There are a few places available for surfers in Padang, but
if you are a traveller, you’re probably heading to Pantai Air Manis (about
10Kms south of the city).
Entry to Air Manis is 5,000 rupiahs (pls don’t forget to ask
for ticket upon payment just to be sure that the money goes to the local
community indeed). For those coming with a motorbike, they charge an additional
5,000 rupiahs for parking irregardless of where you park inside the beach.
At the beach there are several warungs that serve food (same
usual food as in the streets: nasi, mie goreng, etc) at prices just about the
city prices. I normally stay at Ade’s Guest House (3rd to the right
from the entry in Malinkundang; contact no is +62 821 70017779; pls tell him
you got the number from Ian, the Filipino).
Surfboard rental is 20,000 rupiahs per day. Most of the
surfboards on rental are fish boards. For beginners, I’ve only seen, so far,
probably only 3 long boards total in the whole beach; 2 soft tops and 1 hard
top (and hardly functional too because of too much cracks).
There are also rooms on rental at P140,000 inclusive of
breakfast at Ade’s guest house. Room is ok for the price.
I rarely see instructors at the beach. Besides, just keep
calm and attempt to talk to the local players, and they will be willing to show
you the do’s and don’ts. Just be patient with the communication though as they
rarely speak english. Always end every statement with a smile.
Best time to surf is in the morning, and then from 3pm to
sun down (usually 6pm). If possible, visit on weekdays, and avoid weekends
especially on sundays. I would say half of the population of padang might be in
this beach on this day, half of which are probably taking endless selfies, and
young boys aged 5 driving 4x4s ATVs on their own.
No comments :
Post a Comment