Magical Mentawai! Few Tourists Know About These Tropical Paradise Islands + Top Resort Aloita

[@SideTripLife]

In case you missed it PART1 GETTING HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJOTZ36tfdOHr80 PART 3: BUDGET MENTAWAI kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4inoJSYjp2IjJY Buy Me a Beer: bit.ly/3Le6Ex8 Flights: bit.ly/3STHLvf Mentawai Hotels www.agoda.com/city/mentawai-island-id.html?cid=1898974

[@dv6937]

I love the calmness and the respect you have for the people and the land you are at. My fav travel tuber for sure!

[@shirleyboy8859]

Magical seams to be an Understatement STL...... I hope they have enough, but not too many Tourists....... Great Video again..... :-))

[@UCNXc-iyNDvUwAZE-QZM8xFg]

I hope Mentawai's nickname is "Magical Islands." Such beauty you've seen and shared during this series, and you saved paradise for last...yum! I can see why it took your breath away. That boat ride took mine away ha ha - def felt like being there. Another great one STL - thank you!

[@jgb4unme1]

what a lovely place. I think I'd find it hard to leave. Folks seem so genuinely friendly and nice. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@ExploringSumatra]

This is the kind of content we love to see on the Mentawais! How incredible. This place is high on our wish list to visit one day. If there's one thing we're missing in Lake Toba (which isn't much to be honest!), it's some incredible beach time. Absolutely beautiful!

[@SideTripLife]

Hi guys! Nice to hear from you! Yes, the Mentawais really are mesmerising! Any looking in, check out @ExploringSumatra for real life content from stunning Lake Toba (aka 'Shangri-La' of SE Asia:) and around N Sumatra. Also here's one from my recent trip there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5CrgGeIe9hmqdU

[@BettyJean-rs4yl]

Absolutely incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this. You’re giving me so many ideas! The desolate beach is so enticing. I could spend day upon days enjoying the natural beauty. Thank you STL for another amazing video!

[@mariettathornton5924]

The place looks amazingly beautiful! Thank you for sharing this video with us 😊

[@coastmansingha9980]

II did not want this video to end it was so great. I am now incentivised to follow in your footsteps. Can you give some info on getting a visa and how difficult or not that was?👍😎

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks! Tourist Visa on arrival 30 days $35 for most countries, can also extend 30 days. Or e-visa online via Indonesia Immigration website.

[@coastmansingha9980]

@@SideTripLife Many thanks for your reply. I asked because one of your fellow Canadian KZbinrs, Planet Doug aka the Cycling Canadian, who seems always to turn everything into a drama no doubt to provide content, experienced all manner of difficulties with the visa and renewing it.

[@stevechase7568]

Yes. Some things certainly happen that are challenging but it is all part of the adventure. Once changing trains at the Thai Malay border following the pied piper we got on the train to Ipoh instead of Kuala Lumpur. Turned into a wonderful visit with a very interesting person who is an acclaimed Hindu leader from India who I met at my hotel lobby. He arranged for a car and driver and sent one of his English speaking acolytes who accompanied to Kuala 17:18 Lampur the next day.

[@paulmanger2346]

I love the intro music (and continous use of the same tracks, like its your brand), it sets my mood to sit and chill and enjoy your positive vides ! love your work man !

[@mariettathornton5924]

On our bucket list now!!!! Thanks for sharing this awesome video 😊

[@DarthTrader707]

Wow, that island you visited is a Robinson Crusoe island or Cast Away Island. It's like you have it all to yourself. Just perfect.

[@gowellnow]

Top video, good quality, you will hit 100k subs soon

[@ChefDaveKrul]

Never want these videos to end ! thanks for sharing

[@sicilian-american]

WOW MAN,I LOVE THE CONTENT AS ALWAYS.I LOVE WATCHING YOUR CHANNEL CUZ YOU ALWAYS GO TO THE SPOTS ID GO. SOON,17 WEEKS I RETIRE @48 1/2 ) & ILL BE DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING LESS THE VLOG...CANT WAIT TO TRAVEL THE WORLD AND GET AWAY FROM USA.. ILL STILL CONTINUE TO WATCH YOUR VIDS CUZ YOU BE HITTING THE SPOTS. PEACE

[@mauihowey]

We do have quite the life living in south east Asia, breakfast looked delicious, and love the drone views of that beach…..awesome video STL!

[@SideTripLife]

Thx Howey, enjoy your vids too! STL

[@Andelf-Awaken]

Wow, what a vibe. I really love this one... Perfectly catches this slow, lazy, community-based, idyllic ambient of the place.

[@ani9603]

Nooooooo!!!! Aww, I didn't want the video to end! Amazingly beautiful there. So calming I felt at peace. Thanks STL!! Time to rewind and watch again. 😊❤

[@paulscott775]

Just paradise, enough said, no more needed. WOW 👍👍

[@randyirvine5858]

HNY & safe travels. Thanks for your vids & great commentary👌

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks & same to you Randy! Cheers, STL

[@viktor.egelund]

Nice colors in nature.

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks Viktor truly is and I never colour grade/change the original, what you see is how it really was.

[@Christian-tt2jj]

I discovered STL recently. I really like the videos. I don't know what equipment it's filmed with, but the images and sound are really good quality. There's probably also the talent 👍

[@Malin031]

WOW !! Beautiful place

[@ForeverHomeItaly]

Fav you tuber, love your content, have planned next 6 months of my life from your videos! THANK YOU!

[@MikeHoncho884]

It would be a dream to retrace a 10th of your travels!!!! I’m literally thinking about getting to Southeast Asia somewhere like Kuala Lumpur use that as a base camp and then retrace some of your footsteps by going to places just by watching videos and buying travel tickets!!! I could do that for a few years, and still not scratch the surface of all the places that you’ve been you are truly fortunate!!!!

[@micheldupuis-ne8yu]

wow wow wow that is it.......

[@lerxtrm]

All I can say is: thank you for sharing with us these amazing experiences!

[@sl5946]

The music in your videos makes me wanna book a trip to the islands 🌴

[@juleskayak]

Wow, amazing, love it

[@lindah3303]

Absolutly stunning ...Heaven on earth. My kind of place . Thank you for taking us along STL...🥰

[@thebaknyners]

Thank you so much🙏🙏

[@rickbault1221]

Fantastic looking place! Cool boat ride too. I have to mention when your drone said "take off" I immediately thought she was going to add the word "hoser'"

[@SideTripLife]

nice on eh;) STL

[@monster_bbq]

Keep living the dream and sharing for the rest of us. Love your work 👍👍👍

[@novaajiadi5626]

Very peaceful place

[@Cultured_Barbarian]

Yay! Another winner!

[@NickyDunn]

Hiya. STL. Nice to see you at the beginning. Beautiful place. Your videos are always so informative. Amazing views while eating your breakfast. Cute fur babies. Wilson. 555. Great video, as always. Sorry, on catch-up. Beautiful drone footage. Your food always looks good. Boat rides. Amazing views. I need that in my life right now. Sorry always write a long comment will leave it here, love your videos

[@SideTripLife]

So nice of you Nicky and I know how busy you are with your own channel. Btw, hang in there, you'll get monetised yet! STL

[@NickyDunn]

@@SideTripLife Thank you, mate. No that be in ten years time 🤪😂😂

[@janus302]

Wow wow, that is amazing beatiful.😇🙏

[@lorraine725]

thank you for sharing such a beautiful island ❤❤

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks for coming along :)

[@visioninprint]

Love starting my day with a little sidetriplife dreaming! Keep them coming!

[@anneregh3592]

We love your videos. Thanks for your efforts, hopefully we will be able to travel to some of the places you feature. The information you give is super helpful!

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks @anneregh & Co!

[@AlanBarlow-zb3zc]

Absolutely LOVE your videos dude!!! Would love to see you visit our country New Zealand!!!

[@SideTripLife]

Being a BC boy always wanted to see NZ, both super-natural! Hope to get down there yet.

[@rileyjones650]

Excellent work, Sir!

[@Wrtp.]

Cheers for that video absolutely fantastic.🍺🍺🍺🍺👍

[@user-ex2wy6te5k]

This is a jewel....

[@SideTripLife]

really, really is...

[@ggwell3916]

Wow man you really get the blog travel vids.Amazing videos luvvin your work.Gary Van.

[@karltraveldude7817]

Thank you STL ... Enjoy .

[@SideTripLife]

Thank you too Karl for always watching, much appreciated! STL

[@Malin031]

STL !! Awesome, great video as always

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@joewalton6056]

Outstanding! Thanks for the inspiration, STL!

[@MrWidestripes]

great video what a place, enjoy it man

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers MrWidestripes!

[@uncledaybkk]

Lovin this series. Keep up the great work!

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks!

[@ravetilldawn]

Very cool. Such a serene place !

[@johnnysiam-007]

Good one mate, the only thing missing on the beach was Gilligan

[@SideTripLife]

& Mary Ann, er, Ginger, er wait...

[@WilliamFluery]

Exactly what I was thinking while on the deserted island. I was envisioning having Gilligan Island cutaways. I had a boy crush on Mary Ann..wow…brings back memories

[@jimwaddell8163]

Stunning!!!👀👌

[@SideTripLife]

really really is!

[@dakotamickscorner7637]

Happy New Year STL. Wife and mine entertainment sorted for this evening.

[@SideTripLife]

Happy NEW Year to you both Mr & Mrs DMS, thanks for watching :) STL

[@drd3816]

haha i knew your accent was familiar i am a Van isle guy too but living in TH--love your work STL i have so many places to go visit now thanks to your intrepid work.

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers eh Dr D :) STL

[@rudyhachey7440]

thank you once againg for sharing an incredible vid. scenery and beaches incedible. In the midse of an Artic freeze currently but we were blessed with an incredible mild Nov/Dec in YYC. Howeve that is, still winter blues. for me at least..So why do I still live here? I dont know... So expensive!! I ask for your knowledge and professional expertise, how can i make a better life for myself....againg in YYC.

[@SideTripLife]

Hi Rudy, before making any big decisions about relocating to SE Asia I always say first come for an extended visit (of course;) Then visit several different locations around SE Asia to see which area might suit. Then still do not make any long term decisions, instead rent (NOT buy;) in the desired area for at least 6 months to see if it really suits one's lifestyle and budget. Also factor visa and health insurance costs plus exit fund and plan should you need to return. KZbinrs like me can make any place look wonderful in a 15 min hi-light vid but daily life can be vastly different. So, my advice to anyone thinking of upping sticks to move overseas would be make sure it's based in reality by coming over and thoroughly kicking the tires first. All the best! STL

[@orlandoboom7626]

Everything must be really considered and prepared from the start. such as accommodation, budget and others. otherwise you might end up being the next Chuck and Wilson

[@Malin031]

24:45 . in 2008 in India, Goa, I rent one of this bungalows. Price 2.5 dollar/night. Cheap !

[@TGE66]

Great vid...loving it

[@billsimpson2392]

Great vid STL 👍👍🦘🦘

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks Bill, thoroughly enjoyed filming it. STL

[@runforlife2323]

indonesia has another thousand of thousands pristine beaches and islands like that brother 🤭, if u have chance yo visit island i recommend u go to maratua, taka bonerate , or even to raja Ampat 🙏

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks! Eventually I hope to see all of them :)

[@RussellBentleyoz]

Nice work. Request more wave shots :)

[@SideTripLife]

lol best ride ever!

[@ewengillies9826]

A typical blonde headed Aussie surfer girl. They're everywhere. Awesome beaches idyllic hardly covers them. Great boat ride and beautiful clear waters there's nothing not to love about the place. Bushyboy Oz.

[@SideTripLife]

Yep, the Mentawais a complete gem. Aussie girl was pretty cool, super nice gal (& hey, anyone who surfs Tofino BC is alright in my book ;)

[@rolandet]

That Mini2 handles the wind just fine, by the looks of it. Just watch out for trees (no proximity sensors right?)

[@SideTripLife]

Mini 2 doesn't have obstacle avoidance (3 & pro up). Luckily was looking at the screen when going sideways, noticed the green palm frongs (!!) and reversed. Miracle it isn't an ornament 50 ft up lol

[@visioninprint]

We may have to start a gofundme soon for a new drone. 😊 Try and avoid that sand. Have you ever tried catching it? It’s doable. Love the drone footage!

[@SideTripLife]

lol couple close calls alright. I caught a blade once and cut my pinky (doh!) so put it the dirt now 555

[@Malin031]

9:18 - DREAM PLACE

[@DeborahFiddes]

Hi STL. Absolutely love your laidback videos just booking our trip out to Lombok and then Belatung after watching your channel 😀. Quick question what is the size of your case and weight limit please as we are hoping to do what you do hiring a scooter for travel. Thanks Deb 😀

[@SideTripLife]

Thx Deb & Co. I just use an inexpensive standard carry-on size but with soft plastic shell so it can squeeze in between the steering column and seat. I always select the 20kg luggage option on AirAsia just in case (usually weighs far less but no one's ever checked, yet;) Here's a look at my bag + pack combo it if ya want: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJOTZ36tfdOHr80si=EVhMJxf5ZDYjlumk&t=592 Lombok & Belitung sounds perfect, enjoy guys! STL

[@DeborahFiddes]

@@SideTripLife Hi thanks so much for your reply I know your a busy guy 😀 we are from the UK so sizes differ so much depending on airline you use. Any chance you can give me your case dimensions if you have time? 😀. Debs

[@maryfrcanada8681]

I'm hoping my husband and I can plan a 3-4 month trip wondering about south east Asia, so living vicariously through YT just now. Wondering how the snorkeling is in that area, is snorkeling from shore where you are staying ok?

[@aliowl]

Wow for sure, did you mention what the dive visibility is there? I had a chance to go there in 1998 but it was expensive to get there and I was a poor backpacker back then. It's on my list now. Jealous slightly!

[@SideTripLife]

I also looked at going before (around 10 years ago) and it was still crazy expensive from what I could see (boat to islands $200 etc, $100 for a basic hut). Nowadays the fast ferry is only around $35 plus many budget room options (as we'll see in. next vid;)

[@aliowl]

@@SideTripLife yeah I think I remember it being about 150£ back then just to get there.

[@wisteria4981]

I saw your notification pop up at the top of my screen while watching a bitcoin KZbinr but it is not listed under my permanent notifications, if that makes sense. Just an fyi. Looking forward to these unknown destinations❤

[@wisteria4981]

Thanks so much for sharing these one of a kind places👏

[@SideTripLife]

A hear that a lot. My vids don't get 'in' the YT algo very often. Ah well, glad you made it! STL

[@onefromnone1634]

I am planning on living a year abroad in Thailand. What are some things to do while preparing to do so?Money exchanges,banks,easy everyday Thia words and thing I shouldn't do?

[@SideTripLife]

For travel I have a second account with a debit card and limited funds so if I ever get skimmed etc damage is also limited. Then just transfer across from main account online as needed and use the debit in ATM's for cash. Thai words, search YT 'learn Thai' there's so many. Enjoy, relax, you'll be just fine:) STL

[@andy-travels2345]

lucky bugger lol,,, happy new year

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers Andy! HNY to you too!

[@torch1711]

Any plans to return to Koh Phangan in 2024?

[@SideTripLife]

Absolutely! Way overdue for an update!

[@dotted8-]

Awesome as usual! Any issues or special requirements flying a consumer drone there in Indonesia? I’ll be there in 6 months with mine…

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers dotted. Under 2kg drones ok but rule is no flying above 150m, near airports, military bases, crowded beaches etc and at Ntnl parks look for signs or ask & generally just use common sense. Oh, down Bali way they 'officially' require a licence but at never-never land Canguu it can be like a swarm at sunset.

[@dotted8-]

Thanks for the info!

[@Malin031]

25:34 - Looks like " Norman Reedus "

[@petegeoffrey4939]

Be nice if you started mentioning the weather temperatures during your visits in that part of the world.

[@kudajingkrak4919]

Visit the tree sisters pak bule..?! Semoga kedepannya akan ada penerbangan langsung dari Jakarta ke Siphora.. Klo naik ferry 3 jam, gak kuat saya, wkwkwk

[@SideTripLife]

I did visit the three sisters (iconic palms) on final stop but the wind was too strong by then to fly the drone. Really beautiful though. Regarding the ferry, you could opt to fly 35 minutes Padang-Sipora via Susi Air I believe. Cheers, STL

[@kudajingkrak4919]

@@SideTripLife Very beautifull indeed. Mirip seperti iconic bikini atoll nya Spongebob Squarepants.. Foto the tree sisters yg saya ambil, saya bingkai dan dipajang di dinding rumah saya. Saya ingin kesana lagi, cuma dari pengalaman pertama biaya mahal sekali. dan naik ferry nya kena seasick.. lain kali saya mau naik pesawat saja dan cari penginapan yg ramah dompet. Terima kasih infonya pak.

[@foodblogjunky]

You got the drone back from the airline??

[@SideTripLife]

Thx for asking but naa, was my GoPro, Airline ghosted me, no response, ah well.

[@foodblogjunky]

@@SideTripLife oh dam that's not good

[@AyseBetulK]

which drone do u use?

[@SideTripLife]

Pls see drone overview here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGiaaoOonZVpjs0

[@AyseBetulK]

@@SideTripLife thank you. I am planning our vacation for April and your videos are so inspiring. I think I am going to stay at the resort. cheers

[@thebaknyners]

Can we please just let you know that we absolutely love your trips. You do them do well. We are going to Hua Hin in December o find a place to rent and have followed every one of your videos all around that area.

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks kindly. Enjoy Hua Hin, great base to explore from too :) PS: a few of my local favs kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHmVi5ecir6rj9E

[@Nessyk01]

Very rare for a blogger to not have a massive ego and have their ugly mug featuring throughout the vid .. keep up the great work mate 👍

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers! I have a face for radio lol

[@bblvrable]

Considering STL's life seems to revolve around proximity to the ocean, you'd think he'd have a proper waterproof bag by now lol.

[@SideTripLife]

lol forgot at home actually but hey in a jiffy garbage bag and it worked a charm (luckily;)

[@angelocardoc]

Is Malaysia more expensive than Thailand?

[@Julpnw]

Beautiful!! And, haha, you complain about people a lot.

[@SideTripLife]

Just the entitled or grumpy types, everyone else is cool :)

[@Julpnw]

True, you often point out the kindness of people!😊

[@jampasurprenant1794]

Mentawai Indonesia the only thing is you hope the volcano doesn't erupt while you are there or on the boat ride. The eruption during the G7 was messing up 1 year ago and its eruptions again not long ago. I don't have things against Indonesia good people good country Just mother nature It's very scary.

[@dondyhr]

You got scammed so hard by that donut hawker 😅

[@SideTripLife]

the kid was a master hawker, STL tried but didn't stand a chance lol

[@genericdeveloper3966]

$220 is pretty steep for that part of the world. I get its an island but sheesh.

[@SideTripLife]

I get that but $220 for an idyllic top class & quite remote resort on a private island off another island which is already 4 hours from the mainland is not bad really. There are also several budget places on the 'main' island if one prefers, as we'll be seeing in next vid.

[@timwalker2458]

I must say I dont see the point in a lot of these islands. Many of them are as samey as you like. When you said you you could spend all day walking up and down the beach, you wasnt lying. There was nothing else to do. They are nice to see, but staying in the middle sized beach towns seems the way to go.

[@user-xg6yc8ho3w]

Funny how you're staying at a place that is under $40 a night, while the Aloita resort guests are paying $220 a night.....yet you're all enjoying the same places and beaches. 🤣

[@JesseFinkBooks]

Whatever music this has completely ripped off Josh Rouse

[@rover62]

Vids are getting boring now mate , used to be really good

[@SideTripLife]

Sorry bout that. Could you list an example of my prev vids you prefer? Cheers! STL Edit to add, here's 2 vids in this series I thought were great fun but didn't get many views: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWTJnX-lnMyamNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGjLd4yFZa5_jZI So, go figure

[@mikewilliams8511]

Yes, I am not interested in beaches.

[@SideTripLife]

​@@mikewilliams8511 Cool, fair enough. Few watched these ones either How bout almost falling into a volcano? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kILdnatjgNR7m8k Drone fail at Sipiso Piso: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnbEdpWbpK2Epqs Getting woken up by an Orangutan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJrWqaeJirxon5Y Getting mobbed by monkeys: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3WVYXidgMpmkMk and the STL non-hits go on and on... lol

[@debrablue]

Just Never Gets Old=YourVideo's Take's Me Where I Should Be~

[@paulatyler8218]

Less words fit.