customer survey form. Submitted on: 07/20/2011
Sent: Sunday 11th April 2010
To: Worldsurfaris via Kandui resort info
Subject: Re:Couple of Questions
Anthony,
I didn't even catch a big swell or surf Rifles and that was the best surf trip of my life---and I've been to Indo before and other places to make this comparison---Kandui is the best.
Honest feedback:
-Transportation was manageable, but those speed boats seemed a bit small for crossing from Padang to Kandui---it won't stop people from coming, but that was the groups overall concern and maybe only concern. I think a bigger boat would make people more comfortable.
-Food - Mini Bar: Very good! Never felt hungry and good variety. Last meal was a gamble though and could have had a back up plan since it was only vegetarian (like fish or chicken instead of only soy/tofu), but Pats the man and made a ton of other great meals.
-Towels: good
-Staff: very helpful, friendly, hard working
-Photography---unreal--great shots and so many of them. Very grateful for their talent and hard work on that.
-Boats--Now, the canoes are all-time. They cut through any chop and made a trip to Burgerworld so smooth I could take a nap along the way.
-Furniture, overall vibe/condition: best I've experienced. That place is paradise and I am jealous of Ray, Jordan, Kaliang, and anyone else spending most of their time there.
All of those names I just mentioned and more were working really hard, smiling, and just making the trip run perfectly.
-Waves were incredible.
-Uma--much bigger and nicer than I thought. Love the carvings and architecture.
-The group was too good to be true. All of us on the same page, lots of laughs, lots of waves, and just good people----- The aussies and guys from North Carolina were awesome. Drew rips.
-Would I come back? Yes, everyone made it feel like home and it was really kinda depressing to leave. I think May might be the call if my funds allow for it----I really want a crack at Rifles and regardless, the place is just unbeatable.
Thanks for having me.
-Rob
Sent: Monday, 16 November 2009 1:45 PM
To: Wendy Glover
Subject: Re: Kandui Feedback
Hi Wendy
Back from my trip to Kandui Resort. Just wanted to give you some feedback.
I recommend Kandui Resort highly for several reasons.
- The staff & Ray(part owner/mgr) were so friendly & helpful, great service & willing to do that little bit extra.
- The food was of a consistently high standard & the onsite vege greenhouse is an awesome asset. Giving us regular fresh salads with our meals.
- The Uma's were unique & a high level of accommodation.
- Kandui was always willing to take us to a different break wherever & whenever we wanted, with access to the 2x fastboats, 1 jetski, 1 motor launch, 1 small dinghy. So there was never a time you were stranded at the resort without access to water transport if you wanted to wander independantly of the group.
- The resort itself is so well located to nearby waves.
- Kandui is partway through building a new large games room which will provide great new bar facilities, pool tables etc. They are also currently building a fully undercover opensided outdoor full size basketball court, though the practicality of this with the hot weather up there is questionable.
- The surf was great, we had 1 day with bad wind direction & small swell, otherwise we got quality waves even on a small swell.
- The facilities are suitable for non surfing partners, my wife came with me & was warmly accepted by the staff & surfing crew. Though I expect the group dynamics would differ greatly if you had a mainly young crew of chargers for example. The camp set up is truly a tropical paradise, well laid out & lots of coconut palms & greenery. Only consideration for partners is the Sabang charter flight out of Padang can be a bit sketchy & the 2hr fast motor canoe ride from Rokot to island is a little rough. No complaints from me or my wife though.
"My best surf trip ever..." Benji Weatherly at Kandui Resort, June 2006 - Surfshot Magazine
The Benji Project Slideshow:
From the creators of the Drive Thru Series comes the next level in action sports entertainment. Hosted by comedic pro surfer Benji Weatherley, top action sports pros from around the globe and one very talented musician have converged at Kandui Resort, a remote island of the Mentawais, to begin filming the first instalment of the Benji Project.
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Testimonial: 12/7/06
Hi Guys,
I know it has been a while since my trip but I figured better late than never. I wanted to thank you for setting up my trip for me @ Kandui back in Aug from the 18th to Sept 3rd, and to let you know how sick that place is ... there is not a day that goes by where I am not checking out your website and looking at Ray's surf report and wishing I was back in the Ments ...
That place is better than a dream come true. I did not even score the biggest or best swell or bring any of my close friends with me but it still ended up being the best trip I have ever taken by far ... just the tranquility of the entire place ... it definitely puts you in a different state of mind. I truly did not want to go home! I intend on going back asap!
I want to see Ray, Johnny, Ainsley and everyone for years to come ... I hope that Kandui resort lasts for a good long time and maybe next time I will bring some friends but having it to myself I really felt spoiled and lucky ... the boats took me wherever I wanted and whenever I wanted and no matter what ... there was always somewhere that the surf was at least head high. Food was too good, company was great and you guys do an excellent job of getting us there and back in one piece.
Once again, thank you! It was worth every penny. Take care ... hope to meet you sometime in the future.
Dave Salter.
La Jolla/ San Diego.
From: Fab Vizc
Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2008 7:57 AM
To: Kandui Resort
Subject: we're back!
Hello Anthony,
We just got back from our Indo trip last week. Our stay in Kandui was the highlight of the whole adventure. Everyone was great! Just from the moment we arrived in Padang, one of the friendliest and efficient persons I’ve met, Rudy, greeted us with his always present smile and courteous manners. We then got to Rokot via the Hercules flight only to be greeted by Ray, Chris and his girl and a super plus: the Asia Spirit. That was some VIP stuff. We were really stoked cruising in the Mentawai with a Riviera yacht full of food and Bintangs! The perfect welcoming scenario after days of travel.
Upon arrival at Kandui we were amazed by the natural beauty of the island. We entered the lagoon and took a dingy through the “back door”, an amazing lagoon full of mangroves and all kind of fauna and flora. As soon as we got out, Ray told us about the no shoes or sandals needed in the resort. We were kind of surprised and a bit cautious walking our first steps in the white - pure coral - “brushed every morning” sand. But then realized it was a very relaxing experience and didn’t wear anything in our feet till we got back to the Rokot airport on departure.
The resort facilities were superb. It was like living in a gallery of fine wood craftsmanship. And the uma (we stayed in uma #2) was very spacious and comfortable. It was almost as big as our apartment in downtown Barcelona! We had all the necessary amenities plus more, which makes it a very luxurious accommodation for being in such a remote part of the world.
The food was also very satisfying. We always had plenty and the variety was always there. Aii is a very good cook! The restaurant was like the Babel Tower where all the people gathered and cultural exchanges were made. We had a lot of nationalities in our group: Puerto Rico, USA, Italy, Peru, Belgium, Portugal, Australia and Spain.
Of course the surf was great too, but isn’t that obvious? I mean, our smallest day was super fun, head high Burgerworlds! And what was great is that my wife went out with me on the boat many times to hang out in the mooring area. The place is beautiful so you don’t need to surf to have fun and enjoy the scenery.
The trip wouldn’t have been so great if it wasn’t for Kandui’s staff. We never felt that far away because they all made us feel as if we were honorable guests in someone’s home. That’s the biggest difference between mainstream hotels, resorts, surf camps and Kandui. That warm feeling and friendly vibes. That no-problems attitude. That friendliness.
We truly miss our life in Kandui and are eager to return next year! My wife is super stoked and obviously so am I. It is a super plus that I got to share this experience with her and that she got to see from up close all that pure surf and island life is all about.
Thanks for making it happen!
Best regards
Fabián J. Vizcarrondo & Celia Montserrat
PS. Many thanks and regards to the Kandui staff: Ray, Jenny, Amen, Rudy, Aii, Margi, Anna, Kalian, Duke, Kimmy, Chris and all others who made it happen!