Sibon Baru : 62ft Power Cat (formerly Bohemian Baru)

Sibon Baru (formerly Bohemian Baru) is a new 62’ aluminum power cat that was designed and built to be a surf charter boat. It was launched and went into service in August 2011.  Sibon Baru is based in both North Sumatra and West Sumatra and offers surf charters to the Mentawai Islands, the Telos, Nias, the Hinako Islands (Asu & Bawa), Bangkaru, the Banyaks and Simeulue. Where does your group want to go? Just tell Wavehunters and we can organize a charter itinerary to suit your needs. Over the years their goal has never changed – simply to give our guests the best surfing holiday and charter experience possible.

Depending on the charter, Sibon Baru will be based out of Padang in West Sumatra or Sibolga in North Sumatra. Some charters will depart from Padang and finish in Sibolga, some will depart from Sibolga and finish in Padang, and others will start and finish in the same port. It all depends on the charter schedule and where the charter group wants to go. This gives guests the option to surf a lot of different waves in different locations. The typical Sibon Baru charter will start in Padang, surf the Telos, Nias, the Hinakos (Asu & Bawa), the Banyaks and finish in Sibolga. Charters departing Sibolga will finish in Padang and surf the same spots going from north to south. If the guests prefer to surf the Mentawais then the boat will start and finish the charter in Padang. If guests just want to surf North Sumatra they can schedule a charter to start and finish in Sibolga and surf the Banyaks and Nias & Hinakos.

The skippers have years of experience in these waters and get the latest swell and weather forecasts daily. They will let you know the best options for surfing the kind of waves you want on any given day and put you where you want to be, and also let you know when they think it may be a good idea to make a move to another surf spot.

When to Go:

The Mentawai Islands are one of the most consistent surf destinations on Earth. The ideal time to go is between March through November but even in the "off-season" of December through February there is a wave breaking somewhere every day. We recommend people looking for fun-sized waves and smaller crowds to go early in March or April or later in October and November. For all the chargers out there we suggest a trip May through September.

Sibon Baru Features:

Sibon Baru was designed and built to be a surf charter boat. It is a 62’ catamaran – spacious, comfortable and STABLE. Catamarans don’t roll from side to side like other boats. On Sibon Baru you can put a can of beer down on the table and it will stay there. This makes it much more user-friendly, especially for people who are prone to sea-sickness.

Sibon Baru is BIG – a very spacious catamaran that can easily sleep 12 guests. They offer special prices for exclusive use of the boat to groups of 10. Guests sleep in twin-berth cabins (not dorm style accommodation). The saloon is light and airy with ample seating area, big screen TV, DVD player and stereo. The boat is fully air-conditioned, has a water maker, and is equipped with all modern navigational and safety equipment. On deck there is plenty of room to lounge around under the large shaded areas on the bow or up on the bridge deck. Either spot is ideal to sit back and watch the surf while you rest up for your next session.

Their well-trained chefs make sure that meals are always something to look forward to, with plenty of delicious, healthy food. The fishing is good and fresh caught fish features big on the menu. The tuna, mahi mahi or king mackerel that you caught that day will be on the table that night. We bring in all the western food you like and also load up on prawns, squid, chicken and plenty of fresh fruit and veggies from the local markets.

The unspoiled beauty of these remote islands off the coast of Sumatra provides a perfect setting for the world-class waves. Depending on the conditions and your preferences, they can take you surfing at places so perfect that you’ll think you’re dreaming, other spots heavy enough to challenge even battle-scarred Indo veterans, and mellow waves that are just right for a good, fun surf.

Typical charters start on Saturday and finish on the following Wednesday. Guests are responsible for their own international air travel to and from Padang and/or Medan. Wavehunters will let you know the best options for international air travel and will make arrangements for your group if domestic travel is required between Medan and Sibolga.

Sibon Baru will have all the creature comforts to take you on the perfect surfing holiday in the Mentawais, North Sumatra and beyond. The charter price includes all meals and soft drinks on board the boat, plus the use of on board fishing equipment and snorkeling gear.  The local crew will arrange the purchase of beer for you before the start of the charter at local prices.

Depending on the conditions and your preferences, they can take you surfing at places so perfect you’ll think you’re dreaming, other spots heavy enough to challenge even battle-scarred Indo veterans, and mellow waves that are just right for a good, fun surf … and without the crowds that you have to deal with at home.

Sibon charters offer a lot in the way of surf. The Mentawai Islands need no introduction. Or maybe you want to head north to the Telos, Nias and the Hinakos. Either way most of their guests are experienced surf travelers and they go home raving about how they got the best waves they ever had. The skipper has top of the line digital photo equipment and at the end of the charter you can get a CD photo album of all the good waves and good times you had.

Sibon works in a part of Sumatra that is famous for beautiful coral reefs. They can take you places where there is excellent snorkeling.
They usually have a couple of lines out when we are underway. Whether it is dinner or sport you’re after, they’ll do our best to hook you up.

Essentials:

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 trip through the Mentawai Islands when most of your time is spent in the water. Most people bring 3-4 boards that range from their standard shortboard on up to a small gun; it helps to plan what boards you want to bring according to the swell forecast. Since there are no surf shops nearby please bring extra everything, boardshorts, leashes, fins, wax, sunblock.

Local Climate:

The local climate is considered tropical, hot, and humid with a temperature range between 70 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 - 32 degrees Celsius. 

THE WATER temperature is always around 80 degrees (27 degrees Celsius) no matter what time of year you visit. 

THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE is dense, tropical forest with four main islands and dozens of auxiliary islands - sprinkled with a few main coastal villages throughout. 

THE DRY SEASON in this area spans from February to September and the wet season typically occurs between October - January. At any time of the year however expect regular rainfall in short intervals - heavy at times. 

LOCAL WINDS surrounding this region are variable throughout most of the year but occasionally go through intermittent periods of storminess, called “Badai’s”. Mentawais lies exactly 1 degree below the Equator and as a result is not influenced by the steady easterly trade winds often associated with the rest of Indonesia - that’s what makes this area so unique!

Mentawai Islands

The Mentawai Islands are arguably the most famous surf destination in the world. Their broad exposure towards the vast, southern Indian Ocean provides these majestic islands with remarkable consistency and quality. There are great waves in this area year-round. However, the most ideal time to surf in the Mentawai’s is during the dry season, late March to early November, the southern hemisphere’s winter, when the Indian Ocean is an ultra-active, groundswell producing machine. During the entire year surf charter boats offer the average surfer the opportunity to score the best waves of their lives in the premiere surf location in the entire world, nothing else comes close... We have compiled a brief glimpse of the well-known surf spots in the Mentawai Islands that our guests will have access to. We have provided descriptions of the most well known spots - the rest you’ll have to find out about on your own!

4 Bobs:

4 Bobs is a short, playful right-hander located directly in front of Kandui Resort. Swells that break here wrap considerably around the south end of the island and break over a relatively shallow reef. If you’re fast you can take off deep and try to float the first section where most people take off; otherwise, it’s strictly a one or two turn wave. Ironically, despite it’s relatively tame appeal, 4 Bobs is a perennial favorite to almost every person who surfs it and is one of the most consistent and fun waves in the Mentawais.

A Frames:

A Frames is one of the most consistent lefts in the Mentawai Islands. Situated in front of an idyllic island it is one of the many good waves found in the Playgrounds region. There are generally two sections to surf, the top and the inside. The peaks at the top can be a bit shifty and require a fair amount of paddling around to find the right area while the inside section is more dependable and offers up a better wall to work with. A frames is easily one of the most popular spots in the Mentawai’s and is sometimes referred to as “John Candies”.

Bankvaults:

Bankvaults is a thick, barreling right punctuated by a shifting line-up. Sets seemingly emerge out of nowhere and can wreak havoc if you’re caught out of position. The ideal size to surf Bankvaults is head-high to a triple overhead, in any swell size, getting caught inside is a certainty. Despite the dangers, snag a clean, open barrel here and you’ll be talking about it for years. If it looks too heavy, Nipussi is a scant three-hundred yards to the east.

Beng Beng:

Beng Beng is an extremely rippable left located a few hundred yards away from E-Bay and Pitstops. It’s probably one of the easiest waves to surf in the Mentawai’s and is fun for surfers of all ability levels. The area surrounding Beng Beng is breathtaking as it sits nestled inside a small bay with literally one of the most scenic views imaginable all around you. The best size to surf Beng Beng is anything over shoulder high - even though it’s relatively short some people like this wave more than other waves that are considered far superior - best of all, it rarely has a boat on it so most sessions are by yourself.

Bintangs

A short and hollow right across the channel from Lance's Left. As the wave approaches the reef, the bottom drops out before barreling towards the channel.

Burgerworld:

Burgerworld is considered a last alternative when everywhere else is flat. Anything bigger than three feet here flattens out into a giant mushball. The one positive aspect about Burgerworld is its consistency; there is always something rideable here.

E-Bay:

E-bay is a fast, barreling left that gets good when it’s head high or bigger. When a pumping west swell is marching through, E-bay does a close impersonation of Padang Padang on Bali without the death cliff looming inside. The overall set-up at E-bay is flawless, stereotypical Indonesian, with beautiful, bluish-green water and tall palm trees everywhere. Besides its aesthetic beauty, double overhead E-bay is a beast and force to be reckon with.

Greenbush:

Greenbush has gained a lot of recognition and prominence in the last few years. It is a very challenging left that breaks deep inside a beautiful bay. But don’t let it’s beauty fool you! Greenbush has a relatively tame drop on the right swell but things quickly turn more perilous as you charge down the line and the reef gets shallower and shallower - eventually it becomes completely dry. If you are not a competent barrel rider or aren’t keen to leave a lot of your skin on that inside section we recommend you leave it alone!

Hideways:

Hideaways is an occasionally heavy left near the Playgrounds region that is frequently visited by Kandui guests. In the last few years it has been one of the “go to” waves because it is a lot more consistent the other world class waves in our area and can handle a lot of the more annoying wind directions like straight souths. Hideaways has the ability to be a sick cavern or offer up a rippable shoulder. You can really only surf it on medium to high tide, at low tide it sticks out of the water and unless you like reef cuts stay away!

Iceland:

Iceland is a sizable left that is known as one of the “big wave” spots in the Mentawais. It has a very large playing field and a few different take-off options including a few rights when it is small - but watch out for the paddle back out! Iceland isn’t known as a barreling wave unless it has some serious size - if big enough it will look more like Hawaii Five-O than most other waves in the Mentawais and when it looks like that Telescopes is a much better option.

Kandui:

Kandui a.k.a Kanduis or Nokandui is one of the fastest, down the line, left-hand barrels in the world. Kandui is an obscenely hollow wave with your only option for survival being tucked inside its enormous, gaping jaws. Unless you’re comfortable pumping inside the barrel the best you can hope for is to find the right line, exert a little extra front foot pressure, and hold on. Most of the waves will simply outrace you; however, the thrill of charging through the longest barrel possible is more than worth the effort. If the conditions are right you’ll take your share of beatings; but, chances are you’ll kick out of the best barrel of your life as well.

Lance's Left:

Lance's Left is one of the most popular destinations in the Mentawai’s for consistency and quality. It is an occasionally grinding left with multiple take-off zones and during the right conditions two distinct barrel sections. Despite its relatively harmless allure Lance’s Left can pack a serious punch, especially if you get caught inside and find yourself parked on the reef. The extreme inside sports a series of lava fingers with deep gaps in between, keep this in mind as before you try to squeeze in that last roundhouse. The place can hold size, up to ten feet, and is often compared to G-Land’s Moneytrees section as steep take-offs throw you down the line with impressive speed and flow. Lance’s Left is always a good call if the winds are right so it’s no surprise that many boat captains and traveling surfers frequent the area.

Lance's Right:

Lance's Right, also commonly referred to as “HT’s”, is a fast, perfect, barreling right-hander. Out of all the breaks in the Mentawai’s “HT’s” best exemplifies the term “swell wrap”. The waves here wrap around the south end of the island and into a guarded bay over one-hundred and eighty degrees before unloading over an unmerciful reef aptly named “The Surgeon’s Table”. It is probably one of the top five most famous waves in the entire world and not without good reason. There are three main take-off zones, but it’s the deepest zone, dubbed “The Office” that serves up the heaviest, scariest, roundest, most mesmerizing barrels in the world.

Macaronis:

Macaronis more commonly referred to as “Macca’s” is one of the best lefts our planet has to offer. It is the premiere destination of every boat charter in the Mentawai’s and more often than not there are a minimum of six boats camped out in front of it. Every magazine and surf video nowadays devotes an obscene amount of coverage to this wave, remarkably, it deserves it. The wave itself barrels graciously on the take-off before walling up into the most high performance oriented waves imaginable. To top it off, the scenery surrounding it is breathtaking as it sits comfortably inside a picturesque cove with emerald green water lapping its shores. The only downside to surfing Macaroni’s is the fact that it’s usually smaller than everywhere else because it faces an awkward direction. Macca’s works best from three to six feet, it is possible to surf here during larger swells but the drops begin to look more like Teahupoo and the consequences become more substantial.

Nipussi:

Nipussi is a high-performance right situated inside a reef-laden cove. Most people line up at the apex of the point and surf a solid wall that hugs the inside, but during a west swell some people prefer to sit wide and wait for the swinger sets which break in the middle of the cove. Nipussi always has waves and is a good alternative when the rest of the islands are flat. It’s known as one of the mellowest waves in the islands but it’s still a powerful wave.

Pitstops:

Pitstops is one of the most high performance waves in the Mentawai Islands. Located a few hundred yards away from E-Bay you can’t really tell if Pitstops is breaking unless you take a close look. The wave itself starts breaking in a compact area over reef, remarkably, if you’re not paying attention, the take-off can be quite challenging. However, once you’re on your feet you’ve got a really fun, semi-backwashy wave to carve, pull in, or boost on. As the wave progresses it starts breaking over a combination of sand and reef until eventually expiring itself on a beautiful tropical beach. One of the most photogenic waves in the world.

Rags Left

A great lefthander that can hold the biggest swells. It is very hollow and can often dish out some of the heaviest hold-downs in the island chain. Usually a bit more water moving around so a larger board can be useful.

Rags Right:

Rag's Right is a formidable opponent to your health, safety, and well being. It is a wide-open right capable of churning out oxygen-sucking dry barrels. Perhaps the most difficult part in the Rag's Right equation is the drop. The wave stands up and explodes over a nearly exposed reef, the faster you are able to get into it, the greater your chance for success. If it's breaking, it's definitely worth a gander as eight to twelve second tubes become standard. If you can swing it, ride a shorter board for increased maneuverability and control deep in the barrel. 

Rifles:

Rifles is one of the longest, most perfect, awe-inspiring waves in the world. When it’s breaking properly with a hint of northwest wind you can expect four to six hundred yard right walls with numerous tube sections. Rifles is a violent barrel from start to finish, sometimes when you think you are coming out another section will throw over, and another, and another. If you do come out and see it lining up, you have to put the pedal to the metal to make it through the next barrel section. Basically, you have to go as fast as you can go almost the whole way through the wave.

Scarecrows:

Scarecrows is Telescopes’ big brother, a little more forceeful, slightly bigger, and in general a little less refined. Nevertheless, it definitely has its good days and because it picks up a lot of swell is a good option when the rest of the chain is small. You’ll probably find the wave to be very moody and inconsistent, some days it does a great impression of Telescopes on the right tide and direction while other days it is a warbled mess of high tide rubbish that is an unmotivating as it gets. You never can be sure until you’re looking at it!

Telescopes:

Every thing you’ve heard about Telescopes is true. It’s a remarkably long left which tempts you to sit deeper and deeper, almost daring you to backdoor an impossible section. With size, the wave breaks for over a half mile outside and descends upon the formal take-off area at mach one. Fortunately, by the time it reaches the pack its slowed down a bit and ready to serve up a wondrous, steep, hollow wall. Telescopes is frequented by many boats based on its premiere quality. However, there always seems to be plenty of waves to go around and when its absolutely firing at six to eight foot many less accomplished surfers watch it from the safe confines of their boats, videocameras in hand.

The Hole

Another very hollow left off a small island in the southern end of the Mentawais. Starts barrelling off the takeoff, but never really stops until a closeout section at the end of the reef. Definitely not a place to strighten out at.

Thunders:

is the largest, most consistent break in the Mentawai’s. Aptly named, Thunders powerful lefts break so hard that it not only makes a booming sound; but it also creates a weird, sea foam that often has trouble clearing out before the next set. The line-up is extremely complicated as waves seem to break everywhere around you; however, on a rising swell a solid, slabby wall offers a serious drop followed by a forceful shoulder. The wave breaks in deeper water than you’d expect so it’s unlikely you will hit the bottom here. The reality of surfing Thunders on a big day, which is often, is you’ll get stuck inside and probably have to make a trip to the shore to make it back out. Grab a big board and charge.

The Telo Islands

The Telos is more of an unknown and some of the glamour waves here have been kept deliberately quiet by those that have visited. But almost everyone returns from a surf trip here with big grins. Telos surf spots are relatively well guarded and many unknown to the greater majority. There are several top- quality breaks to suit to all levels.

The Banyak Islands

The Banyak Islands in North Sumatra are located approximately 60 miles off the northwest coast of Sumatra, There are two main islands in the Banyak Islands: Treasure Island and the Island of the Bay providing incredible breaks perfectly to catch the clean consistent swells of the Indian Ocean. Many of the Banyak Islands surf breaks have remained nameless and there is still more exploring going on. There is a huge range of left and right-hander waves in the Banyak Islands . There are waves for every surfing style and ability ranging from long deep barrels, perfect peaks to long cruising walls with plenty of time to rip the faces apart.

The Boat

Sibon Baru is a 62′ aluminum power catamaran custom-built specifically for surf charter. Guests on Bohemian Baru sleep in the privacy of twin-berth cabins. The saloon is very large and light and airy with ample seating area, big screen TV, VCD, and stereo. There is power available 24 hours a day to charge the batteries for your video cameras and other gear. The boat is fully air-conditioned, has a water maker, and is equipped with all modern navigational and safety equipment.

Sibon Baru is powered by two diesel engines and cruises at 10-12 knots.

How to Book:

1.  THERE ARE FOUR WAYS TO MAKE A RESERVATION

A. BOOK ONLINE: Click the "BOOK ONLINE" button on the right side or bottom fo your desired destination/option and follow the instructions to make a deposit using our secure online reservation system.

B. SUBMIT A TRIP INQUIRY: Fill out the "Trip Inquiry" form on the right side of the page or under the "Booking Info" section on the top menu. Wavehunters will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.

C. SEND US AN E-MAIL: Send your questions and trip inquiries to wavehunters@wavehunters.com.

D. GIVE US A CALL: We are located in Carlsbad, California, USA. 1-760-413-1513

2. CONFIRM DATES AND MAKE DEPOSIT: Before you book online please double check that the trip you want and the dates you need match up. If you make a reservation online you will pay the deposit by credit card. We can also process credit cards offline, take checks made out to "Wavehunters Surf Travel", and we accept wire transfers, cashier's checks, money orders, or direct deposits. 

3. SEND US YOUR INFORMATION: During the booking process we strive to make everything as simple and easy as possible. When you're ready to make your reservation please have your passport ready as we will need the number, expiration date, and country of issue. We will also need your flight itinerary (if we do not help set it up) as well as a few destination specific questions. If you are travleing with a group please specify the number of people in your group and their names.

4. MAKE FLIGHT RESERVATIONS (AS NEEDED): Wavehunters is a full service travel agency capable of handling all of our guest’s flight arrangements. Each destination typically requires a specific flight itinerary that needs to be confirmed by Wavehunters prior to departure. If you don’t have the time or inclination to deal with setting up your flight arrangements Wavehunters will be happy to coordinate them for you. 

5. MAKE FINAL PAYMENT: You final payment is due two to four months prior to your trip's departure depending on which trip you are on. Once that's in along with the requested information you're all set to go!

6. SHOW UP: Rule #1 is to remember to not miss your flight and remember to have a passport with at least 6 months left before the expiration date.

7. SURF: Once you're at your destination the only thing you should have to to worry about is what board you should ride and where to surf. Have fun!