G'day friends,
after we received raving testimonials from our clients that went to Mentawai Islands on board Melaleuca, we decided we could perhaps tell you something more about the boat, post some images and show you that you can go on a 11-night surf charter boat in the Ments for under AU$2000 (late-season 2011 charters for as low as AU$1583 for a large group bookings - as of 30 May 2011) without compromising on quality!
MV Melaleuca is a new boat - built just in 2007. While it is not the fastest vessel in the area (speedboat Peluru takes the victory there), it is spacious, clean, safe and very comfortable. We have been on it and loved it!
The total capacity is 12 surfing-hungry, excited people (but can depart will less - please ask us for specific details) in two 3-bed cabins and three 2-bed cabins.
The boat's best part, however, is not the space, great value for money, chance to surf world-class waves and not even the main salon, equipped with comfortable couches, a bar, a flat screen TV, DVD player and stereo - it is the crew! Regardless of whether we sent a group of young blokes in their 20s or surfing "veterans" in their 50 or 60s, they all raved about the guys - the surf guide Terry, the chefs , the captain K. Saragih ...
Your surf guide is Terry Beathe who is an expert on Mentawai Islands and will get you to uncrowded quality breaks during your trip. He's done 22 winters in Indonesia and with a lot of guiding work on boats and land during this time. His total experience spans over 38 years working in the surfing industry: glassing, shaping, life-guard duties and, of course, guiding. His qualifications include Certificate I in Maritime Duties, Senior First Aid Certificate, Licence Still-water Lifeguard, Licence Padi Diver and he also speaks Indonesian. At present, he is studying for his Master 5 Captain's Certificate.
They all know the area very well and will get you to the most suitable surf breaks depending on the swell, wind conditions and your surfing ability. The food is never the same - variety that is amazing considering you are on a boat.
Availability schedule and more info on the boat: *as of May 30th, 2011
Click HERE for more information.
- The above prices are based on exclusive charter bookings - minimum of 10 persons required.
- Regular individual prices for 2012 season are: US$2,200/peak and US$1,999/off-peak season per person (Early Bird special - the price wil go up on June 2nd, 2011) with minimum of 6 persons required for the boat to depart.
- Regular individual prices for 2011 season are: US$1,900 per person (off-peak).
- Price is per person in AUD and subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.
- Please click "Enquire Here" to email us or call us on 1300 00WAVE to speak with one of our friendly consultants.
What is included in your surf trip with The Melaleuca?
- 10 days/11 nights (unless otherwise specified) air-conditioned accommodation in one of two 3-bed cabins and three 2-bed cabins.
- All transfers to/from Padang Airport to/from port.
- 3 hearty meals a day, plus snacks and beverages.
- 3 beers per person per day.
- Mentawai zone permits.
- Use of onboard equipment.
What do previous guests say?
"Dear Jamie, Thank you for organizing our recent surf charter on the Melaleuca. I just thought I would let you know that I was one of the group of 8 that was on the boat for this surf charter. The boat and the crew were excellent. We had surf every day that we were on the boat and the food that was prepared by the crew was of very high quality. Also the surf guide Terry, I am not sure of his second name, was excellent and fitted in with our group. I would certainly recommend the boat and the crew that we had including the surf guide to any person contemplating a surf charter to the Mentawai Islands. Thanks once again"
Bruce
"Melaleuca crew were bloody awesome."
Charles
"Thanks to the guys at The Perfect Wave for organising an excellent trip. Jamie Gray did a great job with the organising of the trip and in particular answering of all our "stupid" questions that we threw at him. The trip went smoothly without any dramas whatsoever. Terry, the guide on the Melaleuca again proved he is an expert in the Mentawais by getting us into good and relatively uncrowded waves throughout the whole trip. All the boys had a great time and the majority of us will most likely be back soon."
Jason
"All 8 of us on the trip gave it a 10 out of 10. Must also say our surf guide Terry was awesome and helped make the trip of a lifetime. We would not want to do another trip unless we could have Terry as our guide and Jamie as our consultant. The food was fantastic, every day different. We could not ask for more. GREAT SURF EVERY DAY - most days having 3 surfs."
John
"We were 8 kiwi guys 50 to 63 years of age who had never had a boat trip,so our decision to travel to the mentawai islands was a toss up for our first trip! Wow so stoked we went there, Our whole adventure from go to wo was awesome! Waves Boat n food! haha! Great crew n surf guide, We all gave this trip 10 out of 10 and me personally i could have had another 3-5 days without any worry! Cheers"
Mike
"The trip was fantastic we had great waves and the boat was very comfortable and the crew great, the major factor was the surf guide Terry Beathe who slotted right in and made for a great trip, all in all trip of a life time!"
Brent
