Discover the surf
LowPressure Stormrider Surf Guide says
In a very short period of time, this wild and remote chain of islands, lying about 90k’s (55mi) off the Sumatran mainland, have become the most sought after destination for surfers looking to ride “the best waves in the world”. This bold claim is rarely disputed, as those who score a solid SW swell will testify and few return from the Mentawais disappointed with the wave quality and quantity. The key to this rapid ascension to the pinnacle of world surfing lies in the sheer concentration of truly world-class breaks and an unmatched flexibility when it comes to handling different swell and wind combinations. Being a degree or three below the equator helps massively, as the light, flukey winds provide a variety of directions unseen in other parts of Indonesia and it often transpires that proper glassy conditions bookend the day. Furthermore, the geomorphology of this seismically active region seems to cause unusual swell refraction and diffraction, creating unexpected waves round the back of islands and islets where none should normally exist. These coral encrusted lava reefs fringe a still relatively untouched rainforest and many of the tribal inhabitants of the remoter regions still cling to a traditional subsistence lifestyle, maintaining little contact with the outside world. Progress is unavoidable though and whereas 15 years ago, yacht charters were the only way to go, now a half dozen land camps have been established at the banner waves and many more are planned. This has led to Silabu Village installing 2 buoys in Pasongan harbour next to Macaronis, requiring boats to book in a week before arrival and pay a $30 mooring fee plus the $1.50 per head surfer fee, which are used for community projects. This limits the numbers to around 36 maximum, shared evenly between the resort and charters and stops anchor damage in the bay. This precedent may expand across the region if resorts can obtain the various government licenses. Threats to revoke charter licenses for boats not registered in Indonesia have been rumoured and would drastically reduce surf fleet numbers if implemented.
The hulking mass of Siberut presents a primal vista, with the hardwood forest shrouded in mist and it exudes an air of power and mystery, emanating from the mountainous interior. This largest island in the Mentawai chain has only been lightly surfed by long-range charter crews grabbing an opportunistic wave on the way to the Nias area. That means spots on the backside are more often seen from the northern tip at Tanjung Sigep, down to the impossibly sheltered Teluk Tabekat and out to the headland at Sikabaluan, but most will pass by like ships in the night. A good deal of the SW-facing coast is straight line reefs, exposed and messed up by wind and swell, but a few obvious jinks in the coast could produce a left or two at Tanjungs Sakaladat, Sataerataera and Simasuket. Many captains will have a few spots sussed for certain conditions and there are some mellow breaks in the playgrounds area that get ridden like Taileleo, a fun mal slide facing south, Pearlers peak nestled behind Masokut and a righthander round the backside near the Muara harbour. It is important to recognise that while there are 40-60 named breaks, many more are out there, being surfed by experienced captains who know the deal.
Find more general info about when to go and statistics on the Low Pressure’s Stormrider Guide website
Condition descriptions provided by the Operator
Location
Located in northern Mentawai near the Playgrounds anchorage, the wave park offers 21 different waves to choose from that we have designated beginner, intermediate and advanced. We are proud of our extensive knowledge of secret Mentawai waves as well as Mentawai weather conditions; built up from our combined 39 years of experience hunting waves in the wave park area. With unrivaled speed and comfort between lineups you will get better surf, more often with less crowds.
Surfing in Mentawai
The Wavepark contains 21 named waves, and some that we won't talk about on this site because they are secret. Hideaways Resort is special within the Mentawais for these reasons:
We have the highest density of good waves in the Mentawais. Every wave is within a 30 minute speedboat ride from the resort
Every wind is offshore somewhere. This means that you will always be surfing clean waves if you want to.
Our swell window is huge, from 240 SW through to 165 SE, our area rakes in the swell from the southern indian ocean.
Our waves are the closest Mentawai waves to mainland Sumatra, which means less travel time for you between your home and our perfect waves.
We have waves that cater to beginners and professional surfers. We limit our guest capacity to 12 surfers, which means more waves for everybody!
Every difficult wave has an alternate and easier wave nearby. This means we can split our group up for different surf abilities.
You won't believe the swell refraction around the islands of the WavePark until you've been here. In some places we surf waves where the swell is breaking 180 degrees from where it came from. Basically the swell is doing a huge U-turn and ending up groomed on a reef for your enjoyment. This is handy especially when we have a south swell running with a south wind. We can always get offshore and clean waves.
Waves
Fun waves
No stress, no anxiety, just paddle out in the tropical warm water and have a bunch of fun!
Playgrounds
Pitstops
Bengbengs
Burgerworld
Baker's House
Challenging waves
Whether you are an expert, beginner, or somewhere in between, we will provide you with waves that are up to your ability, and usually just a little beyond.
Tikis
Candys
Hideaways
Pistols
Kerinci
Spankers
Charging waves
At WavePark Mentawai we have a few waves that can only be ridden if you are CHARGING!!
Consider these waves as "advanced", or "black diamond".
Rifles
Kandui
Piggy Banks
Bankvaults
Ebay
Corners
- Guiding
- Spot Transfers
- Airport Transfers
Your accommodation
- Family
- Couple
- Solo Traveler
- Groups
- Longboarders
- SUP
Wavepark Resort
The original secret surfing location and Mentawai adventure surfing resort in the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
One of the most important goals at Wavepark is creating a Mentawai resort accommodation experience for our guests that exceeds their expectations. The photographs of our resort accommodation don't do justice to the location; the sounds of waves lapping on the shoreline 20 meters away, palm fronds swaying in the breeze, or the sounds of birds in the jungle treetops. All of the buildings are made to feel like tropical resort accommodation, instead of feeling like a hotel anywhere else in the world. In our minds, it would be better for our guests to stay home than to travel all this way and feel like a busy business traveller staying in a hotel.
All of the materials used for our Mentawai resort are from the Mentawai islands except the screws, bolts, nails and concrete used for the foundations and joining. All labor to build our facilities was from our partners and their families, helping to keep the expenditures and revenue streams as local as possible.
Our island is 66 acres total, 9 of which we have cleared and landscaped using plants from the islands around us. We hope that you will come and enjoy our locally designed, built and constructed Mentawai resort and please.
Bungalows
From our guest Stephen: "Next to sitting on the deck with a cold Storm Beer and watching the evening sun wash everything scarlet, the nicest things about the bungalow is being able to sit up in bed at first light and confirm the dull roar audible above the lapping of the shore break is Hideaways greeting the new day with a new swell.
Island comfort all thanks to the care Christie and Alice have taken to ensure the design, the furniture, the bathroom and the service are all first class."
The bungalows are designed to accommodate a family of 4, two in a private bedroom, and 2 in a shared living room space. Wherever possible, or upon special request, we will be utilizing the bungalows for only 2 guests at a time with priority going to return guests. We can accommodate 5 per bungalow upon request.
The bungalows have an indoor/outdoor bathroom, complete with a double vanity, a couple's shower with hot/cold water and a western style toilet. Both bungalows are a stone's throw from the water's edge, and each is complete with twin reclining chaise lounge chairs for sitting on the beach in comfort. Hideaways is visible from each verandah and most of the beds in the bungalows.
Padang City and Sumatra Hotels
In 2012, all guests will need to spend at least one night in Padang. We are recommending the Mercure Padang and Hotel Padang for 2012 season. Both hotels take credit cards, have free wifi, a/c, satellite TV, in room safes and include breakfast. Please let us know which hotel you prefer for your night in Padang and we will have our Padang manager make your hotel booking with our corporate rates.
Mercure Hotel
The one and only hotel where you can see sunrise and sunset. 5 star glory in Padang. Brand new, multi-story hotel on an elevated property overlooking the beach. Western sterility with Minangkabau (West Sumatran) touches. Swimming pool, bar, beach and mountain views. WPM rates are about 25% off Mercure's published rate.
Padang Hotel
Old school glory, historic one story Dutch colonial building with newly renovated deluxe rooms and lobby. A true taste of Indonesia with western comforts. Breezy property centrally located right by the central post office, Garuda airlines office and very close to "Pasar Raya" (central market) about 1km from the beach.
Bali Villa Rentals
If you're coming to WavePark through Bali, you might want to consider our recommended properties there.
What awaits you
Own island in the middle of the Mentawai playground area
Welcome to your own island in the middle of the playground area of the Mentawai islands. Operating since 1998 this is the original full service surf resort. Only twelve surfers are allowed to maximise your surf time. The whole island is for the enjoyment of Wavepark guests only – enjoy activities such as fishing or snorkelling in crystal clear turquoise water or go for a stroll on the white sandy beach. The resort offers fixed dates with convenient and fast transfers from Padang to Wavepark. The perfect location together with the fast speedboat transfers ensure that you are able to quickly and comfortably access all of the more than 20 spots in the immediate area. There are waves to suit any level of surfing – from gentle learner waves to grinding spitting barrels (best left to the experts).
Tucking into endless barrels or smacking your lip
This is a surfing wonderland with so many perfect waves (many of them world class) to choose from. From March to November the Roaring Forties supply an endless supply of swell to these wave soaked islands. Just picture yourself tucking into endless barrels or smacking your umpteenth lip – this is what dreams are made of.
This is a great all inclusive option to enjoy this wave rich surfing wonderland with an established resort – book now!
4 reasons to choose Wavepark Mentawai:
- The original full service surf resort of the Mentawaiis - operating since 1998.
- Only 12 surfers allowed!
- The whole island is for the enjoyment of Wave Park guests only!
- Perfect location in the middle of the playground area.
Activities
SURFING
21 named Mentawai waves around our resort cater to all surfing abilities.
FISHING
Included in your exclusive resort booking are guided Mentawai fishing tours.
SNORKELING
WavePark Mentawai Resort has all the gear necessary to get you in the water and enjoy the beautiful reefs and fish surrounding the island.
TREKKING
We organize Mentawai trekking and hiking adventures for cultural sharing and family fun.
SUP
Wavepark Mentawai has stand up paddle boards for the use of our guests.
KAYAKING
Explore the Mentawai lagoons and oceans with our resort supplied kayaks.
ISLAND MUSIC STUDIO
Bring your favorite instrument or band and record here on the island in CD quality. Perfect for live bands playing together, or individual tracks to be engineered at a later date.
Bar and Restaurant
WavePark Bar will always be the first and best-stocked bar in the Mentawais. With a dedicated bar tender ready to serve your cold beverages, you're ready to watch the sunset over our beautiful bay. Once it is dark, enjoy reliving the day's action on the big screen with photos taken by our full-time photographer, showing everybody's triumphs and tragedies almost life size in the lounge of the bar. Bring your own duty free if you wish, you only need to pay for corkage and mixers to get your personal cocktail mixed everytime.
The restaurant looks out over the gardens the bay, and from the front steps you can see our homebreak breaking at the end of the bay. The binoculars provided will get you even closer to the spectacular waves, not 10 minutes walk from where you're sitting.
With 3 meals a day served up hot in the dining room, the guests usually eat together, with either plated or home-style service from our kitchen staff. We cater to special dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian and allergy concious choices. We aim to give you the maximum enjoyment of your meals during your visit with us, and especially gear our menu towards healthy choices. We understand what it takes to keep a body on high energy and hydrated throughout the day. We always offer on hand cold water, ice tea, ginger/lemongrass homebrew, fruit teas and young coconuts are also available upon request. Soft drinks are available in the bar for Rp. 10,000/can.
We stock cold beer including Bintang, Heineken, Tiger, San Miguel and Storm microbrew. We also have a full bar for mixed, blended and shaken drinks. There is a corkage charge of Rp.50,000 on any bottle of duty free brought in the bar. Beer prices start at Rp. 30,000 for a cold can of Bintang, up to Rp. 40,000 San Miguel or Storm microbrew from Bali (Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Bronze Ale, Tropical Ale, Iron Stout). A single liquor shot is Rp. 40- 45,000, depending on low or high shelf liquor.There is a 10% tax levied on all consumables from the bar, as required by law.
Our menu is a set 10 or 11 day resort menu, which varies according to local supplies of fish, crab, shrimp and other delicacies. The menu consists of about 1/2 Western dishes, and 1/2 Asian dishes. We're constantly refining our menu with the input from our visiting western chefs, and we get fresh supplies once a week from the mainland, delivered on ice from our office staff there.
There are always crackers, bread, jams, jellies and peanut butter, cookies and snack bars available to guests as surf fuel and in between meal munchies. Tea, coffee, juices and water are available at all times, all day, everyday. Drinking water comes from rainwater that we catch. The water is carbon-filtered and refilled daily to 19 liter bottles and distributed daily into individual drinking containers. Water for showering and toilets is from a well located near each of the bungalows or collected rainwater. Fruit is as variable as it is seasonal including, mangos,bananas, papaya, watermelon, apples, oranges, limes, mangosteens, snake-fruit, passion-fruit and other kinds of local fruit that are rare and delicious. Fruit is always available during the day and is mainly served on pancakes or with muesli during breakfast.
Your All-Inclusive Price Includes:
- Transfers between the Padang airport and hotel in Padang for you and all your luggage in air conditioned comfort
- Tour guide while in Padang, on call 24/7
- Accommodation in one of our 6 WavePark Mentawai Bungalows
- Guided surfing and fishing speedboat service all day, everyday
- 3 meals a day and resort-provided drinks, such as cordial, iced tea, fresh ginger lemongrass, and fresh coconut water
- Exclusive use of our entire private island, which has a maximum capacity of 12 guests at a time
- All WavePark facilities, including ping pong and pool games room, photography platforms, frisbee golf course, and TV/DVD/Digital projector
- Guided activities including snorkeling trips, fishing excursions, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and guided coconut plantation tours
- Access to extras such as massage services, full bar, satellite telephone, recording studio, wireless high speed internet, and a full-time resort photographer
- Access to surfing further afield in Telescopes, Scarecrows, and Icelands (Regular season only)
- Mentawai Government’s 10% Hotel tax is included in your daily price
What is not included:
- International flights to and from Padang
- Rp. 1,000,000 Mentawai Government Surfer Tax for 15 days surfing in Mentawai islands (about 75 USD)
- Luggage porter services
- Padang – Mentawai – Padang speedboat transfer ($500 USD)
- Any transport aside from airport – hotel – harbor
- Alcoholic drinks and canned beverages
- Food and hotel accommodation while staying in Padang
International Mentawai nad Channel Logistics
We utilize the safest and fastest vessel to get you from mainland Sumatra - WavePark, no compromises. We have learned over the years that we have to deliver what we promise, and this boat will get you there. Without solid logistics, our business is worth nothing!
Online flights/routes
There are several routes to get to the Wavepark. We can recommend the following routes and airlines as being reasonably easy to book online by yourself, including tips on the necessary hotel bookings, additional transfers etc.
Via Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
EVA AIRWAYS CORP
CHINA AIRLINES
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
AIR ASIA (TIP; pay for check-in luggage up to 30kg and choose "sports equipment" prepay luggage in 5kg amounts)
This is becoming one of the easiest, comfortable and cost effective ways of getting to West Sumatra.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport - KLIA. Flights are available through many different airlines, but we recommend Malaysia Airlines; www.malaysiaairlines.com for flights from your country to Malaysia.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Padang (PDG) are daily with Air Asia departing at 7:50am. NOTE: AIR ASIA IS AT THE "LCCT" (LOW COST CARRIER TERMINAL), AND MALAYSIAN AIRLINES IS AT "KLIA" (KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT). THEY ARE A 20 MINUTE DRIVE FROM EACH OTHER. THERE MAY BE FREE BUSES FROM YOUR HOTEL TO THE KLIA and LCCT, CHECK WITH THE MANAGEMENT WHEN YOU CHECK INTO YOUR HOTEL OF CHOICE.
THERE IS ALSO A BUS FOR 2.5RM (80 CENTS USD) FROM KLIA TO LCCT. DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THE 20 MINUTE BUS RIDE IN YOUR BUDGETED TIME TO GET TO THE AIRASIA FLIGHT.
Hotels in Kuala Lumpur Airport
Most times the arriving and departing flights with Malaysian Airlines don't coincide with the Air Asia flights, in which case you'll need a hotel to stay for the night before you depart to Padang, or depart home again on the way back.
The two hotels we recommend as being close to the airport and comfortable/convenient are:
Pan Pacific Hotel KLIA (5-star within the airport itself)
Tunes Hotel LCCT
NOTE: IF YOU STAY AT THE PAN PACIFIC HOTEL, THERE IS A 5AM SHUTTLE BETWEEN THE HOTEL AND THE AIRPORT. THE CHARGE IS 10RM, BUT THEY MAY CHARGE YOU EXTRA FOR YOUR SURFBOARDS. PLEASE CHECK WITH HOTEL MANAGEMENT BEFORE YOU ARRANGE TO BOOK THE EARLY MORNING SHUTTLE. WE'VE HAD REPORTS THAT THERE IS OCCASION WHEN MANAGEMENT WILL ONLY LET SURFERS ON A SHUTTLE BOOKED AT RM 180 FOR THE 20 MINUTE TRANSFER BETWEEN THE HOTE AND THE AIRPORT! IT MAY BE CHEAPER TO GO BACK TO THE KLIA AND GET A REGULAR TAXI FROM THERE TO LCCT.
Via Singapore
Singapore has a wonderful airport, a great national airline, and is the closest and most convenient of all the countries closest to Padang. Unfortunately Singapore nor its airline is the cheapest AND they no longer offer flights between Singapore and Padang direct. The country has an awesomely efficient and cheap public transportation system to get you around, cheap - expensive lodging and great shopping. Alcohol is very expensive, you'll be murdered (literally) if you get caught trafficing drugs and lashed with the cane for graffiti. Oh, and you're not allowed to chew gum. The airlines flying to and from Singapore are:
QANTAS
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
EVA AIRWAYS CORP
CHINA AIRLINES
Once you get to Singapore, you'll have to organize another flight to Padang. There are several airlines, none of which fly directly to Padang.
TIGER AIRWAYS
Via Jakarta
The main airlines to fly international to Jakarta from our guest's usual origin are:
EVA AIRWAYS CORP
CHINA AIRLINES
GARUDA AIRLINES
UNITED EMIRATES
Once you get to Jakarta you'll need another flight to Padang. Airlines that offer cheap convenient flights times and online booking are:
Air Asia (TIP; PAY FOR EXCESS LUGGAGE IN ADVANCE! ASK FOR THE "RED CARPET TREATMENT".)
Lion Air
Batavia
Mandala Air
NOTE: ALL OF THESE AIRLINES WILL MAKE YOU PAY EXCESS BAGGAGE FOR YOUR SURFBOARDS. YOU CAN EXPECT TO PAY ABOUT $3-4 PER KILO OVER 20 KILOS ALLOWED PER PERSON.
Via Travel Agents
Wavepark has established an international collection of travel agents that offer the best prices on international and domestic airfares, as well as the mandatory travel insurance that we require for all booking guests.
We are standing by to make your dreams a reality.
Transfer
All Airport - Harbor - Island transfers and return.
A WavePark representative/guide in Padang will pick you and your group up at the airport. Koraibi, our chartered speedboat leaves Padang at 7am for WavePark. In 2013, it is mandatory for all guests to spend a night in Padang on the way out to the island. It is highly recommended (but not compulsory) for guests to spend a night in Padang on the way back from the island. The hotel is not included in the price, but we can book a hotel for you before you arrive, and we have various recommendations depending on your price and facility preference.
Koraibi will not wait for you if your plane is delayed, or wait for your surfboards if they miss a connection along the way. To give you an idea on the costliness of this eventuality, the cheapest decent speedboat to charter in Padang bound for Mentawai is around $1600 USD round trip. If you are late and you want to get to the island, this is what it will take to get to the island by yourself.
All speedboat transfers in and around the WavePark
Search for surf, snorkel, fish and explore, all day, everyday. Transfers for surf etc. out of the WavePark area are NOT included. The speedboats we use for transport are capable of 18vknots with 2 x 40 or 50 HP outboards and can reach Padang in an emergency in 4-6 hours depending on weather conditions. The speedboat is always on standby, anchored just off the beach in front of the resort.
What it’s like to stay at WavePark Mentawai
Here’s a sample itinerary for an 8 night visit:
Day 1: A WavePark guide picks you up at the airport and takes you to your Padang hotel in air-conditioned comfort. See the sights in Padang, and get some rest before you embark on your trip to paradise.
Day 2: We’ll pick you up at the hotel and take you to our private speedboat for the trip to WavePark’s private Mentawai island. When you arrive, we’ll check you into your beachfront bungalow and give you an orientation of the island over lunch and a fresh coconut from the plantation.
Day 3: Today you wake up in secluded paradise. Enjoy a hot breakfast made to order including fresh tropical fruits, homemade granola, french toast, eggs cooked anyway you like with bacon and toast, or the famous “3 tigers” omelette. Occasional breakfast “specials” are available too like eggs florentine/benedict, Skinny McMuffin, and black-rice porridge. WavePark also makes espresso coffees for an extra boost, or enjoy our sumatran coffee plunger and indonesian tea station, available 24/7.
Here for adrenaline? Grab your gear and hop on the speedboat to surf the waves you came to Mentawai for. Or, stay on the island and surf our local wave called hideaways, right out front. Either way you will have a speedboat, a personal guide making the calls, drinks and snacks all ready to keep you in the water surfing the best sessions we can find. At sunset, join the other guests for a cold beer or cocktail from our fully stocked bar while you watch the sun set. Once it’s dark, you can relive the day’s best action on a large screen with video, photographs and drone shots captured by our professional photographer team.
Day 4: Try your hand at fishing. We’ll take you out to the reef with a cooler of beer and sodas, and trawl for trevali, dog-toothed tuna, trevali, spanish mackerel and more.
Days 5-8: For each day of the trip, choose your own adventure. You can spend all day every day surfing, and not run out of new waves to visit. When you take a day to relax and unwind, make an appointment with our on-site masseuse. Here on a family vacation? Enjoying the beach together and partake in any of our family-friendly activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
Day 9: We’ll be sad to see you go, but hope you’ll become one of our guests that come back every year. Our speedboat will take you back to Padang, where you’ll stay another night before it’s time to board your flight back to the real world. You’ll have access to the professional photos taken during your stay so that you can relive your time at WavePark until your next visit.
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If due payments are not made or not made in full and the Traveller/Group leader does not pay after a reminder with a final due date, LUEX or the Service provider are able to withdraw from the particular agreement, unless LUEX or the Service provider is already responsible for a significant flaw, failing or shortcoming at this time. If the Traveller is responsible for the cancellation, LUEX or the Service provider can demand compensation in accordance with the agreed fixed rates for compensation. If nothing else has been stipulated within the offer/travel confirmation, the fixed rate in the event of the Traveller cancelling more than 30 days prior to departure is 25% of the price of the tour. The Traveller/Group leader is entitled to provide evidence of lower costs or costs that did not eventuate, while LUEX is free to calculate and demonstrate substantially higher costs.
LUEX assumes no currency risks. In order to minimise currency risks, LUEX shall exchange the travel payments received into the target currency of the country of the respective Service provider as soon as possible after receipt of payment. In the event of major currency fluctuations, the Traveller/Group leader shall indemnify LUEX against any proven currency exchange losses. Reimbursements shall be made solely by means of bank transfers in the currency of the recipient. Bank fees and charges shall be borne by the Traveller/Group leader.
If the Traveller/Group leader pays by bank transfer, LUEX can only facilitate a smooth booking process if the Traveller/Group leader uses the designated booking ID in the purpose field of the bank transfer which is specified in the request for payment. Otherwise LUEX may not be able to assign the payment to the correct booking. A failure to do that correctly can result in the cancellation of a trip in the worst-case scenario.
If the Traveller wishes to book not as a private individual, but as a business traveller acting on instructions or as a legal representative, this must be noted already during the booking process and cannot be subsequently altered. This can have taxation consequences and should therefore be carefully considered.
The customer shall receive a payment receipt in the form of a booking confirmation from LUEX showing the total price, either paid or to be paid to the Service provider.
6. Alterations, cancellations, reimbursements
In the event that a confirmed booking is modified or cancelled, LUEX is to be contacted as quickly as possible in this matter such that a possible solution can be sought in consultation with the Traveller/Group leader. Additional costs that result for LUEX or the Service provider shall be borne by the Traveller/Group leader, whereby LUEX reserves the right to invoice a minimum fee of €50 for changes demanded solely by the Traveller.
Should there be a modification or cancellation by LUEX / the Service provider, LUEX shall also contact the Traveller/Group leader as soon as possible and seek a possible solution.
LUEX notes explicitly that as an intermediary LUEX cannot assume responsibility for the performance of the Service provider. In particular, LUEX offers individual travel-related products and services to exotic destinations. The Traveller recognises that booking and processing these products and services are more difficult and that a higher degree of flexibility is expected of these than for mass tourism.
7. Complaints and ratings
Should the Traveller be dissatisfied with an aspect of the travel-related product or service received in a particular case and wish to submit a complaint, they are to approach the Service provider or their representative directly at the location during their current stay so that this person can attempt to solve the problem. LUEX recommends notifying the Service provider in text form that documents the shortcomings, if possible with the aid of photos.
If the problem cannot be resolved during the stay, the Service provider must be contacted within 30 days of returning from the trip. The Service provider should then respond to the correspondence according to the applicable laws and regulations. Receipt should be confirmed in 14 days and a full response received within 28 days. If this is not the case, an explanation for the delay should be received from the Service provider.
Should the travel-related product or service not match the description on the LUEX platform, the customer must approach the Service provider or their representative directly at the location during the customer's stay. LUEX shall support customers with respect to their complaint. LUEX is to be informed of the facts involved in the situation as soon as possible in order to be able to assist in finding a solution.
The Service provider is to be contacted immediately in the event of flight or transportation problems. Customers are to check information and the general terms and conditions given to customers via the Service provider before the commencement of travel.
8. Visa, passport and travel regulations
The Traveller/Group leader shall pay attention to the special visa, passport and travel regulations for the Travellers and their country of destination. LUEX makes every effort to inform customers as comprehensively and accurately as possible. To the extent that LUEX draws attention to particular details, this can only be considered as non-binding information. Considering the high number and frequency of possible amendments to regulations, Travellers/Group leaders are requested to contact the relevant embassy/consulate for the particular destination. In this respect LUEX can assume no responsibility whatsoever for any assurance, guarantee, currency or accuracy of the information. The information provided by Travellers’ ministries of foreign affairs are a reliable source with respect to many travel destinations.
It is the sole responsibility of the Traveller/Group leader to ensure that all Travellers are in possession of all requisite travel documents (passport, Visa, etc.) at the commencement of travel and that all Travellers fulfil the health requirements.
9. Insurance
To the extent that it is not expressly offered, insurance cover does not constitute part of the travel-related products and services offered. LUEX recommends that customers take out travel insurance, in particular travel cancellation cost insurance and in certain circumstances overseas travel insurance, including an overseas health cover component. LUEX names a reliable partner offering the relevant insurance policies to its customers at: http://www.luex.com/info/insurances.html.
10. Liability, responsibility
LUEX depends on the information provided to it by the Service providers with respect to the details of the travel-related goods and services. LUEX has only extremely limited opportunities to check such information with respect to their accuracy and completeness. Consequently, LUEX is unable to provide any guarantees or assurances with respect to the completeness, accuracy or currency of such information. The same applies for any other information made available by third parties.
LUEX is not liable for the availability of the travel-related product or service at the time of booking or for the performance of the booked travel-related product or service by the Service provider.
Within the scope of its performance obligations, LUEX is only liable for any losses that may result in the following cases, irrespective of legal grounds: The statutory regulations shall apply with the following restriction: Liability or minor negligence on the part of LUEX or its vicarious agents is excluded, provided that neither an essential contractual obligation was breached nor is there a case of initial incapacity, impossibility or default on the part of LUEX. Otherwise liability is limited to the value of the travel-related products and services booked, in any case however to predictable and typical losses. The exclusions of liability or facilitation shall apply in the same manner to the executive bodies of LUEX, as well as to their vicarious agents.
Travellers and Group leaders shall be liable to LUEX for each and every reservation/booking that is made in bad faith or with deceitful intent or with erroneous or incomplete personal data. The opportunity to book travel-related goods and services may only be utilised in order to make legal bookings as a Traveller or as a Group leader for a third party. At the same time, in utilising the offerings the Group leader guarantees that they are authorised and are permitted to act in the name of fellow travellers. In the event that there is a breach of these guarantee, the Group leader is liable without limitation to LUEX and their respective Service providers for the losses resulting from the aforesaid person’s actions.
In many countries there are safety standards that differ from those generally found in Europe, Australia or the USA. Travelers/Group leaders are strongly encouraged, also in their own interest, to access information once again immediately before commencing travel in accessible sources, such as the internet pages of the Foreign Office, with respect to changes in the travel regulations and safety warnings for the country of destination.
11. Final provisions
Should business terms and conditions or parts of the agreement be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining parts of the agreements shall not be affected.
Amendments or additions to all agreements, including a divergence from these general terms and conditions, are only possible in text form (written, by fax or e-mail). Oral agreements require written confirmation to be valid.
All communication between LUEX and a Traveller/Group leader is to be undertaken by e-mail if possible. The Traveller/Group leader therefore promises to receive and read e-mails and implement the information/instructions from LUEX accordingly. LUEX must be informed immediately of changes in contact details.
All contractual relations between LUEX, its customers and Service providers are subject exclusively to German law - with the exception of the UN Contract for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) convention. Köln shall be the mutually agreed place of jurisdiction for non-German Travellers.
Operator's address
Portcullis ChambersSaleufi Apia
Samoa
Your personal expert for this trip
Nacho, our Argentinian surf expert at LUEX, has chased waves across Latin America, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Maldives. His business background comes in handy, but surfing is what drives him. When he's not helping clients plan their dream surf trips, you'll find him buzzing around the office, charged up on coffee. His favorite waves are in the Mentawais, where he found his definition of perfection. At LUEX, he uses his surf expertise to help others score epic waves, always ready to swap stories over a fresh brew.
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