Mentawai Paradise Islands Getting Here +Top Value Beachfront Homestay, Fast Ferry, Flights & More!

Escape to one of the few remaining unspoiled tropical paradises on earth, mythical Mentawai Islands...
Tips/Buy me a Bintang? bit.ly/3Le6Ex8
Flights: bit.ly/3STHLvf
Mentawai Hotels www.agoda.com/city/mentawai-i...
Padang Indonesia Hotels: www.agoda.com/city/padang-id....
Jakarta Hotels: www.agoda.com/city/jakarta-id...
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Happy SideTrips all
STL

[@SideTripLife]

PART 2 TOP SURF RESORT: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5y4pniGiMd6oLc 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

[@user-vq8ym7sj6b]

Oh Man…this video really conveyed the peace and simplicity of the town/island and people. One can really feel the cozy, sleepy community vibe and it is SO attractive. The area feels magical to me, and I am only seeing it via TV. You are a lucky man STL, and I am SO glad you take the time to share your luck with us; and I always enjoy your cameos 😊

[@grahamfraser5938]

I simply cannot get over the difference in the pleasant attitudes of the people, even the children. Here in Australia the children are more likely to give you a mouthful of foul mouthed abuse. The adults will generally ignore you in the cities. In the countryside it is better but nothing like the friendly greetings that these people offer so openly and willingly. What a wonderful place to live 😍

[@SideTripLife]

Hear--hear! Same in my home town of Vancouver nowadays. I used to live in the West End and once upon a time people would smile, nod and even exchange pleasantries. Sadly that's mostly gone now (& it's mostly our own home-grown causing the dour & cower). But it's wonderful to see friendly people and safe communities still exist, in SE Asia. STL

[@petegeoffrey4939]

I was born in North Van back in the '60's life was certainly friendlier back then compared to now.@@SideTripLife

[@ewengillies9826]

You are so right. I found living in Thailand and Philippines just tbe same as Mantawai so laid back snd friendly with no one in a hurry. What isn't done today will get done whenever is the right attitude for sure and the healthier one. What a fantastic area and being an island doesn't have all the frills the yuppie set looks for. Bushyboy Oz.

[@Swaggerlot]

'Cities' is the main issue. Get outside of the cities for a better quality of life, but most employment age Australians want to live city commuting distance. I don't usually find any problems with kids, bar the abos of course.

[@Martyslife]

Unfortunately seattle Washington is just as bad or worse. Adults act like entitled children and homelessness and drug use has brought a dark cloud over life here :/

[@user-um3vv2mt5t]

Retired videographer here... The whole smartphone revolution of videography is astounding. So portable, but so lacking of focus control. p.s. I love the "B" roll music bed(s)! Cheers!

[@georgecarlin2879]

Sepak Takraw is correct. I was born Singaporean Chinese and my Malay neighbors in the village would always be playing this game, a huge favorite past time. I was never good at it. I'm confident the game did not originate in China, but more from SE Asian Malay/Indonesian islander lifestyle and culture, and picked up by the Thais somewhere along the historical past through trade.

[@wheretoretire3315]

I always look forward to your videos. Four more days until I am retired and 11 days until my flights to KL. Then on to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and, maybe, Indonesia!

[@SideTripLife]

Congrats! Enjoy your retirement and travels! STL

[@Mikeydawson]

One of your best places. Just so natural, real life happy people

[@ReallyStrongGuy]

Wow! 28 mins seems like 10. Another great video!

[@joezip6389]

Well you have done it again, another great place with good people, thanks

[@travelslemieux1999]

another fellow canadian here..I just love watching and appreciate all your videos you do. Please dont ever stop. Thank you so much

[@SideTripLife]

Thank you! Will do eh;) STL

[@rayleo529]

That looks like home to me.

[@lester74]

viral sad songs... best music for terrible sea travel. 555

[@SideTripLife]

was kinda soothing lol

[@Martyslife]

Hey STL just found you today. Much respect for taking the leap and sharing with us. I couldn’t help but comment after seeing your reaction to no queen and beach view. You’re truly living at peace 💚 very motivating thank you sir

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers Marty. Worst thing which can ruin a trip is one's mindset. Me? Water off a ducks back lol. STL

[@ralphhesp]

Loved this

[@muffthemodel]

Stl I’m going to move your way so we can become best friends. I love your page. My husband and I watch your videos for hours. Can’t wait to join the expat life

[@jgb4unme1]

what a remarkable place. I think i'd want to stay there a while too. Simpler life and less bustle sounds like better days to me!

[@jacmac9996]

Hey Mr STL Finally made it back to BKK after a long 5 years! As I sit here on the train to Hua Hin…big thank you for your continued inspiration & information on travels, booking sites for tickets and navigating the MRT stations, in particular the spelling of them 😅 Smooth trip today! Cheers 👍

[@SideTripLife]

Welcome back! Enjoy :) STL

[@debrablue]

Alaska =Worked Bering Sea boats 1o + Years not one day did I get Sea Sick. Love This AREA* & Video*

[@paulscott775]

Just WOW. Perfect paradise

[@Malin031]

Not many tourists. So cozy, so Calm. Wow

[@michaeldiller9606]

Youre still the very best!

[@treysnothomepod9502]

You two are honestly my favorite travel KZbinrs iv been watching Gabriel for maybe 5-6 years and you STL for almost 3 years now ur both no nonsense real travelers that help me learn allot about places before I go there thank you both so much 👏

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks but personally feel Gabriel Traveler is on a whole nother level. Despite that he still manages to stay humble, turns down sponsorships to be true to himself and is a super nice guy. But I'm super glad you watch us both lol;) Cheers, STL

[@JeffCahill-tp8ik]

Back on the STL train! I've been following your footsteps in Thailand the last few months and finally have time to catch up on your travels. Great vid as usual. STL paves the way for Canadians in SE Asia!

[@dakotamickscorner7637]

Excellent, something for the wife and I to enjoy this evening. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks and best wishes to both Mr & Mrs dakotamickscorner :) STL

[@sinaidat7804]

Great!! Thank you!

[@WilliamFluery]

Definitely on my “nose around” bucket list.

[@perfectlylonely]

"When it feels just right." I'm traveling in South America. Arrived in this small Peruvian beach town for a planned 4 days stay. It's now been 3 weeks, and I don't want to leave. Travel on STL❤

[@SideTripLife]

Same your way! Btw, name of your lil Peruvian paradise? (I won't tell anyone;) Happy travels! STL

[@perfectlylonely]

@@SideTripLife... Just between you and I :) Mancora, Peru

[@SideTripLife]

Looks like el paraíso with swells, nice! shhhh lol

[@visioninprint]

Perfect! Needed a STL fix 😊!

[@SideTripLife]

lol, thx for watching :) STL

[@tedrick4713]

Excellent, pure gold...Thanks

[@reyaz8531]

Merry (belated) Christmas STL! Thank you for all the hard work and looking forward to your content in the new year

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks, merry belated back :) Looking fwd to a new year and loads of new content, thanks for coming along! STL

[@petegeoffrey4939]

gosh what a fab place!

[@charliejackson6192]

Great video man. Safe and happy travels

[@randyirvine5858]

Your positive attitude sure shines thru. Congrats on giving us an insight on fabulous places to visit & stay👍

[@Cat-qn1yw]

What a cool place. I love it!

[@lizcarlyle2477]

Happy New Year & many thanks 4 all of your fab videos, esp in Sumatra! 💙Hello from CA!

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks and Happy NY Liz & Co in CA! Have a wonderful 2024! STL

[@johnjoe_247]

At first I was like man this vid is long ....... Then I was like man it;s over already ! 😆 Have a Happy New Year man !

[@SideTripLife]

haha thanks JJ, you too! STL

[@lisabouchard584]

Beautiful video!!!

[@novaajiadi5626]

Finally. 👍❤️

[@jimwaddell8163]

Wow just Wow!! Thanks Mate👍

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers Jim! STL

[@karltraveldude7817]

Thanks! Happy New Year STL , enjoy and thank you for a year of super videos !

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks for the support Karl and for always watching, much appreciated! Here's to a great year ahead! STL

[@jamesalan1354]

Pura vida, the life

[@kookiebush]

Really awesome adventure.

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks, it's just gonna get better too, see next week ;) STL

[@lindyaagesen5891]

… You're simply the best Better than all the rest.😊

[@Wrtp.]

Just loved that island just unbelievably amazing thanks cheers 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺👏👏👏👍

[@SideTripLife]

Very special place and people, I'll be back.

[@TGE66]

Thanks!

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks TGE 'The Great Escape' (great handle!;) Happy NY! STL

[@andy-travels2345]

hellooo loving your Indonesian trips,,,👍🙏

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks for following Andy, much appreciated! Again, very few of my majority Thailand subscribers are watching this series but to their loss imho. - from my YT analytics update: "Why are views lower than usual? Your content appealed to a smaller audience during this time. This could mean viewers didn’t watch for as long or chose your videos less often when they were recommended" The end result is the YT algorithm is not recommending my vids (where 95% of views come from.) thus the series is DOA. Fortunately I thoroughly enjoyed filming it and the few watching seem to like, so I'm grateful. Cheers, STL

[@robinchat9024]

A great video again STL.. I feel really moved by their friendliness and hospitality. 1 more year and I can travel again, I can’t wait now 😊❤

[@SideTripLife]

Thx Robin! Yep, local folks sure are wonderful in the Mentawais. Enjoy your upcoming travels! STL

[@shirleyboy8859]

Always a Delight STL....... Have a Great New Year...... :-)))

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks! Surely will, you too Shirleyboy! PS: thanks for always watching, much appreciated! STL

[@shirleyboy8859]

@@SideTripLife Thanks for posting Delightful Videos.... :-))

[@Malin031]

Beautiful ❤. Great video

[@SideTripLife]

Mentawai and the local people make it beautiful.

[@Malin031]

@@SideTripLife seasick bort trip but its worth it

[@RussellBentleyoz]

Another great vid. Just shows how wrong we live as westerners.

[@SideTripLife]

Truth!

[@billsimpson2392]

Bloody fantastic STL 👍👍🙏🙏😊😊🦘🦘

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers Bill :) STL

[@juleskayak]

Love it ❤. Im guessing that tourists there are still a bit of a novelty but its great to see such a warm welcome. Cant wait for your next vid!

[@SideTripLife]

Remote areas swell chasing surfers know about this place but it's still under the radar for most tourists (thus wonderful locals still not jaded by US;) Thanks for watching, more to come. STL

[@lorraine725]

Great video i could easily watch for an hour or more ❤❤❤

[@SideTripLife]

Wow thanks! STL

[@NickyDunn]

Happy New Year. Playing catch up. I am a few videos behind. Best Wishes for 2024

[@SideTripLife]

Happy new year Nicky! Note on your channel Buddy immediately scored a goal to mark NY lol well dunn! Cheers, STL

[@NickyDunn]

555. I hope you have the best year.@@SideTripLife

[@jeffmorgan3521]

I was like #999. Love this series.

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers Jeff! STL

[@billblunden1549]

Hey Sidey, awesome video as ever, would like to see you visit the 'Okanagan' during summertime, wouldn't that be juxtaposed and worthwhile. 😊

[@SideTripLife]

Like you read my mind! Quite possibly this summer + in an Okanagan Camper Van appropriately (if my Father isn't using it;) stay tuned....

[@Gary_and_Linda]

Was thinking on the ferry, is it safe there? Ok, that’s obvious once you get there. We found the same thing in Borneo, super friendly people. It’s a level of friendly that most Canadians don’t even understand when you tell them. You notice how people that have very little material “stuff” are actually happier? We still have to get to Indonesia. Thanks! Happy new year. 🎉

[@xiangyao8588]

really enjoyed your video, we travelled to Lake Toba in August, but have no time for Pandang

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks. Absolutely LOVE Lake Toba! For any who have not seen the 'Shangri-La' of SE Asia, perhaps take a look here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5CrgGeIe9hmqdU

[@alex-daro]

Chicken joke had me rolling 🤣

[@hemanthadayarathna7835]

Hi sir video nice

[@johnlocke5265]

Wow how wonderful maybe stay for life 😢

[@dotted8-]

Did STL just find its new permanent home? 🌴🍺

[@hemanthadayarathna7835]

❤️hi sir video nice black

[@aloharay]

Any clue what renting a house or buying land is priced at? Any restrictions for foreigners to owning/building? I am sure many would like to know these things when you travel to different places.

[@boopme100]

Love your videos. How are the mosquitoes andbugs?

[@kudajingkrak4919]

Wow ternyata harga penginapan di Mentawai bisa bersahabat juga ya..?!

[@SideTripLife]

Yes, Mentawai can be budget friendly as we'll be seeing more of upcoming. Of course there's also several $200-$300 options as well (something for everyone) and we'll have a look at those too.

[@boxcartwilly]

Great video, where will the new airport be ? on which island ?

[@SideTripLife]

It is on Sipora Island (same as this vid) and open now - with new longer runway and airport

[@sharonadlam3195]

That's one tropical paradise right there 😍😍

[@atlargenews7732]

Nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of KL or BKK.....for about a week but no more, I'd get pretty bored after that. Also seems incredibly pricey compare to most large developed SEA cities mentioned above.

[@SideTripLife]

For sure if one requires the stimuli of a big city to feel fulfilled, then this simple, idyllic and peaceful place won't be suitable, so best not come (personally could have stayed here for months). Not surprisingly (?) a far flung remote island in West Sumatra might have some higher costs thus prices vs a large city. Again, personally feel the prices were fine and there's even more budget room options as we'll be seeing.

[@aliowl]

2 sea sick tabs for me before I go anywhere near that boat

[@SideTripLife]

New airport, 45 min flight, sorted ;)

[@tomkriskoswara]

Whats app do u used for cek wave sir?

[@SideTripLife]

Sorry Tom, I am not sure I understand what you mean by cek wave. Could you please re-type your question? Thank you

[@Martyslife]

How was the wifi here ?

[@SideTripLife]

Pls see latest vid just posted. Cheers, STL

[@wrd980]

It’s unnerving to think there is an earthquake fault line running down that coastline.

[@SideTripLife]

No more unnerving than say living on the fault line from the Philippines to Japan and along the West Coast of N America from Fairbanks to Vancouver, Seattle, LA etc and all the way down South America.

[@GipsyDean]

Is there an ATM on the island?

[@SideTripLife]

Yes, in all 3 towns.

[@trynell40]

Question: @Sidetriplife, how many languages do you speak?

[@SideTripLife]

In reality I just speak a smattering of 'Taxi-Talk' in various languages lol. ie: Hi/Bye, Left/Right, Yes/No Please/Thanks yada yada. BUT it's amazing how much even a wee bit of local lingo opens doors (and smiles:) Bersulang/ Dzô/ Tham Keo/ Choul Mouy/ Cheers! STL

[@fouzializouaghi5358]

Beautiful Algiers :)

[@Sambo111]

Hello STL i have a question when you booked from DMK to Padang you ad transit KL airport. did you pass immigration ? i ask becouse my GF need a visa to enter malaysia. not sure if air asia provides one booking reference for that flight in order to avoide immigration. i am refereing to your padang trip and not medan direct flight Thanks

[@SideTripLife]

Hi Sambo, I didn't leave airside at KLIA. I had to go through a couple more screening checks but don't recall going through Immigration. BUT best to try to contact Air Asia (I know, good luck) to get this absolutely confirmed. Perhaps also try a google of Reddit 'Transiting KLIA do you need to go through immigration?'

[@Sambo111]

@@SideTripLife Thanks i currently watch your Medan/Padang videos and take notes

[@firstname8459]

Like Batak Toba people, Mentawai people are majority Christians. That's why you can see a lot of churches ✝️.

[@SideTripLife]

LOVE Lake Toba too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5CrgGeIe9hmqdU

[@togian755]

Can we keep mentawai natural, unspoiled and tercantik? Please don't let mentawai become overdeveloped. We are running out of islands that haven't been overrun and spoiled.

[@agassiwacanatambayong6551]

SIR ARE YOU BEACHES PERSON?I MEAN INDONESIA IS KNOWN ALSO THE COUNTRY WITH MOST ACTIVE VOLCANOES IN THE WORLD AND SOME OF THEM HAVE BREATHTAKING VIEWS LIKE BROMO,MOUNT IJEN,RINJANI,KELIMUTU,KAWAH PUTIH ETC AND HAVE NICER WEATHER (PROBABLY COLD WEATHER) STANDARDS FOR INDONESIA PEOPLES ..ARE YOU NOT INTERESTING TO COME AT THAT PLACES?

[@SideTripLife]

Hi, please see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kILdnatjgNR7m8k (I hope to see more too :) STL

[@rickmccann4016]

Its a long trip with a board to surf ripples.

[@SideTripLife]

Maybe not Mavericks currently but quality nonetheless and apparently July/Aug can get monster swells

[@simplyyank1119]

Don't think spots like Lance's right, No Kandui, Greenbush and Rifles of mentawais fall into "ripples" Category, but yeah unless you take the likes mavericks and teahupoo in prime swells as your playgrounds, but I truly highly doubt it😂.