Where are the surf camps?

The camps are situated on the south west coast of the Lampung province, on the world's fifth largest island, Sumatra. Lampung borders the provinces of Bengkulu and South Sumatra.

What is the Local religion?

The overwhelming majority of Lampung embrace Islam, which has a tremendous influence on their culture. These Muslims believe they will be judged on their knowledge of the Qu'ran, their sacred book, as well as what they did with their lives. Some are devoutly religious people who say their prayers five times daily. Besides the teachings of Islam and its strong influence on their culture, they also have strong beliefs and accompanying practices concerning the powers of spirits. These beliefs influence various facets of their lives. Some believe whistling in a house at night can invite evil spirits. Also, there is the belief that traveling on your birthday is bad luck. Because of their fear of evil spirits, the Lampung try to live good lives so as to be careful not to become the targets for the anger of the evil spirits.

Can you tell more about Sumatra?

About the size of California, Sumatra is the second largest island in the Indonesian archipelago and is formed by a longitudinal spine of mountains including 90 volcanoes. Most the population live in the foothills, plateaus and highlands. The entire island was once covered in dense rainforest, but sadly today, due to its country’s prime earner “agricultural land”, most has now been destroyed. Sumatra’s other main exports include palm oil, rubber, tobacco, coffee and tea. Sumatra is still a wonderful and truly beautiful island with volcanoes and hot springs, lakes and rivers, rolling green foothills, plantations and wild jungle. The island boasts many reserves that protect the island's wealth of indigenous wildlife, including elephants, tigers, rhinos, orang-utans and tapirs.

Do we need Visas?

All visitors to Indonesia need a valid passport (with over 6 months validity) and need to obtain a visa to gain entry. Travellers wishing to stay 30 days or less can obtain a visa at the airport.
Nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the UK and the USA can apply for a Tourist visa, valid for 30 days (non-extendable), on arrival, provided that they enter through one of the authorized airports or seaports. Those wishing to stay longer need to contact the Indonesian Embassy prior to travel to arrange this.

What are the health risks?

Travellers to Indonesia must contact their local medical centre at least 4 weeks in advance before travelling. All visitors need full health insurance including emergency repatriation cover. Adequate routine medical care is available in all major cities, but emergency services are generally inadequate outside major cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payments before any treatment is given. Although medical costs are fairly cheap, drugs can be expensive.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. The countries and areas included in the yellow fever endemic zones are considered by Indonesia as infected areas.

Cholera and Typhoid also occurs.

Malaria risk exists throughout the year everywhere except in the main tourist resorts of Java and Bali, Jakarta municipality and other big cities where risk is only slight. Please contact your local GP to arrange suitable preventative measures before travelling.

What’s the dress code?

There is a dress code in the area. When around the camp and beach, men are allowed to wear just board shorts (no t-shirt) but must wear a t-shirt when leaving the camp.
Women may wear bikinis/swim suits when swimming, but g-strings aren’t allowed. Sarongs must be worn when on the beach. When leaving the camp you must wear long pants or a sarong, as well as a short sleeve t-shirt.

Can we drink alcohol?

Yes. Alcohol should only be consumed on the premises. Drunken and disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in an early departure from the camps.

Can we change money in the local area?

No. There’s no local currency changing facilities, so all cash needs to be brought with you prior to travel. We’d recommend bringing a few hundred pound ($400US) as a safe guard. Alcohol and bottled water isn't included in any of the packages. Some fuel charges may be incurred on some packages as well. Please also note that traveller’s cheques are not accepted in the area.

What about general Indonesian Warnings, natural hazards and disasters?

All guests are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest up to date travel advice.

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: www.travel.state.gov/travel