Jakarta: In Jakarta we recommend using the Sheraton Bandara Hotel. Just three kilometers from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the Sheraton Bandara Hotel offers a unique, five-star, resort-style experience. We’re in the heart of the thriving, cultural metropolis of Indonesia, just a short drive from Jakarta’s central business district. The city’s energy is close by, but the tranquil countryside that surrounds us makes it feel miles away.

Blending an international ambience with local contemporary culture, our décor combines modern and traditional wooden furniture with soft colored fabrics and a wide selection of arts and crafts. Our 220 fully soundproof guest rooms provide wonderful views of the garden or lake as well as High Speed Internet Access.

For under $100/night you can stay at a very upscale hotel, 5 minutes from the airport... best of all they pick you up at your gate upon arrival to eliminate any confusion.

Click here to find out more information about the Sheraton Bandara.

5. What do you suggest I pack for my trip? The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. This fundamental rule of travel is especially true on a surf charter through the Telo Islands- when most of your time is spent in the water. Please click here to view our "Travel Information" page where you will find our list of "Essentials" - an extremely helpful checklist you should use for your trip.

6. What kind and how many boards should I take? Most people bring 2-4 boards. Most people will ride their standard shortboards most of the time but a good idea to follow is to track the swell forecast before your trip and plan accordingly.   I generally bring 4 surfboards - two shortboards (6'2"), one mid sized board for when it gets a little bigger (6'5"), and one gun for the biggest days (6'10"). If you are going to bring an extra board we would suggest a replacement for the board you will use the most as it is not uncommon to break boards.

7. What types of services and amenities are available at the resort? Please refer to the "Resort Features" section to answer this one.

8. What type of health precautions should I take? A. Most travelers usually update their tetanus and hepatitis shots before traveling to any remote region of the world. B. Malaria is a reality in some parts of Indonesia including the Telo Islands; consult your doctor for more information. C. If you take a prescription medication make sure you bring the necessary paperwork that goes with it in case of an emergency. D. If you are prone to seasickness please bring something to counteract its effects such as dramamine or bonine. E. For more information please consult your doctor.

9. Should I be concerned about malaria? It is a matter of personal choice whether to take anti- malarial medication. Malaria is endemic in some of the places you will be visiting.

Prevention is always best. RLZ takes all reasonable measures to minimize your risk, but see your doctor for advice prior to travel.

10. Do I need travel insurance? Travel Insurance is mandatory for your personal safety. The easiest way for United States customers to acquire travel insurance is through our travel partner, Jeff Samuelson, at Oceanview Travel. Travel Insurance packages start at $60 and go up. 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.

11. What documents do I need to take? Citizens of the United States need a passport with at least six months of validity left and one other form of identification.

You should also carry a back-up photocopy of your passport, id, and airline ticket with you at all times. It doesn't hurt to leave another copy at home as well.

When you are in Indonesia you will be issued an immigration form that you must keep until your departure. When you leave they will ask to see it to determine how long you were in Indonesia. Please take care of that form once they give it to you.

The most important thing to remember on this list 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 people can take care of their VISA upon entering Indonesia including citizens of the United States and Australia but before you purchase your airline tickets please check with your local authorities to make sure you're covered...

12. How long can I stay in Indonesia? 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.

13. How much money do I need to take? Once you get to the resort all you have to focus on is getting as many good waves as possible. Most of our guests bring extra money for the following reasons: A. Traveling Money: $150US B. Souvenir money: $50US C. VISA money: $25US D. Money for tipping the staff: $75 - $? E. Beer and Alcohol : $? (Credit Cards are accepted at the resort)

Once you arrive in Padang the best way to exchange money is to simply take it out of a bank's ATM machine (If you think ahead you can do it in Singapore). If you do decide to exchange money please make sure you have immaculate, non-wrinkled bills - even then they might not get taken. Travelers Checks are useless.

14. Is there a photographer available for my trip? Please contact us for details about adding a photographer to your trip and updated availability.

15. Can I recharge my video camera etc.. at the resort? Yes, power converters are available for your recharging requirements.

16. Do you have fishing and/or diving gear at the resort? We have some fishing equipment at the resort, but if you are a keen fisherman bring some of your own lures and maybe your own casting rod.

If you'd like to snorkel please bring your own equipment for sanitary reasons.

If you must bring a spear gun there is a risk of it being confiscated by customs.  We suggest you break it into it's components and separate them in your baggage.

17. Can I be contacted while I'm at the resort? The resort currently uses a variety of ways to stay in touch with the outside world. Most guests prefer to bring their own computers with their own Skype accounts and talk online. However, we offer two ways to make calls, one through our Skype connection. We also have decent mobile phone coverage so make sure you have an international plan to check your e-mails!

18. Can I check my e-mails while at the resort?
Resort Latitude Zero is fully equipped with a reliable high speed internet connection

Please feel free to bring along your laptop during your stay with us as our wireless connection covers a large portion of the resort including inside each room.

We encourage most people to use their personal laptops in their rooms if you'd like to get online. If you don't want to bring along a laptop there are a few computers at the resort available to check surf reports, send e-mails, and make phone calls.

19. What is your policy on illegal substances? Our operation is drug free.  Indonesia has some of the strictest laws against drug use, drug trafficking, drug anything! Resort Latitude Zero does not condone drug use in any form at our resort - guests who are found to be using drugs at the resort will be asked to leave immediately. It's just not worth the hassle and trouble! Our policy is simple - no drugs allowed... please.

20. Can you give me an idea of how many other people I'll be surfing with? This question really depends on where you want to surf. It is possible to get away from the main spots and surf in solitude - everything really depends on the conditions for that day and the consensus among the group.

21. Can I celebrate a special occasion at the resort? Hopefully with enough advanced notice we can accommodate any and all requests.

22. What happens if my flight is delayed or my boards don't make it? Fortunately we rarely encounter problems with our guests boards. In the rare instance that your boards do not make it we still send the trip out on schedule and make arrangements with one of our boats or another boat to rendezvous with you and drop off your boards.

If your flight is delayed we react accordingly but since most of our groups are whole group charters if one person is delayed, the whole groups is delayed and it makes everything that much easier to cope with. Whatever time you arrive in Padang we'll be there to pick you up make sure you get where you need to go as efficiently as posisble.

23. What happens when I arrive in Padang? This is one question we hear most frequently. Click here to see the basic travel itinerary.

Features

Resort Latitude Zero Photo Galleries: