARDS AND HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?

Bring as many boards as you like. But keep in mind that there will be luggage restrictions on your international and domestic flights. But when it comes to Indies Explorer and Ambu Ambu Feryy, there is plenty of room for all of your luggage and surfboards that you would like to bring. Surf boards can also be left at the resort in storage for those that plan to return annually.